Families SW London Sept 2022 issue 319 by Families Magazine

Issue 319 September 2022 familiesonline.co.uk IN THIS ISSUE After school activities School Open days MPartiesuseums and events FREE TAKEMEHOME South West

Our kids. Our Becomecommunity.afoster parent. To ﬁnd out more: Call (020) 8871 fosteringrecruitment@wandsworth.gov.ukwandsworth.gov.uk/fostering6666 Produced by Richmond and Wandsworth Design & Print • wdp@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk • CS2001(4.22) Image: Ju Photographer

September 2022 • Families South West 5familiesonline.co.uk FamiliesSWLon To advertise: 020 8696 9680 | Editorial: editor@FamiliesSW.co.uk | Adverts/Artwork: adverts@FamiliesSW.co.uk Events/DiaryDates/What’sOn: whatson@FamiliesSW.co.uk | Next Issue: October 2022 | ISSN1354-9553. | All contents ©FamiliesSW 2022. 6 & 7 10-29 15 & 21 27 31 35 38-45 46 & 47 49-55 Top ways to become a gentle activist Education Your local School news Annual family goal planner Understanding phonics Chapter books for early readers After school classes Parties What’s On Events, days out, museums, baby activities School Open days are pages 16 & 17 To tear and stick on your fridge In this issue

WAYS TO BECOME A GENTLE - BUT POWERFUL - CLIMATE ACTIVIST

by Marta Zietkiewicz

TOP

It was November 2018 and I just ﬁnished reading an article in the Guardian about the report from the UN panel on climate change. I looked outside the window and started crying. I had two small children and the report was the most alarming ever, I knew about climate change but I had no idea it was that bad. I was scared, overwhelmed, frustrated and deeply sad. I know that being responsible for two toddlers made me feel even more concerned. How could I not? Heatwaves, droughts, ﬂooding, food and water scarcity was not the kind of future I wanted for my children.

Regenerate Remember about taking time off. Action is important but too much action can lead to burnout so make sure you take time to rest and reﬂect.

I didn’t realise it back then but that November evening was the beginning of a new chapter in my life.

Activism has many faces. From being an ally to the climate movement through lobbying your MPs and councillors to volunteering for a climate group—you can choose what works best for you. Take a piece of advice from a fellow parent below. Hopefully it will make your climate activist effective but importantly fun.

Where do I start? Easy Footprint calculator: footprint.wwf.org.uk Plan smart

I embarked on a beautiful journey as a climate activist.

6 Families South West • September 2022 familiesonline.co.uk

Educate yourself Spend some time exploring the latest climate science and solutions. Understanding the issue of climate change will help you have meaningful conversations with others, including your children and will inform the kind of changes you can make to your lifestyle to reduce your impact on the climate.

Where do I start?

What can we do with all these negative feelings and emotions? Turn them into action!

I suppose many parents and carers are feeling as scared and anxious now as I did these four years ago. The record breaking heatwaves, wildﬁres and drought we experienced in Europe and the UK this summer brought it home for many.

And knowing the many ideas and technologies which can help us ﬁx this crisis is empowering, inspiring and gives hope! Where do I start?

Climate Change: The Science and Global Impact - free UN course on edX.com https://drawdown.org - a library of scientiﬁcally approved solutions

Try climatechangemakers.org

We know how to stop climate change and there is still time to do it—not much but enough if we all act and demand the same from our leaders. As the ex Unilever CEO, now turned climate advocate Paul Pollman said: “These days we all need to become climate activists.” And trust me it does not mean blocking oil tankers with Greenpeace or joining Extinction Rebellion protests, though they are also an important part of the climate movement.

Look after yourself: Slow down, read books, meditate or take walks in nature.

Their “Hour of Action” campaign asks for an hour of your time every week, educating you on each speciﬁc topic and providing tools to take action. (You can also take the 2 minutes or 10 minutes action.) Subscribe to their newsletter for suggestions of actions in your inbox.

What shall I do instead?

Consider how much time you can dedicate to climate action without overly impacting your other responsibilities and your free time. Take a step by step approach— start with simple actions and slowly take on bigger challenges if you feel you can do more.

Walk the talk Analyse your own carbon footprint and make a reasonable plan of actions you and your family can take to cut it down. Remember that this is a marathon not a sprint and there are many changes you will not be able to implement simply because they require systemic change.

Where do I start? Follow Greenpeace UK, Stop Cambo, Paid to Pollute, Just Stop Oil, Parents For Future, Friends of the Earth. Signing petitions often takes no more than 3 clicks. How satisfying is that!? 5. Share what you do Whatever you do for climate, no matter how small, talk to others about it. Share your thoughts, hopes and worries. Listen to theirs. The more we talk about the climate crisis, the less it is a taboo. The more we share about our actions, the closer we get to the tipping point of social change required for the transition.

Where do I start? Clothes rentals: ByRotation, Hurr, Rotaro. Library of Things in Morden rents out things for your home, projects and adventures. Olio app is ideal for sharing food, clothes, toys, furniture and more. Work and Play Scrapstore in Tooting offers surplus arts & crafts materials at a small monthly subscription.

Marta is a Polish national and for the last 7 years a Londoner. She has two children and joined the climate movement in 2019, ﬁrst supporting the Extinction Rebellion and then volunteering for Parents For Future. Now, she is leading the SW London chapter of the group but she also volunteers for Climate Hub Wandsworth (based in Southside Shopping centre) and helps with eco projects at her local primary school. If you're interested in joining Parents For Future SW London or just need some advice where to start please send an email to parentsforfutureSWL@gmail.com

3. Reconnect with nature

About the author...

2. Say no to consumerism. Unsubscribe from newsletters and unfollow companies and inﬂuencers on social media to avoid being overloaded with information about promotions, products, trends, seasonal must-haves—in other words things you don’t need.

Where do I start? Read “Saving Us: A Climate Scientist’s Case for Hope and Healing in a Divided World” by Katharine Hayhoe or watch her Ted Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/katharine_hayhoe_the_most_important_thing_y ou_can_do_to_ﬁght_climate_change_talk_about_it?language=en

simple actions that can make a change:

It’s time to show some love and respect for our other Mother! She will pay back in abundance.

Think before you buy. The most sustainable product is the one that you already have, can rent, borrow or repair.

5 TOP

4. Be an ally Climate activists are campaigning for a better future for all of us, very often risking their lives and livelihoods. Support them! Follow environmental organisations and activists on social media, join their online campaigns, sign petitions, and go to protests. The more of us demand a change, the bigger chance that it happens.

September 2022 • Families South West 7familiesonline.co.uk FamiliesSWLon

1. Change your bank account. Through your investments you might be unwillingly ﬁnancing fossil fuel projects. So change your bank. It’s easy, impactful and… very satisfying. Check if your bank invests in fossil fuels: https://bank.green

Where do I start? Go for long walks in nature. Do arts & crafts with conkers and dried ﬂowers with the children. Plant a tree, grow vegetables, join Balham Street gardeners who plant around tree bases or help at the local community garden like Wendelsworth Community Garden & Orchard, Bramford Community Garden, Paradise Co-op Urban Farm, Rollo Estate Community Garden, Hogsmill Community Garden. There are often fun activities going on in the autumn.

Sunday, 11th September 2022 from 11am-5pm LATEFESTIVALSUMMER Discover St. John’s Hill with its fantastic selection of restaurants, cafés, bars, pubs and nightlife; health & beauty services; fantastic independent retailers and business services. ST. JOHN’S HILL POP-UPS / ARTISAN STALLS EXERCISE CLASSES / KIDS’ ACTIVITIES DOG SHOW / LIVE MUSIC / DJs RIVERSIDE RADIO Come down and join in the Festival Fun! For more information visit www.visitclaphamjunction.com @the_junction_bid @claphamjunctionBID @BIDJunction @the_junction_bid FREE ATTENDTO

NEWS September 2022 • Families South West 9familiesonline.co.uk FamiliesSWLondon South West Issue 316 May/June 2022 FREE TAKEMEHOME IN THIS ISSUE Jubilee events Holiday activities Learn to swim What’s on locally Over eventsactivities130andforyoursummer! South West Issue 318 July/August 2022 familiesonline.co.uk FREE TAKEMEHOME IN THIS ISSUE Holiday activitiesHoliday childcareWhat do babies think?What’s on this summer Serious enquirers please email editor@familiessw.co.uk to find out more information. South West After 30 years at the helm, it is time for FSW's existing owners to move on to pastures new. An immensely fun business to run, with an existing team, involving editing, copy writing, sales, design, social media and business management. Families South West is part of the Families Magazine franchise group, established in 1990. You’ll learn all the skills required from the franchisor; apart from solid business sense, all you need is real enthusiasm and the will to run your own business, most likely from home. Could you be Families South West’s next editor and owner? Established and much loved publication is seeking new owners... Fullprovidedtraining Work flexible hours around your children Sunday 11th September This year sees the return of the St John's Hill Late Summer Festival—a day-long festival highlighting the fantastic retail, hospitality, beauty/health and service sectors based on St John’s Hill. The event, organised and sponsored by The Clapham Junction BID, will include themed areas for the different business sectors, competitions, a dog show and children's entertainment area and live music! LivingPillars™ We are thrilled to hear of the installation of 14 LivingPillars™ in the Clapham Junction area. This ground-breaking project is a harmonious combination of nature and technology, featuring sustainable planting on local lampposts, creating visually stunning pillars of flora and foliage and a biodiverse setting with bird and insect boxes. Coupled with an integrated irrigation system, driven by solar panels, and the ability to collect air quality data and the foliage will trap particulate matter, LivingPillars™ will bring colourful shrubs and plants to Clapham Junction in areas where trees cannot be planted. visitclaphamjunction.com St John's Hill Late Summer Festival

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OPENDAY Saturday 8th October 9.30 - 11.30am Talk from Headmaster, Tony Lewis at 10am Contact admissions@whitehouseschool.com to register

Open Morning Saturday 17th September Please register at kcs.org.uk AN IB AND A LEVEL SCHOOL · BOYS 7-18 · GIRLS 16-18 · 020 8255 5300 · kcs.org.uk· 12 Families South West • September 2022 familiesonline.co.uk INDEPENDENT DAY SCHOOL FOR GIRLS AGED 11-18 FamilyBig Godolphin and Latymer London W6 0PG Godolphin and Latymer Redcliffe Gardens School 47 Redcliffe Gardens London SW10 9JH PREPARATORY SCHOOL FOR BOYS AND GIRLS AGED 2½–11 BOOK A www.redcliffegardens.comTOUR: VISIT OUR www.godolphinandlatymer.comWEBSITE: Small Independent Secondary School of the Year 2020 SUNDAY TIMES

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14 Families South West • September 2022 familiesonline.co.uk idffW Valueoutstandingep LonPrDulwich tititf ucation.led eds anprovidesdon SDestinattionsaoohcSroine 202 ScAwwaalohAl r202ded rships+ rggC0admissions@dulwichpreplondon.orliamero5255667802nomaetnsoissimdAuroctntaosoongyouintomeetdk forware looW 5.30pm.rm o.30aer 9itht ey aWednesda eryytry even2023rs fotourfeering owe nre alds. Wfieplayingandwoodland five acres ofbuildingaward-winningan classes. They are housed inReceptionand Nurseryuro oe thomistes siYearEarlyOur environment angingidly chrapuro ot tadapto bilitye athndss aompal cmoraga stronwith pped, equiorlde whf ts oitizenl choughtfue tb tono oo gers whhinkt tndependene inurttur s toerttunoppe oge ranwaere o or offr r PoSwimming aandSpace OpeofAcres Tripsand ActivitiesClubs, curricularCo PlayeLevadopSoln ProductionsStage EnsemblesMusical el Everyyatt r rrtts pm7.330am700 EventsCommunity SchoolFriends andAlumni www.parsonsgreenprep.co.ukANDEXCELLENT!OURNEXTOPENDAYISONSATURDAY24SEPTEMBER2022WEOFFERINDIVIDUALTOURSEACHWEEK|1FulhamParkRoadLondonSW6 4LJ | T: 020 7610 8085

Eaton House Schools, which include a record 30 Scholarships, Awards and Exhibitions, is delighted to announce the appointment of Mrs Claire Fildes as the new Headmistress of Eaton House The Manor Girls’ School. Mrs Fildes will take up her post from September 2022.

September 2022 • Families South West 15familiesonline.co.uk

Parsons Green Prep is delighted to announce that the school has been rated Excellent in all areas of its 2022 ISI (Independent Schools Inspectorate) inspection. Following two years of Covid-19 and the disruption the entire education sector faced, this is an extraordinary achievement.

Whitgift School

Mrs Fildes has been the Deputy Head at Bute House for ﬁve years. Prior to this, she was at Kings House School in Richmond where she was Director of Teaching and Learning. She was educated at the University of Southampton and holds a Bachelor of Education. “I am delighted and honoured to be appointed as the new Headmistress,” says Mrs Fildes. “I knew from my ﬁrst visit that this was a school with extraordinary charm and an infectious energy which comes from the girls. One of the most important things for me was the strong pastoral care here at Eaton House, as I am passionate about mental health and wellbeing. The warmth, the friendliness, the buzz around school were immediately tangible.”

Here are a few of the quotes in the report: ‘Pupils have excellent attitudes to learning. They show great pride in their achievements. Pupils work extremely effectively together. Their collaborative skills are highly developed.’ ‘Leadership and management are effective in promoting a culture of pro-active and empowering learning, where excellent effort is positively celebrated.’

Established in 1985, Burntwood School has a proud ethos that every student should benefit from a rich, broad and balanced curriculum, which develops and nurtures intellectual curiosity, creativity and resilience. Excellent teaching and a commitment to a rigorous academic curriculum means that there is a culture of excellence at the school which ensures that every student can succeed and is confidently prepared for the next stage of education. They are committed to fostering students' ambition and recognise that students must be given every opportunity to maximise their potential. Helen Shorrock told Families: “We believe in creating opportunities for young people by providing an excellent educational experience which both instils core academic skills and knowledge as well as developing creativity and individuality. This is reflected in our 5 Cs, Character, Curriculum, Creativity, Community and Commitment that are at the heart our ethos.” www.burntwoodschool.com

Parsons Green Prep is an independent day school in London for 200 boys and girls from 4 to 11 years of age. www.parsonsgreenprep.co.uk.

Suzie appointedLongstaffPrincipal of the new London Park School

FamiliesSWLondon

New Headmistress for Eaton House

Incoming Head Dr Pamela Edmonds (starting September 2022) comments: ‘To achieve the highest judgement of ‘Excellent’ for the pupils’ achievements and for pupils’ personal development is an outcome that will come as no surprise to the Parsons Green Prep community.I am excited to lead the school from this exceptional platform of success.’

Suzie Longstaff is joining Dukes Education as Principal of the new London Park School. Currently Head of Putney High School, GDST, Suzie will be the founding Principal of London Park School, eventually establishing a new centre of excellence across a number of central London sites north and south of the river, and a London Park Sixth Form in Belgravia.London Park School (LPS) will provide an outstanding, innovative, forward-thinking education for 21st century students. Pupil wellbeing, character education, ﬁnancial literacy, sustainability and SEND provision will be central to the LPS ethos, plus extraordinary experiences will on offer to students, aimed at bringing learning alive, such as immersive programmes in marine conservation at sea and global climate science in the Alps. Founded in 2015, Dukes Education is a family of 45 nurseries, schools and colleges based in the UK.

SCHOOL NEWS

Whitgift is day and boarding school for boys aged 10-18 years old and winner of Independent School of the Year in 2020. Located in a serene parkland site, it has exceptional academic standards, a comprehensive pastoral support structure and a broad and vibrant co-curricular programme all complemented by outstanding on-site facilities. Through its generous bursary and scholarship scheme, Whitgift educates boys from a range of social backgrounds, producing highly accomplished, grounded, and community-minded young men. See the school Open days in our listing pages 16 and 17. www.whitgift.co.uk

Burntwood School

Eaton House The Manor Girls’ School takes girls from age 4-11yrs and is based in Clapham. www.eatonhouseschools.com

Parsons Green Prep rated Excellent in all areas

Trinity Academy Open events for Year 6-7 transition: 4/10 8:40 -10:15 am, 5/10: 8:40- 10:15 am, 6/10 57pm. 020 3126 www.trinity.futureacademies.orgadmisssions@trinity.futureacademies.org4993

L’Ecole des Petits, 3-6y, B&G Bilingual French nursery. Virtual tours on website. 020 7371 www.lecoledespetits.co.uk8350 Sinclair House, 2-11y, B&G.1:1 personal tours of the school. Book on 020 7736 www.sinclairhouseschool.com9182 Fulham School, 3-18yrs, B&G. Open day 8/10 10am-12.30pm. Individual visits also welcomed during termtime. Contact the admissions team for more admissions@fulham.schoolinformation or book your place via fulham.school Lycée Francais, 3-18y, B&G French, Bilingual & British www.lyceefrancais.org.ukcurricula.

Hampshire School, 3-13y, B&G. Open days 6/10 & 24/11. 020 7352 7077. Book www.thehampshireschoolchelsea.co.ukon

School Open Days

St Barnabas Primary and Nursery B&G. Tours and meetings with the Head are arrranged to suit individual prospective families. 020 7186 www.stbarnabasprimary.org.ukoffice@stbarnabasprimary.org.uk0152 Knightsbridge School, 4-16y, B&G. Watch the virtual tour on the 020www.knightsbridgeschool.comwebsite.75909000.

Dolphin School, 4-11y, B&G. An exciting new concept for prospective parents. Their Open House sessions on 4/10 will give prospective parents an opportunity to take part in a series of lessons such Lego robotics, creative writing or languages to experience the Dolphin approach to teaching and learning. Followed by an opportunity to meet the Senior Team, staff, pupils from the school council and current parents to ask questions.Book your place 020admissions@dolphinschool.org.ukwww.dolphinschool.org.ukonline.79243472x2

Granard Primary, 3-11y, B&G. Open Mornings 21/9 and 19/10 9.30am. See the virtual tour www.granardprimary.co.uk020https://bit.ly/GranardPrimaryTourhere:87883606

16 Families South West • September 2022 familiesonline.co.uk

The Alton Primary School, B&G. Tours of the school and nursery ﬁrst Tuesday of every month at 9.30am. Call the school to book a place on a tour 020 8876 www.altonschool.org.uk8482. Ibstock Place, 4-18, B&G. Virtual tour on website. 020 8876 www.ibstockplaceschool.co.uk9991

Sacred Heart Roehampton, Recep11y, B&G. To book a visit, send an email to the Admissions Manager roe.wandsworth.sch.uk020roe.wandsworth.sch.ukdharding@sacredheart-88767074www.sacredheartSt. Joseph's Catholic Primary, 3-11yrs, B&G. School Visits: 1:1 tours by 020admin@stjosephs.wandsworth.sch.ukwww.stjosephs.wandsworth.sch.ukappointment88741888.

St Matthew’s Primary and Nursery, B&G. Tours and meetings with the Head are arrranged to suit individual prospective office@stmwschool.org.ukfamilies. or 020 7504 0500 www.stmwschool.org.uk Pimlico Academy Open events for Year 6-7 transition: 20/9 4:30-7pm, 27/9 9am-10:30 pm, 4/10 9am10:30 pm 020 7828 admissions@pimlico.futureacademies.org0881www.pimlico.futureacademies.org

Prince’s Gardens Prep, 3-11y, B&G. Tours or virtual visits by appointment 020 7591 www.princesgardensprep.co.uk4620 St Philip’s School, 7-13yrs, B. To arrange a visit please contact the Registrar, Mrs Kaye, 020 7373 www.stpschool.co.ukf.kaye@stpschool.co.uk3944

Ernest Bevin College B, 11-16yrs, Sixth Form is co-ed. Open Evening 28/9 5.30-7.30pm and the Open Mornings are 9-11am on 30/9 and 7/10. Visitors do not have to book in https://ernestbevin.londonadvance.

Emmanuel School, 10-18yrs, Co-ed. Autumn Term Open Day (10+ and 11+ applicants) 29/9. Sixth Form Open Evening (16+ applicants) 21/9 Book your place www.emanuel.org.ukonlineIf you are considering admission in September 2024 or later, please do not sign-up to attend at this time. Shaftesbury Park, Nur-11y, B&G. French bilingual & Enterprise. Contact the school. 020 7228 www.shaftesburypark.wandsworth.sch.uk3652

La Retraite RC G 11-18yrs. Open day 24/9 9am-1pm. Open mornings 4/10 & 12/10 9.15-12pm. Sixth Form Open morning 24/9 9am www.laretraite.co.uk-1pm. St Paul’s School, B, 13-18 yrs, St Paul’s Juniors, B, 7-13 yrs. Open Day 10/9 for 11+, 13+ and 16+. For general admissions information 020www.stpaulsschool.org.ukadmissions@stpaulsschool.org.ukemail87489162

The Roche School, 2-11y, B&G. Open mornings 24/9, 14/10, 16/11 & 20/1/23. 9.15am-noon. 020 8877 www.therocheschool.com0823

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Lambeth Nursery School’s Federation, 2-4y, B&G. Free nursery places available. See websites for information and to apply: Effra, SW2 www.ethelrednursery.org.ukEthelredwww.trianglenursery.orgTrianglenursery.lambeth.sch.ukMaytreeHolmewoodwww.effra.lambeth.sch.uk,SW2www.holmewoodnurseryschool.org.uk,SW4www.maytree-,SW4,SE11

Eaton House Schools, B&G. 3-13yrs. Book a visit www.eatonhouseschools.comon or contact Head of Admissions on 0203 917 5050. Harris Academy, Open evening: 5/10 4.30–7.30pm. Open mornings: 7/10, 10/10 and 13/10 9–10.30am 0204 513 9350 www.harrisclapham.org.uk Parkgate House School, 2.5-11yrs, Co-ed. Open Morning 30/9 9:3011am. To admissions@parkgate-school.combook: or phone 020 7350 www.parkgate-school.co.uk2461. Parsons Green Prep, 4-11y, B&G. Open day 24/9 9.30am. Individual tours each week. Book on 020 7610 www.parsonsgreenprep.co.ukadmissions@parsonsgreenprep.co.uk8085

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary, 3-11y, B&G. Contact the school on 020 7589 www.stjosephs.rbkc.sch.uk2438

Cameron Vale, 2-11yrs, B&G. To arrange a tour please admissions@cameronvaleschool.comcontact

Burntwood Academy, 11-18y, G. Year 7 open events: 21/9 6pm, 29/9 9am and 4/10 9am. 020 8946 6201 Register via the www.burntwoodschool.comwebsite

Finton House School, 4-11yrs, B&G. Open morning October, date not known at time of going to press. Private tours with the Head of Admissions or Head of Marketing. To visit book via www.ﬁntonhouse.org.ukwebsite Wandsworth Prep, B&G Open morning not known at time of going to press. Contact the school to ﬁnd out more. wandsworthprep.comoffice@ 020 8870 4133 www.wandsworthprep.com

The White House School, 6m-11y B&G. 8/10 9.30-11.30am. Talk from Headmaster, Tony Lewis at 10am. www.whitehouseschool.comoffice@whitehouseschool.comtoadmissions@whitehouseschool.comContactregister.

An independent education Open Day events are varied across the education sector, ranging from appointment-booked only, to online tours, as schools make the safest decisions for their pupils, staff and visitors. Check the school websites for admissions criteria, scholarships and bursaries, and the latest information for visitors. Please check direct with the schools concerned in case things have changed. Please mention Families SW.

Redcliffe Gardens School, 2.5-11yrs, B&G. Personal tours and a meeting with the Head can be booked via www.redcliffeschool.com

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James Allen’s Girls, 4-18y, G. PrePrep and Prep Open Mornings 1/10. Senior School 21/9 and 11/10. Sixth Form 1/10. They also offer weekday tours at both the Junior and Senior School as well as webinars and taster days for the Senior School. 020 8693 1181 Booking required via www.jags.org.uk Alleyn’s Junior School Open Events: 17/9 10am-12 pm and 12/10 1011.30am. Alleyn’s Senior School Open Days: 14/9 (11+) afternoon, 20/9 (16+) evening, 24/9 (11+ & 16+) morning and 12/10 (11+) afternoon. Book your place via the website www.alleyns.org.uk Sydenham High School, 4-18y, G. Book online: 020 8557 www.sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net7004 Whitgift, 10-18 B. Open morning 24/9, selection of times. 29/9 ticketed event, Also small group tours on 4/10, 12/10, 1/11. Booking required. 020 8633 9935 www.whitgift.co.uk

Kingswood School, Co-ed. Open morning 17/9 Please book online. www.kingswoodhouse.org

The Laurels, 11-18yrs, G. Open day 11+ & 13+ 2023 Entry. 24/9, 9.30am12.30 pm. Small groups and family visits available. Register www.thelaurelsschool.org.ukadmissions@thelaurelsschool.orgto The Rowans School, 3-7yrs, B&G. To book a tour contact the Registrar: 020registrar@rowans.org.uk89468220www.rowans.org.uk

Our Lady Queen of Heaven, 5-11y, B&G. See the virtual tour on website. 020 8788 worth.sch.ukwww.ourladyqueenofheaven.wands7420

Dulwich College Please visit the Admissions section of the website to book a www.dulwich.org.uk/admissionsplace. or call the Junior school 020 8299 8432. Open events for entry into years 3-6 (ages 7-10yrs). - Open Morning 8/10, two sessions starting at 9.30am and 10.45am for entry to Year 3, 4 and 5 for September 2023. - Open Afternoon 2/11 1.30pm to 3.30pm for entry to Year 3, 4 and 5. Open events for entry into Year 7 - Open Mornings for entry to Year 7 in 2023. 13/9, 10.15am, 23/9 10.15am, 13/10 10.15am 1/10 8.45am, 10.15am or 11.45am. Families looking for entry to Year 7 in 2024 will be able to book a visit from April -Year2023.9Open Afternoons 14/9 2pm and 27/9 2pm. Visits will be for families looking for entry to Year 9 in 2025 via deferred entry or late entry to Year 9 in 2023. Families looking for entry to Year 9 in 2026 via deferred entry or late entry to Year 9 in 2024 will be able to visit us from May 2023. Dulwich Prep, 3-13yrs, B. Check online as all open events we saw were fully booked at the time of going to admissions@dulwichpreplondon.orgorwww.dulwichpreplondon.orgpress.email

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The Study Wimbledon, 4-11y G. Open morning 1/10. Visits booked via 020 8947 www.thestudyprep.co.uk6969

Royal Russell School, 3-8yrs, Co-ed. Whole school Open Morning 24/9, bookable online. Tours start from 8:30am and are subject to availability.www.royalrussell.co.uk Heathfield School, day, weekly and boarding, G, 11-18yrs. Whole Open morning 8/10 9.45-12. Sixth Form 28/9 6-8pm. To book www.heathfieldschool.netadmissions@heathfieldschool.netemail King Edward’s School, B&G, 3-18yrs. Senior, Junior and Pre-prep open morning 8/10, sixth form open evening 7/10. Register at kesbath.com or call 01225 820 399. Kingswood school. Sixth Form open evening www.kingswood.bath.sch.uk28/9.

TTeele hone: +44 (0)20 8633 9935p King’s College, 7-11yrs, B. Sixth form is co-ed. Whole school open morning, 17/9. Book your visit online www.kcs.org.uk Hall Wimbledon, 4-18Y, B&G. Open day 27/9 Open Afternoon (whole school) 2-4pm. 8/10 Open Morning (whole school) 9:30-12. 10/10 Sixth Form Open Afternoon 2-4pm. Book your place on website. 020 8394 6144 www.hsw.co.uk

18 Families South West • September 2022 familiesonline.co.uk START YOUR ADVENTURE HERE... SIXTH FORM OPEN EVENING FRIDAY 7 TH OCTOBER SENIOR, JUNIOR & PRE-PREP OPEN MORNING SATURDAY 8TH OCTOBER For Ages 3-18. Please register at kesbath.com or call 01225 820 399 ISI EXCELLENTinspection SIXTH FORM OPEN EVENING Wednesday 28 September 6pm – 8pm WHOLE SCHOOL Saturday 8 October 9.45am to 12 noon Day and Boarding for Girls 11-18 To book email:

September 2022 • Families South West 19familiesonline.co.uk FamiliesSWLon A co-educational independent school for nine months – 18 years in Bath www.kingswood.bath.sch.uk Renowned for our warm and welcoming community, Kingswood offers an exceptional education of depth and breadth. Visit us to ﬁnd out more. Sixth Form Open Evening Wednesday 28 September - Register now Senior School Open Morning Saturday 1 October - Register now ycuriosit hee tindlK ir l’sPauStUniquely ishy wher twhoeve ey to bpportunite oh– t iscover, drowe to gdriv Iﬂtheirimaginationandfue.Ws’luatPtShasiruoninraeslevonlorsuofyiortojeirraobsneirehtoissimeere%f00pto1unsadnuorgkcalblmaorfrolfoohcsassi’luatPS come bnandexploreriehlteetinglil’ll’yeh,tg.sgunierusnntoereffeodwsyotbhgir s CAY AAYE WHG TLEADIN A Lonsdale Road, London SW 020admissions@stpaulsschoo87489162 stpaulsschool.org. E0 Y0R 5VER OOY FDEMICALLYL 13 9JT l.org.uk uk ENTRYARS ANFOR10SOPENED 6+D 1N+ A3, 11+, 1+, 8+T 7ATY A 11+,PTEMBERDAAYYON13+16+ENTRY

20 Families South West • September 2022 familiesonline.co.uk For further application information please visitwww.wandsworth.gov.uk/admissionsApplyingforaplacein a Wandsworth School for September 2023? (6.22)AD1212b DGLimagesProductions,SDIImages: Choose a Wandsworth Secondary School Closing date for applications for September 2023: 31 October 2022 Choose a Wandsworth Primary School Closing date for applications for September 2023: 15 January 2023 co dist , tasayy,po enday hit us tVisi e torgo ft frs oea35 y1 ore:r move ourr tn ossioer sest nr aon futums a ath.wn pr ohei rlsg giinoweremp sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net

The app is completely free for all students involved, with the innovative platform paving the way for a new model of highly scalable, 1:1 mentoring that promises to help students catch up and get ahead after COVID. To date, Colet Mentoring has delivered more than 3000 free and unlimited 1:1 help sessions to students across the country and as far aﬁeld as South Sudan with the support of Kusuma Trust.

Little roundup of school news... St Paul’s School is one of the UK’s leading independent schools, offering an outstanding all-round education for bright boys from all backgrounds. Through the school’s bursary programme, St Paul’s offers up to 100% fee remission to ensure there is no ﬁnancial barrier to joining for those who meet the school’s academic Beyondrequirements.thein-person support, St Paul’s pupils also participate in mentoring through a ﬁrst-ofits-kind peer learning app, Colet Mentoring Named after the school’s founder and with support from the Mercers Company, the app was pioneered by St Paul’s in conjunction with EdTech start-up, EasyA. It allows students to learn from and support one another safely right from their smartphones. Students learn via a combination of messages, pictures and a virtual whiteboard.

September 2022 • Families South West 21familiesonline.co.uk FamiliesSWLondon EDUCATION

Why timeless values such as kindness are an integral part of a modern education by Alexander Thomas, Head Master, St Philip’s School. The lightweight, low-data format makes the mentoring accessible to most students, including those who have limited internet connections that don’t permit video sessions.

St Philip Neri, the patron of St Philip’s is our model here. ‘In dealing with our neighbour,’ he said, ‘we must assume as much pleasantness of manner as we can, and by this affability will win him to the way of virtue.’ http://stpschool.co.uk

Where did this boy’s kindness come from? Aside from a naturally pleasant disposition, it came from home, of course, and the values instilled in him by his parents. It is no coincidence that schools emphasise their values so clearly—they understand their importance to parents.

The Hampshire School now offers year round nursery

The school is proud to announce that they now provide year-round nursery to support in your child's development. They say: “We believe that a happy, resilient and conﬁdent child will make excellent progress in all aspects of their daily lives. A strong partnership with parents, based on clear two-way communication, will provide the best learning environment for all pupils and ensure that they feel safe, listened to and cared for.” To arrange a visit and to meet pupils and staff, please call 020 7352 7077 or email admissions@thehampshireschoolchelsea.co.uk

Children notice kindness and appreciate it, and if they beneﬁt from it they are more likely to treat others in a similar way. Developing this culture takes time and patience but is important work, and not only is this more authentic than any red-letter awareness day, it is also more effective.

One Monday last year, a boy arrived for school at St Philip’s clutching a parcel containing a fresh whole trout. He had caught it the previous day and was delivering it to me – because he thought I might ‘appreciate it.’

A trial by independent educational evaluation charity ImpactEd revealed that, in comparison to the control group, students who actively engaged with Colet Mentoring increased their motivation by 19%, their team-working by 16%, and their Toimprovedwell-beingby9.5%.signyourchildup to a free trial on the Colet Mentoring app, please use the QR code: St Paul’s School: unlimited 1:1 mentoring via an app

Located in an iconic building in Chelsea, the school provides the foundations for each child’s love of learning to ﬂourish within a nurturing and caring ethos. The School motto, ‘Alte Spectemus’ reﬂects their commitment to high aspirations in all aspects of the educational provision.

As children move onto senior schools, they are certain to be confronted with all manner of demanding situations. If they are to navigate these wondrous but challenging years with any degree of success, they will need to call on their values and make wise choices along the way; they will need to take responsibility for their actions and the affect that they have on others, and this will need to be second nature.

22 Families South West • September 2022 familiesonline.co.uk 200 pupils at Dulwich have free or subsidised places Pupils are encouraged to be and do Bursarieseverythingofupto 100% and Academic Scholarships of up to one third of full fees are available. Find out more and how to apply by scanning the QR code. Entry into Years 3-6 (ages 7-10) Mrs Polly Twisk, Junior School Admissions 020 8299 junioradmissions@dulwich.org.uk8432 Entry into Year 7 and Year 9 (ages 11 and 13) Mrs Sarah Betts and Mrs Alison Williams 020 8299 the.registrar@dulwich.org.uk9263 Join us at our Open Events Book your place dulwich.org.uk/admissions e.oud to be non-selectivuring and prtnur e school, alessivogre and prWeeareacreativ lwways

As a head, I was drawn to the school’s ethos and embedded values: recognising the potential, talents and achievements of each child, providing opportunity for all to ﬂourish, encouraging a supportive family ethos and maximising the beneﬁts of personalised education. I knew I wanted to lead a standalone, independent London prep school which values as much as I do the importance of the wellbeing of all members of the community as the foundation of successful learning and achievement.

PGP’s 2022 ISI inspection report captures this approach and the excellence witnessed every day by members of the school community.

Q. How do you think a head teacher can make a difference to an individual student?

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I would wish pupils to describe me as approachable, fair and kind. Someone who cares deeply about their wellbeing, is interested in what sparks their curiosity, acknowledges their opinions and acts to ensure that their ambitious aims are met across the breadth of academic, sporting, music and co-curricular activities.

Q. How would the students describe you?

Q. What is your best impression, so far, of Parsons Green Prep? Walking the corridors of the school during my many visits, I could not help but notice the tangible sense of vitality, endeavour, curiosity and creativity as happy children, of all ages, embraced the learning opportunities presented to them by teaching staff who clearly love, and are invested in, going the extra mile for the pupils in their care. The school’s distinctive character, often described as a village school in London, is as local and diverse as London itself and creates a family feel that leaves a lasting, incredibly positive, impression. I could not have had a warmer welcome.

A head teacher can make fundamental differences to each individual pupil in a myriad of ways, not least by establishing a school culture, underpinned by the school’s core values, which empowers everyone to be the best they can be. We have a responsibility to enable pupils to develop the skills, emotional intelligence, Growth Mindset and knowledge of how to learn for an ever-changing, globally interdependent world. PGP’s strong emphasis on English, maths and science is enhanced by a robust STEAM programme to fulﬁl this objective. Securing ﬁrst choice senior school places for all our 11+ leavers is a top priority and, as an experienced London Head, I have close links with the Heads of senior schools and extensive knowledge of the changing landscape of London and regional admissions processes.

September

Q. What was it about the school that made you want to apply for the position?

Q. What are you most looking forward to about your role?

Join Dr Edmonds, the staff and pupils at Parsons Green Prep School for their next Open Day on Saturday 24 September at 9.30am. To book a place or arrange an individual tour, please contact us by email at admissions@parsonsgreenprep.co.uk or by telephone on 020 7610 8085. A warm welcome awaits. To ﬁnd out more about Parsons Green Prep visit the website www.parsonsgreenprep.co.uk PGP was rated ‘Excellent’ by the ISI in May 2022

I am honoured to be appointed as the next Head of PGP. I look forward to getting to know the pupils, staff and parents in the months ahead and to building on the excellent foundations of teaching and learning through an exciting, broad and vibrant curriculum that will continue to maximise pupils’ attainment as they strive to achieve their absolute best. Parsons Green Prep has an exciting future ahead and I am thrilled to be a part of it.

Following extensive teaching and leadership experience in London, internationally, as head of St Cedd’s School and, more recently, The Hampshire School Chelsea, which received the highest rating of ‘Excellent’ from ISI in May 2022, Dr Pamela Edmonds joins Parsons Green Prep (PGP) as head in September 2022. familiesonline.co.uk 2022 • Families South West 23FamiliesSWLondon

Dr Pamela Edmonds Head Parsons Green Prep

Meet head feature

THE

PARKGATE HOUSE SCHOOL A leading independent co-educational preparatory school and nursery for children aged 2½ - 11 in Clapham, London - rated Outstanding in every category by Ofsted, 2022 OPEN MORNING Friday 30th September 2022 9:30 - 11:00am To book places at our Open Morning, please contact Admissions on 020 7350 2461 or email admissions@parkgate-school.co.uk

From the moment you enter the purple gates, the sense of homeliness is palpable, and as one of their Prep pupils, Georgie, remarks: “Everyone here knows you – it’s like we are all one big family”. This enables each child to ﬂourish and develop within a supportive, nurturing community, whilst always being encouraged to set and reach aspirational goals and challenges. By Prep 6, pupils are well-prepared for and conﬁdent about moving to their preferred senior school, whilst also looking back on their time at Parkgate House with fond memories.

The staff at Parkgate House have a wealth of experience when it comes to supporting pupils and families during the senior school application process. Indeed, during our Grand Assembly at Cadogan Hall, Prep 6 pupils enjoyed giving their own reassuring advice to pupils in the year below. Alice said: “in the end it is all worth it… Prep 5, you’re going to be alright and all the staff here will help you to get into your dream school”. 85% of our Prep 6 pupils were awarded a place at their ﬁrst choice senior school, and nine scholarships were awarded to this year’s cohort—we are very proud of their outstanding achievements, which are well-deserved.

Ethos and atmosphere It is always difficult to provide a true sense of the School’s ethos on paper, and we would love to welcome you for a tour or an open morning so you can experience the special Parkgate House spirit in person. In the meantime, though, we hope our pupils’ words will provide a sense of life at Parkgate from their perspective: “Parkgate House feels like my second family” –Stefania “Parkgate House is such an inclusive community for everyone” – Orlando “Coming to school every day is such a joy for me” – Antonia “All the lessons are really fun” – Evie “There is a kind atmosphere, but the School also encourages an amazing work ethic” –Amelia “The teachers always inspire me to try my hardest, and help if I’m feeling worried about anything” – Vittoria

“I will miss everything about Parkgate House!” –Rupert

“My favourite subject is IT, because I love coding and designing” –Simran 11+ preparation

September 2022 • Families South West 25familiesonline.co.uk FamiliesSWLondon

“My favourite subject is English, because I love to be creative and to express myself through my writing” – Antonia “Art is great, because you can be creative and express yourself” – Coco “I love Science because I like doing experiments, and seeing chemical reactions and explosions!” – Rupert “I like Drama, because I can set myself free and become a different character” – Violet “I really like Biology because I love learning about animals and plants, and I especially enjoyed holding the chicks!” –Vittoria

Here, Parkgate House shares the thoughts of their Prep pupils: Specialist teaching Our broad curriculum with specialist teaching all the way from the Nursery up to Prep 6 enables pupils to explore their interests and passions from an early age, and these often evolve on their journey through Parkgate House. Recently, Prep pupils enjoyed reﬂecting on their favourite subjects: “Maths is my favourite subject, as it makes you feel great when you solve a problem. I also love sport, because you can exercise whilst also having heaps of fun!” – Orlando

Parkgate House School –in the words of their pupils Parkgate House School combines the individual, bespoke approach of a small school with the opportunities and ambitions of a bigger school. Experience Parkgate House by attending their Open Morning, Friday 30th September, 9:30-11:00am. Parkgate House School80 Clapham Common Northside, London SW4 9SD. To book www.parkgate-school.co.ukoradmissions@parkgate-school.co.ukemail:phone02073502461

“My favourite subject is Music – I enjoy learning instruments like the ukulele and the recorder, and singing Queen songs for our show” –Stefania

26 Families South West • September 2022 familiesonline.co.uk

is a thriving Academy for Girls which has an established tradition of academic success, providing a relevant and challenging education which enables all members of our school community to reach their full potential. 'Pupils understand that leaders and staff want them to be successful. They know that high expectations are set. Pupils respond to this challenge by achieving well in their studies' Ofsted, March 2020 YEAR 7 OPEN EVENTS Open Evening Wednesday 21st September 6pm Open Mornings Thursday 29th September 9am Tuesday 4th October 9am For more information or to register your place at an event, visit www.burntwoodschool.com ‘The best education today for the women of tomorrow’

Burntwood

Look on apps like UDEMY or YouTube for tutorials and webinars to develop your software skills. Many of these can be done at any time and are free. Post a link to the course in your calendar.

Text three friends you haven’t see for ages and invite them around or arrange some fun, grown up nights out/or lunches for you and your friends.

By October half term

Family Now Put term dates into your phone, calendar or planner for the whole Printyear. and pin up a weekly timetable for o ice hours, school timings, pick up and drop o arrangements, homework and clubs/activities (including your own).

Have a family meeting to talk about household rules, consequences and Searchrewards.online for trips or activities that you could all do together. Book next year’s summer holiday.

Declutter and clear the decks: bag up old clothes, toys and electricals and take them to a charity shop or recycling bin. Post any large or valuable items on Ebay or Facebook

Order or borrow any tools or materials needed for your first DIY jobs. Start the first job on the DIY list. Early next year Complete most of the jobs on the DIY list. Call in a decorator, handyman or gardener to finish any jobs left undone.

Start Christmas planning; set budget, list presents.

Try something new: it might be superinteresting or satisfyingly creative but remember that anything that fits your schedule can open the door to opportunities and friendships.

Sign up to a class, group or activity. Search by area and activity using apps like Meet Up, Class Pass and Eventbrite. Buy the necessary kit or equipment for your activity.

Familiesonline.co.ukFamilies XXX2 Ellie’s parent goal plannerEllie’s parent goal planner OUTCUTANDKEEPü

Work not going well? Update your CV and test the water by posting it on a jobs website.

Print a blank monthly calendar for the family pinboard, ready to add any one-o events and holidays. Book dentist appointments and all haircuts for the year ahead.

Compile a rotating weekly meal plan for the term ahead.

As school re-opens and we settle back into routine, here’s a planner from writer and parent, Ellie Malt, designed to help everyone in the family focus on their annual goals. Ellie suggests pinning it up to keep everyone’s goals in sight!

Early next year Have the talk: tell your employer or clients about any new skills you’ve gained in the last year and tackle tricky subjects like letting your employer know you’re keen to get promoted or informing your clients about price rises.

Early next year

Arrange long distance trips to see family and friends.

Refresh your social media and online profiles, update any pages that might be seen by a customer, recruiter or potential employer.

By October half term

Early next year Head, Heart and Hands represent the three aspects of you that need equal attention. Write down each of these three words at the top of a column. List your daily activities under each heading. Typically, one of these columns will be shorter than the rest. Find a personalised goal that adds something to the shortest column!

Schedule a weekly reminder for your food shopping order into your personal calendar. By October half term

Work Now

Which new qualification would get you that promotion at work? Courses run by colleges tend to start in the autumn so research and book now. By October half term

TakeMarketplace.aninventory of your house and garden and make a note of necessary home improvements. Prioritise the top three jobs and note the steps to achieve each one, who will take them and when. Pin up your lists where everyone can see them. Older kids can get involved too.

Home Now

Self Now

28 Families South West • September 2022 familiesonline.co.uk James Allen’s Girls’ School Autumn Open Events Find out more about JAGS including our free and subsidised places. BOOK ONLINE jags.org.uk A Passion for Life and Learning since 1741 Families_magazine_87x130.indd 106/07/2022 09:14 FUTUREACADEMIESOPENDAYYS A O PIMLICACADEMY TRINITYACADEMY Y

September 2022 • Families South West 29familiesonline.co.uk FamiliesSWLon Via Ciceronis Give your child the opportunity to go on a journey through the Classical World! Spark Curiosity! Learn about the self and the World We Live In! Find Out More At: www viaciceronis com vi aciceronis@gmail.com Classics Reading and Tuition St Mary's RC Primary School Part of the Federa on of Sacred Heart and St Mary’s Catholic Primary Schools (Ba ersea) We would love to welcome you to our family. We are a thriving and ac ve Catholic School community celebra ng over 100 years in Ba ersea. Primary School including Nursery Class. Breakfast Club and A er School care provision available on site. Contact the School or check our website to ﬁnd out about our Open Days. 7 St Joseph’s Street, Ba ersea SW8 4EN 020 7622 5460 admin@st marys pri.wandsworth.sch.uk Twi er @StMarys_SW8 Sacred Heart RC Primary School Part of the Federa on of Sacred Heart and St Mary’s Catholic Primary Schools (Ba ersea) We would love to welcome you to our family. Celebra ng over 150 years in Ba ersea. Nursery Classes, Breakfast Club and A er School care provision available. Contact the School or check our website to ﬁnd out about our Open Days. Este Road, Ba ersea. SW11 2TD admin@sacredheart ba ersea.wandsworth.sch.uk 0207 223 5611 Twi er @Sacred_Heart_1 Nurturing, community-centred, one form entry nursery and primary school with extensive grounds

WORLD Ever

Interna

30 Families South West • September 2022 familiesonline.co.uk Attainment and progress in key stage 2 is consistently well above average. A calm and WrapAnAPupilsenvironmentnurturingdevelopwellacademicallyandpersonallycurriculumtailoredtotheneedsandinterestsofourpupilsabundanceofspacearoundcareserviceprovidingbeforeandafterschoolcareFor in year admissions and for Sep 2023 Reception class, call our office to arrange a personal tour with our Headteacher. For more information visit: www.stgabrielsprimary.co.uk Churchill Gardens Road, Pimlico, SW1V 3AG Tel: 0207 186 0080 Email:office@stgabrielsprimary.co.uk Applying for a place at St Gabriel’s? For more informa on please contact Caroline Lloyd, Guardianship Manager caroline@collegeguardians.co.uk • +44 (0) 1684 581600 www.collegeguardians.co.uk

COLLEGE GUARDIANS YOUR CHILD THE MOST IMPORTANT PERSON IN THE Thought of Hosting an tional Student? are currently seeking host families to look after children attending boarding school in the UK whose parents are based overseas. hosts look after the children during some half term holidays and occasional weekends. Dates of stays will depend very much on the school that the child attends. exchange for your hospitality you will receive a generous compensation package as well as the invaluable experience that hosting an international student can bring to you and your family.

Our

Where every day is a learning adventure • OutstandingTeamLeadership • Wraparound care • Full enrichment programme Contact us for limited number of spaces available in year groups across the schools Follow us on Instagram@cchtfederation Christ Church School 1 Robinson Street London, SW3 4AA 0207 352 5708 info@ccht.rbkc.sch.uk Holy Trinity School Christ Church and Holy Trinity C of E Schools 1 Cadogan Gardens, London, SW3 2RN 0207 881 9860 htinfo@ccht.rbkc.sch.uk SCHOOL VISITS 1:1 tours by appointment with the Admissions Registrar

For example, say separate sounds, a bit like a robot, and get your child to blend them together to make the word. You can do this in sentences e.g. put on your ‘c’, ‘oa’, ‘t’ or let’s go to the ‘p’, ‘k.’’,‘ar Try I spy with whole words split up or hide some pictures for children to hunt for. The idea is you say the sounds of the object in the pictures separately and they blend them so they know what they are hunting!

If the thought of supporting your child with phonics fills you with dread, never fear! There is one simple thing you can do which will help them beyond your expectations: reading!

Read as often as you can, whether it’s stories, poems, cookery books, magazines - anything you have or see! Allow your child to ask questions and talk about what they understand along the Thinkway. about reading as sharing a book with your child rather than them always sitting quietly and listening. By talking about the words and language and explaining meaning, children learn and understand more.

Once children have learned the separate sounds, they then have to ‘blend’ them together to make the full word. For example, they hear or read ‘c’, ‘a’, ‘t’ and need to put the sounds together to make ‘cat.’ This skill can be a real stumbling block for children because they are working so hard to recognise the sounds that they can’t put them together easily.

03/08/2022 09:57 EDUCATION

• Practise blending - this can be the key to unlock entry to ‘the club!’

Phonics is one of those things that feels like a secret clubsome people understand it and to others it’s gobbledegook! If you have a child at school, they’re part of ‘the club’ and they may look askance at you when you ask what a digraph or blending is.

• Read, read, read!

For example, ‘i’ can sound short as in ‘fish’ or have a longer find.’‘in‘eye’likeTheresound are di erent groups of letters that make sounds: a digraph is two letters that go together to make one sound e.g. ‘ch’ in Achop.trigraph is three letters together making one sound e.g. ‘ear’ in .’ develop their knowledge, they build up and put together all of the sounds they recognise in order to read and write.

Top Tips • Practise recognising the sounds.

Reading to and with your child is the single most impactful thing you can do to help their reading, writing and language skills to develop. By being read to, children hear new words, learn the flow of language and develop their understanding of grammar.

English is a tricky language and sometimes the same letters make di erent sounds.

Read, read, read!Blending can be the key

Oral blending is the skill to practise here. Oral blending means hearing separate sounds and putting them together without reading the letters too. It’s really helpful to practise lots of oral blending with your children from as young as the age of 2.

As‘nearchildren

By Emma Lewry

As children develop in their phonics ability you will find they want to help you read and you can work together to read a text.

• If you’re stuck or worried, ask your child’s school for help. Supporting children learning to read can be as frustrating as it is magical.

• Help children to spot when two or three letters work ‘light.’in‘igh’and‘rain’in’‘aie.gsoundonemaketotogether • Your child will be taught phonics in a specific way at school so ask them to teach you. It’s a great way for them to test their understanding.

For you and anyone who has a child due to start school, here are some tips to get you both closer to full admittance of the phonics club! What is phonics?

I hope these tips help you joining the Phonics Club!

Emma Lewry is an Early Years teacher, headteacher and mother of two. Emma co-owns Every Day’s a School Day (www.edasd.co.uk) which guides families through starting school with courses, groups and a school starters planner.

September 2022 • Families South West 31familiesonline.co.uk FamiliesSWLondon phonicsUnderstanding

Phonics is a way of teaching children to read and later write. It is based on the fact that letters and groups of letters make sounds and when we put those sounds together they make words.

You can help to shift your child’s focus from anxiety and fear to something more comforting. You can even create a safety blanket in their minds. This helps to pull them out of their temporary intense and frightening experience and back into the familiar world around them.

Educate your child Panic attacks can be crippling but knowledge is power. Young people can be anxious about a range of issues at once, some of which may not seem logical. For instance, many children feel self-conscious and believe that people are judging or laughing at them, despite having no evidence of this. When they have a panic attack, some children may even believe that they are dying. Tell them they are not alone. Clarifying that panic attacks are common and normalising them can help children feel less isolated, abnormal or damaged. Teach your child that despite how it feels, these episodes aren’t dangerous or life-threatening. Reassure them that panic attacks are finite; they will always end. Take charge of the situation During a panic attack, your child will feel like they are losing control. It’s imperative to maintain equanimity and fight our impulses to show our own distress and anxiety. We need to model calmness by taking charge of the situation and not dramatising or over-medicalising it. Talk to your child in a gentle and reassuring voice and remind them that the panic attack will be over soon. This will make them feel safer and they might model your behaviour, which could quickly pull them out of the sinking quicksand of panic.

If your child su ers panic attacks in specific scenarios or situations, it is very tempting to try to avoid or remove these from their lives. Although this is an e ective short-term fix, there is a risk that this may develop into a phobia over time. It’s unrealistic to assume that they can avoid these triggers forever and you might not be around the next time they face this fear.

Sometimes, it is better to nip these issues in the bud.

Breathe! Panic attacks can cause hyperventilation, resulting in lightheadedness, fainting and even chest pains. In turn, this triggers the downward spiral of further anxiety. Encouraging your child to slow their breathing should relieve the physical symptoms and interrupt the cycle. Ask your child to breathe in through their nose for three seconds, hold their breath for three seconds, then exhale completely and fully for three seconds. This assists physiologically and can also act as a distraction. Once they become proficient at this, they can add it to their toolbox for the next time they are having a panic attack, even if you aren’t there.

It’s possible to use a watered-down version of this at home with your child. Here is an example Here is an example.

The distraction you create could be in the form of a favourite toy or game which you engage your child with, a photograph of a happy event and a chat about this event or even petting their hamster or another beloved pet. Equally, a distraction could be a song that they are familiar with, which you can encourage them to join in. The breathing technique described above may also act as a distraction.

A very e ective therapy for full blown phobias is ‘systematic desensitisation with relaxation and graded exposure.’ This involves gradual and controlled exposure to fearful elements, alongside relaxation strategies.

If your child gets panicky in public, you start with simply discussing a trip to the park. Later this technique could involve taking increasingly longer trips outside into incrementally busier environments. This should help your child to gradually come to realise that their fears are irrational.

Helping your child with panic attacks

Distract your childConfront their fears

Or you could engage your child in a favourite childhood memory or recite silly tongue-twisters together.

Like all parents, I don’t like to see my own children su ering and, as a psychiatrist, my heart goes out to youngsters who come to me for help with panic attacks. However, there are proven strategies that can be used to help support loved ones in this situation. Here are five of my top tips.

With time and practice (and a sprinkling of patience), you can make a positive psychological connection to this distraction, which is further embedded every time it is used and helps shift your child’s focus from their anxiety.

By Dr Sohom Das EDUCATION

32 Families South West • September 2022 familiesonline.co.uk

Dr Sohom Das is a forensic psychiatrist and author of In Two Minds: Stories of Murder, Justice and Recovery from a Forensic Psychiatrist. He is also host of the YouTube channel A Psych for Sore Minds.

September 2022 • Families South West 33familiesonline.co.uk FamiliesSWLondon Dawmouse Montessori Nursery School teautssnateboaio y P Nurser Dawmouse anearning d achingl School Montessori Flxibleewe | N Times ||| Opening CALL US TO BOOK A VISIT TO THE NURSERY 0208 673 8037 102 Chestnut Grove Balham, London, SW12 8JJ THE MONTESSORI SCHOOL www.themontessorischool.co.uk HOLIDAY AND AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS Local children up to the age of 8yrs are welcome to join in with our fun and creative activity days during school breaks. School pick-ups and homework clubs are also available during term time. TEA TIME TODDLERSFOR This session takes place from 3:30pm to 4:30pm for children from approximately 2yrs of age to attend with an adult THECHILDRENMONTESSORI We provide a delightful environment for children from 2yrs of age. Offering the full Montessori curriculum with visiting teachers for Music, Dancing, Yoga, French, Drama, Sports & Gymnastics. * Forest School * STEM * RULER Programme * ‘Stay and Play’ * Large Garden * Good links with follow on schools * * Excellent teacher to pupil ratios * An independent, privately-owned nursery in the heart of Clapham Old Town for 2 1/2 to 5 year olds. A fun and nurturing pre-school offering traditional EYFS and Montessori teaching, excellent outdoor learning and with a superb team of staff. The Willow Nursery 55 Grafton Square, London SW4 ODE Tel: 020 7498 0319 www.thewillownursery.co.uk The Willow on the Farm Nursery Nill Farm, Hook Norton, Oxon OX15 5DQ Tel: 01608 730143 www.willowonthefarm.co.uk

34 Families South West • September 2022 familiesonline.co.uk Queensberry Nursery Where BIG Hearts Shape Little Minds Children from 7 months to 5 years 24 Queensberry Place SW7 2DR 0207 581 0200 queensberrynurs@gmail.com www.queensberrynursery.com

SW14 : 020 8878 0756 • SW17 : 020 8947 7359 St Mary Magdalen Montessori St Mary’s Summerstown Montessori Providing Education and Care in a Warm, Welcoming Environment including Cookery, Ballet, Dance, Football and Singing as part of our curriculum. Private fees or Free Government Funding. Good OFSTED with excellent love and care. LITTLE ANGELS NURSERY SCHOOL A Traditional Teaching Nursery - Learning through Play "Overall, staff provide a stimulating learning environment where children are motivated and eager to learn" OFSTED Please contact our office on 020 7274 8333. info@littleangelsbrixton.co.ukwww.littleangelsbrixton.co.uk 50 Gresham Road, Brixton, SW9 7NL Ofsted rated 'Good' nursery. Established in 2000, very homely, friendly and staff are fully qualified in Early Years. Age 3 months to 5 years with three spacious rooms to explore, learn and grow in confidence and intellect. There are two large gardens. Open all year 8am to 6pm. 15/30 hours weekly free sessions available for 2-4yrs.

Zebedee has wonderful parent participation and a varied and stimulating curriculum. We also run a wonderful friendly toddler group on a Thursday 3.45pm -5pm We have spaces for September. Come and meet us, we can answer any questions you may have about the Nursery school. We would be very pleased to see you. Please contact us at: Zebedee.nurseryschool@gmail.com

The Zebedee Nursery School has been running in London for nearly 40 years. We are based on Parsons Green. We are a traditional nursery school open for 3 and 4 year olds from 8.55am-12.10pm Monday to Friday and in the last academic year children can do afternoon session until 3.15pm. The 2 year olds come from 1.30pm-3.30pm. Introducing them to the routine and Nursery school in a small caring little group. In both sessions we have a mix of adult led learning and child initiated play. We are located on Parsons Green in a bright spacious hall.

By Sarah Campbell

Noodle the Doodle by Jonathan Meres, illustrated by Katy Halford

There’s a Dog in My Brain by Caroline Green, illustrated by Rikin Parekh When Danny made a wish to stay home instead of going to a family wedding, he didn’t expect to end up trapped in the body of a dog. Meanwhile, Dudley the dog is o on the adventure of a lifetime. He might look like a normal 10 year old boy, but can he behave like one? Dragon Storm by Alastair Chisholm, illustrated by Eric Deschamps and Ben Mantle Tomas can’t believe it when a mysterious stranger invites him to join a secret society and tells him that he has a very special power… he can summon his very own dragon! With a medieval setting and a strong dose of fantasy, this is the first in a thrilling new series.

The Marvellous Granny Jinks and Me by Serena Patel, illustrated by Selom Sunu When Jada Jinks finds a box of magic tricks in her granny’s flat, she uncovers her granny’s secret dream of becoming a magician. Inspired by the first Black woman to be admitted to the Magic Circle, this is a fun, inclusive and magical story, with tricks!

The children of Wigley Primary love having Noodle the Doodle at school and are thrilled that he’s coming on the class trip to the seaside. But will Noodle be on his best behaviour or will the day end in chaos? Perfect for young dog-lovers.

Alien in the Jam Factory by Chrissie Sains, illustrated by Jenny Taylor Get ready for aliens, jam, doughnuts, snails, one dastardly villain and a brilliant kid fizzing with ideas! Young inventor Scooter and his alien buddy Fizzbee team up to outwit Da y Dodgy in a hilarious new adventure.

EDUCATION

The first in a new series exploring our impact on the environment. Meet Captain Spoons, Mug, Jug, Brew, Skittle and friends, all residents of Rubbish Island, which the inventive Tindims have built entirely from thrown away items. Sarah Campbell is co-founder of Parrot Street Book Club (www.parrotstreet.com), an award-winning monthly subscription book club for children ages 5 to 14. Each subscription box includes a brand new book plus an activity pack inspired by that particular book.

Panda at the Door written and illustrated by Sarah Horne Pudding the Panda of Edinburgh Zoo really wants a family to take care of, just like her heroine, Mary Poppins. When 9 year old Callum is given a certificate to adopt a panda for his birthday, the two come together... and pandemonium ensues! Velda the Awesomest Viking and the Voyage of Deadly Doom by David MacPhail, illustrated by Richard Morgan Velda might be small but she is certainly mighty. Nothing will stop her from taking to the high seas to earn her place on the dragon ship Valkyrie, along with a wonderful, colourful cast of characters.

When your child is ready to move on from picture books, there are some wonderful first chapter books aimed at children ages 5 to 9. Many are highly illustrated, with stories that will last over the course of a few reading sessions. Here are some of our recent favourites, all available through your friendly local independent store or www.bookshop.org.

The Tindims of Rubbish Island by Sally Gardner, illustrated by Lydia Correy

September 2022 • Families South West 35familiesonline.co.uk FamiliesSWLon

Brilliant ﬁrst chapter books for early readers

36 Families South West • September 2022 familiesonline.co.uk Now In Streatham, Tooting & Fulham International Nursery & Preschool BOOK A TOUR! (Scan QR Code) CN|IND|UK|USA International Nurseries & Preschools Kido Tooting: 020enquire.tooting@kidoschools.com86486692 Kido Streatham: 020enquire.streatham@kidoschools.com77881070 kido.school ■ An International-EYFS Curriculum inspired by Montessori, Reggio Emilia and other classical approaches. ■ Engaging dedicated learning spaces for babies, toddlers & preschoolers. ■ Weekly language classes - French, Spanish & Mandarin. Opening Soon in Battersea Kido Fulham: 020enquire.fulham@kidoschools.com33940468 Kido Battersea: 020enquire.battersea@kidoschools.com33940462 Applications for 2023 Entry To find out more about Dunraven School, for details of our Open Sessions this Autumn or to see our virtual tours, please visit www.dunraven.org.uk or email admissions@dunraven.det.org.uk Applications are now open and the closing deadlines are: Year 7 Admissions: 31 October 2022 Sixth Form Admissions: 2 December 2022 Reception Admissions: 15 January 2023 Our prospectus and full details of our admissions arrangements and criteria are available by visiting www.dunraven.org.uk

Bupa and environmental charity Trees for Cities are working together to bring a Holistic Health Project to the Robert Browning Primary School in TheSouthwark.project will involve improving the school’s outside space through tree planting, food growing and reforming the playground to use natural materials. It will allow the school to encourage healthy play, improving children’s physical and mental health, and developing their self-reliance leading to more sustainable behaviours in the long term.

Ecellence for all The Royal Russell School

EDUCATION

The School offers bespoke educational pathways to support children to realise their vision of success and is guided by expert tutors, teachers, coaches and pastoral teams. Pupils beneﬁt from learning in a coeducational setting and as part of an open community that reﬂects the real world, celebrating both individual and collective achievements.

https://thebridgesfederation.org.uk/robert-browning/

www.royalrussell.co.ukCharitypleato donate your old bikes

Royal Russell was founded in 1853 as a charity to look after orphans of families from the textile trades and is proud to have Her Majesty the Queen as the School’s current patron.

Local school goes green

Royal Russell is an Independent Day and Boarding School for boys and girls aged 3 to 18. Located just 8 mins from East Croydon station, pupils enjoy the 110-acre campus, which contains incredible facilities to inspire learning and personal growth; from cutting-edge science labs, extensive sporting facilities, Chapel, Great Hall, spacious dining areas, Performing Arts Centre and beautiful Houses surrounded by green open space.

The Bike Project, the UK charity providing refurbished second-hand bikes to refugees and asylum seekers, has launched an appeal for London's used or abandoned bikes. With approximately 9,526 Ukrainian refugees living across London under the Homes for Ukraine scheme, The Bike Project has never been in more demand and has a long waiting list. Members of the public keen to donate a bike can do so at one of the numerous bike drop off points available in and around London. For more information on how to donate a bike visit www.thebikeproject.co.uk

September 2022 • Families South West 37familiesonline.co.uk FamiliesSWLondon Open Day SaturdaySeptember,24th9am-1pm Open Mornings Tuesday 4th October, 9:15am - 12pm Wednesday 12th October, 9:15am - 12pm Personal Tours Personal tours and coffee mornings will run throughout September and October, offering the opportunity for 1:1 meetings with students, the Headteacher and our Head of Year 7. Come and find out more about La Retraite Roman Catholic Girls School, an Outstanding Catholic all-girls school Outstanding education and life-defining experiences for ambitious young women To book your slot and find out scaninformationmorehereWewelcome students of all faiths and none ammero rglus Pwith the P OWGRA LEND AY,RN,AYPL ammero rgThe_Plus_Pls.co.ukironsg thso 24 monen aged 6 tts with childrenor pareachers fy tned bdesig ammero ningg prly leare earehensivom apr mme is a cro rglus Phe P plus@fae!lcnd much mo Ar ialsertning maespoke home learB kshopsorting wene parclusivEx lsor Girchool Fons Salct Fy sessions al na and Pear T L RuussellRRooyal R choicehool offamily scThe royalrussell.co.ukydon stationEast Cro Just 8 mins from 110 acre campusls aged 3-18ys and girfor Exceptionalbo Independent Education ocecoooaysce St Barnabas' Primary School & Nursery "Serve with Hope and Encouragement to Learn and Love" • No geographical catchment area • Breakfast Club and After School Clubs (until 6pm) • Specialist Music and Latin teachers • Forest School Contact us to arrange a visit to the school and to meet with our Head of School St Barnabas Street | SW1W 8PF | 020 7186 0152 www.stbarnabasprimary.org.uk | @StBarnabasSW1office@stbarnabasprimary.org.uk (Short walk from Victoria and Sloane Square stations) BELONGING | BELIEVING | ACHIEVING “You are the light of the world.” • No geographical catchment area • Breakfast Club and After School Care (until 6pm) • Specialist Music and Spanish teachers Contact us to arrange a visit to the school and to meet with our Head of School St Matthew’s Primary School and Nursery 18 Old Pye Street | Westminster | SW1P 2DG office@stmwschool.org.uk | 020 7504 0500 www.stmwschool.org.uk | @stmwschool

Not everybody in the class group will always have checked email or previous WhatsApp messages and, if they have, they may have misremembered what they contained. This can lead to a ﬂurry of panicked, confused and often last-minute messages and, before you know it, your phone will be pinging at a ridiculous rate and you’ll start to muddle facts that you previously had straight in your mind. If you feel that what is being said in the WhatsApp group doesn’t accord with your understanding of an official school email, it’s always wise to double check the official

What do Families readers think?

The inevitable downsides

Tips for using WhatsApp Group chats often have a lot of information which can get lost easily. To make what you’re looking for easier, simply press the three dots in the corner of your screen and click ‘search.’ Type in a keyword you are after and messages that have that keyword will appear.

Things to know about class WhatsApp groups

Acorrespondence!commoncomplaint is that the WhatsApp class group can be treated by some parents like their personal social media pages, with irrelevant videos, photographs, memes, conspiracy theories and articles posted to the whole group.

If you only want to respond to a specific message, hold your finger on the screen over the message you want to respond to and click the backwards arrow. You’ll see the message you want to respond to appear in the chat box, and you write your reply underneath. You can also mute notifications by clicking the profile at the top and selecting mute if you don't want to be constantly pinged all day.

Dan says he depends on it ‘My wife and I can be a bit distracted so we miss vital info. However our fellow cohort of parents have our back and tell us what is going on and when.’

38 Families South West • September 2022 familiesonline.co.uk

Sally says: ‘Anecdotally I think it very much depends on the parents and how it's used. Ours is pretty good most of the time as everyone is sound. There’s not too much competitive parenting and the information shared is mostly useful info or quite funny. However, I know a few of my friend’s class WhatsApps are annoying/moany/boasty.pretty I guess it's just luck?' We have a parents one, Rachel says. ‘I hardly ever use it. My husband uses it a lot to get reminders from the other parents on special days and for homework links etc. It was useful for the children to see their friends when we were in lockdown. They used it for sending birthday messages to each other.’

Once upon a time, letters were the ultimate communication tool for ﬁnding out everything you needed to know about your children’s school lives. These days, technology seems to be the way forward and, in recent years, WhatsApp class chat groups have become a regular feature of playground life.

And don’t get me started on when people start asking for medical advice. This type of usage can cause tension. Some parents even feel tempted to leave the chat because of it. Only to realise that, if they do, they may be messaged asking why they left!

Sometimes, school WhatsApp class groups can split down into subgroups, for instance, sport or extracurricular activities. This is fabulous for organising the dialogue and offers parents the opportunity to easily be in touch with individual parents or groups of parents with speciﬁc shared interests, like the parents of their child’s friends. Be aware that if different chats are all happening at once, you may feel overwhelmed. Decide which threads are important and politely leave the rest.

By Claire Winter

Love them or loathe them class WhatsApp groups have become the main way to communicate with other school parents. They have probably become so popular because they make it so easy and quick to communicate with a community with common interests. But, as with most things, there are pros and cons! Being involved in the class WhatsApp group keeps you up to date with anything important that is happening in your children’s school lives, whether it’s exams, sports events, ﬁeld trips or nonschool uniform days. Of course, you may already receive emails about these things, but being part of a WhatsApp class chat can serve as a valuable reminder.

September 2022 • Families South West 39familiesonline.co.uk FamiliesSWLondon ABOUTTWTRIALOWEEKOUR HelpinbelievdegASK o anythingtheycanenre muykuk a se.uko ar-olds4 - 18 ye nd acting classes for g childr bastat BA07 Sin do .uk/batter gecoach.coa@stagecoach.cterse AT956288928TTERSEA dancing aging, WIA pstaut PU02 fstaulh FU07 MBLEDON .uk/putnegecoach.co uney@stagecoach.co UTNEY080999861 .uk/fulhagecoach.co uam@stagecoach.co 498 LHAM213142 wistam 02 .uk/wimble mblgecoach.coedon@stagecoach 00 8946 340 tagecoach aSrincipals.pendently owned by their P TheStagecoachading name ofts is the trerformingtagecoach PS A .codon.uk ts Limited.ttrTheStagecoachs ofademarked tregisteror Life arage Ftive Cd Cr e indeanchise and arted under fre operts schools arArTheStagecoachts Limited. ®or LifeF ouragetive CCrea A A

40 Families South West • September 2022 familiesonline.co.uk Little Voices Putney: St Mary’s Church, Putney High Street, SW15 1SA Little Voices Fulham: St John's Walham Green Primary School, Munster Road, SW6 6AS 0208 088 0117 6m ag hild Fo ch ACCEYORESER W ANDSCANVEYNO6yrsmtths en r dr ged 6 eedWimbbllOURPLAedodoontrir w ttps:/ o .ueet.c/t // t.t.co.uk/bab/babyball eed h t y/ babwimimmbblledodoon@n@@babattptpps:s:/://babbybybbaallll coo uk/k//bbaab t eedeet edon/ abyabyballet-school/wimb.u.cetett.wmbbybybabaallll.cocooukbybybybbaallllet-t--scscchohooool/l/w/wwimimmbblledodoon/n/ Through a fun and imaginative format, we enhance athleticism of children. These skills can then be used in a wide range of sports, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle. AGES: WALKERS - 7 YEARS OLD. Come and join in the fun and skills based athletics classes! OPEN FOR BOOKINGS NOW! *spaces are limited. Winning the gold medal for children's sports classes! cturton@miniathletics.com | 074 29255 432 miniathletics.com | @miniathleticssouthwestlondon@miniathleticsSWLondon Does your kid love to RUN, JUMP, THROW? Do they have loads of energy to burn?

September 2022 • Families South West 41familiesonline.co.uk FamiliesSWLon GIVE THEM A HEAD START IN www.londonyouthconservatoire.org.ukMUSICAcarefullydevisedandengagingmusiccurriculumforages4-5 Book a free trial online registered charity 1141138 Now booking ahead teaching your baby to love the water FREE TRIAL SESSIONS www.littledippers.co.uk 01273 229390 New baby and toddler swim classes at the Aqua-Hub a lovely new warm water aqua sensory private pool.

42 Families South West • September 2022 familiesonline.co.uk TWO funwaystolearnwithFMKC! Learn to read, write & music withlove 01732 457 100 SmallFREEVenue-basedKeyboardTuitionTRIAL!SE/SWgroups,4-8years www.funkKeyboardHomeTuition5-89-12yearsStepbystepvideosatyourownpace!ymonkey.info Please tell advertisers you found them in Families

Give the autumn term a confidence boost with Perform A common struggle shared by many children as they start school or return after the summer break is a lack of confidence, and this can stop them reaching their full potential. Whether you are looking for a confidence boost for your child or just a weekly dose of drama, dance and singing fun, Perform is back for the autumn term with two exciting productions for 4-7s and 7-12s. “Perform is not a stage school” stresses Perform Principal, Lucy Quick. “Our classes teach life skills using fun confidence-boosting drama games which results in a celebratory end of term production. The primary aim of our classes is to develop what we call the 4Cs: Confidence, Concentration, Coordination and Communication. " This term, 4-7yrs will venture into The Magician's Chamber for some confidence-building fun with Merlin the Wizard whilst 7-12yrs will work on a funky festive performance of Ebenezer, based on the Charles Dicken's classic, A Christmas Carol. The term runs from September to December and children are welcome to try a free class at any point.

CLUBS & CLASSES

Little Voices is an award winning children’s activities provider and recognised LAMDA partner. They pride themselves on their small class sizes, providing children 4-11yrs with fun and inspiring technique, filled drama and singing lessons.Taught by highly qualified tutors, students work towards a mid year theatrical performance inspired by much loved themes like Encanto and Sing 2 as well working towards an end of year LAMDA exam. With over 300 students under their belt, Little Voices hold an exemplary 12 year 100% pass rate, with 98% of their students achieving Merits and Distinctions. Little Voices also work with 16 schools partners across SW London (including St Paul’s Juniors and Thomas’s Clapham). They also run extremely popular holiday camps throughout the year inspired by children’s most loved movies and musicals.! Lessons and holiday camps run in Putney at St Mary’s Church on a Monday and Fulham at St Johns Walham Green Primary on a Thursday. They are enrolling throughout September with Free Trial Lessons. To book or find out more visit: https://littlevoices.org.uk/location/south-west-london/ or email, Ashlea Bateup swl@littlevoices.org.uk

Mini athletics Does your kid love to run, jump, throw? Do they have loads of energy to burn? Through a fun and imaginative format, they enhance athleticism of children. These skills can then be used in a wide range of sports, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle. Classes for walkers to 7yrs. www.miniathletics.com

* Venues in Battersea, Balham, Barnes, Chelsea, Clapham, East Sheen, Fulham, Kensington, Knightsbridge, Putney, Streatham, Tooting, Earlsﬁeld, Southﬁelds, Colliers Wood, Wimbledon To book a free no-obligation trial class visit www.perform.org.uk/try

Let’s Act Award winning Let’s Act Drama School is offering families readers TWO free trials in their classes in Earlsfield, Wimbledon, Clapham and Chelsea. Just drop an email to info@letsactdramaclasses.co.uk to see which spaces they have left. If you book they will also throw in a free T Shirt to welcome you to their performing family. Let’s Act students this year alone have starred in Netflix series Anatomy of a Scandal and BBC series Everything I know about love. Whether your child needs confidence or wants to be the next big star they can help! www.letsactdramaclasses.co.uk

Little Voices

September 2022 • Families South West 43familiesonline.co.uk FamiliesSWLondon

44 Families South West • September 2022 familiesonline.co.uk

• Adult & child: various classes from 6 months to 4 years old • Drop off Beginners to Intermediate level: various classes from 3 years to 8 years old

Funky Monkey Keyboard Classes 01732 457 100 www.funkymonkey.info

West Wimbledon Dance Academy 0795Caroline@wwdance.co.uk6606648 www.wwdance.co.uk

Et Patati Patata Hurlingham Academy, caroline@etpatatipatata.comFulham.079 66 893674 www.etpatatipatata.com Ma petite École du samedi Autumn term. Quality Mark Framework’s Gold Award French Supplementary School. De la maternelle au Collège. All levels, 3-15 yrs. languages Petit Pierrot King's Road, Fulham www.clubpetitpierrot.co.uk

TryTime Rugby Clubs across SW London including Battersea, Brixton, Clapham, Fulham, Streatham, Tooting, Wandsworth and Wimbledon www.trytimekidsrugby.com Take the children outside and have some FUN!

Photo: Et Patati Patata

Funky Monkey offers a unique scheme for 4-8 year old beginners taught in small groups. Highly educational it is also a perfect way to introduce and encourage your son/daughter into the wonderful world of music. All equipment is provided. Free trial 50 minute class for children who would like to learn the electronic keys and learn to read and write music the funky way. Visit the website to see if they have a free trial class near you this September and learn to read, write, play and LOVE music with them! Free trial, £16 per 50 minute lesson thereafter, payable by term, sib discount available.

136-144 New

Caroline for your child’s free trial class in September.

Try Time are passionate about getting kids outside, building conﬁdence, learning skills and loving sport. They are offering a FREE TRIAL for the Families community – enter code ‘FAMILIESTRY’ via the website (normally £11). New members always welcome and trials available.

Your local Clubs and Classes news

Club

CLUBS & CLASSES NEWS

* Book your October half term course now : Award Winning fun French Holiday Day camps NRCSE. 9am-3pm, 3 age groups, 7-16 yrs. 30 hours of French immersion with your French certiﬁcate.

Qualiﬁed

The award-winning Club Petit Pierrot is happy to announce that they now have a wide schedule of classes in their new own premises on New King’s Road in Fulham. Established in 1993, they offer fun French lessons where children ﬂourish and learn French naturally. With their unique immersion programme and a team of caring and dynamic native French teachers, children absorb the language and its structure without realising it!

• Also Drop off FLAM Advanced to ﬂuent level: from 3 years to 8 years old

Congratulations to the academy which had outstanding exam results in Spring 2022. They are now looking forward to a wonderful Christmas Show in December when pupils will perform dances from Sleeping Beauty and other Pleaseclassics.contact

• Intensive Saturday French classes following the French curriculum • Led by an experienced, certiﬁed and native French speaking Primary Teacher • Engaging, fun and dynamic lessons • Parapluie Flam association (Accreditation French government) • Beginners welcome in FLE programe • Brilliant Business Award Hammersmith & Fulham • Best French after school classes –

Chance to shine Outside of school activities offer your child the chance to be themselves away from the inﬂuence of their school friends. Without being judged by their peers as “not cool” or “geeky” your child may thrive in developing new outlet for creative, sporting or intellectual pursuits.

Discovering that they have a talent can give a child a new source of conﬁdence or a passion that translates into their engagement and behaviour at school. For example, performing in drama club can improve conﬁdence in speaking up in class and inspire creative writing. Playing an instrument will help children understand music lessons. Building self-esteem In a busy classroom it can sometimes be hard for a child to make themselves heard. Outside of school activities will give your child the chance to build their self-esteem. Most groups or teams are more intimate than the typical classroom environment, making them less intimidating for children. Children may also be more interested than they are in their lessons and will engage more easily with the activities involved.

Improving life and social skills Outside school activities provide an ideal environment in which to nurture social skills and conﬁdence. Many extracurricular activities work to teach children the value of working as a team to achieve a mutual goal—a skill that will beneﬁt them in their future endeavours. Boosting academic performance

Activities away from school

Positive role models

Activities that take place completely away from the school environment don’t just keep restless children busy or entertained and help working parents manage their child’s spare time, they can also offer great developmental beneﬁts that will help them academically, physically and socially. New friendships Outside of the school environment, your child is likely to make friendships with children that don’t go to their school and get used to socialising with children of all ages outside the structure of the formal school day.

Don’t push children to over-do it though. It’s better for your child to choose something that they really enjoy doing and stick to it, rather than attempt numerous different activities that quickly become overwhelming.

September 2022 • Families South West 45familiesonline.co.uk FamiliesSWLondon INTRODUCTION TO DANCE BALLET STREET DANCE VOCATIONAL CLASSES N T INNT R OD ODUCUCCU T IO N T O D ANAANCCN E B AALLLL E T SSTSTRRTR EEEE T SOUTH KENSINGTON • KENSINGTON • CHELSEA FULHAM • PARSONS GREEN • HAMMERSMITH W WWW W L. A S Y L V A I N E C O. . U K FROM AGE 3, WHATEVER YOUR CHILD’S ABILITY, WE HAVE A CLASS AVAILABLE! A PARTIR DE 3 ANS, QUELLE QUE SOIT L’APTITUDE DE VOTRE ENFANT, IL S’EPANOUIRA A LA SYLVAINE! FIND OUT ABOUT US, AND REGISTER ONLINE! Ma petite école du samedi Flam, Fulham ! Fun French October, February, Easter and Summer Holiday Day Camp 2022-2023 Where ? 3 ages groups When ? Where caroline@etpatatipatata.comwww.etpatatipatata.com?•Tel07966893674F3-16yearolds

Promoting healthy hobbies Children with a regular activity are likely to spend less static time glued to a smartphone or screen and the interests that they develop during outside of school activities are likely to mean they spend more time practicing skills and pursuing their passions.

Sports coaches, group leaders and other responsible adults who are sharing their skills provide role models and a valuable new take on the world for children. Happier children

Outside of school activities promote emotional well-being by allowing children to work off excess energy, relax their minds, and overcome the stress associated with school life.

Children love food, so why not theme your party around it? A pizza making party is always winner. You can go to Families favourite pizza restaurant Pappaa Ciccia, who also do deliveries, or hold a DIY party at home. Cupcake decorating parties also go down well and the guests can take home the tasty treat instead of a party bag. How about a doughnut themed party? They are even trending on Pinterest! Why not set up a Doughnut Wall covered in a variety of doughnuts? You could even attempt a DIY version. You could also serve food that has a surprise element to it. A cake that is full of sweets when you cut it. Ice cream cones filled with savoury fillings. You could also mix up healthy food with treats, such as marshmallows and fruit kebabs or tortilla chips with hummus and crudités. Number cakes decorated with fruit, meringues, and flowers are also all the rage. They make a great centrepiece on a party table. Active parties According to Pinterest searches for scavenger parties are up by 302%. These are similar to treasure hunts and start with a list of things to find (or do) and a time limit. But there is no set path as players scavenge around and search for all of the items on the list. The player or team who finds everything on the list first or finds the most items before the time is up wins. These parties can be great fun and relatively inexpensive —you could hold one in your garden or a local park or wood.

Hogwarts at home. You could also try something a bit different like a Mexican themed party. Decorate the house with cacti, serve guacamole and dips, hit a Piñata and have plenty of themed games. Art parties If your child loves making things, an arts and crafts party is the perfect choice for them. You can go to pottery centres, art studios or get a party provider to come to your house to host a craft party. You can do a huge variety of things like mosaics, pottery, painting and jewellery making. Your potential Picassos will also get to take their masterpiece home instead of a party bag. Remember not to stress too much! Your child will remember your efforts whether you hire a circus performer and a bouncy castle; host a fun party at home or organise a trip out the cinema or a trampoline park. Enjoy it and embrace the mayhem; they grow up quickly!

Food parties

Planning your child’s birthday can involve deep-breathing and military-style planning. This annual event has children jumping for joy but many parents breaking out into a cold sweat. Claire Winter takes a look at some different party ideas to inspire you.

Themed parties Magical forest and ﬂower-themed parties are great fun to host if you like being creative. A perennial favourite is also a superhero party. It ticks a lot of boxes and offers great fancy dress options for boys and girls. There are also loads of great decorations you can make, or buy if you don’t have theAnothertime! popular party is a Harry Potter party. You can make up lots of magical games to recreate a mini

You can also do a whole variety of different activities at your local leisure centre. They often offer a variety of swimming, inﬂatable and sports parties. Why not pick a sport your child loves? You could also check out our local Gymboree and Gambado to check out what party packages they offer. Other easy activity parties include paintballing, bowling, laser quest and go-karting.

PARTIES It’s party time!

Parties at home If you want to host a party at home, think about hiring a company to help. You can even get specialists to come in and set up a sleepover these days. They will put up tents in your garden or your home, and some even supply breakfast on a tray! Or host a science party where someone comes in to do experiments and make goo with the children. They’ll even clean up afterwards. There are also gaming party providers who bring all the entertainment to you. If you prefer a more traditional party, why not hire an entertainer like a magician or clown?

46 Families South West • September 2022 familiesonline.co.uk

Doughnut challenge Hang ring doughnuts on strings. Children must attempt to eat as much of the doughnut as they can without it falling off the string – the challenge is that no hands are allowed! Pass the parcel You can’t have a party without pass the parcel! Almost despite age, children still love to sit in a circle, pass that parcel around and rip off the paper when it’s their turn! A small chocolate treat for everyone is enough to get them excited plus the anticipation of a bigger “present” for the winner. Party etiquette demands that the ﬁnal present is won by a guest, so try to make sure the winner isn’t your child!

September 2022 • Families South West 47familiesonline.co.uk

Families

Kim’s game Lay a tray with a mix of objects from toy ﬁgures to random items like sticky tape or a spoon. Cover the tray with a tea towel. Allow the children a minute to look at the tray before covering it back up when they write down everything they can remember from the tray. The one who remembers the most items is the winner.

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Sleeping lions Children lie down on the ﬂoor as still and as quietly as possible pretending to be ‘sleeping lions’. A judge roams the room and any child that moves is ‘out’ and the winner is the last child ‘asleep’.

The chocolate game

Classic party games are trendy! Forget researching the latest games for your child’s next birthday. Despite the fact that we live in a digital age, the simple truth is that children crave the classics. Here a few party games that are still enormously popular.

FamiliesSWLon London South West is part

CELEBRATING Years!

The children sit in a circle and take turns to throw a dice. If they get a six they put on a hat, scarf and gloves then attempt to eat a wrapped bar of chocolate with a knife and fork. Meanwhile the other children keep on throwing the dice. When the next person throws a six, they get their turn.

48 Families South West • September 2022 familiesonline.co.uk R COLLAB CHILD T DO YOU orStrugglesweroP ThreatsBribing,gging,naNomore ESOURCEFUL? ,T BORATIVE, CONFIDENT BE RESPONSIBLE,O RAISE YOURTOWANTU agata@fa|.familydate.funwww 0203 773 1499|amilydate.fun Call: 0208 696 9680 To advertise in Families Calling all young Scientists! 020 3926 www.cbcd.bbk.ac.ukbabylab@bbk.ac.uk1207Helpusdiscover how babies & kids learn! We’re recruiting infants from birth to school age to take part in fun studies at Birkbeck’s Babylab & ToddlerLab in central London Our prime locations are easy to reach and we refund travel expenses. We also have online studies you can do from the comfort of home www.cbcd.bbk.ac.uk/online-studies 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. Online and face to face sessions. 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 07761 128059 or e.dahlgren@btinternet.com

What’s On September 2022

Following a tour of 15 UK locations this summer, StoryTrails comes to South London. Download the StoryTrails app for an immersive, time and spacetravelling tour around Lambeth. The app overlays remixed BFI and BBC archive footage onto the streets and adds untold stories, revealing your surroundings in new and magical ways. 10+11 September Brixton Library is hosting a virtual borough map made up of stunning 3D models and audio stories. Pop on a VR headset for further local anecdotes and stories as you’ve never experienced them before.

If you only do one thing this month... Take part in Walk for Parkinson’s Kensington Gardens. Pre -registration required Parkinson's UK's fabulous 'Walk for Parkinson’s' series has now launched and the London based walk is at Kensington Gardens on Sunday 25 September at 10am. Enjoy a gentle fully accessible 2 or 4 mile walk through the picturesque Kensington Gardens and delight in the Italian Gardens, Albert Memorial, and the wildlife near The Long Water. Every step you take brings us closer to a cure and all funds raised from the Walk for Parkinson’s series this year is going towards Research. Sign up to walk by visiting https://events.parkinsons.org.uk/kensington22

Open House London Various www.open-city.org.ukvenues 8-22 September

50 Families South West • September 2022 familiesonline.co.uk

Until 2023 See your favourite dinosaurs come to life right in front of your eyes! Jurassic World is a huge, movieinspired immersive experience. Beyond the world-famous ‘Jurassic World’ gates, visitors roam among life-sized dinosaurs to encounter a velociraptor, brachiosaurus,toweringthemighty T-rex and more. On a smaller scale, new baby dinosaurs include Bumpy from the popular animated Netﬂix Jurassic World series.

The Great River Race Cheer on as over 300 boats, filled with both serious and fancy-dressed crews row 21.6 miles. 13-15 September Rewilding Arcadia Roadshow Fun-filled activities for all the family to learn more about rewilding and the natural floodplain of the Thames. 18 September Sing for Water A choir of over 500 singers from over 40 groups will sing their hearts out to raise awareness and money for WaterAid.

10 September A boutique, one-day event exclusively designed by and for the LGBT+ community. Find out about UK and international family-building options, including adoption, fostering, surrogacy, co-parenting, fertility preservation, solo parenting and egg/ sperm donation.

The Modern Family Show 8 Northumberland Avenue WC2N 5BY www.themodernfamilyshow.com

Heritage Open Days Various www.heritageopendays.org.ukvenues 9-18 September

StoryTrails: Unboxed 2022 Throughout www.story-trails.comLambeth

10 September in Wimbledon Nearly new baby and children’s clothes, toys, books and baby equipment. Book a stall to make space in your house – or bag a bargain. Check the website calendar for future dates.

Totally Thames Festival 2022 www.thamesfestivaltrust.org 1-30 September The annual celebration along the full 42-mile stretch of the River Thames features arts events, active adventures, environmental initiatives, mudlarking, heritage and education programmes. Many events are free of charge, with something available for all the family. Highlights include: 10 September

DIARY DATES

Every September thousands of volunteers across England organise events to celebrate our fantastic history and culture. It's a chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences - all of which are free to explore. This year’s theme, Astounding Inventions, includes behind-the-scenes tours of Streatham Pumping Station.

Jurassic World: The Exhibition ExCel London E16 www.jurassicworldexhibition.com1XL

Compiled by Robina Cowan

All details are as provided when going to press, however in case of changes, do double-check before setting out

Explore London's architectural wonders as Open House London 2022 throws open the doors of iconic buildings and spaces around the capital. Enjoy free access to buildings which are not usually open to the public, from private houses to places of worship, museums, schools and offices, and join tours, guided walks and activities throughout the festival.

There will be no on the day entries. Registration closes on 18 September. Mum2mum Market Various www.mum2mummarket.co.ukvenues

New Wimbledon Theatre

A family go on an expedition of a lifetimerunning down the grassy bank, wading through the cold river, squelching over the oozy mud, stumbling into the dark forest, then peering into a cave... what will they ﬁnd?Michael Rosen’s thrilling and funny adventure comes to life on stage. Ages 3-7.

18 September Teddy Bears’ Picnic Let’s All Dance theatre company would love you to join them as they eat, dance, play and have fun. Little ones can bring their own teddy, clap along and have their photo taken with the dancers. Ages 0-8.

September 2022 • Families South West 51familiesonline.co.uk FamiliesSWLondon What’s On September 2022

3 September - 6 November

The Little Mermaid Hans Christian Andersen’s enchanting tale is adapted in this innovative musical that will leave the entire family swishing their tails all the way home!

The Broadway SW19 1SB www.polkatheatre.com

7-9 September

Colourhouse Theatre

Southﬁelds Harvest St Barnabas Church and Halls SW18 www.south5EPﬁeldsharvest.org.uk 24 September

Merton Abbey Mills SW19 www.colourhousetheatre.co.uk2RD

The Broadway SW19 wimbledon-theatrewww.atgtickets.com/venues/new-1QG

SHOWS & CONCERTS

1 October A family fundraising event on beautiful Wimbledon Common raising money for local charity Wimbledon Guild. Join other doglovers on a 4km or 7km walk with a difference on beautiful Wimbledon Common, hosted by Waggy, Wimbledon Guild’s larger than life furry friend. Every dog that completes the event will receive a goody bag and a pat on the head. Open to people with and without dogs, the annual family-friendly fundraising event helps Wimbledon Guild provide ﬁnancial, emotional and practical support to people in Merton. Family tickets are £30, adult tickets £15 and £5 per child (416yrs) and all money raised goes to Wimbledon Guild - a community charity offering practical help and support, so no one in Merton has to face life’s challenges alone.

Wimbledon Guild Waggy Walk Wimbledon Common SW19 Book www.wimbledonguild.co.ukwaggywalk.www.wimbledonguild.co.uk/on02089460735

5-16 October We’re Going on a Bear Hunt

Baby Bear is happy in her cosy cave and doesn’t want to venture into the scary world outside. But she is too curious about the sights, sounds and smells outside to stay indoors. This is a playful, interactive puppetry adventure for little ones. Ages 0-18 months.

A lively neighbourhood festival celebrating all things local, with something for all ages, all in support of local charities. Sample craft beer and cider, homemade honey and jam, allotment veg and Southﬁelds sausages, hot off the BBQ. Create a work of art or sit back and enjoy live music from the allotment band. Find out what's happening in your community and how you can join in.

DIARY DATES continued SHOWS & CONCERTS continued Polka Theatre

17 September Professor Slug’s House of Bugs Professor Slug's House of Bugs is a puppet and songﬁlled show all about bugs. 24 September Hulla Balloony Moon Time Joyce Dunbar’s book ‘Pat-ACake Baby’ is iced with puppets, music and magic. Ages 2-7.

SHOWS & CONCERTS continued

Little Angel Theatre Dagmar Passage N1 www.littleangeltheatre.com2DN

l Deadli sties S at 22 – S un 30 uand B P ants 0 O c t gs ywisleuk /.r go.h sr our visit supports ouYo er what happensovDisc awlies ayy-crer crvCle eep ityhark as a cur wor e fights back!when natur t plants.smarnd super o free mgembersRHS TODAYHSRHE I TJON TODAYHSRHE I TJON Do not miss this! It will be such fun! The Fortune Theatre WC2B 5HH Visit atgtickets.com to book 24-30 October Magical Merlin Take your children on a trip back in time with Perform this half term as they discover a world of witches, wizards, magic and mystery. With a spellbinding mix of magic, songs and dancing, a spectacular minimusical sure to enchant the whole family. Suitable for 4-10 year olds.

Cadogan Hall Sloane Terrace SW1X www.cadoganhall.com9DQ

8 October ABBA for Kids

London Palladium Argyll Street W1F www.lwtheatres.co.uk7TF

16 September - 13 November

52 Families South West • September 2022 familiesonline.co.uk

Compiled by Robina Cowan Terrible Thames

Be delighted by beautiful puppets, nostalgic magic tricks and acts so tiny you may wonder how you can possibly see them. From performing mice to acrobatic ﬂeas - this circus has stars you won’t see anywhere else. Ages 3-6. 24 September - 20 November

The enchanting musical has all the charm and elegance audiences expect from Belle and her Beast. The production spellbindingfeatures songs including Belle, Gaston, Be Our Guest and, of course, Beauty and the Beast.

All your favourite ABBA hits performed by multi-award-winning ABBA Revival and the Mozart Symphony Orchestra, performed for children and families.

What’s On September 2022

Lyric Hammersmith Theatre King Street W6 0QL www.lyric.co.uk

Miniature Travelling Circus

The King of Nothing An anarchic re-telling of Hans Christian Andersen’s Emperor’s New Clothes, in which the characters and the audience discover that people can be made to believe anything. With songs, puppetry, slapstick and more. Ages 5-11.

Until 17 September Disney’s Beauty and the Beast

From Tower Bridge www.terriblethames.comQuay

Daily tours Provided by the Horrible Histories team, this is a boat tour all about the history of the Thames with the nasty bits left in. The fantastic journey incorporates immersive theatre to surprise and shock in equal measure as it delivers its unique take on London, thrilling both children and adults alike.

The orchestra is a thing of wonder and mystery; many musicians making a perfect collective sound, but how does this happen? Taking a modern spin on classical music, performParaorchestraanimmersive freeto-attend show. 2 October FUNharmonics: The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra

Natural History Museum Natural History Museum SW7 5BD www.nhm.ac.uk Every other Tuesday Adventure Babies Sensory storytelling classes brought to you by award-winning Adventure Babies, ﬁlled with sensory props, magical stories, singing and messy play. Ages 0-4. Various dates Bring Your Own Baby

Until 2 October Mary Poppins Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s iconic stage adventure is ﬁlled with music, lyric, dancing, incredible effects and of course - the world’s favourite Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!nanny.

Last Thursday of every month Take your little one on a journey through the Gallery to discover people, places and animals in paintings, followed by a ‘messy play’ art-making activity. Ages under 5. Unicorn Theatre Tooley Street SE1 www.unicorntheatre.com2HZ

Dulwich Picture Gallery SE21 www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk7AD

24 September Paraorchestrathe Anatomy of the Orchestra

4-30 October Baby Show Settle down in a gorgeous garden-inspired set and watch as the performer playfully explores the joys and tribulations of getting ready and exploring outside. At the end of the show there is a chance to play in the space. Ages 6-18 months.

What’s

Until 30 October Life of Pi After a cargo ship sinks in the middle of the vast Paciﬁc Ocean, there are ﬁve survivors stranded on a lifeboat - a hyena, a zebra, an orangutan, a Royal Bengal tiger, and a sixteen year-old boy named Pi. Time is against them, nature is harsh, who will survive? Featuring breath-taking puppetry and state-of-theart visuals, Life of Pi tells of an epic journey of endurance and hope. Ages 8+.

Until January The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe Join Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter as they wave goodbye to wartime Britain and embark on the most magical of adventures. In a frozen, faraway land they meet Mr Tumnus the faun, talking beavers and Aslan (the noble king of Narnia). Samantha Womack stars as the coldest, most evil White Witch.

September 2022 • Families South West 53familiesonline.co.uk FamiliesSWLon

Gillian Lynne Theatre Drury Lane WC2B www.lionwitchonstage.com5PW

21 September - 30 November With plenty of songs and movement, The Polka’s weekly sessions are dedicated time for you and your baby to laugh, explore and play together. Ages 0-12 months.

Sadler’s Wells Theatre Rosebery Avenue EC1R 4TN www.sadlerswells.com

A new series of baby-friendly nature talks, created for inquisitive grownups looking for something to do with under-ones in tow. Bring Your Own Baby Comedy Various www.byobcomedy.comvenues

Cambridge Theatre Earlham Street WC2H ridgewww.lwtheatres.co.uk/theatres/camb9HU

Bach to Baby Various www.bachtobaby.comvenues

Critically-acclaimed classical concerts for babies and their grownups. Outstanding musicians put on exhilarating performances where babies can ‘join in’ with as much noise as they like! Baby Explorers Polka Theatre, SW19 www.polkatheatre.com1SB

On September 2022

Theatre Royal Catherine Street EC2B 5JF www.frozenthemusical.co.uk

Frozen the Musical

Join CinéFamilies for a mix of English and subtitled French language ﬁlms and events for all ages from babies to teens.

Wyndham’s Theatre Charing Cross Road WC2H 0DA www.wyndhamstheatre.co.uk

Royal Albert Hall Kensington Gore SW7 www.royalalberthall.com2AP 23-25 September Star Wars: Return of the Jedi Experience one of cinema’s most iconic ﬁlms, with John William’s epic score performed live by the London Symphony Orchestra.

BABY & TODDLER ACTIVITIES

Matilda the Musical This is the story of an extraordinary little girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. Don’t miss the multi-award winning musical from the Royal Shakespeare Company. Ages 6+. Ciné Lumière Institut Français, Queensbury Place SW7 lumierewww.institut-francais.org.uk/cine-2DT

Last Friday of each month Family Fridays Dance workshops for accompanied children, facilitated by a freelance lead and supporting artist and managed by the Learning & Engagement Department. Ages 2-4, all abilities. Prince Edward Theatre Old Compton Street W1D www.princeedwardtheatre.co.uk4HS

The stage version of the hugely successful animated Disney ﬁlm features unforgettable songs from the includingmovie,‘ Let It Go’ and ‘Do You Wanna Build a Snowman’, as well as some catchy new numbers. amazingspectacularExpectstaging,speciale ffects and beautiful costumes in a magical world. Ages 6+. Southbank Centre Southbank SE1 www.southbankcentre.co.uk8XX

The London Philharmonic Orchestra plays Benjamin Britten’s ‘Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra’ in a concert ﬁlled with audience interaction and a multimedia presentation. Ages 6+.

A funny, friendly afternoon of top comedy, where baby can come too and join in with the rumpus. Shows feature a new line up of comedians each month with two acts plus a compere. Ages: grownups plus under 12 months. 14 September in Clapham

Mini Masterpieces

V&A Museum Cromwell Road SW7 www.vam.ac.uk/families2RL

This family friendly exhibition takes visitors on a journey to discover Potter’s life as a scientist and conservationist, exploring the places and animals that inspired her most beloved characters. In collaboration with the National Trust, featuring original paintings, letters and photographs.

London Transport Museum

Explore the heritage of London and its transport system, and the stories of the people who have travelled and worked in the city over the last 200 years. Legacies: London Transport’s Caribbean Workforce Uncover stories and memories from ﬁrst, second and third generation Caribbean people who worked for LT in the past and now work for its successor, Transport for London (TfL).

Horniman Museum London Road SE23 www.horniman.ac.uk3PQ Until 30 October Cats and Dogs Discover more about our fascinating furry friends in this interactive, familyfriendly exhibition. Go on an exciting, sensory journey, exploring what it’s like to be a cat or a dog.

What’s On September 2022

Explorers: kings and queens Creative, hands-on sessions for 2 to 4 year-olds and their adults. Each term introduces an exciting new theme to explore. 2 October Apple Day An annual celebration of apples, with garden games, live music, a baking competition, crafts and market stalls. Science Museum Exhibition Road SW7 www.sciencemuseum.org.uk2DD

MUSEUMSOUT

Mondays and Tuesdays Palace

Families with children with special educational needs and disabilities are invited to explore the collection, enjoy the opportunity to be creative together as a family, and meet other local families. Sessions are led by a SEND specialist and respond to the needs of the participating families. Ages 13 and under. Free, book ﬁrst. Until 25 September Canaletto’s Venice Revisited Your last chance to see the complete set of 24 Venetian views painted by Canaletto in the 1730s.The works, from the worldfamous collection at Woburn Abbey, form the largest single commission the Italian artist ever received. Sundays Discover Sundays Each week a different artist takes families on a journey into the museum’s collection, featuring stories and creative activities. All ages, free.

National Maritime Museum Romney Road, Greenwich SE10 9NF www.rmg.co.uk 10 September SENsory Sailors

A number of major London venues offer quieter sessions for visitors with SEN including those with an Autism Spectrum Condition, where they can enjoy everything on offer, free from the hustle and bustle of the general public. Venues include the Natural History Museum, London Transport Museum, The Science Museum, National Maritime Museum, Tower Bridge, the Postal Museum and British Library - check their websites for dates and details.

54 Families South West • September 2022 familiesonline.co.uk

SEN DAYS

Natural History Museum Cromwell Road SW7 5BD www.nhm.ac.uk Until December Dippy the Dinosaur The nation's favourite diplodocus is back for a short visit. Discover Dippy’s many stories, from early stardom to more recent adventures, and ﬁnd out which other dinosaurs lived 155-145 million years ago during the Jurassic Period. Once a month Dino Snores for Kids Spend a night amongst the museum’s incredible collections, exploring world class galleries after hours. After setting up camp in one of the amazing galleries, there’s an evening of awesome learning activities before bedtime, and breakfast in the morning. Ages 7-11.

Daily Wonderlab: The Equinor Gallery Fuel your little one’s imagination by immersing yourselves in a world of wonder in the most spectacular interactive gallery in the world. 6 October - 4 May Science Fiction: Voyage to the Edge of Imagination Embark on an immersive once-in-alifetime adventure through the cosmos to explore visions of the future through the science of today. Tower of London Tower of London EC3N www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london4AB

Fulham Palace Bishop's Avenue SW6 www.fulhampalace.org6EA

Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature

Covent Garden Piazza WC2E 7BB www.ltmuseum.co.uk

Follow a trail through time and space, exploring the Royal Family’s association with the armed forces and its key role in times of conﬂict.

Various dates The Sky Tonight A live show taking visitors on a tour of what can be seen in the night sky. See the stars, constellations, planets and moons, including a ﬂy-out to the edge of the visible universe. Ages 7+. Various Ted’s Space Adventure Explore the solar system with a bear named Ted, learning about the things we ﬁnd there and how they affect us. Ages 3-7. Cutty Sark King William Walk SE10 www.rmg.co.uk/cuttysark9HT

Until 18 September Superbloom at the Tower Your last chance to see the spectacular ﬁeld of ﬂowers, sown to mark the HM The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Grab a mat and slide down the Superbloom slide and follow the visitor route through the display. Kensington Palace Kensington Gardens W8 www.hrp.org.uk/kensington-palace4PX

Compiled by Robina Cowan

Until 4 October Life Through a Royal Lens The British Royal Family has had a long relationship with the camera. Dating from Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s early patronage of photography, this exhibition features formal portraits and lesser known intimate family portraits spanning many decades. Museum of London Docklands West India Quay E14 4AL www.museumoﬂondon.org.uk/dockl ands Once upon a time, London was the hub of the world’s largest empire, and this museum tells its tales of trade, slavery, life in Victorian times and through the wars. Mudlarks is a free interactive space where under 8s can discover, explore and play. Admission free. IWM London Lambeth Road SE1 6HZ www.iwm.org.uk

Royal GreenwichObservatory Blackheath Avenue SE10 www.rmg.co.uk/royal-observatory8XJ

Until 8 January Royals in Wartime

Various dates Rig Climb Experience Climb the famous masts and enjoy views of the Thames and London like no other. Visitors can traverse one of the ship’s lower yardarms before reaching the top platform, taking in the view from the rigging of a true London icon. Ages 12+. Weekends and school holidays Cutty Sark Characters Costumed guides bring to life on-board stories, from the perspective of the most senior captains to the vital supporting workers. Ages 3+.

September 2022 • Families South West 55familiesonline.co.uk FamiliesSWLondon WArWooeeerried about rising costs? you cutting back? ’re here to 020www.warmandwellinmerton.co.help.89460735Warm & Well provides free, conﬁdential advice on housing, transport, beneﬁts and debt. uk Paarkins Wakfo Walk P on’s r THE THEATHEATRELIVESHOWTRATATHESHOWESHOWLIV 1996.BBC©&logo™BBCdios.uLIVE T Studio©&logos™haracterStuBBCbyLicensed2014,LtdAcAKA ON SALE NO WSKETCTI AL HAVAONDONYA SOUT HLROYAL FESTIV MOC.LIVEEEGGHEYDU| - 8 JANC14 DEA LL S‘ENTRE candDUGGEE™YHEY BANK C

Potential is Passion

Our

AWARDED“EXCELLENT”INALLAREASBYTHEINDEPENDENTSCHOOLSINSPECTORATE,2022

Eaton House The Manor’s 1.5 acre site on Clapham Common Northside is home to two separate academically outstanding non-selective* single sex schools for boys aged 2-13 and girls aged 2-11. Eaton House The Manor Boys’ School and Eaton House The Manor Girls’ School both achieve exceptional results. We feed into Westminster, Eton, St Paul’s, Wycombe Abbey, St Paul’s Girls’ School, JAGS, each year. Finding the potential in each child is our passion. New open house dates available now, visit bookopen.day to book. Speak to our Head of Admissions, Miss Sam Feilding, on 020 3917 5050, or visit www.eatonhouseschools.com for more information. *Non-selective at 2+ and 4+ entry.