Families London SW Sept 2018 no.279

FREE

TAKE M E HOM E

South West

IN THIS ISSUE

Back to School Special Local school news, Clubs and Classes, school open days, days out, your local What’s On, FREE activities

Pick up your mine of information!

Issue 279 September 2018

familiesonline.co.uk

contents September 2018 Issue 279

Be Dance show at New Wimbledon Theatre

6-7 Local news

35 Women in business

• Families London South West is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families® is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD.

8 Families Top Five activities this month

37-48 Clubs & Classes Feature

• The contents of Families London South West are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families London South West.

11 Ensuring your child is happy at nursery

• Designed and Printed by Ridgeway Press, Wilts.

• Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families SW, our distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

• Paper used to print Families is from fully-managed sustainable sources.

Tel: 020 8696 9680 Editorial: editor@FamiliesSW.co.uk News: news@FamiliesSW.co.uk Adverts/Artwork: adverts@FamiliesSW.co.uk Events/Diary Dates/What’s On: whatson@FamiliesSW.co.uk Next Issue: October 2018 ISSN 1354-9553. All contents ©Families SW 2018.

Find us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram FamiliesSWLon

familiesonline.co.uk

13 FREE activities 14-34 Education Feature • Independent or state education for your child?

• Making the best of Open Days • Open days listing • News and information from our local schools • New ways to learn • What is Modern Boarding?

• Choose the right club or class for your child • News from your local clubs & classes • The importance of drama • Is your child sport ready?

• Why being active can help little ones starting Reception in September • Benefits of extra curricular activities

49-54 What’s On

• Diary dates • Cinemas for children • Drama • Museums and Galleries • Babies and toddlers

Advertise in our next issue. Contact us on 020 8696 9680

September 2018 • Families South West 5

News Wandsworth Council’s services improving The latest Ofsted report into Wandsworth Council’s children’s services has concluded that the department is improving and is no longer classed as inadequate. The report highlights the fact that “senior leaders have worked diligently to strengthen the quality of children’s services” with “a good range of accessible services to improve outcomes for children and their families.”

While the council still requires further improvement before it can be given a good rating, the report highlights many positives, including: Children in need of help and protection are now identified quickly, and support for them is effective in reducing risks.

Disabled children receive a good social work service, and services to care leavers have improved from inadequate to good.

Children in care live in safe, good-quality homes Children are well supported by a range of specialist services, achieve well at school and regularly see their social worker. www.wandsworth.gov.uk

Charitable paediatric osteopathic practice needs your help Do you know the Osteopathic Centre for Children? Based in Wandsworth, they are the only charity in the UK providing paediatric osteopathy treatment to babies, children and mums regardless of their ability to pay. They deliver around 16,000 treatments to babies, children and women in the perinatal period each year. Their open-plan, warm and friendly clinics create a relaxed atmosphere that is especially reassuring for children.

Please support them by donating at www.justgiving.com/osteopathiccfc 020 8875 5290 www.occ.uk.com Registered charity number 1003934 6 Families South West • September 2018

Photo: © John Starns Photography

Beautiful baby carrier shop opened in Tooting London‘s specialist baby carrier, Wear My Baby, has opened a beautiful boutique at 58 Upper Tooting Road. Browse from a vast range of baby carriers, slings and accessories; you can also hire one to trial at home.

They also run carrying workshops, where you get expert help in choosing the right carrier for your family. Look out for pre-loved and limited

edition woven wraps and ring slings that you won't find online.

2 mins walk from Tooting Bec tube and 12mins from Balham, parking on side roads, baby change facilities, sofa for comfy feeding, space for buggies.

All the details at www.wearmybaby.co.uk/boutique

Skills to re-enter the workforce If you just had a career break and are potentially looking to go back to work consider re-honing your skills with ReLaunch. Created by Link UP London, ReLaunch is a programme specifically created for you! Link UP successfully matches skills-based volunteers with local charitable organisations to create engaged, vibrant and linked communities. Through their work over the past two years, they have noted that the skills of professional women out of the paid workforce are vastly underutilised at a loss to the community.

ReLaunch aims to help these women reenter the workforce in a way that works best for them. Each ReLaunch workshop is run by a team of coaches who guide the group of 8 women through goal setting and action planning. At the conclusion of the programme participants report feeling more confident, inspired and ready to take their next steps.

The first 4-week ReLaunch course begins on Tuesday September 18 and the second on November 7. There is a nominal fee of £100 for participants.

To find out more, email relaunch@linkuplondon.org or visit www.linkuplondon.org

Can you do the kangaroo?

First Touch, the charity of St George’s neonatal unit is asking help to raise £25,000 this September to provide special “Kangaroo Care Chairs” by taking part in sponsored bounces.

With Kangaroo care, babies are placed on their parent’s chest for prolonged skin-to-skin contact. It has huge benefits for sick and premature babies, regulating their heart rate, breathing and temperature, stabilising their metabolism and reducing the risk of infection.

It’s also incredibly important for the emotional well-being of the babies and their parents at what is such a difficult time in their lives. The special chairs make it possible for parents to hold their babies in a safe and comfortable way even with all tubes and wires needed for their treatment.

If you’d like to get involved as an individual, or an organisation email info@firsttouch.org.uk and they’ll send you some information. familiesonline.co.uk

The most nurturing massage you’ll ever have

Lost your way a little after having children?

Do you want to ignite your purpose and passion for life? Would you like to start the journey to style your best life? Why not join the supportive and empowering Mum Meet up MuthaKind in Wandsworth—and get back on track. Their next workshop is Monday 17th September, with lifestyle and self image coach Sarah Miller, but spaces are limited.

At the Cats Back pub (upstairs) Wandsworth, 7:30-9:30 pm, stay and chat afterwards.

Tickets available on www.eventbrite.co.uk/facebookpublish?eid=47510607506.

For further information please email gemhadley25@yahoo.co.uk

Flexible working for parents like you The Daisy Chain is on a mission to help as many parents as possible find the right role for them: one that allows them to build their careers alongside their childcare responsibilities. The online platform is free for parents: you can match and connect with over 70 family-friendly employers who are looking for talented, experienced people to work flexibly—enabling them to spend more time with their children. Are you looking for a new career with better work-life balance?

To find out more and sign up for free visit www.thedaisy-chain.com

familiesonline.co.uk

News

Drifted on to our shores in 2008, LAVA Shells massages emit a continuous flow of heat across the body to deliver a deeply relaxing experience. I never had the joy of experiencing one, so was delighted to accept the hard work of trying it out for you!

I must say, I simply melted away: I found the warm Lava Shells (see picture) exquisite and plan to buy a few shells for home massages.

Using the gentle heat of the shells, Lava Mama combine relaxing and stimulating massage techniques to ease away aches and pains of pregnant women, particularly focusing on the back, hips and legs. The massage is suitable for pregnant clients from 14 weeks onwards and while nursing postpregnancy. The massage is completely bespoke to the clients’ need: you can design your own massage addressing your specific areas of concern.

The treatment aims to assist circulation and alleviate puffiness and fluid build-up. I found the treatment also improved my energy levels.

The clever combination of gentle but effective warmth and cold assists with pain relief and reduces muscle spasm in overworked muscles—pure bliss!

For more information on the Lava Mama treatment, please visit: www .sharedbeautysecrets.com/lava-mama/

Fulham Broadway ticket hall now beautiful Market Hall I remember well the old entrance to Fulham Broadway as I used to use this station to go to work hm.. well, years ago.

If you have wondered like me, why no one did anything with this amazing space you’ll be pleased to know it has now been turned into a fashionable Market Hall. The ornate and wellpreserved entrance hall, which has retained the former ticket hall from the original 1880 station, is the perfect venue for this new chic destination. With nine kitchens, a coffee shop, a deli, a fully stocked bar with the best British craft beers & spirits and over 250 communal dining seats, it is open seven days per week for breakfast, brunch (weekends only), lunch, dinner and drinks, with a wide selection that will suit everyone’s tastes. www.markethalls.co.uk

September 2018 • Families South West 7

Families Top Five activities this month Take a look at our favourite exhibitions for the whole family this September…

Century of the Child, Nordic Design

Photo: © Trustees of the Natural History Museum London 2018 All rights reserved.jpg

Photo: Marino Thorlacius © Vik Prjónsdottir

V&A Museum of Childhood, E2 9PA www.museumofchildhood.org.uk Throughout September The 20th century’s most iconic and influential Nordic designs for children, from BRIO to LEGO, Marimekko and the Moomins have been brought together for the first time in this stunning new exhibition at the wonderful Museum of Childhood. Explore the influences which have helped forge Nordic design and examine how children have inspired some of the century’s most progressive designs, architecture and literature.

Sensational Butterflies Natural History Museum Cromwell Road SW7 5BD www.nhm.ac.uk To 16 September It’s your very last chance to see the Museum’s tropical butterfly house and watch crawling caterpillars transform into beautiful butterflies.

This immersive exhibition is filled with life, colour and beauty and features species found in the tropical forests of Central and South America, Africa and Asia. From £5.85.

Photo: © Historic Royal Palaces

Photo: National Museums Liverpool

Tudor Kitchens

The Rainbow Revealed Horniman Museum and Gardens 100 London Road SE23 3PQ www.horniman.ac.uk To 28 October Be dazzled by prisms showing how colours are made, peer through a giant human eyeball to find out how we see colour, discover how animals use colour to attract and hide, and look into how different colours mean different things across the planet. Free.

8 Families South West • September 2018

Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9AU www.hrp.org.uk/HamptonCourtPalace Throughout September The famous Tudor kitchens saw a complete re-imagining last summer, transporting visitors back to a time when they were the beating heart of life at Hampton Court Palace. New displays feature interactive technology and sensory experiences, so for the first time ever visitors will be able to see, smell and touch their way through the process of preparing a meal fit for a king.

Bluecoats in the City Museum of London, EC2Y 5HN www.museumoflondon.org.uk To 7 October A new display exploring the remarkable history and legacy of The City of London's first orphanage and school. Founded in 1552, Christ’s Hospital transformed the site of a former monastery into a sanctuary for the City of London’s orphaned and impoverished children, offering food, lodging and an education. This new display allows visitors a chance to discover a school like no other, delving into the history behind Christ’s Hospital School’s creation, its iconic historic uniforms and traditional practices, alumni and centuries-long relationship with London. familiesonline.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

September 2018 • Families South West 9

HOST FAMILIES REQUIRED

For children attending boarding school in the UK whose parents are based overseas. Our hosts look after children during some half term holidays and occasional weekends. In exchange for your hospitality you will receive a generous compensation package as well as the invaluable experience hosting an international student brings.

01684 581600 or email: caroline@collegeguardians.co.uk

10 Families South West • September 2018

familiesonline.co.uk

Falcons School for Girls

Ensuring your child is Happy at nursery

By Kristen Harding

B

efore a child arrives at a new nursery, nursery staff should take time to fully understand your child’s home routine. In this way, potential issues can also be nipped in the bud early.

Settling in This is a key part of the adjustment process. A change in environment can upset a child and parents are generally stressed and worried when their child is unsettled. For this reason, it’s vital that your chosen nursery takes time to help your child gently settle in.

Communication between your child’s nursery and yourself is very important at this stage.

You need to develop a trusting relationship with the staff and settle into the new arrangement just as much as your child does.

In fact, it’s often parents that have most difficulty leaving a child behind in a new setting! However, communicating regularly and in as much detail as you need with the nursery setting can help ease your nervousness and worry. In turn, any insecurity your child is feeling will also lessen.

Separation anxiety Regardless of the time taken beforehand, separation anxiety is a natural and sometimes unavoidable part of leaving a child at a nursery.

Generally, separation anxiety lessens over time but you can help by ensuring that nursery staff understand as much as possible about your child’s individual needs, how they behave when they are sad, anxious or upset and what helps familiesonline.co.uk

The process of introducing a child to a new caring environment can throw up a number of challenges. However, some can be prevented if your child’s nursery gets to know upfront what both you and your child need and want from the childcare arrangement. calm them. This will ensure that your child’s nursery cares for your child in the very best way during this difficult period.

Often the anxiety of a child lessens when his nursery assigns a key worker to him. By identifying one particular carer who is going to form a strong bond and connection with your child, he will have the stability of knowing there is an individual there that he can rely on.

Eating Meal times at nursery are important and can have a real impact on the confidence and comfort of a young child. What your child is used to at home may differ greatly from what occurs in the nursery setting, whether it’s the food eaten or the way in which meals are consumed.

When you visit your child’s nursery, try to do so at meal time occasionally. In a good setting, you will see nursery staff leading by example, engaging children with different food choices, helping them to learn about what they are eating and introducing new foods gradually.

Meal times at nursery, as at home, should be unpressurised and enjoyable.

Potty training This is another key milestone in your child’s development and reaching it may throw up stumbling blocks! Again, it is important to remember that each child is different and so will begin to learn at a different point and progress at a different speed to other children.

A good nursery will ensure there’s no feeling of peer pressure between parents or children!

Don’t start potty training as your child is starting nursery. When you do decide to begin, ensure it’s not at a time of change or a stressful period at home. Share training methods with your child’s nursery to ensure consistency of approach. For instance, do you want nursery staff to ask your child if he would like to go or do you want them to sit him on the potty at specific times of day?

Sleep It is important that home and nursery work together over nap times, as the needs of individual children differ. When a child starts at a nursery, the nursery should follow the child’s home routine before adapting it slowly to suit the nursery pattern. It’s then helpful if you try to prevent your child taking extra naps, as his routine is likely to be disrupted. If your child struggles to sleep at the nursery, a toy or blanket from home can provide comfort and help them drift off.

Whilst challenges are bound to arise during your child’s time at nursery, most particularly at the beginning, these can generally be dealt with as long as there is good communication between you and your child’s setting.

Kristen Harding is a childcare expert at Tinies Childcare UK. For more information, visit www.tinies.com

September 2018 • Families South West 11

Calling all baby Scientists!

Help us discover how babies learn!

Calling all infants from birth to 18 months to take part in fun studies at the Birkbeck Babylab in central London. We provide a black cab if you live within 5 miles of Birkbeck, or we refund any travel expenses.

020 7631 6258 babylab@bbk.ac.uk www.cbcd.bbk.ac.uk

Make a splash! ... at Dawmouse Montessori School Come and see how we teach with passion in our two Montessori Schools in Fulham.

Fully qualified staff, small class ratios, established for over 20 years, modern in our approach.

Call Miss Emma on 020 8398 9294 or visit our website www.dawmouse.co.uk

12 Families South West • September 2018

familiesonline.co.uk

FREE activities for September 2018

Bank of England Museum

Morden Hall Park

www.bankofengland.co.uk 22-26 October The Big Draw: Join the Fleet! Climb aboard the boat in the museum Stock Office for inspiration and design a boat fit to sail the seven seas. Which materials will you use for your ship to make it strong and sturdy? What other features should it have? Your imagination is the limit!

Submit your masterpiece to enter the competition for your chance to win prizes.

Morden SM4 5JD www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mordenhall-park Throughout September Join a nature trail around the park and make some delightful crafts to take home. £4 per child, entry to Morden Hall is free. 11am-4pm.

Museum of London Docklands No.1 Warehouse, West India Quay E14 4AL www.museumoflondon.org.uk/muse um-london-docklands Throughout September Sailortown. Visit the stinky streets and dark alleyways of Sailortown - hear the noises, peer into the shadowy alleyways, gaze through the window of the chandler’s shop and see inside an old East End boozer. All ages.

Mudchute Farm Wimbledon BookFest, Sue Paul Photo 2018

Wimbledon BookFest The Bailie Gifford Big Tent, Wimbledon Common, nr Wimbledon Village www.wimbledonbookfest.org 4-14 October A packed Children’s programme featuring former Children’s Laureate Michael Rosen, Radio Make a note 1 presenters Greg James and Chris Smith talking about in your their book Kid Normal, and diaries!

Francesca Simon, bestselling author of the Horrid Henry books with a new picture book.

Plus two bestselling adult authors Sophie Kinsella and Jessie Burton introduce their new children’s books.

With loads of storytelling, workshops and arts and crafts for kids of all ages.

Southfields Harvest St Barnabas Church, Lavenham Road, Southfields SW18 5EP www.southfieldsharvest.weebly.com 29 September A lively family festival celebrating all things local. Enter the Southfields Bake Off, enjoy craft beer, cider, honey, home-made jam, allotment veg and Southfields sausages hot off the BBQ. Bring your garden apples to be juiced in the Abundance fruit press, create a vegetable monster or have fun with fabric led by artist and children’s author Jane Porter. 12-3pm.

Underbelly Festival 30 The Queen's Walk, Lambeth SE1 8XX www.underbellyfestival.com To 30 September

familiesonline.co.uk

The festival returns for the 10th year with stages full of affordable circus, theatre, cabaret, comedy, music and children’s shows on the south bank of the Thames. Many shows, performances and workshops are free.

Open House London www.openhouselondon.org.uk 22-23 September Celebrate London's architectural wonders as Open House London throws open the doors of hundreds of buildings and spaces around the capital. Enjoy free access to more than 800 public buildings, private houses, churches, museums, schools and offices, and join tours, guided walks and activities throughout the weekend. Explore secret spaces and step into the private homes of the rich and famous.

Totally Thames www.totallythames.org 1-30 September See London’s River Always such Thames brought to a great event life in a month-long to join! season of events along the river’s 42mile stretch during the annual Totally Thames festival.

Walk along the Thames to see large-scale art installations, free exhibitions and live performances.

Enjoy a concert below river-level or join an archaeological tour of the river's surroundings. See boats of all sizes cruise down the river, or get on the water yourself with watersports and boat parties.

Pier Street E14 3HP www.mudchute.org Throughout September An unexpected patch of countryside on the Isle of Dogs, Mudchute Park and Farm is a laidback and friendly day out, with the chance to get close to all kinds of animals. Join the regular crafting workshops and feed the beasts (the cows particularly love elderflowers), then feed your own little ones at the Mudchute Kitchen.

All ages.

Fulham Palace Bishop’s Avenue SW6 6EA www.fulhampalace.org 29 September Foreshore Festival. Fulham Palace and The Thames Discovery Programme join forces for a fun family day of river themed archaeology as part of the Totally Thames Festival. Explore a fascinating wealth of local history with guided river walks, then meander back to the Palace for a chance to take part in a host of river-related activities, examine finds and capture your day with a family photo in historical costume.

Fledglings on the Common Bolingbroke Early Years Centre, Chivalry Road, Wandsworth Common SW11 1HT Saturdays in September Stay and play sessions aim to help parents/carers learn how to include play in every day routines with their children. 9.30-11.30am, age up to 8.

Natural History Museum SW7 5BD www.nhm.ac.uk Dates throughout September Investigate for Families. Get a feel for how scientists work by having a go yourself. Explore hundreds of real nature specimens that form the evidence museum scientists use in their work. Age 3-11, 11am-5pm.

Battersea Arts Centre Lavender Hill SW11 5TN www.bac.org.uk Final Saturday of the month Family Saturdays. Join the BAC on the final Saturday of every month when families take over the Centre for a day of fun, food and free activities. There is something for everyone to get involved with and space for the whole family to chill out and relax. Includes The Bee’s Knees, a magical indoor play space for ages 0-5. 10am-3pm.

The National Gallery Trafalgar Square WC2N 5DN www.nationalgallery.org.uk Every Sunday in September Magic Carpet Storytelling. Fly away on a magic carpet, which comes to land in front of a different painting each week, and join Paul Rubinstein for a musical magic carpet storytelling. Age 2+, 10.30–11am and 11.30am-12pm.

Picturing Forgotten London London Metropolitan Archives EC1R 0HB www.cityoflondon.gov.uk Throughout September Check out long-gone landmarks, vanished streets and neighbourhoods that are no more. Through drawings, photographs, maps, films and contemporary recollections discover bits of London that have been lost over the years, from 'The Devil’s Acre', which used to lie next to the Palace of Westminster, Columbia Market in Bethnal Green, London’s first Chinatown in Limehouse, the Great Wheel in Earl’s Court and Wyld’s Monster Globe in Leicester Square.

Broadway Vegan Market London Fields Primary School E8 3RL Saturdays to 29 September London welcomes its first weekly vegan market, bringing together 30 of the very best vegan food stalls in one place. There’ll even be a vegan butcher selling meat-free burgers, sausages and bacon!

Summer of Sound on the Roof John Lewis, Oxford Street W1A 1EX www.johnlewis.com/content/roofgarden To 29 September The Gardening Society on John Lewis's Oxford Street store's rooftop is turning into a live music venue.

Rock up for garden gigs, immersive studio spaces, DJ sets and fried chicken from 'Butchies', all a world away from the hustle and bustle below.

September 2018 • Families South West 13

14 Families South West • September 2018

familiesonline.co.uk

Education Feature

Independent or state education for your child?

Olivia Malaure talks to Frances Delaney, a parent whose child has experienced both types of school.

I

f you are fortunate enough to be able to choose where your child will go to school, then it might help to look at the bigger picture and leap forward twelve years.

Recent statistics show that students from state schools out-perform students from independent (private) schools at university.

However, before you allocate your tuition fees to more leisurely pursuits, consider that these statistics also show that students from independent schools are more likely to gain a place at university in the first place.

Right now, the idea of your young child reaching university age may seem unimaginable, but it pays to do your research early. And, when you do, it’s hard to ignore the fiery discussion about the moral, financial and practical issues that catapult from any search engine as you try to weigh up the ‘pros and cons’ of state versus independent education.

I spoke to Frances Delaney, a parent who made the decision to move her daughter from a state to an independent school at the beginning of Year 6.

Why did you make this change?

Firstly, I wasn’t confident that my daughter would get into our preferred, local state secondary school. I also wanted her to attend a school with an integrated sixth form, rather than have to transition to a large college later familiesonline.co.uk

on. Crucially though, my daughter’s teacher, who I really respected, suggested she was playing up in class and was possibly bored because in Year 5, along with a number of other children, she’d actually reached Year 6 grades. I wanted my child to reach her full potential but her teacher couldn’t help further as her priority had to be improving the grades of those children who were under-performing.

Was it an easy decision?

No actually, it was very difficult. My partner was politically opposed to private education— we both went to state schools. But we’d had the experience of our elder son completing his education at a large state college where he just didn’t “fit in.” He felt he didn’t do as well as he could have done at a smaller private school. It took my partner a lot of convincing, but I wanted our daughter to have the best educational experience possible and my gut feeling was that she would perform better at an independent school. We were in a position where we could afford the fees and so we decided to move her.

Looking back, do you feel you made the right decision?

That’s a difficult question and I don’t have a definitive answer. She is happy and confident and doing well at school, so that is very

positive. She is still in touch with her friends from state school and it seems they’re also happy and doing well too, so it’s hard to tell what would have happened had she remained in the state sector.

Has your daughter experienced more academic pressure at her new school?

Yes, and the pressure comes from both parents and the school. But, truthfully, I’m paying to ensure that she reaches her full potential and so pressure is part of that. My daughter thrives in that type of environment but I can see that it could be stressful for children who aren’t meeting expectations, or who excel in one particular subject area rather than being an academic all-rounder. Having said I would imagine that children in good state secondary schools are also under a lot of academic pressure too.

At my daughter’s school, there is not an automatic entry into the sixth form so there is constant discussion about what she can achieve and how she will achieve it. Obviously, this isn’t the case in all independent schools.

Do you have any advice for parents who are having difficulty making a decision between a good local state school and a private school?

Look at the environment in which your child thrives and explore how they learn. Think about how they would deal with regular tests and exams. If they are at senior school level, find out what subjects are on offer in the sixth form, and if they are in line with your child’s interests. Some state schools offer a wider variety of subjects than some smaller private schools with limited more resources. The advantage of an independent primary school is that you are training your child for the private system and this training has its advantages. In my opinion the kids who are attending independent schools are not better or brighter, just more prepared.

September 2018 • Families South West 15

16 Families South West • September 2018

familiesonline.co.uk

OPEN DAY Saturday 6th October 2018, 9.30am - 12pm

familiesonline.co.uk

September 2018 • Families South West 17

18 Families South West • September 2018

familiesonline.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

September 2018 • Families South West 19

Making the best of Open Days This autumn, state and independent schools will be opening their doors to prospective pupils and their parents to give them a flavour of life at their school. Claire Winter has the lowdown on how to get the best out of these Open Days and tours.

What is an Open Day? School open days help you decide what school you want your child to go to. During an open day, prospective parents are shown around the school, often on a school day, to give them a flavour of the working life of the school and the school environment.

Sometimes pupils are given the task of showing parents around the school. This is a great opportunity to ask them how they enjoy being at the school. How settled, relaxed and confident these children are can give you an idea of how happy the children are there.

Usually, the head teacher or a senior member of staff also gives a talk which includes a general overview of the school and its values and ethos.

Do not miss that.

When should I start visiting schools??

It’s a good idea to start looking a year in advance, so if your child is starting school, start looking at schools when they are three. If you are looking for secondary school places, start looking in year 5 (when your child is nine or ten). You can then revisit the schools you are most interested in with your child the following year.

20 Families South West • September 2018

Independent schools often hold Open Days throughout the Autumn and Spring terms. They can have waiting lists for Reception-age children or require children to take a school-specific 7+ or 11+ exam to gain a place, so you need find out the criteria for entry to the school and visit well in advance.

How are Open Days organised?

Schools organise Open Evenings as well as days to allow working parents to visit the school too.

Some schools (mainly independent) hold Open Days on a Saturday. All schools put a lot of care and organisation into the events and they all want to show their school in the best light.

If, after the all your initial visits, you are still undecided, go back and visit the schools on your shortlist again during a normal working day.

Finally, in making your decision, don’t be afraid to trust your instincts; you know your child and you are best placed to ascertain what is right for them. Do take account of your child’s preferences too and include him or her in the decision making process. The best decision will undoubtedly be the one you all agree.

Tips for visiting an Open Day

n Take your child with you. There is no point in falling in love with a school only to find your child does not want to go there. n What is your general feeling about the school? Your gut reaction is very important. n Do the pupils look happy and engaged? n Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Make sure you ask the pupils what they think of the school. n Don’t make decisions on individual teachers. They often move on and large departments have a variety of teachers that will rotate every year to teach your child a particular subject. n If your child has a particular interest in a subject, make sure you visit the department and look at the kind of work they will be doing. n What extra-curricular activities do they have? Are there clubs that will engage your child and allow them to pursue a broad range of interests? n While exam results aren’t everything, every parent wants their child to do well.

Academic performance is a top priority for many families. It’s a good idea to see how the school is performing compared to other local schools, using exam league tables and Ofsted reports.

familiesonline.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

September 2018 • Families South West 21

Schools Open Days

Call to book your place now!

SW1

SW7

SW12

St Matthew’s School 3-11 Co-Ed Visits with the Headteacher by arrangement throughout September and October 020 7504 0500 www.stmwschool.org.uk More House School 11-18 Girls Visits by arrangement in September and October, plus Coffee Mornings 25/9 and 26/9 020 7235 2855 www.morehouse.org.uk Eaton House Belgravia Pre-prep 3-8 Boys Open Morning dates in September and October TBC 020 3917 5050 www.eatonhouseschools.com Westminster School 13-16 Boys, 16-18 Co-Ed Sixth Form Open Day 10/9 4-7pm To find out about Open Days, please call 020 7963 1003. www.westminster.org.uk

The Hampshire School 3-13 Co-Ed 18/9 9.3011.15am and 1.30-3.15pm 020 7352 7077 www.thehampshireschoolchelsea.co.uk Eaton House Belgravia Prep 8-13 Boys Autumn Term Open Days TBC 020 7924 6000 www.eatonhouseschools.com Hyde Park School 4-11 Co-Ed Autumn Open Morning TBC 9.30am, plus the school offers show rounds on Wednesday and Friday mornings 020 7225 3131 www.hydeparkschool.co.uk Queen’s Gate School 4-18 Girls Senior School Open Evenings 19/9, 4/10 and 6/11 from 5.35pm, Junior School At-home Receptions 18/9, 26/9, 4/10, 17/10, 6/11 and 15/11 at 9.15am 020 7589 3587 www.queensgate.org.uk

London Steiner School 3.5-14 Co-Ed Weekly school tours by appointment every Wednesday at 9am 020 8772 3504 londonsteinerschool.org Hornsby House School 4-11 Co-Ed Autumn Open Morning TBC 020 8673 7573 www.hornsbyhouse.org.uk La Retraite RC Girl’s School 11-18 Girls Year 7 Open Evening 20/9 4-7pm, Sixth Form Open Evening 24/9 4-7pm, Open Mornings 4/10, 5/10 and 9/10 9am-12pm 020 8673 5644 www.laretraite.lambeth.sch.uk St Francis Xavier Sixth Form College 16-18 CoEd Open Day 12/11 10am-2.30pm 020 8772 6072 www.sfx.ac.uk

SW3 Hill House 4-13 Co-Ed Tours of school available every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday during term time at 8.30am, no appointment necessary 020 7584 1331 www.hillhouseschool.co.uk

SW10 Redcliffe School 3-11 Co-Ed Tours Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout September and October 9.30am booking required 020 7352 9247 www.redcliffeschool.com

SW4

SW11

Eaton House The Manor 8-13 Boys Open Morning dates in September and October TBC 020 7924 6000 www.eatonhouseschools.com Allen Edwards Primary 4-11 Co-Ed Open Days TBC in September and October, booking required 020 7622 3985 www.allenedwards.co.uk Parkgate House School 2.5-11 Co-Ed Open Day 6/10 9.30am-12pm 020 7350 2461 www.parkgate-school.co.uk

Christ Church CofE Primary 4-11 Co-Ed Open Days 2/10 9.45-10.15am and 14/11 1.30-2pm 020 7228 2812 www.christchurch.wandsworth.sch.uk The Dominie 6-11 Co-Ed Tours by appointment Please contact the school to find out more about their specialist teaching for dyslexic children 020 7720 8783 www.thedominie.co.uk Dolphin School 2.5-11 Co-Ed Open Mornings every Thursday morning 9.15-10.40am by appointment only 020 7924 3472 www.dolphinschool.org.uk L’Ecole de Battersea 4-11 Co-Ed School visits are held on Friday mornings 5/10, 12/10, 9/11, 16/11, 23/11, 30/11 at 10am 020 7371 8350 www.lecoledespetits.co.uk Thames Christian School 11-16 Co-Ed Open Mornings 25/9 11am-1pm, 29/9 10am-1pm, and 10/10 11am-1pm 020 7228 3933 www.thameschristianschool.org.uk John Burns Primary 4-11 Co-Ed Open Mornings 5/10 and 12/10 at 9.30am 020 7228 3857 www.johnburns.wandsworth.sch.uk Shaftesbury Park Primary School 4-11 Co-Ed Open Mornings 9/10 and 23/10 9.30-11am, plus show rounds on Tuesday mornings from 23/10 through to 15/1/19. Individual tours of the school can be booked on Friday mornings during term time 020 7228 3652 shaftesburypark.wandsworth.sch.uk

SW6 Fulham Prep School 4-13 Co-Ed Pre-Prep Open Mornings 16/10 and 29/11 at 9.15am, 10.15am and 11.15am, call to book a place and time slot 020 7471 4217, Prep School tours by appointment only 020 7386 2444 www.fulhamprep.co.uk Parsons Green Prep 4-11 Co-Ed Midweek tours on Thursdays at 9am by appointment only, Open Day 6/10 at 9.30am starting promptly 020 7371 9009 www.parsonsgreenprep.co.uk L’Ecole des Petits 4-11 Co-Ed School visits are held on Thursday mornings 4/10, 11/10 and 18/10 at 10am, 8/11, 15/11, 22/11 and 29/11 at 10am 020 7371 8350 www.lecoledespetits.co.uk Sinclair House 2-13 Co-Ed Prep School Open Morning 27/9 10-11.30am 020 7736 9182 www.sinclairhouseschool.co.uk All Saints CofE Primary 4-11 Co-Ed Open Days 3/10, 7/11 and 5/12 at 9.30am 020 7736 2803 www.allsaintsce.lbhf.sch.uk

22 Families South West • September 2018

SW13 The Harrodian School 4-18 Co-Ed 11+ Open Mornings for Year 6 pupils only 25/9 and 9/10 or call to arrange an individual tour 020 8762 6321 www.harrodian.com

SW14 Tower House Prep School 4-13 Boys Open Morning 21/9 9.15am 020 8876 3323 www.thsboys.org.uk

SW15 Hurlingham School Co-ed 4-11yrs. Email admissions@hurlinghamschool.co.uk to arrange a visit 020 8874 7186 www.hurlinghamschool.co.uk Ibstock Place School 3-18 Co-Ed The Prep School Open Mornings 26/9 and 14/11 at 9.30am, The Senior School Open Morning 22/9 9am-1pm (for prospective entry in 2019), The Sixth Form Open Evening 25/9 5-8pm booking required 020 8876 9991 / 020 8392 5803 www.ibstockplaceschool.co.uk Granard Primary 4-11 Co-Ed Open Mornings 19/9, 5/10 and 7/11 at 9.15am, call to book a place 020 8788 3606 www.granardprimary.co.uk Putney High School 4-18 Girls Music Scholars ‘Come and Play’ Morning 22/9 (bookings close on 5/9), plus Open Week from 13/10 020 8788 4886 www.putneyhigh.gdst.net Merlin School 4-8 Co-Ed Open Day in Autumn term TBC, book in advance 020 8788 2769 www.merlinschool.net

SW16 Streatham and Clapham High School 11-18 Girls Open Day 29/9 10am-1pm limited places, register online 020 8677 8400 www.schs.gdst.net

familiesonline.co.uk

SW17 Finton House School 4-11 Co-Ed Family Open Morning 29/9 10am12pm, plus show rounds available on weekday mornings MondayThursday in term time 020 8682 5757 www.fintonhouse.org.uk Burntwood School 11-18 Girls Open Morning 9/10 at 8.45am, Open Evening 26/9 at 6pm 020 8946 6201 www.burntwoodschool.com Ernest Bevin College 11-16 Boys Open Evening 25/9 at 5.30-8pm, Open Mornings 1/10, 3/10 and 5/10 at 9-10.45am, Sixth Form Open Evening 8/11 TBC 020 8672 8582 www.ernestbevin.org.uk Franciscan Primary 4-11 Co-Ed Reception and Nursery Schools Tours throughout September and October 9.15am 020 8672 3048 franciscan.wandsworth.sch.uk

SW18 The Roche School 2.5-11 Co-Ed Open Mornings 22/9, 12/10 and 14/11 9.30-11.30am call to make an appointment on 020 8877 0823 www.therocheschool.co.uk St Michael’s CE Primary 4-11 Co-Ed Open Mornings by appointment only on 10/9, 17/9 and 24/9, 1/10, 8/10, 15/10 and 29/10 at 9.30am 020 8874 7786 www.stmichaels.wandsworth.sch.uk St Faith’s Primary 4-11 Co-Ed Open Mornings 19/9, 3/10, 17/10, 7/11 and 22/11 at 9am 020 8874 2653 www.stfaiths.wandsworth.sch.uk St Anne’s CofE Primary 4-1 Co-Ed Open Days 9/10 and 6/11 9.30am and 2pm 020 8874 1863 www.stanneswandsworth.co.uk

SW19 The Study Prep School 4-11 Girls Tours on Tuesdays throughout September and October 9.2010.30am 020 8947 6969 www.thestudyprep.co.uk Willington Independent Primary School 4-13 Boys Tours of the school by appointment 020 8944 7020 www.willingtonschool.co.uk Wimbledon Common Prep (also known as Squirrels) 4-7 Boys Open Morning 10/10 9.15-10.45am, bookings are open now 020 8946 1001 www.wimbledoncommonprep.co.uk Wimbledon High School 11-18 Girls Junior School (4+ and 7+ entry) 13/9, Senior School Open Mornings 12/9, 6/10 and 9/10 at 8.50am, Sixth Form Open Evening 6/10 020 8971 0900 www.wimbledonhigh.gdst.net Kings College School 7-16 Boys, 16-18 Co-Ed Senior School (11+ entry) Open Evening 9/10 6pm, 16+ Entry Open Evenings 13/9 and 4/10 6pm, Whole School Open Morning 15/9 9am-12.30pm 020 8255 5437 www.kcs.org.uk familiesonline.co.uk

Holy Trinity Primary School 4-11 Co-Ed Reception Open Mornings 28/9 and 16/11 10am-12pm 020 8542 1591 www.holytrinity.merton.sch.uk Albemarle Primary 4-11 Co-Ed Open Days 27/9 and 15/11 at 11am 020 8788 3170 www.albemarle.wandsworth.sch.uk

SW20 The Norwegian School Co-Ed 3-16 Tours of the school can be booked at any time 020 8947 6617 www.norwegianschool.org.uk

W6 Ravenscourt Park Prep School 411 Co-Ed Open Mornings 18/9, 11/10 and 13/11 9am, booking necessary 020 8846 9153 www.rpps.co.uk

W14 Fulham Senior School Co-ed Information Evenings: 26/9 6–9pm and 3/10 6-9pm 020 7386 2444 www.fulhamprep.co.uk

SE21 Dulwich Prep London 3-13yrs Boys Open morning 15/9 9am. 020 8766 5500 www.dulwichpreplondon.org

SE22 Alleyn’s School co-ed 4-18yrs Junior School Open Events 22/9 1012 noon, 4/10 1.30-3pm. Senior School. 11+ (entry to Year 7) and 13+ (entry to Year 9) open events 12/9 2pm, 29/9 9.30 am. 16+ (entry to Year 12) 11/9 2.30 pm and 29/9 at 9.30 am. School office number: 020 8557 1500. www.alleyns.org.uk Dulwich College Junior School 710yrs Boys 13/10 9.30am-12noon www.dulwich.org.uk/junior-school 020 8299 8432.

James Allen’s Girls’ School 4-18 Girls Open mornings 26/9, 6/10 and 18/10 020 8693 1181 www.jags.org.uk

SE26 Sydenham High School 4-18yrs Girls Whole School Open Day. 15/9 9am-1pm. 10+ Entry Open Morning 3/10 9.30-11am. Senior School Open Morning 27/9 9.30-11am. Sixth Form Open Evening 2/10 6.308.30pm. See also website for Taster days . 020 8557 7000 sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net

CR9 Trinity School, Croydon 10-16 Boys, 16-18 Co-Ed Open Morning 6/10 9am-12pm 020 8656 9541 trinityschool.org September 2018 • Families South West 23

WESTMINSTER SCHOOL WESTMINSTER.ORG.UK

16+ ENTRY 2020 Online registration will open in June 2019.

13+ ENTRY Registration for entry in 2021 closes at the end of September.

Registration for entry in 2022 opens in October.

To request a prospectus or find out about Open Days, please call 020 7963 1003 or email registrar@westminster.org.uk For information about entry to Westminster Under School at 7+, 8+ or 11+ please call 020 7821 5788.

Westminster School is a charity (No. 312728) established to provide education.

24 Families South West • September 2018

familiesonline.co.uk

Left to Right: Sensei Mike Monouwah HRH Prince William Adem Aouicha HRH Prince Harry Samuel Brooks-Gilzeane

Education Feature

Ernest Bevin named top Judo School in the country Ernest Bevin College in Tooting was named the top British school for judo following a haul of five medals at the British Schools Judo Championships. They topped the medal table beating over 400 schools two gold, two silver and one bronze medal.

Members of the squad were rewarded for their hard work and success over the year

when they met the Duke of Cambridge and Duke of Sussex at the opening of the new Greenhouse Sports Centre in Central London.

The boys also had the opportunity to speak to the Princes and pose for photos at the event attended by 300 guests and supporters of Greenhouse Sports to mark the opening of the new state of the art sport and community

centre for young people in London.

Greenhouse Sports delivers the judo, table tennis and volleyball programmes at the school through coaching and mentoring, which in turn raises academic performance and achieves positive behavioural change amongst participants. www.ernestbevin.org.uk

On the plus side, concentrating on the core subjects for the 11+ allows for a much more innovative approach to learning through teaching of the humanities in a cross-curricular approach. This makes important links across science, maths and engineering through a practical-based STEM programme, with time to engage children in debate and help them understand that some questions do not have a single answer, encouraging critical and innovative thinking.

I was also pleasantly surprised at the quality of outdoor space Parsons Green Prep has, which is enhanced further by the use of Hurlingham Park a very short walk away and swimming at Fulham Pools. Children receive lots of exercise and learn a wide variety of

sporting skills. All of which is supplemented by a Personal Development Programme, including residential trips from Year 3 upwards.

Overall, the quality of education despite the pressures of 11+ is broad, balanced and offers real depth. If, as a sector, we can streamline the entry process for senior schools further, I believe we are delivering the very best in education. Our aim at PGP is to keep that balance between offering a rigorous and challenging curriculum and our children enjoying and having positive memories of their childhood.

Heads up for the 11+

By Tim Cannell, Headmaster Parsons Green Prep After 12 years as headmaster of a day and boarding school for children aged 3-13 on the south coast, moving to Parsons Green Prep School (a day school for children aged 5-11) did not seem the most obvious move for a head to make. I was fascinated to see if the many apocryphal stories of London school life were true. Not least the intense pressure for places at 11+, an entry system that makes young children sit multiple exams. Some of these take place before schools return in January, meaning a long wait for results, and so the process goes on.

I am afraid that it is true. While many of the schools outside London use a common 11+ and 13+ system, this has not yet transferred to London. However, over the last few months it does appear that a new approach may be taken, which should be applauded, and in the coming years I wait to see if this reduces pressure on our young children.

It seems a rite of passage for many pupils to have significant coaching outside of school.

This is something I don’t advocate as children need to be children and we should not rob them of their childhood and the opportunity to build those precious memories that we take with us and which shape us for the rest of our lives.

familiesonline.co.uk

1 Fulham Park Rd, Fulham, London SW6 4LJ 020 7610 8085 www.parsonsgreenprep.co.uk

September 2018 • Families South West 25

Ensuring every child fulfils their potential

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

c

7+, 11+, 13+, GCSE, A Level, IB EAL specialists for international families SEND advice & learning support specialists School advice & consultancy services Tailored 1-1 support with inspiring teachers & tutors, enabling maximum progression.

Contact: charlotte@firstclasstutorsgroup.com Visit: www.firstclasstutorsgroup.com

26 Families South West • September 2018

familiesonline.co.uk

News and information from our local schools

Trinity alumnus represents England in U20 Rugby Championship Gabriel Ibitoye, who left Trinity in 2016, is back for a second year with England Rugby at the World Rugby U20 Championship. He has represented England at U18 and U20 level; winning the 2017 U20 Six Nations and finishing as England’s top try scorer at the U20 World Rugby Championship of the same year. Gabriel joined the Harlequins Academy for the 2016/17 season, making his first Harlequins appearance in November 2017.

Ian Kench, Director of Rugby at Trinity, said: “It is incredibly pleasing to watch Gabriel shining on the global rugby stage. He is an incredible role model to all of our students for what can be accomplished with dedication and hard work. His heads-up style of play sets an excellent example for the way that we encourage current students to approach the game.”

Trinity School Shirley Park Croydon, CR9 7AT www.trinity-school.org

Education Feature Newton Prep new ‘demanding and exciting’ Humanities curriculum for years 7 & 8 With more and more children facing pre-tests and the ISEB pre-pre-test in Years 5&6, Newton Prep has decided on a radical change in the runup to Common Entrance in Years 7&8. “Common Entrance is a blunt instrument and the exams themselves are dull and turgid,” says Alison Fleming, Head of Newton, in a letter written to over 70 senior schools.

“Meanwhile, parents spend Years 7&8 in a heightened sense of almost continuous pressure on their child to reach the magic pass mark, at the expense of the child’s academic curiosity and wellbeing.”

So from September, Newton Prep will not be following a CE programme of study in History, Religious Studies and Geography, introducing instead a radical, cross-curricular, rigorous and exciting Humanities programme called the Newton Diploma, “freeing us from the vice-like grip of the CE syllabus and giving our pupils the opportunity to follow their own interests and exploit links between subjects, as well as extending their initiatives for service and for leadership.” All senior schools canvassed expressed their wholehearted support for Newton’s radical approach, which will see the core subjects of Maths, English, Science and a foreign language being retained, mostly for setting purposes at the next school, in conjunction with the Newton Diploma, thereby preparing all pupils more effectively to take their place as well-rounded senior school citizens, intellectual curiosity intact.

“Common Entrance exams are outdated, old-fashioned and irrelevant,” commented Mrs Fleming in an article with the Daily Telegraph, “Let’s take that level of anxiety away from children and their parents and start to give them the soft skills this generation will be required to have: adaptability, resilience, and the ability to make connections between disciplines.” www.newtonprepschool.co.uk

Changes at Hurlingham School bring Outstanding results Hurlingham School took over Lion House School on Gwendolen Avenue in September 2017. Now called Hurlingham Nursery and Pre-Prep, it has just received a glowing inspection report from Ofsted as “outstanding” in all areas.

It also benefits from IAPS accreditation.

There is a distinctive twopronged approach to the infant years; a guaranteed transfer to the main Hurlingham site from the nursery at 4 for an 11+ pathway, or familiesonline.co.uk

the option to remain at Gwendolen Avenue for a 7+ route to selective, junior and boarding schools. The nursery has been refurbished to provide excellent modern facilities including a dedicated exercise and music studio.

There will also be the choice of joining the Forest School initiative one day per week. (can you spot the amazing slide in the picture?) www.hurlinghamschool.co.uk September 2018 • Families South West 27

YEAR 7 OPEN DAYS Burntwood is an oversubscribed Academy for Girls which proudly holds a CPD Platinum Mark, the EQualities Award, the International School Award, and has UNICEF Rights Respecting School Gold status.

‘Students work hard, have high aspirations for future employment and are proud of their school.’

Ofsted, May 2016

28 Families South West • September 2018

- OPEN MORNING Tuesday 9th October 8.45am - OPEN EVENING Wednesday 26th September 6.00pm

‘The best education today for the women of tomorrow’

familiesonline.co.uk

Education Feature Eaton House The Manor Pre-Prep School on Clapham Common has introduced a completely new form of teaching tool —‘learning habits’ that have been very successful in teaching boys how to mindfully adopt the best character traits.

New ways to learn

Each learning habit is represented by a soft toy character—named by the boys: Kingsley the gorilla represents ‘Empathy’, Lancelot the lion ‘Courage’ etc.

Mrs Nicola Borthwick, the Headmistress says that “It is crucial that we do our best to prepare our children to flourish in this very competitive, fast-changing world and we believe that these learning habits will ensure the boys succeed here and outside of the classroom.

Teachers reinforce these habits and encourage the boys to think about how to use these personal qualities and skills in their lessons and day-to-day interactions. The hope is that they will create an environment with learning experiences that will give the children the best possible opportunity to Every week boys develop and grow the broadest are nominated to range of helpful character receive the soft toy dispositions. for displaying a The nominations are read out certain characteristic. in assembly and the boys come forward to receive the soft toy which then sits on their desk for the week.

The boys absolutely love this and are delighted to be nominated. “It is exciting that the boys know and understand the vocabulary related to each learning habit,” says Mrs Borthwick.

Challenging the girls to foster confidence Meanwhile, in the Girls’ School, the Headmaster Oliver Snowball has introduced ‘Adventure Books’ because he wanted to challenge the girls with “open-ended questions that did not have a right or a wrong answer.”

Instead, they were designed to develop creative, evaluative and analytical thinking skills. The girls use books with a mixture of spaces for drawing and writing so that girls can express their ideas with boldness and confidence. Questions can be fun and challenging such as ‘What’s more important, time or money?’, ‘What would happen if the world was ruled by elephants?’ and ‘Do you see yourself as more of a square or a circle?’ These books “help all the girls to answer questions with flair and are especially useful for scholarship preparation,” says Mr Snowball.

Girls at Eaton House The Manor need to be prepared as many enter these examinations and 11 won scholarships in 2018. familiesonline.co.uk

Each soft toy character represents a learning habit: Kingsley the gorilla represents ‘Empathy’, Lancelot the lion ‘Courage’, Camille the chameleon ‘Open Mindedness’, Hooty the owl ‘Good Judgement’, Trumpet the elephant ‘Collaboration’, Popcorn the unicorn ‘Curiosity’, Dolly the Dolphin ‘Kindness’ and Percy the Fish ‘Perseverance’.

Philosothons Mr Snowball also plans to introduce ‘philosothons’ for Philosophy Club for autumn 2018, a method of debating which encourages students to facilitate philosophical and ethical discussions. Philosothons inspire huge competitions in Australia and New Zealand and Eaton House The Manor Girls will introduce some of the ideas into the classroom in spring 2019.

Meanwhile, the girls also took ‘learning by doing’ to a whole new level at Victorian Day when they were introduced to a Victorian style classroom and got to handle and draw a number of quite unusual Victorian objects.

Eaton House Belgravia Nursery & PrePreparatory School, Eaton House Belgravia Preparatory School, Eaton House The Manor, Eaton House The Manor Girls’ School. www.eatonhouseschools.com

Adventure Books help develop creative, evaluative and analytical thinking skills. A Philosophy Club is planned for autumn 2018

Learning by doing at a Victorian Day

September 2018 • Families South West 29

30 Families South West • September 2018

familiesonline.co.uk

Shaftesbury Park Primary School

A local school with a global perspective Une école de quartier ouverte sur le mônde OPEN MORNINGS

Tuesdays 9th and 23rd October 9.30-11am

Show rounds on Tuesday mornings (By appointment)

Bilingual Class

If you value the experience of learning a new language then this is the option for you! In the morning your child will be taught mathematics, reading and writing in English and in the afternoon they will be immersed in the French language and taught, through exciting projects, how to listen and follow instructions, learn new words and phrases and sing songs.

The exciting choice of: Bilingual Class or Enterprise Class Enterprise Class

If you value the experience of learning through real-life contexts then this is the option for you! In the morning your child will be taught mathematics, reading and writing and in the afternoon through Forest School, a great, outdoor cross-curricular learning programme, they will develop 8 enterprise skills: Problem Solving, Leadership, Aiming High, Teamwork, Creativity, Staying Positive, Sharing Ideas and Listening Carefully.

For further information or to book a place for open mornings:

T 020 7 228 3652 E info@shaftesburypark.wandsworth.sch.uk Shaftesbury Park Primary School, Ashbury Road, Battersea, London SW11 5UW

32 Families South West • September 2018

www.shaftesburypark.wandsworth.sch.uk familiesonline.co.uk

11 PLUS TUITION

Mrs Jones EDUCATION

Y4 & Y5 COURSES 2018 & 2019

11 Plus Foundation – Year 4 (one year)

Limited Space

11 Plus Preparation – Year 5 (one year and 16 months) 11 Plus Mock Exam Only – Year 4 & Year 5 Highly Experienced Graduate Teachers EXCELLENT RESULTS

Call us to book your child’s place

0208 390 6076 South West London

11 PLUS MOCK EXAMS State Grammar and Private Schools Mathematics, English, Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Cloze Procedure and Exam Technique

Both the Year 4 Foundation and Year 5 Preparation Courses above include weekly tuition classes and monthly mock exams.

Year 4 and Year 5 NOW BOOKING courses starting in January 2019

www.11plustuition.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

September 2018 • Families South West 33

Education Feature

What is modern boarding?

Cranleigh School

To board or not to board is a big decision for any family to make. Although boarding environments can offer an excellent solution to the difficulties of juggling two demanding careers, working parents can still feel pressured to keep their children at home. The old image of bleak dormitories and cold showers still persists, but the traditional boarding environment is very much changed.

So many options are now offered Modern boarding is now all about choice and variety with the flexi, occasional and weekly boarding options all operating alongside the more traditional single-sex full-boarding model. The question is which one is right for your family “It is vital for lifestyle. The full-boarding parents to develop model has the benefits of trust in the promoting independence housemaster/ and allowing time for a mistress” breadth of educational opportunities. At the other end of the scale the flexi or occasional boarding models may fit more closely to the needs of 21st century family life but have their own challenges, such as building the sense of community that underpins the richness of boarding life.

34 Families South West • September 2018

Days (and evenings) filled with opportunities to learn and to grow The most important thing that boarding offers children is time. Full boarding gives greater time in the evenings and weekends for pupils to be involved in a wide-range of interests with the aim of becoming more well-rounded characters. Boarding gives teachers the time to develop deeper trust and partnership and boarders really make the most of their school day. Rather than being stuck in a car commuting to school they are out on the pitches and in the studios rehearsing, or attending evening lectures from visiting speakers or simply hanging out with friends in the boarding house. Such a boarding experience will ensure that pupils leave as confident, independent, personable, wellrounded, adaptable and caring young people

who are equipped to make the most of their talents.

The primary aim of any boarding house is to create a warm, supportive sense of community which feels like a home when at school; where there is a natural sense of fun and camaraderie, where juniors can look up to strong Sixth Form role models and where teenagers can develop a deep sense of belonging and identity. The inclusive atmosphere and shared experience develops these deep bonds and lasting friendships and pupils become highly socially adept with strong “people skills”. The best boarding schools have a culture where senior students take perfecting and role modelling responsibilities seriously and develop a strong sense of duty and service.

Working closely with parents It is vital for parents to develop trust in the housemaster/mistress and the role they play (which can vary from school to school). The best schools will want to actively work in partnership with parents so ensuring consistent messages are given when helping adolescents negotiate the sometimes bumpy road of teenage life. Housemasters/mistresses are given a privileged and responsible position caring for your child and the saplings that they tend might need extra watering and attention, or in some cases a little pruning, but this should all be done in a safe, supportive pastoral environment with HsMs they respect, trust and with whom they have a strong personal relationship. In addition, most boarding schools now have superb specialist pastoral support with counsellors, doctors and often psychologists available as needed.

Book your free place to an exclusive evening talk For those who are unsure as to what a dedicated boarding community might be like, Cranleigh School will host an introduction to Modern Boarding at the Royal Society SW1 on October 10th. The evening will feature talks from: Grace Moody Smith, Director of The Good Schools Guide Education Consultants; Jan Shilling, Education Consultant formerly with the Independent Schools Council; and Neil Brooks, Headmaster at Cranleigh Prep School, as well as Martin Reader in his role as Chair of the BSA. This event is open to parents and prep schools who are interested to know more about what boarding can offer, whether they are considering Cranleigh or another boarding school. The evening will commence with drinks and food at 6.30pm, followed by some short presentations and a Q&A session.

There will be an opportunity for more questions over drinks following the presentations, with a gathered audience of parents, current boarding parents and pupils, Housemasters and Housemistresses. Tickets are free but as places are limited booking is essential via https://www.cranleigh.org/ourschool/academics/resources/cranleightraining/what-is-modern-boarding/

familiesonline.co.uk

Dream business looking for new owner It is not for everyone but if you want to work from home and be your own boss, if you are creative, have a sound head for business and are entrepreneurial… you might be the ideal person to become the next Families South West editor and publisher!

1. Tell us about the business and why are you moving on?

We have been publishing Families South West for an amazing 25 years and loved every minute! The title is now so popular and well-known that it is hard to find someone who doesn’t know and love it. With our youngest now at Uni, it is time for us to move on and hand over to a new team with fresh energy. There’s always so much going on in SW London, we try to be a useful resource, putting readers and advertisers in touch with each other.

I can honestly say it has been such fun to run it, I have met really interesting people and amazing businesses, been to numerous events and days out with my children. And that is just the perks! The real joy of owning my business meant I was at the school gates every day, I have been there when they were ill and done all the ‘mummy things’.

Of course it has been hard work, long and late deadlines but hey, it’s a business!

2. Who would be your ideal successor?

A business needs a lot of care and energy, which we have put in from the beginning. Now it needs

renewed enthusiasm, new ideas to move the title forward, develop our social media accounts etc. Instagram, for example, is doing really well but could do even better— combined with print it is really powerful!

Perhaps a team of 2 or 3 friends would work really well or a husband/wife team could share the workload.

3. What is the future of the title?

The future of print is good! When Kindle was invented books were said to be doomed but we are seeing quite the reverse with a revival of sales. With the endless scrolling, the short attention span, mums tell us they appreciate our fabulous holiday listings and relevant local information all in one place.

Looking for a new owner !

If you think you might have what it takes to become the next Families editor and publisher then contact editor@familiesSW.co.uk

Perfect for Baby Showers, Gender Reveal and Bridal Showers

familiesonline.co.uk

September 2018 • Families South West 35

36 Families South West • September 2018

familiesonline.co.uk

Clubs and Classes Feature

Photo: Playball

Choose the right club or class for your child By Claire Winter Picking the right extra-curricular activities for your child can sometimes be overwhelming. There are a huge variety of sports and classes available now from coding to Mandarin, from street dance to resilience skills, as well as more traditional sports. Here’s our guide on how to choose the most appropriate club or class for your child.

A good place to start is to ask your child what they are interested in. It’s likely that they will enjoy the activity if they have picked it themselves but some children need a little help to try something new that will give them those extra skills or a much needed confidence boost.

Things to consider: Will your child enjoy the class/club?

If they enjoy something, whether it’s art, football, animation or French they are likely to look forward to training with their team or attending a class every week.

Try before you buy Trial classes are a great way for them to experience something before you sign up for a term or group of classes. Many clubs and classes offer a free trial before you sign up.

Try a variety Variety is the spice of life. If your schedule allows it, get your children to try a few different things on a trial basis. If they are not keen on trying something new, get them to go with a friend.

Can you commit?

Some activities involve early morning practice or games at the weekend. Can your family life familiesonline.co.uk

and schedule accommodate the commitment needed? If your child plays sport competitively, it can often mean training daily or at least three times a week.

Think about cost Some activities are more expensive than others. 1:1 tuition or private lessons are more costly, whereas classes and team sports tend to cost less. Guiding or Scouts is an inexpensive club to join, and it’s great for team building and trying a variety of different activities.

Investigate this option ahead of time though, as there can be waiting lists.

How many?

How many activities are too many? This is really up to you but if you are tired of driving your children to all of their activities, it’s likely your child will be too; perhaps you are doing too much. Children need time to get bored.

This fosters creativity! Equally, if your children are constantly bored at home and asking to be entertained, maybe it’s time to sign them up for something new and fun.

Again take the lead from your child. Some children thrive from lots of extra-curricular activities while others get overwhelmed and over-stimulated. Listen to them and adjust their schedule accordingly.

Families asked parents across the UK for their views: Suzanne says, “I think extra clubs and lessons help build confidence and also give children a wider network of friends from other schools.”

Amanda likes extra-curricular activities because they give her more flexibility so she can work. “I love them for giving me an hour or two of extra time at the end of the day!”

Meli worries children are getting overscheduled. “I think it’s good for children to learn new skills and to develop their interests but it can be too much for children and their parents. I do feel there is too much pressure to do extra activities. I believe clubs and classes are good but in moderation.”

Pippa thinks clubs and classes teach her children new skills. “I like that my children get to learn things that school wouldn’t necessarily offer. It broadens their experiences and makes them more resilient to all that life offers. It also teaches them to have an open mind to new experiences and people. For example, music lessons can help with concentration, so they have a positive effect on school work too!”

Faye thinks that clubs and classes help your child find their passions but being at home is important too. “When they are young I think it’s good to give the kids opportunities to find the things they really love to do but I’m conscious not to overdo it!! Quality playing time at home is just as important."

September 2018 • Families South West 37

ADVERTORIAL

38 Families South West • September 2018

familiesonline.co.uk

News and information from your local clubs and classes providers Boosting children’s self-esteem and life skills with Perform

Why being active can help little ones starting Reception in September The Little Gym (of which there are more than 300 worldwide) encourages children's cognitive, physical, and emotional development therefore helping to support a child’s entry into formal education. The Little Gym tell us how their structured learning can help school starters to get ahead: 1. Movement is the brain’s fuel. So, it’s time to put those iPads down. Today’s children are very busy and yet research has shown they are not moving enough—if you want to boost their developing brains, get them moving.

2. The Little Gym activities improve and maintain core strength and upper limb strength, which is an essential foundation for skills that the school curriculum will demand such as handwriting, tolerating sitting at a desk and maintaining attention. i.e. holding the gym bars helps strengthen little hands and wrists which in turn helps their handwriting ability...

3. Many parents are concerned about little ones being too tired with starting school— in our experience children come to the gym and it serves to energise them, and offers children a chance to let off steam at the end of the school day in a structured activity.

4. Our 1:6 student to instructor ratio makes it easy for your little one to learn to listen to the teacher. Our instructors are energetic, fun, highly skilled and of the highest calibre, your children’s physical and educational fitness is in very safe hands.

5. Our bespoke facility features very fine equipment, the structured, yet fun hourlong-class supports a child’s physical development and learning in such a safe environment thus it boosts their confidence and physical abilities.

The Little Gym is the world’s premier enrichment and physical development centre for children ages four months through to twelve years. The Little Gym Wandsworth and Fulham, Riverside West, SW18 1DB 020 8874 6567 www.wandsworthfulham.thelittlegym.eu

familiesonline.co.uk

A common struggle shared by many children is lack of confidence. This can stop some children reaching their full potential. Perform Drama is a unique drama school that uses drama, dance and singing to help all children achieve their true potential—even those that are shy and reserved. ͞Perform is NOT a stage school͟—stresses Perform Producer, Karen. ͞It teaches life skills through fun drama games and end of term shows. The real aim of the classes is to help children develop the 4Cs: Confidence, Concentration, Coordination and Communication. ͞Classes are small with both a Producer and a Teacher. Children are offered a free trial and the Producer spends time beforehand with each parent establishing their goals.

Venues across south west London, including six new locations starting this September. For more information or to book a trial call 020 7255 9120 or visit www.perform.org.uk/try

Swimming lessons on a Sunday Good to know: the South West Swim school are starting swimming classes on Sundays at Burntwood school SW17 0AQ starting Sunday 9th September from 9am to 12.00. Each lesson will be for half an hour each week in 4-1, 2-1 or 1-1 ratio.

The directors, Kelly and Erica, have over 22 years experience between them, both here and abroad. They have qualified in special needs, adult and baby/child and aqua fit to an advanced standard, together they have designed a unique recipe of teaching.

Check the website for all term time dates and prices www.swswimschool.co.uk 020 8767 2723 admin@swswimschool.co.uk

West Wimbledon Dance Academy

Clubs and Classes News

Razzamataz This is ME! A place to be ME The Greatest Showman, a musical loosely based on the life of PT Barnum and his circus, has been an overwhelming hit with Razzamataz Wimbledon students who could empathize with many of the characters who feel the circus is the place where they can be accepted for who they are. Indeed many Razzamataz students say it is the place where they can really be themselves and this in turn has led them to grow in confidence and self-belief. This is a such a gift for growing children!

Students take part in singing, acting and dance classes and cover a wide curriculum so they experience both West End and Broadway musical theatre as well as the commercial genres of street dance, pop singing and acting for camera.

Classes in Wimbledon are on a Saturday morning at St Cecilia's School, Sutherland Grove SW18 5JR. To book a FREE trial session email wimbledon@razzamataz.co.uk or call 07500 837 911 or visit wimbledon.razzamataz.co.uk

Learn a strings instrument

A great friendly environment to learn an instrument

At The Strings Club, your child will get award-winning musical teaching. Children of all abilities have the opportunity to discover, develop and engage with music in a rewarding, safe and fun way. Each term time course is lovingly developed by their team of experienced string specialists, taking into consideration every aspect of your child’s development including: technical proficiency, boosting confidence, nurturing musicianship skills such as sight reading, aural and listening ability. Tooting. www.thestringsclub.org

West Wimbledon Dance Academy offer wonderful nursery ballet classes for 2 ½ year olds upwards; classes are taught by ex-Royal Ballet teacher Caroline Barrett. There are exam classes from age 5 and three performances for age 6 upwards at venues in Wimbledon and Raynes Park. They have excellent results with one of their pupils being offered a place in the London Children’s Ballet Touring Company 2018 and another pupil performed in Alice in Winterland at the Rose Theatre, Kingston in January 2018. Well done them!

The school is already preparing for the Christmas Show 2018, where pupils will perform four performances. caroline@wwdance.co.uk 07956 606 648 www.wwdance.co.uk September 2018 • Families South West 39

40 Families South West • September 2018

familiesonline.co.uk

Clubs and Classes

Boot camp for mums and babies MAMAWELL's signature group bootcamp for mums and babies is high-energy and uplifting!

Pelvic floor work, joint mobilisation and stabilisation will provide the base for the higher intensity circuits that follow. You will work your whole body, improve your cardiovascular fitness and strengthen muscle tone. All levels of fitness welcome. You’ll be motivated to go further than in other workouts to give you the most productive 45 minutes of burn. Also offers personal training for new mums.

Littles ones welcome.

Outdoors £7 per session.

Wandsworth Park, Putney Bridge Road SW15 07943 093130 info@mamawell.org www.mamawell.org

Classes with music, puppets, laughter and fun Hartbeeps will take you and your little one on a different sound journey every week.

They set the scene, tell the story through music and play and use original tracks and props to help to develop our young humans!

Designed by experts and delivered with love, classes run every day all over west and south-west London. Join them for an incredible adventure!

3 classes - Baby Bells (Newborn), Beeps (Crawlers) and Happy House (Toddlers). www.hartbeeps.com

familiesonline.co.uk

Les Petits Choux

SewFurzedown

Les Petits Choux run French classes on Wednesdays at St Michael’s Church in Southfields, from 4pm. They offer classes for beginners and for bilingual children. They use songs and games as well as stories and craft activities to help with speaking, reading and writing the language. The children also have the opportunity to take part in various French drama workshops to encourage their speaking and to bring the language to life.

For more details visit www.lespetitschoux.org.uk or follow them on Facebook .

After school sewing club SewFurzedown is running an afterschool sewing club for 7-12 year olds. Learn hand and machine sewing and create a variety of fun items such as key rings, small pillows, lavender bags, decorations and bookmarks. Beginners welcome. Tuesdays 4-5pm.

Term starts 11th September. £35 for 5 sessions. At the Living Room Place, 19 Thrale Road SW16 1NS. For more details or to book a place contact Alison 07824 715917 alisonrsugden@sky.com www.sewfurzedown.co.uk

Activity classes, baby massage and yoga Sensory Land offers developmental classes which are suited from birth up until pre-school age in Calming Baby Massage, Bonding Baby Yoga and fun Activity Classes which get very messy. Classes in various locations around Streatham, Clapham, Brixton and Battersea 07943 199861 casey@sensoryland.com www.sensoryland.com

They also run confidence building Baby Massage classes for dads.

Rated 5 stars.

Better life skills, better results Role Models are running their unique Resilience & Leadership Courses for ages 8-12 from October 22-26th and December 17-20th at Chelsea Academy School, SW10 0AB, and Eaton Square School, SW1V 1PP, respectively.

The courses focus on developing a growth mindset and the key ‘soft’ skills required to thrive at school, at home and in life ahead. Cost is £395. www.rolemodels.me info@rolemodels.me 020 3637 7107

To advertise in

Families

Call: 0208 696 9680

See the Pram Chorus under the Babies & Toddlers section page 54

Why not join Pram Chorus, the parent’s choir?

Did you know? Singing improves your mood, it is also good for your health and well being. So why not join a choir where you can sing your heart out and meet like-minded mums? Pram Chorus does not require any experience or talent to join, everyone is welcome to join.

It's about YOU doing something creative and fun for yourself, where your little one is also welcome (in all his/her vocal glory!). So bring yourself, your bump, babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers and come to sing a huge variety of songs— no nursery rhymes.

Various locations in South London.

Get in touch for more info or to join. Autumn Term starts w/c 10th September. ruth@pramchorus.com www.pramchorus.com

Would you like to earn extra money?

Capital Focus Groups are looking for people who enjoy giving their opinions and are willing to share their views on the products and services they use for many of the country’s largest companies and well-known products. It’s free, it’s fun and you will be financially rewarded as a thank you for taking part!

Register now to earn extra money, by calling Liz on 07761128059 or e.dahlgren@btinternet.com

September 2018 • Families South West 41

42 Families South West • September 2018

familiesonline.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

September 2018 • Families South West 43

44 Families South West • September 2018

familiesonline.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

September 2018 • Families South West 45

Football fun for children aged 18 months-7 years.

Learning the FUNdamentals of Football

Book your free trial class!

Email: trichardson@littlekickers.co.uk Tel: 020 8675 1155 Website: www.LittleKickers.co.uk

Southfields call 020 8870 8300 email southfields@numberworks.com

Battersea call 020 7223 1882 email battersea@numberworks.com www.numberworksnwoods.com/uk

46 Families South West • September 2018

familiesonline.co.uk

Benefits of extra curricular activities

Clubs and Classes Feature

W

ith the nights closing in and the temperature dropping, the idea of sending your child out on to the football pitch, tennis court or athletics track is not an attractive one. But active after school activities offer children great developmental benefits including: Improved academic performance Research has found that children from disadvantaged background who participate in after-school clubs get better results at age 11 than their peers.

Enhanced socialisation skills Making friends with children from outside their school allows children to broaden their social experience, whilst extra-curricular activities at school give children the chance to enjoy a different type of social experience with their school friends and other children in their class.

Better health and fitness According to the National Association of Sport and Physical Education, kids aged 5-12 should exercise for at least 60 minutes of each day, and this figure shouldn’t be ignored just because it’s cold outside.

Stress relief Exercise helps to relieve stress built up by homework, exams and peer pressures.

As parents, we are responsible for setting up opportunities for our children to keep active during winter months.

So here are our ideas for keeping your restless young one on the go – and the good news is you don’t have to force them (or you!) outside: Trampoline parks These are popping up all over the country and classes are fun and social. The UK now has over 190 trampoline parks and most offer kids a safe environment to cut loose as well lessons and classes for children from as young as toddlers upwards. (www.flipout.co.uk in Wandsworth) Indoor rock climbing This activity is also growing in popularity across the country with a centre likely to be very close to you.

Even the NHS recommends it as an activity that provides unique physical and mental benefits whilst at the same time catering for all ages, fitness levels and abilities. (www.vauxwallclimbing.co.uk, https://theclimbinghangar.com/ in Fulham and Brixton Recreation Centre) Girl guides and scouting Scouting and Girl Guides are experiencing an unprecedented surge in popularity. Why? Because

familiesonline.co.uk

they offer an antidote to the modern world with adventure being at the heart of everything they do.

From as young as 6, children can get involved in learning outdoor skills and undertaking leadership qualifications, as well as enjoying camps and residential experiences.

However, waiting lists can be long so act quickly! To register interest visit www.girlguiding.org.uk or www.scouts.org.uk Ice rinks Local snow slopes and ice rinks are great places to get kids active during the winter and offer kids the opportunity to try tobogganing, skiing or snowboarding, or get a pair of skates on. There are indoor and outdoor rinks and centres, depending on how you feel about braving the cold or damp weather.

(Streatham Ice and Leisure Centre, great new rink)

Swimway significant time commitment. For example, joining a swimming class can involve two or more weekly training sessions, as well as competitions. Are you and your child up for that? What else will suffer or be sacrificed? If your child’s opportunity to have unstructured time for play will go by the wayside, then this is probably not a good thing. Children these

days have much more structured lives than ever before and already often have less unstructured play time that previous generations.

Research indicates that unstructured play with minimal adult supervision helps children to learn important social skills, use their imagination, concentrate and be more selfdirected.

Indoor sports You can access indoor classes for most outdoors sports such as football, cricket and tennis at leisure centres or school recreation halls.

Likewise for toddlers and preschoolers, multi-sport and ball skills classes are often run inside during winter. (www.volleyballevents.org or Facebook page: Little Giants Volleyball, www. ajcoaching.co.uk) How many is too much?

Whilst clubs and classes are important for children, be careful how many activities you sign your child up for. Some require September 2018 • Families South West 47

When choosing an afterschool club or activity in which to enrol your child, it may be worth considering drama and the performing arts if you haven’t done so before.

Some children seem to be natural performers, but, if you have a shy child, then the idea of sending them to drama lessons may seem absurd. However, joining a drama class doesn’t necessarily mean your child will be pushed onto a stage and expected to sing and dance and there are some significant benefits.

The importance of drama Academic performance A range of research studies have found that students who participate in the Arts don’t just do better in school, they perform better in areas that contribute to success outside the classroom.

Nor only do children active in the Arts demonstrate higher academic performance and test results, they are also more likely to participate in community service and be elected to class office.

Self-confidence Aspects of performing arts, especially improvisation, helps children to understand how to appraise situations, think outside the box and be more confident

going into unfamiliar situations.

Students learn to trust their ideas and abilities. Confidence gained from learning performing arts skills applies to school, career and life.

Imagination Being creative and learning to make creative choices helps students to be better at thinking of new ideas, allowing them to view the world around them in new ways. Remember Einstein said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge.”

Empathy Understanding characters, roles and the sub-text of plays and musicals allows students to relate

48 Families South West • September 2018

better to different situations, backgrounds, and cultures they encounter in real life. It encourages them to show compassion and tolerance for others.

Co-operation An effective drama programme embraces both extroverted and introverted children. Combining the creative ideas and the abilities of all participants is required for the best outcomes. This requires all those taking part to engage in discussions, feedback, rehearsing, and performance.

Concentration Playing, practicing, and performing develops the abilities and skills necessary for children to be able to focus their minds, bodies and voices.

Communication skills Performing arts improves vocal projection, articulation, tone of

By Alexa Brant speech and expression. Importantly, it also develops listening and observation skills. These skills will benefit a young person throughout their life.

Fun Drama delivers elements of play, humour, and laughter to those taking part—it improves motivation and reduces stress.

Emotional outlet Acting and drama games allow students to express a range of emotions and encourages them to understand and deal with similar feelings they may be experiencing.

Aggression and tension can be released in a safe, controlled environment—often allowing for a period of reflection afterwards.

Memory Rehearsing and performing lines and movements will improve your child’s memory. Memory requires exercise, just like a muscle!

familiesonline.co.uk

What’s On September 2108

If you only do one thing this month…

Three sat under the Banyan Tree Polka Theatre, SW19 1SB www.polkatheatre.com 28 September – 21 October

Near the foothills of the Himalayas, three orphans open a magical book under a Banyan tree. They were told the book wouldn’t give them answers but they’d learn from it, they stir a pot of milk and three stories of the forest rise from its pages. Stories of headstrong crows, old lions and devious jackals come vibrantly to life, with masks, movement and music in this fantastic collaboration with Tara Arts.

Don’t miss Polka’s first major Autumn show of 2018! Age 7+.

Diary Dates...

BBC Proms in the Park - Hyde Park www.bbc.co.uk/events 8 September Celebrate the grand finale of the two-month-long BBC Proms classical music festival, with live music, fireworks and cheery sing-alongs in Hyde Park. This spectacular annual outdoor concert is full of patriotism and British eccentricity.

Tower of London Food Festival St Katharine's & Wapping EC3N 4AB www.hrp.org.uk/Tower-Of-London 7-9 September Head to the Tower of London this September for a fabulous food and drink festival in the historic dry moat, complete with live cooking demos from top chefs such as Michel Roux Jr, plus loads of street food and drink stands.

Fostering Information Event Town Hall, Wandsworth High Street SW18 2PU 020 8871 6666 www.wandsworth.gov.uk/fostering 20 September Find out more about the possibility of fostering in Wandsworth at this informative event. 10am-12pm, 24pm and 6-8pm.

The Golden Hinde St Mary Overie Dock, Cathedral Street SE1 9DG www.goldenhinde.co.uk 8 September Night Voyage. Join the amazing nighttime adventure on the Golden Hinde and step back in time to become the new crew of Sir Francis Drake's ship on this unforgettable voyage. Be prepared for an evening of immersive role play in costumes to see if you have what it takes to be an Elizabethan sailor. Will you make it as a Gunner, Officer, or a Barber Surgeon? Find out as your new skills are put to the test when the Spanish attack.

5pm-9am the following day, £45 per person, age 6-11, children must be accompanied by an adult.

familiesonline.co.uk

GO! Organic London Festival Battersea Park www.goorganicfestival.co.uk 8-9 September Battersea Park will be transformed into a vibrant celebration of the very best in organic, sustainability and healthy lifestyles. The festival will feature a 100-stall organic marketplace, organic beer festival, a raft of big-name and up and coming bands, celebrities, talks, organic kitchen demos, a children’s farm, circus entertainment, free fun fair rides and much more.

From £13.

Zip Now London Archbishop's Park, Carlisle Lane SE1 7LE https://zip-now.co To 9 September 2018 Take a ride on one of the world’s fastest urban zip wires. Feel the wind in your hair while zooming past some of London’s top attractions, including The Shard, Big Ben and the Coca-Cola London Eye. Adrenaline seekers can climb to heights of 35m above London, before making an exhilarating 225m descent!

September 2018 • Families South West 49

See more events in our online What’s On calendar

What’s On

Foreshore Festival Fulham Palace

time to go on a dragon discovery adventure and find the five fearsome dragons located around the gardens.

Frieze London Art Fair

DC Exhibition: Dawn of Super Heroes at The O2 Peninsula Square SE10 0DX www.theo2.co.uk/events/detail/dc -exhibition-dawn-of-super-heroes To 9 September Celebrate some of the world’s greatest characters with the DC Exhibition: Dawn of Super Heroes at The O2. Explore the American comic book publisher’s history through a display of more than 200 original comic pages and 300 preparatory sketches, as well as props, costumes and models used in the blockbuster films inspired by the comics.

Fulham Palace Bishop’s Avenue SW6 6EA www.fulhampalace.org 15 September, 13 October and 17 November Young Archaeologists’ Club.

Explore the wealth of archaeology at Fulham Palace and discover the past through investigating artefacts and exploring the world around you. Age 8-16, 10.30am-12.15pm.

15 September Little Green Fingers. This handson gardening workshop is for children and their carers to explore how vegetables and flowers grow, with the opportunity to sow, plant, and care for produce and flowers in an exclusive Little Green Fingers bed. 10.30am–12pm, £10.50.

First 1000 Days of parenthood.

9.30-11.30am, entry £1.50.

Sounds and Sorcery celebrating Disney Fantasia Launcelot Street SE1 7AD www.thevaults.london To 30 September 2018 In celebration of Mickey Mouse’s 90th birthday, The Vaults’ maze of underground tunnels are transformed with a series of extraordinary installations inspired by the 1940s Disney film. This multisensory experience brings Fantasia’s classical score to life by combining new recordings of iconic songs, including The Sorcerer’s Apprentice and The Rite of Spring, with 3D projections, spectacular lighting and incredible sets.

Buckingham Palace tour: summer opening Westminster SW1A 1AA www.royalcollection.org.uk/visit To 30 September 2018 Visit the official London residence of the Queen, as Buckingham Palace opens its doors to the public. Explore the lavishly furnished State Rooms of one of the world's few remaining working royal palaces, and look out for some of the Royal Collection's greatest treasures on display.

NCT Clapham

Kew Palace

Broomwood Methodist Church, Broomwood Road SW11 6BD www.nct.org.uk/branches/clapham 22 September Nearly New Sale. Save money on quality baby and children's clothes, toys, books and equipment. Unlike competitor sales, funds raised by the NCT Nearly New Sale are used to support local parents during the

Royal Botanic Gardens, Richmond TW9 3AE ww.hrp.org.uk/Kew-Palace To 30 September Here Be Dragons Exhibition and Trail. To mark the re-opening of the Great Pagoda at Kew, little ones will be able to enter the world of dragons and dragonologists. Once you’ve learned what it takes, it’s

50 Families South West • September 2018

Regent’s Park www.frieze.com/fairs/friezemaster 4-7 October 2018 View, browse and buy world-class art from the best international galleries at the Frieze art fairs in the beautiful surroundings of Regent’s Park.

How to Move On The Divorce Show 2018 Hilton London Olympia, 380 Kensington High Street W14 www.oriongrouplondon.uk/thedivorce-show 19-20 October Meet face-to-face with experts in Finance, Law, Wellbeing and Parenting who can help demystify the divorce process and discover how to thrive post-divorce and be motivated that life can begin anew after a split. Worried about the effects of divorce on the children?

Experts will show how to become a successful co-parent and deal with all the stress and confusion within a nurturing and safe environment.

Raver Tots Halloween Rave Under 1 Roof: A Book now Kid's Urban Oasis, for this The I O Centre, 9, incredible Skeffington Street Rave SE18 6SR www.ravertots.co.uk 20 October A family rave where kids and grownups can hit the dance floor and let off some steam together!

There will be tons of kids fun including face painting, UV lights, bubbles, balloons, confetti and giant parachutes in a rave style atmosphere with some of the UK's top DJ's including residents Artful Dodger, Brandon Block, Slipmatt and Nicky Blackmarket.

The Making of Harry Potter: Behind the Seams at Warner Bros Studio Tour Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden WD25 7LR www.wbstudiotour.co.uk/behindthe-seams To 11 November Get whisked off into the world of the Costume Department at Harry Potter at this exclusive summer extra on the Warner Bros Studio tour. See costumes that haven't been seen before on the Studio Tour including those of Professor Sprout, Triwizard champion Cedric Diggory and even Lord Voldemort's robes.

Flipout Bendon Valley, Earlsfield SW18 4LZ www.flipout.co.uk Throughout September London’s biggest trampoline park with something on offer for all ages. This state of the art facility boasts brand new designs and equipment that hasn’t been seen in Europe before. Worth a trip!

Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts Graphic Art House of MinaLima, 26 Greek Street, Soho W1D 5DE store.minalima.com/house-ofminalima Throughout September Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima, the designers behind the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them movie

Somerset House Strand WC2R 1LA www.somersethouse.org.uk From 25 October Good Grief, Charlie Brown! A major new exhibition showcasing the original drawings of the cartoon’s creator Charles M. Schulz, alongside contemporary works inspired by Snoopy, Charlie Brown and the rest of the Peanuts gang. From £11.

In the Winter Wood

familiesonline.co.uk

What’s On artwork, showcase their magical designs in a free exhibition. Wind your way around the narrow staircases of the four-floor house to see walls covered in prints and graphics and take a closer look at authentic movie props on loan from Warner Bros.

The Greatest Glasshouse in the World Kew Gardens, Richmond www.kew.org Throughout September Kew’s iconic Temperate House re-opened after the largest restoration in the garden’s history.

Discover the story of the greatest glasshouse in the world, its long journey back to magnificence, and the 10,000 plants, many of which are rare and threatened, that call it home.

NCT Bumps and Babies Group Riverside Pub, St George’s Wharf SW8 2LE Every Tuesday in September Come along at 2.30pm to meet up with other pregnant people or people with babies - completely free and nice drinks available.

Contact Caroline Flint 07973 657 642, email caroline.midwife@gmail.com

Cinemas Kids’ cinemas Kids Club Film Clapham Picturehouse, 76 Venn Street SW4 0AT www.picturehouses.com/cinema/ Clapham_Picturehouse Saturdays in September Gate Picturehouse Kids Club Movies exclusively for children and their parents and carers.

7 Notting Hill Gate, Kensington W11 3JZ www.picturehouses.com/cinema/ Gate_Picturehouse Saturdays in September Screenings for kids at 10.30am on Saturday mornings.

Barbican Family Film Club Silk Street EC2Y 8DS www.barbican.org.uk/whatson/tag/framed-film-club Saturdays in September Kids’ screenings at 11am every Saturday morning.

Electric Cinema Kid’s Club 191 Portobello Road, Notting Hill W11 2ED www.electriccinema.co.uk/ portobello familiesonline.co.uk

Saturdays in September Kid’s Club screenings take place every Saturday at 9.30am. Plus Electric Scream! screenings for parents and carers and their babies under one year old on Monday mornings

Ritzy Brixton Toddler Time Brixton Oval, Coldharbour Lane, Brixton SW2 1JG www.picturehouses.com/cinema/R itzy_Picturehouse Thursdays in September Screenings at 11am every Thursday, exclusively for pre-school children and their parents or carers.

The Exhibit and Exhibit B Balham and Streatham www.theexhibit.co.uk and www.theexhibitB.co.uk Check out their website for screenings accepting children, and also brunches .

Outdoor cinemas Make the most of the warm evenings in September and sit out with the children and a few friends.

Theatre Cambridge Theatre WC2H 9HU www.uk.matildathemusical.com Throughout September Matilda The Musical. Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, Matilda revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination and the inspiring story of a girl who dares to change her destiny.

Colour House Theatre www.colourhousetheatre.co.uk SW19 2RD Every Saturday and Sunday 8 September – 11 November Wizard of Oz. Join Dorothy and her friends over the rainbow in Oz, as you travel with them along the Yellow Brick Road, all the way to the Emerald City. With the Wicked Witch of the West hot on her trail, Dorothy will need all the help she can get from her new-found friends. 2pm and 4pm, from £10.

Pop Up Screens Venues across SW London and beyond, including Fulham Palace and Ravenscourt Park www.popupscreens.co.uk To 23 September Catch a collection of the latest box office hits from 2018 including Thor: Ragnorok and Wonder Woman, Academy Award winners The Shape of Water, 3 Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri and Get Out along with new family favourite The Greatest Showman.

Plus a few old classics including Dirty Dancing, The Breakfast Club, Grease and Top Gun. From £7.

The Luna Cinema Venues include Brockwell Lido, Royal Air Force Museum, Kenwood House, Hampton Court Palace, Battersea Park and the Geffrye Museum www.thelunacinema.com To 6 October Enjoy an outdoor screening of your favourite movie in some of London’s most iconic locations.

Movies include Jaws (floating in your very own dinghy in Brockwell Lido!), Top Gun, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, Moulin Rouge, Dunkirk and The Greatest Showman.

Ben and Penguin

witch and her cat on their mission to defeat the dragon in Tall Stories magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

Enjoy songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged three and up in the Olivier Award nominated show.

From £15.

New Wimbledon Theatre SW19 1QG atgtickets.com/venues/newwimbledon-theatre 18-22 September Summer Holiday. The hit iconic 1960’s film is now the feel-good musical of the year, bringing music, laughter and fun to the stage as it becomes the happiest hit musical around. Ray Quinn stars as Don who heads on a fun packed boys trip in a London bus visiting Paris, The Alps, Italy and Greece, in search of a good time and a brilliant summer.

Omnibus Theatre

Lyric Hammersmith W6 0QL www.lyric.co.uk 8 September Penguin. Ben is delighted when he rips open his present. Inside is a penguin. Will penguin ever speak?

And when he does, was it really worth the wait?

5 October – 3 November Othellomacbeth. An audacious condensed staging of two of Shakespeare’s most brutal and poetic plays, exploring fear, jealousy, power and revenge. Two stories in which powerful men are manipulated into destroying their societies, their households, their loved ones and themselves. From £10.

SW4 0QW www.omnibus-clapham.org 4-23 September Blood Wedding. Lorca’s classic tragedy is transported to modern day London. This contemporary adaptation of passion and vendetta explosively blends grit, fate and

Lyric Theatre WC2H 8DP www.bearhuntlive.com 23 November – 13 January Room on the Broom Live. Join the

Sleepyhead

September 2018 • Families South West 51

See more events in our online What’s On calendar

What’s On

Lest We Forget, English National Ballet, Photo by ASH

claustrophobia, with a streak of dark humour. Told in a bold physical style with original live music and movement, the play also explores cultural divisions and the power of community. Age 12+.

30 Sep Sleepyhead. As soon as Dad’s out of the way, Baby gets his hands on the magic top hat, and when his

friend Rabbit shows up the fun and games really begin! Mix in some magic, a pinch of circus and a large dollop of silliness and you have the recipe for a little adventure with a lot of laughs! 11am & 2pm Age 25yrs.

Polka Theatre SW19 1SB www.polkatheatre.com 29-30 September Rise and Fall. Come and explore an ecosystem of balloons: universes in miniature. Rise and Fall is a poetic and intriguing performance for young audiences about holding on and letting go. Age 3-6.

Puppet Theatre Barge

Puppet Theatre Barge

Petersham Road (opposite 85), Richmond TW10 6UT www.puppetbarge.com To 30 September Red Riding Hood. The much-loved story of Little Red Riding Hood is given a humorous twist in the tale by prize-winning author Deborah Jones. A magical show that will enchant both children and adults alike.

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre NW1 4NU www.openairtheatre.com To 15 September Little Shop of Horrors. For the misfits of Skid Row, life is full of broken dreams and dead ends. But there’s hope on the horizon for flower shop assistant Seymour when he discovers a mysterious new plant with killer potential. Will his newfound fame and fortune win the attention of kind, sweet, delicate Audrey? Can he finally break free and be happy…whatever the consequences?

Richmond Theatre TW9 1QJ www.atgtickets.com/venues/richm ond-theatre 10-15 September Salad Days. Following rave reviews and sell out shows in London and Bath, book now for one of Britain’s best-loved and sunniest musicals.

This award-winning show is an absolute romp of polite naughtiness and saucy encounters.

3-7 October Horrible Histories - Terrible Tudors. We all want to meet people from history. The trouble is everyone is dead! From the horrible Henries to the end of evil Elizabeth, hear the legends (and the lies!) about the torturing Tudors. Find out the fate of Henry's headless wives and his punch up with the Pope. Meet Bloody Mary and see Ed fall dead in his bed.

4-7 October Horrible Histories - Awful Egyptians. From the fascinating Pharaohs to the power of the pyramids, discover the foul facts of death and decay with the meanest mummies in Egypt. Are you ready to rumble with Ramesses the Great? Dare you enter through the Gates of the Afterlife? It’s the history of Egypt with the nasty bits left in!

Sadler’s Wells Rosebery Avenue EC1R www.sadlerswells.com 20-29 September English National Ballet — Lest We Forget. To commemorate 100 years since the end of the First World War, English National Ballet revive their “moving and ambitious” (The Independent) triptych reflecting the experiences of those who fought, and those who stayed behind.

52 Families South West • September 2018

The Unicorn Theatre SE1 2HZ www.unicorntheatre.com To 6 October The End of Eddy. Born into poverty in an isolated village in rural France, a boy grows up amongst hard men and women living hard and violent lives. Bullied relentlessly for being gay, this is the story of Eddy’s struggle to understand who he is, who he might become, and of his fight to escape. For 16yrs+.

Museums, Galleries and Days Out Charles Dickens Museum WC1N 2LX www.dickensmuseum.com Last Sunday of every month Highlighting the Collection. Dropin object handling sessions throughout the historic interior of 48 Doughty Street. Discover a unique set of Dickensian curiosities from a cheque signed by Dickens, to a beautiful dolls house, an engraved snuff box and even a collection of original props from The Invisible Woman.

Cutty Sark SE10 9HT www.rmg.co.uk/cutty-sark Throughout September Insight Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2017. This exhibition displays the spectacular winning images from 2017’s competition in the Observatory’s Astronomy Centre. From distant galaxies to our very own Milky Way and neighbouring planets, the entries reflect our enduring fascination with the night sky. Free.

Hampton Court Palace KT8 9AU www.hrp.org.uk/Hampton CourtPalace Throughout September The Magic Garden.

Discover We love something new this! around every twist and turn in an immersive world populated by mythical beasts, including a 25m dragon! Take the family to become Tudor Knights, besiege the battlements, storm the Tiltyard Towers and explore a mysterious secret grotto. Included in palace admission.

familiesonline.co.uk

What’s On

SE23 3PQ www.horniman.ac.uk Throughout September World Gallery. The Horniman’s exciting new gallery opens this month, displaying over 3,000 extraordinary objects from around the globe. Free entry.

To Sunday 30 September Plonk Crazy Golf at the Horniman.

Plonk Crazy Golf is coming to the Horniman. To find out more and to book tickets go to horniman.ac.uk.

22 September Open House London 2018: World Gallery. Sarah Pollard from architects Ralph Appelbaum Associates gives a unique insight into how the spirit of the original museum building has been re-captured in the new World Gallery.

Museum of London

Museum of London

EC2Y 5HN www.museumoflondon.org.uk Sundays in September Museum Explored. Explore the galleries through fun, hands-on activities. 11am and 2pm. Plus, join a fun and engaging tour of the museum’s galleries, especially for families. Age 5+, 2-2.30pm.

Sundays in September Hands-on history. Hear incredible London stories as you touch and hold real museum objects. Age 5+, 2-4pm.

Museum of London Docklands E14 4AL www.museumoflondon.org.uk/mus eum-london-docklands Throughout September Roman Dead. In 2017 a rare sarcophagus was unearthed in London, where an ancient cemetery once stood. Discover the story behind this remarkable find in this new exhilarating exhibition.

familiesonline.co.uk

National Army Museum

V&A Museum of Childhood

SW3 4HT www.nam.ac.uk Throughout September Special Forces: In the Shadows.

Discover the elite training and extreme skills needed to make the cut as this exhibition explores the operations our Special Forces have undertaken around the world over the past 70 years. A wonderful new exhibition at this completely refurbished museum, perfect for all ages and especially for families with curious youngsters. From £4.

E2 9PA www.museumofchildhood.org.uk Throughout September Dream On. An exploration of dreams, the unconscious and an imaginary world between sleep and wakefulness.

Throughout September Century of the Child, Nordic Design for Children 1900 to Today. The 20th century’s most iconic and influential Nordic designs for children, from BRIO to LEGO, Marimekko and the Moomins have been brought together for the first time in this stunning new exhibition at the wonderful Museum of Childhood.

Natural History Museum SW7 5BD www.nhm.ac.uk Throughout September Whales Beneath the Surface. A major new exhibition exploring the extraordinary life of whales. If you haven’t seen it yet, make sure you get down there this month!

Royal Observatory Greenwich SE10 8XJ www.rmg.co.uk/royal-observatory Weekends in September Weekend Space Cadets. Family workshops related to space science and space exploration; from the International Space Station to the latest discoveries about the Solar System and the wider universe.

12.45pm, from 5+, free.

Science Museum SW7 2DD Sciencemuseum.org.uk Throughout September Wonderlab: The Statoil Gallery.

Don’t miss out on this fantastic new interactive gallery with live demonstrations and an Explainer-led experience revealing the beauty and wonder in the science and mathematics that shape our lives.

Truly fascinating! £8/£6.

From 6 October The Sun: Living with Our Star. The sun, its beauty and power have inspired us since the dawn of civilization. Set at the centre of our solar system, its brilliant light shapes our sense of time, our health and our environment. This is the story of humanity’s ever-changing relationship with our nearest star.

Art Activities

to touch and try out, plus regular activities and workshops for ages 712. Free.

National Portrait Gallery WC2H 0HE www.npg.org.uk Every third Sunday of the month Drop In Family Sundays. Drop-in with children aged 3+ to take part in portrait-related events. Free.

The Wallace Collection W1U 3BN www.wallacecollection.org First Sunday of the month The Little Draw. Meet artist Grace Holliday and use specialist drawing, handling and surface design techniques to respond to the stimulating forms and colour palettes. All ages, 1.30pm–4.30pm, free.

Sir John Soane’s Museum

Tate Britain SW1P 4RG www.tate.org.uk Dates in September Under Fives Explore the Gallery.

Experiment with a range of materials while discovering exciting routes and journeys through the galleries alongside other families.

Horniman Museum and Gardens SE23 3PQ www.horniman.ac.uk Saturdays in September.

Art Makers Have fun with different art techniques to create something fabulous to take home inspired by the Horniman’s collections or seasonal celebrations. Different themes each week. 1.30pm & 2.45pm, £3, age 3+.

WC2A 3PB www.soane.org Third Saturday of the month Free drop-in activities for all ages.

1.30-4.40pm.

The National Gallery WC2N 5DN www.nationalgallery.org.uk Every Sunday in September Family Sundays. Art activities designed for families to enjoy and learn together, 11am and 2pm, age 5-11, free.

Tate Modern SE1 9TG www.tate.org.uk Throughout September Family Friendly Art Activities. A range of free arty and crafty workshops, see website for details, free.

Dulwich Picture Gallery

V & A Museum SW7 2RL www.vam.ac.uk/families Throughout September Family Activities. Pick up a family trail from the Information Desk and explore the museum through puzzles, drawing and observation.

There are also hundreds of exciting hands-on exhibits containing plenty

SE21 7AD www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk First and last Sunday of each month Art Play. 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.

Tower of London EC3N 4AB www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london Throughout September Armoury in Action. A family friendly exhibition revealing the fascinating story of arms and the armoury at the Tower. From shooting arrows and assembling firearms to brandishing swords, a thousand years of history at the Tower is brought to life in this exciting, hands-on experience.

The End of Eddy, The Unicorn Theatre

Horniman Museum and Gardens

September 2018 • Families South West 53

See more events in our online What’s On calendar

What’s On

Babies and Toddlers BYOB Comedy Clapham, East Dulwich, Teddington, Putney, Tooting www.byobcomedy.com Dates in September Bring Your Own Baby Comedy. A funny, friendly afternoon of top comedy and you get to bring your own baby! They provide toys, baby changing, buggy parking, bottle warmers and more, so that baby is happy and you can relax and enjoy top comedy stars from the circuit and TV.

Cutty Sark King William Walk SE10 9HT www.rmg.co.uk/cutty-sark Every Wednesday in September Summer Time Toddler Time. Bring your little sailors along for songs, stories and playtime on board. 1011am, age under 4.

Horniman Museum and Gardens 100 London Road SE23 3PQ www.horniman.ac.uk Every Sunday in September A World of Stories. Enjoy stories from some of the best storytellers in London. Their tales bring the Museum’s varied collections to life and will whisk you away to faraway places and different times. Suitable for families with children aged 5+, free, 2-2.45pm and 3.15-4pm.

Every Tuesday and Wednesday in September Busy Bees. Lively sessions for under-5s. Activities include storytelling, art and craft and outdoor play. Free.

Dates in September Hands on Base: Family Activities.

Each week these fun family sessions will explore a different theme using objects from our Handling Collection, from flying animals to musical instruments.

Age 3+, free, 11am, 11.45am and 12.30pm.

Southbank Centre SE1 www.southbankcentre.co.uk Dates in September Rug Rhymes. A short session of nursery rhymes, poems and rhyming stories. Times vary.

The Graveney and Meadow SW17 9NA www.graveneyandmeadow.com Wednesdays in September Kids’ and toddlers’ arts and craft classes. See website for details.

Thursdays in September Pram Chorus. Child friendly daytime choir, 10am, £7 per adult, see website for times.

Fridays in September Rhythm n’ Babies. Music classes for babies and their carers with instruments. 9.30am, £5.

The Bedford Pub 77 Bedford Hill SW12 9HD www.thebedford.com Tuesdays and Fridays in September Baby Sensory classes and Pram Chorus. See website for details.

Plus, they are running dance classes during October half term and hold a Big Fish Little Fish kids’ and parents’ “rave” every month, featuring top DJs, craft drop ins, bubble machine and parachute dance.

Last Wednesday of every month Screaming With Laughter.

London’s original afternoon comedy club, designed for parents with babies under 1 year. See the best acts from TV and the comedy circuit without having to book a babysitter. Buy tickets at www.wegottickets.com/Screaming WithLaughter

Singing Mamas Choir South London Liberal Synagogue, Streatham / The Half Moon (Workshop Room), Herne Hill www.singingmamaschoir.com Tuesdays and Wednesdays in September, depending on venue A Community of Choirs for Women, with or without children.

Sing world songs, folk songs, gospel and more. A warm welcome awaits all singing abilities. Contact southlondonsingingmamas@gmail. com, tel 07947 609780.

Do-Re-Mi Babies Concerts Barnes, Chelsea, Fulham, Wandsworth www.doremibabies.co.uk Dates throughout September Inspirational and fun classical concerts. Babies and toddlers are welcome to crawl, dance, sing, cry, nappy change and more, so you can relax and enjoy some wonderful music. £10 per adult, children free, tickets online or on the door. Dates vary depending on venue.

Morden Hall Park SM4 5JD www.nationaltrust.org.uk Every Monday in September Little Explorers. Bring your little ones to enjoy crafts, outdoor activities, songs and stories. Little Explorers is a fun activity session for children aged 2-5, 10am, £2 per child, £1 siblings.

The Royal Albert Hall SW7 2AP www.royalalberthall.com Tuesdays and Wednesdays in September. Storytelling and Music Sessions. A series of sessions for

babies and toddlers aged 0-4, to encourage interaction between parents/carers and their little ones using musical instruments, singing, movement and stories. 10am and 11.30am, £5.

Fulham Palace SW6 6EA www.fulhampalace.org Mondays and Tuesdays in September. The Palace Explorers.

Join the Palace Explorers, weekly parent/carer and toddler sessions for children aged 2-4. £4 per child, which includes a drink and healthy snack, booking essential. 9.30am10.30am.

Kensington Palace W8 4PX hrp.org.uk/kensingtonpalace Selected Wednesdays and Saturdays in September Tiny Explorers. Explore and play in the Palace together. Discover the stories of Kensington Palace through music, movement, messy play and more. £6 per child, price includes up to two adults £5 per child for members. 10.30am – babies, 1pm – walkers, 2.30pm – walkers.

National Maritime Museum SE10 9NF www.rmg.co.uk Tuesdays in September Play Tuesdays. Embark on a museum adventure that includes trails, arty workshops, songs and stories. 10.30am, 11.30am, 1pm and 2pm.

Museum of London EC2Y 5HN www.museumoflondon.org.uk Wednesdays in September Little Moles Toddlers Group and Mini Moles Babies Group. Fun, hands-on, creative sessions for toddlers, parents and carers. 3.304.30pm, book in advance. Plus sensory, hands-on, play-based activities for you and your baby to enjoy together, 11am-12pm.

54 Families South West • September 2018

familiesonline.co.uk