Families North London issue 103

Issue 103 July/Aug 2013

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North London

Summer issue Annabel Karmel First aid feature Clubs & classes Places to go

the no.1 parenting author

NO added salt NO added sugar NO added nasties suitable from 1 year

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“My new range of ready meals are a convenient and d healthy option that taste just like homemade – they ey are based on some of my favourite recipes.”

“There are nine varieties to choose from so your little one will be spoilt for choice and many of the recipes contain one portion of their heir five a day so that’s a few less to think about! We all struggle to get e our children to eat the right foods but my range focuses on the en important nutrients that children need. All the recipes have been sty extensively tested by children and because my recipes are so tasty even the fussiest eater will love them.”

Contents Issue 103 | July/Aug 2013 | Families North London

This Issue

13

11

15

14 Special Needs 15 Summer Fun 26 First Aid

Regular Features 4

Health & Happiness

7

Childcare & Education

55

31

45

30 Ed’s Reading Room 31 Clubs & Classes 55 Places to go

Welcome Families North London Magazine 120 Brent Street, Hendon, London NW4 2DT For all news and features contact: editor@familiesnorth.co.uk or call 020 8202 2034 For all advertising enquiries contact: adverts@familiesnorth.co.uk or call 020 8202 2034 For all web enquiries contact: melanie@familiesnorth.co.uk or call 020 8202 2034 For all listing enquiries contact: listings@familiesnorth.co.uk Families North London Ltd cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, details are subject to change and Families North London take no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any material. All rights reserved.

Summer is here at last! With this in mind we have sorted out the very best in childhood fun – from the best parks to picnic in to craft boxes to provide hours of wholesome fun. We hope it inspires you to get out and about and enjoy the simple pleasures that life can bring. We wish you a stress-free and happy summer. Enjoy!

Sharon Editor

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health KEEP HEALTHY & HAPPY THIS SUMMER WITH SOME GREAT ADVICE FROM OUR IN-HOUSE EXPERTS

Breastfeeding tips for older babies Breastfeeding an older baby is quite different to feeding a new-born and can take a bit of getting used to.

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Great jewellery creates a controlled distraction Your little one is impossibly curious so it is only natural that your feeds will be interrupted. By wearing a bright and colourful necklace for your baby to play with during the feed, can often keep him latched for a few minutes longer. Other things that help is sitting in front of a painting which baby can see over your shoulder, or bribing your older child with ‘whatever it takes’, to stand behind you and pull funny faces and entertain baby.

It may seem more challenging as you try to keep your baby focussed on the feed rather than popping off every 2 minutes to survey his surroundings to gurgle and squeal at anyone who walks by.

Here are some breastfeeding tips for 3 to 4 month old babies.

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Five minute feeds are perfectly okay It’s amazing just how much milk a baby can drink in 5 minutes, it may be a lot shorter than baby’s usually 20 minute feed, but trust that he will take what he needs and won’t go hungry. You can do a little winding, maybe pop him into his bouncy chair for a few minutes and offer a feed again in a little while, but try not to worry too much about how much milk he has had.

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Your baby may naturally stretch to 4 hourly feeds If you find that your baby is not interested in feeding at the 3 hourly mark, you can offer him a feed at the 3.5 hourly mark or even the 4 hourly mark instead, unless he is asking for milk earlier. By giving your baby feeding space, you may find that the feeds are more efficient, last longer and your baby doesn’t need to be coaxed into having a drink. Monitor your baby’s night time sleep and if you find that after spacing your day time feeds, you are both up a lot more at night, it may be too soon to stretch daytime feeds.

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Curiosity may play havoc with your feeds Older babies have places to go and people to see, so don’t be surprised if your little one begins to protest in between let-downs. As babies get older, they can be super impatient and grumpy when made to wait for subsequent letdowns. This is a great time to switch over and offer baby the other breast. You can move back and forth between the breasts until your baby has had enough milk and is happy to get on with other things.

New-born babies are wonderfully sweet but older babies are full of excitement and curiosity. They can keep you so busy that you don’t even notice the weeks slipping by. It’s all about having fun and exploring the world and while they enjoy doing that, I’ll help you keep an eye on your supply.

Geraldine Miskin Author and founder of the Miskin method www.breastfeedingexperience.com

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Give yourself a lunchtime boost The afternoons can be a fraught time of the day for 3 to 4 month old babies, especially when your supply is naturally at its lowest point and your baby is tired from a day full of excitement and activity. If you feel that afternoon feeds aren’t meeting your baby’s needs, consider having a cup of Mother’s Milk tea or fenugreek

As babies get older, they can be super impatient and grumpy when made to wait for subsequent let-downs.

AUTOGENIC THERAPY Stress is the body’s response to the demands of life. But more and more of us are leading extremely demanding lives and juggling a variety of activities: work, studying, kids, keeping the house clean, having a social life.

Unfortunately, excess stress can cause feelings

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capsules at lunchtime. This will boost your afternoon supply and lead to more effective, satisfying feeds.

of irritation, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Even

learn, quick and proven deep relaxation and

the smallest things can cause insomnia, loss of

stress-beating technique, similar to meditation,

temper, migraines, IBS, a change in eating habits

that helps you switch off your body’s stress

and even physical pain.

responses and switch on its relaxation response.

If you’re suffering from these problems, then there is a way that you help yourself.

Autogenic Therapy (AT) is a safe, easy-to-

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Phone. 0207 998 0521 www.intouchpilates.co.uk

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SUNDAY GP; DR NICOLA DAVIES MBCHB MRCGP DCH DRCOG DIP PALL MED Dr Niki Davies works as a NHS GP in Luton four days a week. She prides herself in providing high quality evidence-based General Practice.

She has opened Sunday GP to provide Private General Practice in Highgate, on a Sunday, when many other services are closed or extremely busy.

The clinic is open to both adults and children whether you are feeling unwell, would like a second opinion, never usually manage to get to a doctor, or would like an onward referral. By appointment only, please call 07843 827647 or email mail@sundaygp.co.uk. Further information available by visiting www.sundaygp.co.uk.

Massage Harmony Lesley Keller is a qualiďŹ ed mobile massage therapist who specialises in Sports Massage. Lesley offers a mobile service in the comfort of your own home or at the Natural Gateway Clinic in Borehamwood, Herts.

Specialising in: Sports Massage Full Body Holistic Massage Back, Neck & Shoulder Hypno Massage Pregnancy Massage Baby Massage

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health

Busting the food and diet myths!

HEALTH & HAPPINESS

There is always so much contradicting advice in the media about health and nutrition that it is no wonder we all get a bit confused. In this issue of Families North, Happy Eaters Nutritionist Sam Perkins will help you bust the myths!

EGGS ARE BAD FOR YOUR HEART We all know that to keep our arteries healthy we need to keep an eye on our cholesterol levels.

Eggs have got a bad name for themselves in the past as they contain a substantial amount of cholesterol in their yolk.

However, we now know that dietary cholesterol is not the main problem.

It is more important to monitor our intake of saturated fat as this has a much bigger effect on blood cholesterol. Eggs are a fantastic source of protein and are fantastic for creating a quick, easy healthy light meal or for use in cooking.

MYTH!

CARBOHYDRATES MAKE YOU FAT So many diets advocate cutting down on carbohydrates like bread, potato, rice and pasta, but is it true that these foods are fattening and should be avoided if we are trying to lose weight?

In a word, No! Carbohydrates are less fattening gram for gram than fatty foods and are fantastic at filling us up and keeping energy levels stable. The carbohydrate itself is therefore a really healthy part of our diet but we often add calories to this by for example adding butter and cheese to a jacket potato or spreading lots of butter on bread. These

MYTH!

are the bits to watch if you are trying to lose weight, not the starchy food itself.

Cutting out carbs means you are going to miss out on the benefits of healthy foods like whole grains and starchy vegetables.

Low carbohydrate diets like the Atkins diet do cause weight loss as they are extremely restrictive and cause you to reduce calorie intake but may be unbalanced and unsustainable in the long term.

TINNED OR FROZEN FRUIT AND VEGETABLES ARE NOT AS GOOD FOR YOU AS FRESH Vegetables and fruit are tinned or frozen very quickly after picking and therefore contain just as much in the way of nutrients as fresh alternatives. They are often cheaper than buying fresh and are a good standby to have in the cupboard or freezer. So your ‘5 a day’ does not have to be made up of fresh foods – remember that you can include juices and other sources of fruit and vegetables as well as frozen and tinned forms.

MYTH!

CALORIES EATEN AT NIGHT ARE MORE FATTENING THAN THOSE EATEN IN THE DAYTIME

MYTH!

Calories are calories, and it does not matter when you eat

them they act the same in the body. The main problem with eating late at night is that you may get indigestion when you try to sleep. It is true that snacking late at night is ‘fattening’ as you are likely to consume calories from high fat high sugar foods but it is not the time of day that is the problem, purely the calories consumed.

IF YOU WANT TO BUILD MUSCLE YOU NEED TO FOLLOW A HIGH PROTEIN DIET We do need protein in our diet but it is not necessary to follow a high protein diet to build muscle.

In the UK we generally eat much more protein than our body needs anyway and building muscle is predominantly about your training program. Eating more calories than your body needs, whether they come from protein, fat or carbohydrate will be converted to fat and stored as fat in your body.

MYTH!

HONEY AND BROWN SUGAR ARE BETTER FOR YOU THAN BROWN SUGAR Nutritionally speaking your body uses all of these in exactly the same way – they are all concentrated sources of sugar with very little in the way of other nutrients.

MYTH!

ORGANIC FOODS ARE MORE NUTRITIOUS THAN NON ORGANIC FOODS The term organic refers to the method of farming not the nutritional content. So while eating organic may be better for the environment, it does not mean you are getting more in the way of nutrition.

Organic food is generally more expensive so whether you chose these foods is a matter of choice and budget.

MYTH!

www.happyeaters.co.uk offers evidence-based, practical nutritional advice. For information about consultations and workshops contact Sam at sam.perkins@happyeaters.co.uk

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Surviving the summer slide Summer holidays bring excitement and adventure.

Students look forward to their days off, knowing the long months will offer respite from their school year.

What they do not understand is that whilst those days may relax and energise, they can also stress them academically. Summer learning loss, also known as the summer slide, can occur quickly during the summer. Recent studies published through a management tracking information system utilised by over 22,000 schools throughout the UK, indicate many students can go an entire summer without even picking up a book. This can be extremely detrimental to a child’s learning progress.

When children mentally go on holiday for the summer, they are often at risk of losing one to three months of education with some dropping behind by as much as two to four national curriculum points. These students enter the classroom in the autumn term significantly behind their classmates. This makes it challenging for educators to meet the needs of their students. As a parent though, you have the ability to minimise that academic loss.

• Support learning at home Learning begins in the home but parents do

not have to be educators to support that learning; you can do so by extending your children’s summer activities. Have them find a book about the play they are studying at drama camp. Participation in a summer football or rugby camp can be turned into a journaling activity. Maths can be practised through a trip to the grocery store. Turn any experience into a learning opportunity.

• Support learning through the library Reading is arguably one of the most important components of your children’s education. Local libraries present opportunities to participate in reading programmes, group discussions, or other literacy events. Use your local library to find grade level appropriate books and activities.

• Support learning through summer programmes Sometimes though, children need more support than can be received at home.

Between your work hours, a lack of resources

or simply not knowing where to focus, you can be overwhelmed. If that occurs, reach out to an established summer school programme.

Learning is directed in a setting with real, live teaching, as opposed to in front of computer screens, and in small classes that allow your child to receive individualized instruction. Enrolling your children in a vibrant and authentic programme may be the perfect opportunity to revise learning from the previous school year, extend learning and prepare for future challenges such as entrance exams.

Janet Sherlock is head tutor at Leaders are Readers, the awardwinning Saturday and Summer Schools. www.leadersarereaders.co.uk

Your Local Childcare Agency We have 18 years experience working with children and families and are dedicated to finding the most suitable nanny for your requirements. We only register nannies/ babysitters of the highest standard with excellent references, qualifications, CRB and First Aid certificates.

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Services we provide: Au Pairs Nannies Nanny Shares After School Housekeeper

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If you are looking for a child carer or if you would like to find a family to work for, please contact us and we will help you all the way.

Tel: 020 8447 1737 Email: info@barnetnannies.co.uk www.barnetnannies.co.uk

Free 15-hour places available for 3-4-year-olds Full, part-time and sessional day-care for children aged 2-5-years-old Places available starting September 2013 Open Monday-Friday 8am-6pm Open 48 weeks per year Fully-trained staff All welcome Please call to make an appointment to view the Nursery

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childcare and education Accepting babies to rising 5’s Open 8am-6pm Mon-Fri A safe, secure thirty place nursery

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47 Dudley Court 36 Endell Street London WC2H 9RF Telephone 020 7240 8136 www.turtlesnurserycoventgarden.co.uk

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GLAMOUR THE SALON

Glamour – The Salon, has teamed up with Families North to offer all our readers 30% off any salon treatment In their boutique salon you can choose from Shellac gel polish, St Tropez tanning, waxing and facial treatments The new shop has opened with customers leaving feeling refreshed and happy.

So if you need to have partyperfect make-up this is ideal.

Please call ahead to make an appointment quoting Families North to receive your 30% discount.

No treatment is rushed so you really feel pampered and cared for.

The Salon is open Sunday to Friday and will open for specially scheduled appointments as well.

92A Brent Street, Hendon NW4 2ES Tel: 07742 110315

Julia and her Bears: In London

By Irene Sinfield Charming, old-fashioned tales of teddy bear adventures in London.

Julia carries her bears with her wherever she goes. Julia and Her Bears In London is a book of adventures that happened in London when young cousin Isabel came to stay with Julia.

The two girls have a whole series of outings planned… as do their little furry companions – a collection of bears who accompany them on many of their adventures.

Herman is the bears’ leader. Then there’s Ludwig, the clever one; Franz the party bear; Alfonso, who once belonged to a Princess; Pooh, superb at cricket; and Zenia, the fastest bear in town. And last but not least, Julia’s trusty old bear himself, Bear Smith. They are all Steiff Bears – except for Bear Smith who, in his own words, is just ‘a rough old bear’. Isabel’s own bear, Jake tags along with the intrepid troupe, ready for all the fun that London at Christmas time offers.

Mishap and mayhem are never far away in this lovingly told and wonderfully illustrated book of charming stories for children.

For a chance to win a copy of this super book please go to www.familiesnorth.co.uk/competitions and answer the question.

Individual tutoring and assessments available 5-18yrs children, including children with special educational needs.

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childcare and education

We are taking registrations for September 2013!

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Come and visit our fabulous nurseries in Crouch End, West Hampstead, Finchley, Southgate, and our brand new JW3 nursery opening in n North West London, September 2013

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Calmer, easier, happier parenting Introducing Noel Janis-Norton

Wouldn’t being a parent be easier and calmer if the first time you asked your daughter to put her shoes on she just did it?

Or if you asked your son to put his football socks in the laundry basket, he said ‘OK’ and got up to do it? Well, we’ve found a parenting expert with the tools to make it happen, and her centre is here in North London. She is Noël Janis-Norton, a parenting educator and the author of numerous parenting books, CDs, DVDs and seminars. She is the creator of the ‘Calmer, Easier, Happier Parenting’ method. We’ve asked Noel to join Families North London to answer our readers’ burning questions about parenting.

Noel says ‘For 40 years, I’ve been helping parents successfully tackle some of the most challenging family issues: morning and bedtime routines, mealtimes, sibling rivalry, homework, computer use, special needs and much more. What sets my approach apart from other parenting advice is my emphasis on cooperation as the key to a calmer, easier, happier family life. I teach parents practical and effective strategies so that they never have to ask twice.

The Calmer, Easier, Happier Parenting strategies are very positive and respectful – and they work!’

Here is a question that we hear over and over again at the Calmer, Easier, Happier Parenting Centre: Q: I can’t stand it when my children argue back or just ignore me! I don’t want to have to keep repeating myself and then end up shouting to show them I mean business. How do I get my children to listen and do what I say the first time I ask?

A: Lack of cooperation is probably the most frustrating part of being a parent.

Luckily, it’s never too late to get children (even teens!) into the habit of first-time listening and cooperating. But you’ll need specific strategies to make it happen.

Using the Calmer, Easier, Happier Parenting method, some parents see an improvement in behaviour and attitude in just a few days. But you may need to practise the strategies consistently for a couple of weeks before you see results.

Children are not born knowing that they should do what parents ask. Cooperation is a habit that we need to teach our children. Unfortunately, some children drift into the opposite habit: resisting, whingeing or arguing. This can happen when parents give in to avoid a fuss or when parents give a lot of attention to the resistance, reluctance or refusal.

Of course, no child will ever behave perfectly all the time. But children and teens who cheerfully cooperate and remember the rules and routines 90% of the time – this is a completely achievable goal! In this ongoing column I will be explaining exactly how parents can put these effective Calmer, Easier, Happier Parenting strategies into practice to improve behaviour, as well as many other typical parenting issues.

If your children tend to ignore your instructions or argue back or say ‘In a minute,’ the first thing you will need to think about is ‘How can I motivate my children to want to cooperate?’

You might be tempted to try using consequences to motivate, but you’ve probably noticed that consequences don’t really work in the long term. There is a

friendlier and much more effective way, a technique called Descriptive Praise. This technique is the most powerful motivator I have ever come across, both as a parent and as a professional working with families.

Descriptive Praise is very different from how we usually praise. Generally, we try to encourage or reinforce good behaviour by using lots of superlatives: ‘Well done’, ‘Terrific’, ‘Super’, ‘Fantastic’.

That seems like a natural way to praise because we’re so used to it. But the problem with all this superlative praise is that it’s quite vague so your child is often not clear what she actually did that was so wonderful. There isn’t any useful information in this type of exaggerated praise.

The kind of praise that’s far more effective consists of describing exactly what your child did right or exactly what he didn’t do wrong, being very specific, such as: ‘You did what I asked the first time.

That was cooperative.’

‘You didn’t say “In a minute”. I asked you to set the table, and you did it

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childcare and education The problem with all this superlative praise is that it’s quite vague so your child is often not clear what she actually did that was so wonderful. There isn’t any useful information in this type of exaggerated praise. straightaway, without complaining.’

‘You remembered to feed your fish.

I didn’t have to remind you.’

Here’s what a parent told me recently about how Descriptive Praise motivated her sons to become much more cooperative: ‘Descriptive praise worked right away to help my boys cooperate. A day or two after hearing Noël speak, I was making dinner and told my boys to wash their hands and come to the table. The six-year-old got up from the couch and started walking toward the bathroom.

I jumped in with Descriptive Praise, saying “You’re a first-time listener.”

As soon as I said this, his older brother jumped off the couch and said “I’m a first-time listener, too” and rushed off to wash his hands. I hadn’t expected my words of Descriptive Praise to have such an immediate effect. I kept up the Descriptive Praise all through dinner and getting ready for bed and breakfast the next morning. The next evening the younger one surprised me. He washed his hands and came to the table, announcing, “Look, Mum, I’m a no-time listener because I did it before you even asked!”’

When you make a point of mentioning each time your children listen and cooperate the first time, very soon they will start doing it more and more. And each time you mention something they did without having to be told, the more

self-reliant and responsible they will become. Descriptive Praise brings out the best in children. You can use this strategy to improve any behaviour that’s problematic, e.g. sibling relationships, getting started on homework, tidying up, tasting new foods, settling down at bedtime. Descriptive Praise is a technique that all parents will want in their tool kit to help them raise children and teens who are cooperative, confident, motivated, selfreliant and considerate.

Now in this short column, I can only scratch the surface of this essential parenting tool, so you are bound to have questions. My book, Calmer, Easier, Happier Parenting answers all the questions parents have about how to put Descriptive Praise into practice, and it gives dozens of examples that you can adapt to improve a wide range of family issues. The book also includes many success stories from parents. I suggest keeping this resource on your bedside table and referring to it frequently.

For those of you who prefer to listen rather than read, I recommend our CD, Descriptive Praise, the Number 1 Motivator for Children, which will give you the information you need to start transforming family life. (You can find out more about the Calmer, Easier, Happier Parenting resources at: www. calmerparenting.co.uk.)

As important as Descriptive Praise is, it’s certainly not the only strategy you’ll need to help your children learn to do their best and be their best. In the next issue, I’ll share another important technique that prevents and minimises many behaviour issues, including children tuning you out or arguing back. So in the meantime, why not take the Calmer, Easier, Happier Parenting challenge and focus on Descriptively Praising whenever you notice your children doing something right, or even just a tiny improvement.

You will see positive results sooner than you can imagine.

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Competition!

WIN THE POTTY TRAINING BREAKTHROUGH THAT’S WINNING AWARDS Dry Like Me potty training pads are a real break-through in the challenge to get children out of nappies and into their own pants. They have won lots of awards and are endorsed by child toilet training charity, ERIC. The handy little potty training pads turn all pants into potty training pants by adding an absorbent layer. They give your little one extra confidence and ease the pressures on you.

Dry Like Me pads help your child to recognise their body’s cues for the loo, a key part of potty training. While they are learning, they capture small accidents and so reduce the mess and stress. They are soft, comfortable and suitable for children of all ages with one size fitting all. In research they reduced accidents after only one week.

Dry Like Me are giving away five ‘Smarter Way to Potty Train Packs’ worth £15. Each pack contains four boxes of Dry Like Me pads and a lovely reward chart and stickers – all the tools you need to help your little one achieve potty training success!

For more information, practical advice and special offers go to www.drylikeme.com.

And share your experiences at facebook. com/DryLikeMeUK. Dry Like Me are available from Tesco Extra, Asda, Sainsbury, Morrisons, Superdrug, Wilkinsons, Ocado and Amazon and cost around £3.49 for a pack of 18.

Competition question: what is the Dry Like Me website address?

To enter go to www.familiesnorth.co.uk/ competitions.

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childcare child dcare a and nd education

Potty training Do you want to know if your child ready for potty training? Here are some tips and facts from The London Nanny Consultant to guide you.

Now that the weather is warming up many parents want to start potty training their toddlers and are currently asking me for advice or help in this department and I have just completed potty training triplets!

However is it that simple? Can we potty train when we feel it is convenient for us?

Unfortunately not. If you potty train when the time is not right for your child it can be very disheartening, challenging and stressful for the child and the parent or carer, and can take a very long time.

I often explain to parents when talking about behaviour issues that there are three areas in their little lives where a toddler has control, eating, sleeping and potty training, so the time has to be right for the child in the latter and approached in the right way.

So how does the grown-up know when the time is right and when the child is potentially developmentally ready? Here are some tips and facts to help you, but remember every child is an individual and will only do it when they are emotionally ready too!

FACTS • Girls tend to potty train more quickly than boys.

• At around 18 months the toddler can begin to tell you that he/she is wet or dirty.

• From around 18 months to 2 years they can tell you that a wee is imminently going to come out!

• By the age of 2 they are generally able to give more of a warning before they need to go.

• Most toddlers can control their bowel before their bladder and it is at around the age of 2 that they start to learn bowel control.

• Most 3 year olds can hold on and will be dry for a reasonable amount of time, but will still have the odd accident.

NEXT WHAT DOES THE PARENT NEED TO WATCH OUT FOR? SIGNS • They know they have a dirty or wet nappy.

• They start to show awareness by stopping what they are doing to focus on a wee/poo or go somewhere to have a quiet poo.

• They are having regular or predictable bowel movements.

• They know when they are passing urine or having a bowel movement and may tell you that they are doing it.

• The gap between wettings is at least 1½ to 2 hours.

• They know they need to wee/poo and may say so in advance.

You also need to bear in mind that with the efficiency of today’s nappies and pull ups toddlers cannot always tell when they are wet. If you think they may be ready, but you are not 100% sure you can do a test run by taking the nappy or pull up off to see if they become aware. If your toddler is showing all the signs above, but is resisting potty training do not force it. They may be going through a general phase of resistance and you may need to work through this first. They need to be willing to do it and will eventually want to learn when the time is right for them, and it is important to have a very relaxed approach to toilet training.

In my own personal experience of potty training with one of the families I worked for I had one little boy from birth. I first attempted potty training at 18 months, but he was not ready. I tried six months later when he was 2 years old and still no joy. I tried again at 2½ and then 3 and was again unsuccessful. When he was 3 years and 3 months old he walked straight to the toilet, stood up and went just like his daddy. He is 18 now and has never looked back since! On the other hand I had two boys of 2 and 4 years old and the 2 year old decided one day that he was going to take his nappy off and copy his brother.

I never had to do

anything! So from these two examples all I can say is trust your instinct, relax, look for the signs, but don’t rush into it and embrace the process of potty training!

For more information on how to prepare and approaches to potty training Miranda can be contacted at info@ thelondonnannyconsultant.co.uk or on 07751 421327. She is a Norland-trained nanny with 25 year’s of worldwide experience and now has her own business as The London Nanny Consultant. www.thelondonnannyconsultant.co.uk.

POTTY TRAINING LIVE July sees the start of Potty Training Live! a free programme of support to help get you and your little one through the challenge of potty training.

Register at PottyTrainingLive.com for a six week programme of free support that will guide you through the key stages of potty training, from changing nappies in the bathroom and learning the ‘bathroom routine’ right through to big boy or girl pants and dry days.

Join parents and toddlers throughout the country taking part in ‘Take Your Nappy Off’ Week which begins on July 15th. With children getting potty trained later than in the past, the week is being held to help parents ‘go for it’ and get their children out of nappies.

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13

Special Needs Dyspraxia

By Lorrae Jaderberg and Katie Krais, Jaderberg Krais Educational Consultancy

In today’s world dyspraxia is a common word often heard around classrooms. But what is it and how does it affect learning?

Dyspraxia is thought to be caused by a disruption, impairment or immaturity in the way messages from the brain are transmitted to the body. Current research suggests that it is due to an immaturity of neurone development in the brain. Dyspraxia specifically relates to the development of a child’s motor skills (their ability to make smooth, coordinated movements). It is characterised by difficulty in planning smooth, coordinated movements, which leads to clumsiness and lack of co-ordination.

Often, it can lead to problems with language, perception and thought.

As dyspraxia cannot be cured, it is vital that a proper diagnosis is made as early as possible. Your child may have a greater chance of improvement if treatment is started early; there are ways to teach your child to cope with their problems.

Dyspraxia is more common in boys and sometimes runs in families. It may also occur alongside other conditions.

It is hard to estimate exactly how many children are affected by dyspraxia. Some studies have argued around one in 50 children are affected. Others say it could be as high as one in 12.

What are the signs?

To recognise the possible signs in pre-school, you may notice your child is late in reaching milestones such as: rolling over, sitting, standing, walking, and speaking. Your child’s speech may be very immature or impossible to understand in their early years, and language and vocabulary skills may take longer to develop.

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From school age you may notice that they may not be able to run, hop, jump, or catch or kick a ball although their peers can. Riding a bicycle may prove harder to master than for other children of the same age. They may have difficulty in keeping friends; or judging how to behave in company and have little understanding of concepts such as ‘in’, ‘on’, ‘in front of’. Perhaps they have difficulty in walking up and down stairs, are poor at dressing and are slow and hesitant in most actions.

At school some children avoid PE and games; they may do badly in class but significantly better on a one-to-one basis. They may react to all stimuli without discrimination and their attention span is poor. Often children with dyspraxia have trouble with maths and writing structured stories; experience great difficulty in copying from the blackboard; write laboriously and immaturely; are unable to remember or follow instructions and are generally poorly organised.

An older child may find it harder than other children of the same age to join in playground games and to perform fine (detailed) movements, such as handwriting. They may also have difficulty processing thoughts and concentrating.

Some children may start to avoid activities at home or school to avoid feeling embarrassed in front of friends or family.

These problems may start to have a different effect on them. For example, because they have problems with muscle movement and find PE (physical education) difficult they cannot take part in team games, which may have an effect on how well they make friends or they may be bullied for being ‘different’ or clumsy, which will lead to avoidance of certain activities or subjects, such as drawing. They are more tired, as they have to use more energy than other children to complete the same activities.

Your child may also have low

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self-esteem (the way they feel about themselves) as a result of these problems.

What should you do if you are concerned?

For pre-school concerns, talk to you GP and Health Visitor, they can refer your child to a paediatrician or a Child Development Centre. The appropriate psychologist, physiotherapist, speech and language therapist or occupational therapist can then assess your child for dyspraxia.

For school aged children, talk to your GP, school nurse, school doctor or Special Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo) who can make referrals for assessments.

Hospital referral may be required for special tests or treatment. There is useful information in the Department for Education and Employment’s booklet Special Educational Needs: A Guide for Parents call 020 7925 5000 or 0845 1232303 in Scotland, for a copy.

After your child has been referred, the healthcare professionals involved will carry out an assessment. The assessment will usually involve a detailed account of your child’s developmental history, such as when they first sat up or crawled and their intellectual ability, such as how they are progressing with reading and writing.

There will also be tests of your child’s gross and fine motor (movement) skills.

Gross motor skills are the ability to use large muscles that co-ordinate body movements, such as running, walking, jumping, throwing and maintaining balance and fine motor skills are the ability to use small muscles for accurate co-ordinated movements, such as writing, tying a shoelace, doing up buttons and tracing and cutting out shapes.

Remember – the earlier your child is diagnosed with dyspraxia, the greater are their chances of improvement!

The Dyspraxia Foundation has a network of local support groups and publishes a range of leaflets, booklets and books. They can be contacted on 01462 454 986. www.dyspraxiafoundation.org.uk

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Annabel Karmel Things to do Holiday tips Water safety

summer fun Tips for Travellers

The big summer holiday

By Robina Cowan

Yippee! It’s the break we’ve all been dreaming of and looking forward to through the dank winter and spring months – here comes this year’s summer holiday.

Hands up who remembers when it was just you and your beloved, grabbing a cheap deal, filling a backpack at the last minute and heading for the sun? Those were the good old days...

Now you’re a family, there’s a third ‘p’ to add to ‘passport and packing’ – ‘planning’.

Here at Families (now a mighty group of 40 local magazines), the editors have children spanning all ages from three months to the early twenties, so you could say we’ve been there, done that. We put our heads together to pool our experience and best ideas for you. Happy travelling!

BEFORE YOU GO Label your child’s clothes, towels and backpacks, especially if you will be using kids’ clubs – they WILL go missing. Labels 4 Kids (www. labels4kids.com/fam) and Easy 2 Name (www.easy2name.com) both stock packs of instant labels so the job’s a breeze and it’s a much cheaper solution than replacing lost items. They also have ID wristbands so you can label the children with your contact details

If you come home knowing that for most of the time, you relaxed, laughed and enjoyed the time spent together as a family, it’s been a success!

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Use Google Street View with the children to look round your planned location and help get familiarised with the landscape, ‘foreign’ signs and local attractions. You can also use it to create a list of places to visit Photocopy everyone’s passport and keep the copies in a different place. If the originals go missing, proof that you had passports will make it much easier to tussle with overseas authorities when it’s time to come home Have up to date pictures of your children on your phone – if they go missing you can show authorities what they look like Freeze food to await your return – even fresh milk can be frozen – so you don’t come home to an empty kitchen. Some very organised mothers even do an online shop towards the end of their holiday, for delivery on their first day home. Now, that’s organisation!

Lost luggage is a nightmare. Rather than filling one suitcase per person, pack a couple of daytime and evening outfits for everyone in each case so you can all get started while the hotel/ airline tracks down the missing bag Involve your children in the packing even if just a small part is their responsibility. It occupies them while you are busy and gets them into the holiday mood. Then check their choices: you may find fancy dress costumes and nothing sensible (OK, I admit this is from experience!)

Add a small ‘emergency bag’ to your hand luggage, with plasters, tissues, sachets of paracetamol, cotton wool, needle and thread, safety pins, wetwipes and a few sweets (for bribing and wiping away tears). Oh the satisfying feeling to have what you need just at the right time!

Pack spare clothes in your hand luggage in case of ‘accidents’

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Leave a spare set of keys with a friendly neighbour in case of home emergencies, losing yours or locking yourself out (I’ve done that just when we were about to leave!)

Cancel the newspapers and ask your friendly neighbour to return the wheelie bins to your property on collection day, so you’re not advertising an empty home.

ON THE WAY Long car journeys are not all about being plugged into gadgets. Try story tapes – as a family, we are all totally addicted to the ‘How to Train your Dragon’ series. The ‘Michelin I-Spy’ activity books are great fun, as are the free downloads from www.rac.co.uk/ advice/car-knowledge/top-ten/cargames/. I made up some sheets myself for a journey through France and they kept my boys amused for hours For flights, Usborne’s ’50 Things do on a Plane’ will keep them occupied, rrp £5.99, while the Top Trumps range is great for older children, especially if you’re willing to join in Flying is the one time I am relaxed about screen time – if you have electrical gadgets, use them. Make sure you have some child friendly headphones to hand so as not to ‘share’ your child’s love of Peppa Pig with the entire plane Sucky sweets (as they are known in our house) are great for little ones who struggle with their ears on take off.

Give babies a bottle (or breastfeed) to stop their ears popping Pack an extra layer for the flight even if you’re flying from a warm UK to a tropical destination. Planes can be chilly and children won’t relax if they’re not cosy If your child is crying on the flight, don’t panic. Most of passengers on board

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summer fun

Top 10 travel money tips

By MoneyVista www.moneyvista.com/families

If you’re planning a holiday abroad this summer, here are our top 10 tips on getting the most from your travel money.

Now you’re a family, there’s a third ‘p’ to add to ‘passport and packing’ – ‘planning’. will be either parents or grandparents and will have sympathy for you. Your priority is settling your child in the best way you can. If your child has a favourite teddy or comfort blanket, make sure it’s in your hand luggage.

It may help calm them and that in turn will calm you.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE • Resist the temptation to Facebook your day’s antics – you’re advertising that you are away and your home’s empty. Not a good idea • When packing to come home, check the back of every drawer, cupboard and even under the beds for favourite toys that might be lurking unseen. Have a quick rifle through the hotel/resort Lost Property box for mislaid hats/t-shirts etc (patting yourself on the back for labelling them beforehand).

WHEN YOU RETURN Take your holiday laundry for a service wash – it’s a small price to pay for not having to sort, wash and dry all those gritty beach towels and sunscreen covered t-shirts.

AND FINALLY Work on a 70:30 ratio. Holidays are not be effortless when you have children, just as life at home is not effortless. If you can enjoy 70% of the time you are away together, that’s a result. 30% will be about tantrums, tiredness and bad moods. But if you come home knowing that for most of the time, you relaxed, laughed and enjoyed the time spent together as a family, it’s been a success!

1. TAKE CASH AND CARDS Foreign currency is good for everyday spending but if you don’t want to carry around too much cash then plastic can be handy. A credit card (www.moneyvista.com/ guides-tools/banking-budgeting/makingthe-most-of-your-credit-card/) is useful if you make purchases over £100 and want extra protection. Pre-paid cards are as convenient as credit and debit cards although you can only spend the money you have on them.

2. DON’T BUY CURRENCY AT THE AIRPORT Avoid buying foreign currency at the airport as you tend to get a poor deal. Instead, order cash in advance on the high street, at your bank or online. You can get commission-free currency at various places including the Post Office, Marks & Spencer Bank and Sainsbury’s Bank but check you are getting a good exchange rate.

3. DON’T CARRY TOO MUCH CASH Avoid having too much cash on you as it may not be covered by your travel insurance if it’s lost or stolen. Better to change up money as you need it.

4. WATCH OUT FOR CARD CHARGES Most debit and credit cards charge extra if you use them abroad so use sparingly. Foreign exchange rate loadings (www.moneyvista. com/guides-tools/banking-budgeting/travelmoney-explained/) can add 2.75% to 3% on purchases and cash withdrawals and some debit cards charge £1.25 or £1.50 on top of this for purchases.

5. AVOID TAKING OUT CASH ON A CREDIT CARD Don’t use your credit card to withdraw cash unless it’s an emergency. As well as exchange rate fees and withdrawal charges you’ll also have to pay interest on the withdrawal immediately even if you pay off your bill in full when you return home. Cash withdrawal

interest rates are usually much higher than the normal interest rate your card charges for purchases (up to around 30%).

6. DEBIT CARDS ARE CHEAPER THAN CREDIT CARDS FOR CASH It’s cheaper to withdraw cash with a debit card than a credit card but you’ll still pay an exchange rate loading fee and a withdrawal charge. It’s cheaper to withdraw one or two larger sums than several smaller sums.

7. GET A DEBIT CARD YOU CAN USE FOR FREE Consider a bank account which has a debit card you can use anywhere in the world for free, such as from Metro Bank and Norwich & Peterborough. You can also get credit cards which don’t charge foreign exchange fees.

8. CONSIDER A PRE-PAID CARD If you don’t want to risk overspending consider a pre-paid card (https://www. moneyvista.com/guides-tools/bankingbudgeting/prepaid-cards-explained/)to pay for goods and services or withdraw money while you’re abroad. You buy the currency in advance, load this on to your card and then use it just like a credit or debit card. You have a personal pin number which you key into a card machine when you withdraw money or pay for goods. Any money you don’t spend can be refunded. You can order these cards over the internet. Watch out for set-up and cash withdrawal fees as some cards charge these.

9. WATCH OUT FOR DYNAMIC CURRENCY CONVERSION This is where you are offered the choice of paying in sterling or the local currency. The conversion rates are usually poor so it’s nearly always cheaper to pay in the local currency.

10. TELL YOUR BANK IF YOU’RE GOING ON HOLIDAY Tell your bank and credit card provider if you’re going abroad. Banks sometimes block unusual transactions to prevent fraud. It’s also a good idea to take more than one card with you just in case you experience problems with one of them.

MoneyVista is a free personal finance website. Full of guides, budgeting tips and expert help, we aim to help you take control of your money and plan for your family’s future. To find out more visit www.moneyvista.com/families.

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xx National Trust reveals ultimate locations to enjoy charity’s 2013 wild bucketlist

The UK’s best tree for climbing To ce celebrate the launch of its 2013 list of ‘50 th things to do before you’re 11¾’ the Natio National Trust has identified the best places around the UK for outdoor adventures, including the greatest tree to climb.

I

n a bid to help children reconnect with nature, the charity asked more than 1,700 kids to vote on their top outdoor activities and reasons why, and then set about finding the ultimate places where they could be enjoyed.

Over half of the children questioned (63%) chose tree climbing, den building and bike riding as the top three activities, with half (51%) agreeing that tree climbing was one of their favourite activities as it is the most challenging. Nearly all parents (96 per cent) agreed these activities helped to strengthen their child’s relationship with the natural world.

Off the back of the study the National Trust chose the 45-foot-high

Nootka Cypress evergreen at Wallington, Northumberland, for tree climbing, after agreeing that its trunk height and branches made it ideal for mini adventurers. Other favourites on the list were going on a really long bike ride at Wimpole Estate in Cambridgeshire, and building your own den at Lyme Park, in Cheshire.

Following last year’s success, the list of 50 outdoors adventures from National Trust staff has been updated for 2013. Fifteen new experiences were suggested by children across the country over the 2012 summer holidays, including star few ideas to help their under 11¾-year-olds get active, get outdoors, whilst enjoying some precious family time just in time for the half term.

Summer for fun for families from £599 Based on 2 Adults & 2 Children for 4 Nights

FAMILIES NORTH LONDON OFFER To mark the National Trust’s recent publication of ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’, Sheen Falls Lodge, a fantastic 5* hotel in Ireland are encouraging families across the UK with a

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Our Summer Family Fun package is great value with our 4 for 3 offer. This 4 night package includes full Irish breakfast each morning, dinner on two evenings and tickets for all the family to Molly Gallivan’s Cottage and Traditional Farm on one day of your choice.

There are a wide variety of complimentary activities available at the hotel for all the family such as table tennis, walks on the grounds of the hotel, indoor swimming, bicycles to explore

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The overall top ten activities and best places in the UK to experience them are: 1

GO ON A REALLY LONG BIKE RIDE Wimpole Estate, Cambridgeshire

2

BUILD A DEN Lyme Park’s woodland, Cheshire

3

CLIMB A TREE Wallington’s ‘the tree climbing tree’, Northumberland

4

COOK ON A CAMPFIRE Stackpole, Pembrokeshire

5

HUNT FOR FOSSILS AND BONES Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters, East Sussex

6

DISCOVER WHAT’S IN A POND Florence Court, County Fermanagh

7

TRACK WILD ANIMALS Castle Drogo, Devon

8

HOLD A SCARY BEAST Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire

9 GO BIRDWATCHING Kingston Lacey, Dorset

110 GO ON A WALK BAREFOOT Strumble Head to Cardigan, Pembrokeshire

the countryside, frisbees, croquet plus DVD’s and board games for those rainy days!

The package price is based on a Deluxe Room, based on two adults and one child sharing, a Junior Suite and Suite is based on two adults and two children sharing. A supplement will apply for the third or any additional children sharing.

One night within the package is extended on a complimentary bed and breakfast basis. Up to 2 children reserved on this package are included on a complimentary bed and breakfast basis only with further meals chargeable.

Please see our website for additional details and other packages! http://secure.sheenfallslodge.ie/bookings/ specialspage

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summer fun gazing and daisy chain making. Over 40,000 kids signed up to the initiative in its launch last year.

Den building (73%) was voted the most fun and exciting activity by under 12s, act and an over half (60%) of children chose bike riding because they rid could do it with their co family. fa Four out of five (80 per cent) parents said they’d like to t see their children get outdoors and tackle activities such as tree climbing more. The research also revealed that adults share the same love of outdoor adventures as children, with parents also choosing long bike rides (33%), den building (24%) and tree climbing (15%) as the activities they most enjoyed as a child.

However, four-in-five (83%) parents reported that their child spends less time playing outdoors than they did at their age, with almost three quarters (73%) blaming the rise in technology as the main obstacle for boys and over a third (71%) claiming concerns over safety prevents girls from enjoying the great outdoors. Nearly three q quarters ((71%)) of parents agree that active adventures, such as tree climbing, are the best way to gett their children playing outside.

To help kids tick off their list, over the summer the National Trust has over 7,000 50-things-inspired activities taking place around the UK, with hundreds of events happening over this bank holiday weekend. To find out more about the 50 things adventures visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/50things.

The 50 things to do before you’re 11¾ 1 CLIMB A TREE Wallington, Northumberland 2 ROLL DOWN A REALLY BIGG HILL Croome, Midlands

Hertfordshire

3 CAMP OUT IN THE WILD

29 EXPLORE A CAVE Yorkshire Dales,

Gibside, North East

Yorkshire

4 BUILD A DEN Lyme Park, Stockport 5 SKIM A STONE Fell Foot Park, Cumbria 6 RUN AROUND IN THE RAIN Finch Foundry, Dartmoor

7 FLY A KITE Dunstable Downs, Bedfordshire 8 CATCH A FISH WITH A NET Parke, Dartmoor EAT 9 AN APPLE STRAIGHT FROM A TREE Llanerchaeron,

• Top tips and guidance for each activity • Secret challenges to unlock • Special rewards for the best explorers • The wild test will help you find out what sort of explorer you are • Your very own virtual explorer to guide you through the 50 things

Nottinghamshire

31 HUNT FOR BUGS Hardcastle Crags, West Yorkshire Countryside

32 FIND SOME FROGSPAWN Springhill, Mid Ulster

33 CATCH A FALLING LEAF 34 TRACK WILD ANIMALS Castle Drogo, Devon

Ceredigion Coast

35 DISCOVER WHAT’S IN A POND

10 PLAY CONKERS Osterley

Florence Court, County Fermanagh

Park and House, London

11 GO ON A REALLY LONG BIKE RIDE

36 MAKE A HOME FOR A WILD

Wimpole Estate, Cambridgeshire

ANIMAL Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal,

12 MAKE A TRAIL WITH STICKS

Yorkshire

Longshaw and Eastern Moors, Peak District Hall, Staffordshire Landscape Garden, Bath

15 PPLAY IN THE SNOW Bodiam Castle, East SussexWinchelsea Countryside

16 MAKE A DAISY CHAIN Lacock Abbey, North Wiltshire

17 SET UP A SNAIL RACE Lyveden New Bield, Midlands

Tredegar House, South East Wales

THE SEA

43 BUILD A RAFT

Hampshire

20 JUMP OVER WAVES Compton Bay and Downs, Isle of Wight

21 PICK BLACKBERRIES GROWING IN THE WILD Castle Ward, County Down 22 EXPLORE INSIDE A TREE Hatfield Forest, Essex

23 VISIT A FARM Cuckmere Valley, South Downs

24 GO ON A WALK BAREFOOT Strumble Head to Cardigan, Pembrokeshire

25 MAKE A GRASS TRUMPET Hare Hill,

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Nostell Priory and Parkland,, Yorkshire

41 PLANT IT, GROW IT, EAT IT

Llyn peninsula, Llyn Wales

19 PLAY POOH STICKS Mottisfont,

Seven Sisters, South Downs

39 CATCH A CRAB Plas Newydd, Wales 40 GO ON A NATURE WALK AT NIGHT

42 GO SWIMMING IN

18 CREATE SOME WILD ART

BONES Birling Gap and thee

South Milton Sands, Devon

38 BRING UP A BUTTERFLY Anglesey Abbey, Gardens and Lode Mill, Cambridge

114 DAM A STREAM Prior Parkk

26 HUNT FOR FOSSILS AND

37 CHECK OUT THE CRAZY CREATURES IN A ROCK POOL

13 MAKE A MUD PIE Moseleyy Old

Cheshire & Wirral Countryside

50 things scrapbooks will be available free at over 350 participating properties (subject to availability).

30 HOLD A SCARY BEAST Clumber Park,

Rowallane Garden, County Down

Sheringham Park, Norfolk

The 50 things website (www. nationaltrust.org.uk/50things) has loads of great information to help you tackle the 50 things adventures. Sign up online and receive:

27 GO STAR GAZING Tyntesfield, Bristol 28 CLIMB A HUGE HILL Ashridge Estate,

Borrowdale, North Lakes

44 GO BIRD WATCHING Kingston Lacy, West Dorset

45 FIND YOUR WAY WITH A MAP AND COMPASS Chartwell, Kent 46 TRY ROCK CLIMBING Brimham Rocks, Harrogate

47 COOK ON A CAMPFIRE Stackpole, Pembrokeshire

48 LEARN TO RIDE A HORSE Clandon Park, London

49 FIND A GEOCACHE Sizergh, South East Cumbria

50 CANOE DOWN A RIVER Brancaster Millennium Activity Centre, Norfolk Coast

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summer fun

What I learned on my holidays...

By Joanna Moorhead

The long summer break is almost upon us; but whether you’re having a staycation or going away, why not fold some learning into your vacation plans? We’ve got 20 great ideas for skills you and your family can master over the weeks ahead – wherever you are.

1

Sleep outdoors: nothing says ‘summer’ like the chance to kip outside. If you can, find a campsite where you can go for a few days; but if you can’t get away, put up a tent in the garden. No tent? Borrow one. You’ll be amazed at the amount of fun kids can have with a few torches under canvas.

Make sure they have lots of snacks – and don’t forget the singsongs!

2

Find a geocache: geocaching is like a treasure hunt where you use a GPS device to find a container which will have some small items (maybe toys) inside. It’s fun, exciting, and there’s lots to learn (about orienteering, geography, exploration, the environment). For more information see www.geocaching.com

3

Go wild swimming: swimming in rivers and lakes may sound an experience not a learning activity – but swimming in a natural environment helps kids learn about nature, and it’s a totally different experience from swimming in a pool, even an outdoor one. See www.wildswimming.co.uk for ideas of where to try it out.

4

Climb a tree: there’s so much to learn in tree-climbing: how to deal with the unexpected, how to trust your own judgement, how to take a risk and how to manage failure. You learn that it’s harder to come down than to go up, and you learn how to look after your friend who falls out of the tree. And they’re all life skills that are useful for ever.

5

Fly a kite: gem up on wind direction, find a suitable open space, and make

or invest in a kite. Read up online on how to launch a kite, and go for it! You’ll get a tremendous sense of satisfaction as your kite dances across the sky.

6

Have a treasure hunt: there are loads of different ways to run a treasure hunt, so read up on the different methods online. It’s all down to good planning, so don’t stint on that: you’ll spend more time on planning than on the event itself. As a rough rule of thumb, kids can manage twice as many clues as their age.

7

Make a movie: with the arrival of the iPhone and the iPad, it’s never been easier to make a (surprisingly professional) home movie. Choose your location, put together your storyboard and... action! There are various apps that can make filming easier (e.g. filmic pro, which locks the camera’s settings for the duration of a shot).

8

Build a den: it’s come to symbolise childhood freedom, and there’s little doubt it’s an activity children (and their parents) absolutely love. Dens are best built in woods, but even a small garden or a bedroom will do as a venue. The secret is to allow your child to let his/her imagination run wild (and not worry too much about the tidying up afterwards).

9

Ride a horse: some kids are ponymad, but even those who don’t do regular lessons usually love at least the occasional chance to ride. Look up a riding school and see what they can offer in terms of a one-off experience; ideally, you’ll want to go too.

10

Find your way using a map and compass: whether you’re in a city or the country, whether it’s somewhere you know or somewhere new to you, there’s loads to learn from this. It’s tricky to work out the compass points, so a good activity to do en famille; also great to acclimatise children with maps and their usefulness.

11

Track wild animals: again this is something that can be done in the outback, the local park, or your back garden. Your children are looking for signs that animals have been here: pawprints, claw marks, scuff marks and – most fascinating of all for most kids – poo.

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Catch a fish: if you’re new to fishing, use a net. Find water that’s clean and clear, and where you can see there are lots of fish. Then be patient, and ready to pounce.

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Identify wild flowers: there are so many beautiful wild flowers, and it feels knowledgeable when you know what’s what. Choose an area rich in wild foliage, and take a book or leaflet with you to help you with identification.

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Cook on a campfire: sausages and marshmallows are the obvious contenders – but you can be more ambitious than that! You can cook anything on a campfire. Try frying eggs, grilling fish, warming burritos, making risotto. Kids will eat things they’d never eat at home when they’ve been whizzed up on a campfire.

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Go bird watching: if you’ve never done it, and know little about birds, the best thing to do is go to an RSPB sanctuary. Take your binoculars, read the guides, and use the hides.

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summer fun

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Build a raft: there are courses in raft-building; but there are also instructions (on the internet). It takes time, and teamwork, and effort; but there’s nothing like the feeling of finding it floats!

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Identify at least ten constellations: invest in a good chart, wait for a dark night, keep your eyes peeled. You get a huge sense of satisfaction, and awe, when you manage to do it.

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Make a family tree: learning about your family history is a fascinating way to put flesh on the bones of history lessons. What’s more, grandparents and great-aunts and uncles won’t always be around to fill you in – so ask the questions now.

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Start a collection: it can be anything – football cards, postcards, photographs of funfairs you’ve visited, pebbles from beaches you’ve been to. You can collect experiences as well as items: keep a book where you short review of every film you watch, every book you read, or a description of every day out you have.

Collections aren’t about WHAT they are, they’re about learning to organise your thoughts in a coherent, logical way.

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Learn a good card or magic trick: it takes practice, but it’s enormous fun and if you get good at your trick, you really can surprise people (especially visitors). It’s part-performance, partagility, part-confidence; all useful skills for every child.

Parenting Tips for the school holidays There’s only a few days left at school before the big school holiday is upon us. Here’s some parenting survival tools to help survive the onslaught of teenage boredom and tiresome toddlers: Whether you’re going away or simply enjoying lazy days at home, the school holidays can throw routine right out of the window. This can have good and bad points. Here’s a guide to coping with the six-week whopper: Help your child become more selfreliant. The absence of the school routine means you have an opportunity to not be a slave to the clock and take the time to really train your children into good habits. This is a fantastic time to really encourage them with all sorts of skills, from getting dressed themselves, preparing their own lunch or making their bed without rushing.

Plan more. Schedule in some lazy days around structured days. Talk through with the kids your plans for any day-trips and consider extra activities, toys, food, warm layers that you may need. Planning is essential if you are to avoid the trap of allowing kids to spend way too much time in front of a screen with damaging consequences for moods and energy levels.

But do less. Minimise stress so you can focus on enjoying being with your children and getting them into good habits. Beware of over stimulating the children. Plan for some time for yourself so that you can replenish the resource that you are for your family. When kids have unstructured time they become creative.

Watch your diet. Over the holidays everyone becomes a little more relaxed with their eating habits. Children especially may overdose on sugar and may not be getting the exercise they normally do during the week.

Encourage healthy eating and activities, with a family walk, a bike ride or a family swim.

Even a quick dash around the block will help!

Use different rules – your routine may change but you can think through new rules and routines for the holidays. Make them clear and positive with non-material rewards (such as an extra story, bubble bath, time for a board game). Continue to descriptively praise your children throughout the holidays to encourage a positive cycle of good behaviour. eg. ‘I see you’ve laid the table for breakfast, Molly, that’s really helpful.’ Regulate how much screen time kids get. The summer holidays should be (weather willing) a terrific opportunity to be outside.

Have time alone with each child every day even if it’s not very much time. A few minutes at bedtime works for many families.

But help – I’m really bored mum!!!

Sit the kids down and ask them to draw up a list of activities they’d like to do over the holidays. Take your time with this as ideas may come to you when you least expect it.

From visiting that nearby art gallery, to seeing old friends, clearing out the loft to filling that photo album you’ve always wanted to. Then on desperate days you can resort to your list.

Older kids can look at the activities sections of the newspaper and magazines aimed at families.

When things go wrong and children behave inappropriately DO NOT BLAME, CRITICISE, SHOUT OR NAG. Instead try to think about the reason for the misbehaviour. Was there an emotion driving it or was the child looking for attention? Were they tired, over-stimulated or over-sugared? Acknowledge the feelings and, when things have calmed down, ask the child to think of an appropriate way of making amends. If your child is looking for attention make sure you’re giving lots of it for the positive things he’s doing.

Outsource jobs – the holidays can bring on additional stresses particularly if you are looking after other family members, pets or juggling work. Acknowledge that not every day will be easy and consider outsourcing jobs throughout the holiday. Perhaps you can off load your ironing, dog walking or use a children’s holiday club once a week.

The Parent Practice runs a wide range of parenting courses and workshops throughout London and Surrey and also offer private consultations. They can be contacted on 0208 673 3444 or visit www.theparentpractice.com

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summer fun Over the summer don’t let the little brains run down. Make the most of our suggestions and guidelines and have lots of fun and create some memories to last a lifetime.

Top ten creative activities for children this summer

10 School holidays provide lots of time for parents and children to play and work together.

While some parents look forward to this time others dread school holidays as they just don’t know what to do with the kids all day.

Virginie Charles-Dear, founder of toucanBox, the monthly box of creative and fun hands-on activities for children delivered right to your door, has created a list of the top activities for kids this summer to help parents out.

Keep things interesting by providing opportunities for physical activity as well as activities that promote concentration. Remember that kids also need down time when nothing is planned for them. This open time will help kids learn to think for themselves, use their imagination, and promote selfsufficiency. Here are ten activities that are easy to implement, don’t require a lot of effort to source materials, and are lots of fun to do.

1. Dramatise it: Read a favourite story with your child and turn it into a play.

Make sock puppets or play dress up then act out the story together

Win a toucanBox delivered right to your door!

4. Old school games: Hopscotch, four square, jacks, tag, and hot potato are all classic games that children today will love too!

5. Meditation: Yoga is great for kids and parents. Try out some poses together and enjoy the peace and quiet

6. Create crayons: Layer those old broken crayons into muffin tins and melt into a rainbow crayons 7. Cooking with kids: Get your child involved with making dinner or baking cookies. Kids love to measure, pour, mix and make! This is a great opportunity to learn about fractions, temperature, and a variety of other math concepts 8. Simple science: Use everyday ingredients you find in your cupboards to turn your kitchen into a science lab 9. Museum visits: Visit local museums and art galleries with your child and explore. Go on a museum scavenger hunt

2. Homemade bubbles: Simple soap and water provide hours of entertainment and discovery

10. Up-cycle: Search the house for materials that can be turned into props and crafts. Paper towel tubes, egg cartons, tissue boxes, and bottle tops can be given a second life as craft material

3. Make your own art supplies: Keep food colouring, corn starch, flour, cream of tartar, salt, vegetable oil, and vinegar on hand and you can whip up a variety of paints, playdough, and slime to play and create with

11. Build: Stay indoors and turn the living room into a fort using chairs, pillows, and blankets. Go outside and turn the yard into an obstacle course with objects to crawl under, jump over, and run around

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toucanBox is a monthly box of creative and fun hands-on activities for children aged 3 to 7 years old, delivered right to your door. toucanBox helps parents and children spend quality time together, creating and playing together in an educational way that’s fun too.

It removes the stress of pre-planning and shopping for materials, enabling families to spend quality time building, imagining, and creating together.

Every month a box is delivered straight to your door with all the ideas, instructions, materials and tools to create fun projects. With themes ranging from bugs to outer space, colours, superheroes, or weather, each box is designed to stimulate children’s creativity and curiosity and encourage key development skills such as concentration, numeracy, fine and gross motor skills, and problem solving. toucanBox is giving away toucanBoxes to five lucky readers. To enter go to www. familiesnorth.co.uk/ competitions.

This month toucanBox and Dreamflight have join together in a partnership which sees £2 from every superhero toucanBox sold in aid of UK charity Dreamflight.

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summer fun

Dogs Trust’s Top Tips for canine and kiddie harmony this Summer For many dogs, the school holidays are a dream come true – their best friend is able to spend every minute lavishing them with attention.

However, for some dogs, too much attention and a change of routine can be a little overwhelming.

So Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, has some top tips for a harmonious six weeks….

1. Teach and remind your children to treat the family dog gently and with respect – he’s not a toy!

2. Try to stick to your dog’s usual routine during the holidays (walking and feeding times), so that he doesn’t become confused or frustrated.

3.Provide your dog with a child-free area, where everyone agrees to leave him alone. This

should be a quiet area away from the noise where he can choose to get away when he needs to – e.g. a blanket covered crate (with the door permanently open or removed), a bed under the table, or an area on the upstairs landing.

4. Don’t let children back the dog into any ‘corner’ or situation where the dog does not have an escape route.

5. Discourage face-to-face play and rough-andtumble games.

6. If your dog gets a bit possessive of toys or food, keep the dog away in his safe place or just around adults when these things are available – don’t allow children to take things off the dog or he could feel the need to protect them.

7. When out and about with your dog in the park or in a public space, be aware that other children may not be used to dogs and may find a dog coming up to them quite frightening. At the same time, parents should remember that children should never approach a strange dog without asking the owner whether they can do so and they should always have an adult with them.

School’s out for summer!

8. If you have any worries about your dog and children, keep them apart as much as possible and ask your vet for a referral to a good behaviourist. Try to prevent problems before they happen!

Summertime is a great opportunity to get out and about with your dog and the kids. So, remember to involve him in as many activities as possible – just remember the sunscreen and not to leave him in a hot car.

Time for an Adventure!

As summer approaches, how about shaking the kids out of their iPad and Xbox stupor, unwelding them from Mum’s laptop, and getting them out engaging with our great capital?

In keeping with our focus on simple childhood pleasures, what could be more fun than a day out in London?

London has a ridiculous amount to offer for children. But the challenge is to plan a day that keeps them engaged while also avoiding the queue-ridden tourist traps.

That was the challenge taken on by Freaky Rivet. Its two founders, a father and a teacher, are promoting a simpler childhood of engagement with places and activities to today’s children, but with a modern spin. It’s in that spirit that they’ve just launched 18 one-day themed

itineraries for families in London.

Ranging from Football London, through London Spies to Children’s Literature London – with 15 more in between – each is based on a theme that children will love. We particularly liked the ‘Bus Route 211’ theme – simple, with great stops, and no need to look like a tourist on the guided buses! Each itinerary takes in locations that would appeal to kids, often telling the story behind the stop, and avoiding the tourist traps as much as possible. Think a day in Animal London needs to include London Zoo? Think again. Their Animal London day is packed with animal adventures without touching Regent’s Park.

Each itinerary includes a simple themed game to play between destinations or during lunch (they give suggestions for travel and for lunch).

And the gadget conscious can even download each itinerary as a Google map.

Oh – and one last thing. Although cheaply priced at £1.50 each, in keeping with their mission, Freaky Rivet are donating all profits

Families North Love!! from these itineraries to a London children’s charity dedicated to getting underprivileged children active. So your kids get an engaging and fun day out while allowing kids with a tough life to benefit. Check out the itineraries on www. daysouteverywhere.com.

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summer fun

Managing child behaviour in the summer holidays

The London Nanny Consultant’s top tips

The summer holidays are nearly here!

Many parents may be wondering how to keep their children entertained and minimise challenging behaviour, so here are a few tips.

Firstly don’t expect too much from your children, their daily routine will have changed. They will have been on a regular schedule and need a chance to wind down and adjust. You can expect challenging behaviour and rule bending for a few days until they adapt to the holiday routine.

To help you manage your children on a daily basis it is firstly important to plan your day starting with: ROUTINE An age appropriate routine is still necessary particularly for the younger ones so that the child knows what to expect, this will help minimise melt downs and ensure you gain control of your schedule free children.

If you are at home with younger ones it is also a good idea to have a quiet time after lunch.

Older children will test you as they are used to having a very structured day.

Planning out a schedule for the holiday homework with them is always a good idea. You can start by letting them take a few days break, but then try to do a little bit every day if necessary. Helping them to plan out their homework can teach them how to manage it themselves in the future.

Next agree house rules with them to minimise friction. Such as: • Remember to keep your room tidy and make your bed.

• Tidy up after yourself around the house.

• Be respectful of other people’s belongings.

• Take it in turns to choose games/ activities/movies etc.

They can also muck in with the chores.

Remember to allow plenty of time to wind down at the end of the day and keep bedtime routines the same for younger children. With older children it is important to terminate screen time i.e.

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phones, computers, games and television an hour before bed to stop sleep patterns being affected with over stimulation.

MEALS Mealtimes should be at roughly the same time. Younger children will not cope well with too much variation. Older children can be more flexible. You can start the day with a reasonably timed, if later breakfast. Remember to give healthy light mid-morning and mid-afternoon snacks such as fruit, crudities, cheese and carbohydrates i.e. rice cakes, with water to keep their energy levels up. Provide sips of water throughout the day in a fun sports bottle to keep them hydrated.

ACTIVITIES. This is a great time to fuel your children’s interests!

Younger children need a little more guidance with their shorter attention span. On some days plan morning and/or afternoon activities such as art, cooking, building a play house with sheets, water/ sand play in the garden (if you have one) or a trip to the park or swimming pool.

With older children a holiday project such as a scrap book of places they have visited and the things they have done can be fun, creative and educational.

Much older children can write a diary.

Encourage them to play outside if possible and limit tv, video games, computer and phones.

Any play dates at your house should not be too long. A few hours is sufficient for the younger ones.

DAYS OUT Plan and book days out in advance, the holidays are a busy time! Ensure you allow enough time to get there and back.

Play games such as I spy or take things to keep them entertained on the journey.

Pack a bag with snacks, plenty of water, change of clothes, sun cream, hats and equipment you will need for younger siblings. Make sure the activity is age

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appropriate and don’t make the day too long as they will start to lose interest and become challenging.

In all of the above remember not to spend too much time in the sun. This can exhaust them and make them irritable.

SIBLINGS Manage sibling rivalry by using this time to work on activities together such as building a sculpture out of junk or working as a team to do house chores.

Try to mediate when there are issues and help them work through it.

With younger children who have even younger siblings involve them in the care of their sibling to give them a sense of responsibility, but also make special time for them if their brother or sister is sleeping.

Enlist friends and family help to divide and conquer if necessary so that each child is able to have occasional one on one time. Alternatively arrange some play dates away from home.

The holidays are a fun and relaxing time to either chill out at home or enjoy all the wonderful activities London has to offer. So if you follow the basic rules above you should all be able to gain valuable, harmonious family time together for the duration!

For further information on challenging behaviour and approaches on dealing with it Miranda can be contacted at info@thelondonnannyconsultant. co.uk or on 07751 421327. She is a Norland trained nanny with 25 years of worldwide experience and now has her own business as The London Nanny Consultant offering consultations on sleeping, eating, weaning, potty training, dummies, behaviour, routine, discipline, child development and activities. www.thelondonnannyconsultant.co.uk.

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summer fun

Summer Water Safety Tips To Save Lives The UK’s drowning prevention charity gives advice as the weather warms up The weather is hotting up and the UK’s drowning prevention charity – the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS UK) – has issued water safety tips that could save lives this summer.

Around 60 children drown in the UK each summer, and around 75 UK citizens drown on holiday abroad so being aware of the basic principles of open water safety, combined with knowledge and understanding of the hazards, can increase enjoyment and significantly reduce the number deaths each year.

And with temperatures on the rise and many people preparing for their summer holidays, ensuring simple advice is followed by all members of the family is just as important as remembering to slap on sun cream or remembering your passport, says RLSS UK Chief Executive, Di Standley.

‘Ensuring you and your family are clear on water safety and steps to take to keep everyone safe in and around water could mean the difference between a happy summer holiday, and a devastating family tragedy.

‘We want people to enjoy all of the fun activities water has to offer at home and abroad during the hot weather but to do so safety by following simple advice,’ she added.

Top 10 water safety tips At home

Top 10 water safety tips abroad

1 Do not allow your child to use a paddling pool without adult supervision

1 When researching your holiday, check the safety arrangements of any waterbased activities

2 Ensure paddling pools are emptied and turned upside-down as soon as they are finished with for the day 3 Check the garden regularly for anything that could collect water, like buckets and wheelbarrows 4 Supervise children closely when in parks or other places that might have a river, pond or lake

2 When booking your holiday, check if the pool/beach has lifeguard cover. Not all water sites have supervision at all times 3 Check bathing sites for hazards, check the safest places to swim and always read the signs – find out what local warning signs and flags mean 4 Make sure the whole family can swim

5 Ensure all members of your family know to wave and shout help if they get into difficulty and practice treading water when at your local pool

5 Swim with any children in your care – it’s more fun and you can keep them close and safe 7 Take time to check the depth, water flow and layout of pools

ADVICE – follow safety signs and advice

6 Take extra care on river banks, they are often slippery and can crumble and beware of locks and weirs where water flows quickly

FRIEND – stay close to friends or family

7 Take notice of warning signs

EMERGENCY – shout for help and call 999 or 112

8 Never swim alone

In addition to the tips, ensure you and your family know the SAFE code: SPOT – spot the dangers

For more water safety advice or details on lifesaving courses suitable for children and adults: Visit our website at www.rlss.org.uk Follow us on Twitter – @RLSSUK Visit our Facebook page – www.facebook.com/RLSSUK Call – 01789 773994

9 If swimming in open water, be aware of underwater hazards, currents, uneven depths and water temperatures – all of these could pose a threat to swimmers 10 When around water, stay back from the edge. At least 22 per cent of people who drown fall into the water by accident, for example when fishing, running or walking • Also, be aware that more people drown in inland waters than coastal or at sea.

6 Follow the pool rules

8 Never enter the water after drinking alcohol 9 On beaches check when the tide will be high and low and make sure that you won’t be cut off from the beach exit by the rising tide 10 Inflatable dinghies or lilos are a wellknown hazard – each year there are drownings as people on inflatables are blown out to sea. Do not use them in open water • Also, be aware that the majority of holiday accidents occur in the first or last hour at a resort, when parents are most likely to be distracted.

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first aid

Top 10 first aid tips for babies and toddlers Accidents are an inevitable part of growing up. However, sometimes more serious events occur and it always pays to be well-prepared. The following pages are an essential guide from tending an injury to saving a life compiled by our friends at St John Ambulance. Be sure to keep it to hand this summer. Remember to have fun but do try to stay safe!

CHOKING: SLAP IT OUT

• Lay them down on your forearm supporting their body and chin.

• Give up to five back blows between their shoulder blades

CPR – IF THE CHILD IS UNCONSCIOUS AND NOT BREATHING

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with the heel of your hand.

• Check in the mouth for any obstruction and remove – Do not feel blindly down their throat.

CHOKING: PUMP IT OUT

• • • If the obstruction has not cleared, turn the child on their back.

• Place two fingers on the centre of the child’s chest and push inwards and

FEVER A sustained body temperature above the normal level of 37°C (98.6°F) is known as fever.

• Keep the child cool and comfortable – preferably in bed with a light covering.

• Give them plenty of cool

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•

•

upwards sharply against the breastbone.

Check mouth for any obstruction and remove.

If the obstruction is not cleared repeat back blows and thrusts up to three times.

If it still hasn’t cleared, call 999 or 112 for emergency help.

Continue until help arrives.

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drinks to replace the body fluids lost through sweating.

• If they appear distressed or unwell, they can have the recommended dose of paracetamol syrup.

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• If they’re unconscious, check their airway is open and clear.

• Do this by tilting their head and lifting their chin into a neutral position.

• Look along their chest, and listen and feel for breaths.

• If they aren’t breathing, their heart has stopped. You need to start CPR immediately.

• Send someone to call 999 or 112 for an ambulance.

• Tilt their head back with one hand and lift their chin with one finger to ensure their airway is open.

• Take a breath and seal your lips over their mouth and nose and blow gently for no more than one second while

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watching their chest rise.

• Maintaining the head tilt and chin lift, take your mouth away and watch the chest fall.

• Repeat to give five initial rescue breaths (do this quite quickly) • Place two fingers on the centre of their chest.

• Press down vertically to at least one third depth of the chest. Release the pressure, but don’t lose contact with the chest.

• Give 30 compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 per minute.

• Give two rescue breaths.

• Repeat this cycle until help arrives.

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first aid RECOVERY POSITION – IF THE CHILD IS UNCONSCIOUS AND BREATHING

• Cradle the child in your arms with their head tilted downwards.

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• Monitor and record level of response, pulse and breathing until help arrives.

HEAD INJURIES NOSEBLEEDS

• Sit the child down and tilt their head forward. Try to reassure them. Ask them to breathe through their mouth and pinch the soft part of their nose for 10 minutes or do this for them if they are too young.

• Have some tissues nearby to

BURNS

• Place the burn under cold running water for at least 10 minutes to cool it down and reduce pain.

• Burns can swell, so remove any tight clothing or jewellery from around the

SEIZURES

• Make sure there is space around them and move any dangerous items.

• Try to get cushions or padding to protect any part of the body that may

5 clean up any drips and it is best if they don’t speak, cough or sniff as blood clots may have formed and you don’t want to damage them.

• After 10 minutes, release the pressure off their nose. If the bleeding hasn’t stopped then re-apply the pressure for a further two periods of 10 minutes. If the bleeding hasn’t stopped after 30 minutes seek medical advice.

• If they are conscious, get them to sit down in a comfortable position and support their head.

• If any clear fluid or watery blood appears to come

CUTS AND GRAZES

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burnt area.

• Once it is cool cover it loosely with some cling film or a plastic bag to prevent infection.

• Seek medical advice as soon as possible.

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be bumping against something.

• Once the seizure has stopped, open their airway and check their breathing.

• Place them in the recovery position if they’re breathing. If not, commence CPR. • Monitor their breathing until help arrives.

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from the ears or nose, or there is any visible bruising around the eyes or ears, call 999/112 for emergency help immediately.

• If none of the above are visible, hold a cold compress against the injured area and reassure them.

• Ensure you monitor their condition.

• If a small cut is dirty, clean it by rinsing with cold water or using alcohol free wipes.

Use a gauze swab to pat the wound dry and cover it with sterile gauze.

• With soapy water, clean the

9 area around the injury.

Try and wipe away from the wound and use a clean swab with each swipe.

• Remove the wound covering and apply a sterile dressing or plaster.

• Seek medical advice if you are worried or if you think that there might be a risk of infection.

FRACTURES

• Advise them to keep still, while supporting the joints above and below the injury with your hands until is immobilised with a sling or bandages.

10 • For arm injuries, you can support the injured arm with a sling. For leg injuries, secure the uninjured leg to the injured one with bandages. Place padding around the injury for extra support and comfort.

• Take them to hospital as soon as possible.

Find details of first aid courses near you through www.sja.org.uk.

With special thanks to St John Ambulance for providing the invaluable advice given in this feature.

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annabel karmel

Summer Recipes Summer is a wonderful time to share good food – whether it is last minute BBQ with friends and family when the sun comes out, or a picnic on the grass, or even a simple family kitchen supper. Here I have shared some of my favourite summer time recipes that are quick and easy; meaning more time to get outside and enjoy the weather and spend time with your family. broccoli and courgette in lightly salted boiling water for 4 minutes. Melt the butter in a saucepan and gently fry the spring onions for 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in the peas and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the chopped tomato and the blanched broccoli and courgette and cook for 1 minute more.

Stir in the crème fraiche, vegetable stock, lemon juice and parmesan. Cook over a gentle heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Season to taste, then stir in the cooked spaghetti.

Spaghetti Primavera From ‘The After School Meal Planner’ You can make this with spaghetti or tagliatelle. The sauce is very simple and quick to prepare. You can use other vegetables like carrot sticks or cauliflower florets depending on what your child likes.

To preserve the vitamin c content of the vegetables, cook them in the minimum amount of water until they are just tender.

Method Cook the spaghetti according to the instruction son the packet. Blanch the

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Ingredients

2 onions, chopped 1 tbsp olive oil 500g minced lamb 80g fresh breadcrumbs 2 tbsp chopped coriander 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley 1 tbsp mild curry powder 2 tsp ground cumin 1 lightly beaten egg 1 beef stock cube, crumbled 1 tsp sugar Salt & pepper, to season Plain four, for rolling Vegetable oil, for frying To Serve

7 standard size pitta breads Greek yoghurt 14 slices tomato 14 slices cucumber

Ingredients

150g (5oz) spaghetti 100g (4oz) broccoli, cut into small florets 75g (3oz) courgette, cut into strips 15g (½ oz) butter 4 spring onions, finely sliced 100g (4oz) frozen peas 1 tomato (approx 140g/5oz), skinned, de-seeded and chopped 150ml (5fl oz) crème fraiche 75 ml (2 ½ fl oz) vegetable stock Squeeze of lemon juice 4 tbsp freshly grated parmesan cheese

and ensuring that your child gets enough iron can markedly improve academic performance.

Luscious Lamb Koftas The Fussy Eaters’ Recipe Book If your child just won’t sit still long enough to eat anything, it might be a good idea to try finger food. Iron is the most common nutritional deficiency in young children so it’s good to make finger food such as these lamb koftas as meat provides the best source of iron, which is important for growth and development and crucial in the production of healthy red blood cells, which carry oxygen around the body including to the brain. A deficiency of iron often leads to lack of concentration and tiredness

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Method Sauté one of the onions in the oil until softened. Then, mix together the sautéed onion, raw onion, minced lamb and all the remaining kofta ingredients (except the flour and vegetable oil). Transfer to a food processor and chop for a few seconds.

Form the mixture into 14 koftas (short, fat sausage shapes), roll in flour and sauté until golden and cooked through.

Cut the pitta pockets in half. Spoon a little yoghurt into each pocket and stuff each one with a lamb kofta, a slice of cucumber and a slice of tomato. If you prefer, serve without pitta pockets and maybe some couscous or rice (as well as the yoghurt and salad).

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annabel karmel

Annabel’s Paella After School Meal Planner You can add lots of different ingredients to paella. Adding sausage is nice; either slices of ordinary, cooked sausages or chorizo, which has a smoky taste. If you use chorizo, add about 50g of it with the chicken and leave out the smoked paprika and use ordinary paprika instead.

Ingredients

1 tbsp vegetable oil 1 onion, finely chopped 75g red pepper (approx ½ a pepper) 1 clove garlic, crushed or finely grated 1 chicken breast (approx 125g), cut into strips ½ tsp smoked paprika or ordinary paprika 200g long grain rice 3 tomatoes (approx 200g), deseeded and cut into 1cm dice 500ml chicken stock 1 tbsp tomato puree Pinch of dried chilli flakes 1/3 tsp salt 75g peeled prawns 110g frozen peas 3 spring onions, finely sliced Method Heat the oil in a fairly large pan and sauté the onion and red pepper for 1 minute, then lower the heat and cook, covered, for about 10 minutes or until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Turn up the heat and sauté the chicken strips for 2-3 minutes or until the chicken turns white.

Add the smoked paprika and the rice and cook gently for 2 minutes. Add the chopped tomatoes. Mix together the stock and tomato puree and pour this over the rice.

Give it a quick stir and add the chilli flakes and salt. Cover and cook over a low heat for 12-15 minutes or until the rice is tender (check cooking instructions on the packet).

Add the prawns and peas for the last 2-3 minutes. Finally, stir in the chopped spring onions.

Yoghurt Orange and Lemon Mini Cupcakes Top 100 Finger Foods These Cute Cupcakes are manageable mini mouthfuls for little ones. Adding some yoghurt and citrus fruit keeps them lovely and moist and gives them a deliciously refreshing flavour. They would be great for birthday parties.

Ingredients 50g butter 100g caster sugar 1 egg Zest ½ small lemon and ½ lime ½ tsp orange zest 125g self-raising flour 50ml natural yoghurt (not low fat)

Annabel’s chilled toddler meals, available in Sainsbury’s for £2.79

BUSINESS MUMS WANTED Successful local business is seeking partners to work part-time from home on a flexible basis with elite training and support.

If you have Managerial, Sales, Marketing, Recruitment, Teaching or Self-Employed background – or if you wish to develop a better lifestyle around your family's needs

Call Vee on 07957 718659

For the Icing 225g icing sugar 1 tbsp fresh orange juice & fresh lime juice Method Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas 4 and line a mini muffin tin with paper cases.

Cream the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. Gradually add the egg, beating well between additions. Stir in the zests. Sift over the flour and fold in well. Stir in the yoghurt.

Divide the mixture among the mini muffin cases and bake for 18-20 minutes until risen, lightly golden brown and firm to the touch. Cool in the tins for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack and cool completely.

Meanwhile, to make the icing: sift the icing sugar into a bowl. Make a well in the centre and stir in the juices and beat well. Spoon the icing onto the cooled cupcakes and allow to set for up to 30 minutes. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Playhouses, dens & garden rooms, wildlife & edible planting, decking, lawns & paving, raised beds, pergolas, shade sails, green roofs, water features.

We specialise in the design, construction & maintenance of earth friendly & child friendly outdoor living spaces : call us for a free consultation :

0208 826 5816 / 07903 615201 info@buildandblossom.co.uk

ORIGINAL HANDPAINTED MURALS

07572 634 991 To advertise in Families North London please call on 020 8202 2034 or email adverts@familiesnorth.co.uk

29

book corner Hi kids, parents, grandparents, teachers – and book lovers everywhere! I’m Ed and here is my Summer book selection for you to enjoy.

The books are all available online from Ed’s Reading Room at www. edontheweb.com

ROOM

Reading

Ed’s

Ed’s Reading Room is an exciting free online book and story club for primary children in homes and schools.

5-7

FOR AGES 5-7 YEARS

Monty Wins the Cup

by Jake Sparks (Egmont £4.99)

Ed Says: ‘Danny’s birthday begins with an amazing surprise. He receives a shiny silver key for his very own racing car – a car that runs on chocolate milkshake!

Danny is very excited and enters Monty in the Tooting Wallop Road Race.

Although a shadow is cast over the race when the sneering Hugo de Horrible arrives on the scene, Danny is determined to show what Monty can do.

‘This is a delightful story for young readers. It is an exciting adventure with colourful characters complemented by fantastic illustrations throughout.’

My Funny Family on Holiday

by Chris Higgins (Hodder £4.99)

Ed Says: ‘Hooray! It’s holiday time and Mattie’s family are going to Cornwall. As usual Mattie has lots of things on her

30

Worry List – worst of all, what if they forgot somebody? When they arrive at Sunset Farm there so many new things to see and do. Camping is great fun and when it gets dark after the barbecue on the beach, it is absolutely magical sitting by the fire under the night sky. But who is Mattie’s new friend? And what is the story behind the old photograph?

‘This story about Mattie’s family holiday is beautifully told. It can be enjoyed by boys and girls alike, on their own or reading together.’

FOR AGES 7 YEARS PLUS

7+

The Abominators

by J L Smith (Little, Brown £4.99)

Ed Says: ‘The Abominators are top of the class for mischief.

When Cecil TrumpingtonPotts starts Grimely East there is nothing more he would like than to be in the gang. But they have other ideas – they don’t want to be friends with someone they regard as a namby-pamby toff.

They set Cecil three tasks that they think he has no chance whatsoever of doing. But what if Cecil succeeded?

Would they have to let him become a member of the gang?

‘This is a hilarious story that will have boys and girls laughing out loud at Cecil’s attempts to be cool enough to be one of the Abominators. The book is packed full of brilliant illustrations.’

familiesnorth.co.uk

The Mystery of Wickworth Manor

by Elen Caldecott (Bloomsbury £5.99)

Ed Says: ‘Curtis and Paige are two very different people who are thrown together on a school trip. They are supposed to be mixing with all the other children while canoeing, climbing and taking part in Art projects. However, when they find an old painting at the top of Wickworth Manor, they become involved in solving a mystery from years ago to do with the family at the manor. Could dreadful deeds to do with the slave trade have taken place? And can Curtis and Paige solve the mystery using their own different methods?

‘This is a brilliantly written book.

There is an underlying serious tone but the story reads as a fun, action-packed adventure.’

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Ed’s Reading Room is part of www.edontheweb.com, a DTI awardwinning website. It was created by Maggie Humphreys, a teacher of more than 25 years, and Les Snowdon, who together are authors of several books on fitness walking and healthy eating.

You are very welcome to contact Maggie on 01753 730019 or by email at maggiehumphreys@aol.com.

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Clubs & Classes Art & craft Sport Performing arts Workshops

don n o L h t r No s and Club ses Clas

clubs and classes In this section we feature the very best clubs and classes in North London. This summer there is a wealth of great clubs and classes to attend. We have some fabulous competitions to enter to win places at the great Cartoon Club and Razzamataz. Read on for more details and have a really fun summer. If you would like your class to feature in this section please call 020 8202 2034.

Art & craft

Pottery, painting and arts. Booking required. Cost £22.50 per day.

CREATIVE WIZ KIDS St Peters Church, NW3 4HT 020 7794 6797 creativewizkids.com Summer Club July 15 – August 30 Art, music, dancing, cake decorating, face painting and fun! 10am -1pm.

3-9 years.

Parent Toddler Classes From September 11 Wednesdays and Fridays. 9.30am11.30am. Once or twice weekly.

1-3 years.

GREEN PEAS 07949 392708 greenpeasevents.co.uk Art Picnics 4 Kids From July 27 At Priory Park, N8 and Railway Fields N4. Outdoor events with painting, crafts and messy play. 2-8 years.

FIRED TREASURES 143 Dollis Road, NW7 1JX 020 8371 6709 firetreasures.co.uk info@firedtreasures.co.uk Kids Camps July 15 – August 30

ISLINGTON ARTS FACTORY 2 Parkhurst Road, London N7 OSF ( Caledonian Road) 020 7607 0561 islingtonartsfactory.org Children’s Classes After school, evening and weekend courses in art, dance and music.

LITTLE HANDS DESIGN 67 Belsize Lane, London NW3 5AU ( Swiss Cottage)

Shouldn’t you be seen in the Number 1 magazine for families and young people in North London?

Contact adverts@familiesnorth.co.uk.

020 7431 0573 littlehandsdesign.co.uk Fashion Bonanza July 15-19, 22-26 July 29 – August 2 Use a sewing machine and design and create an outfit. 6+ years. Cost full day £225 & half day £120.

cookiecrumbles.co.uk info@cookiecrumbles.co.uk Cookery Classes & Parties Baking, whisking and licking!

4+ years.

THE COOKING VILLAGE 07886 372 410

Cookery COOK CAMP 07989 743 357 cookcamp.co.uk info@cookcamp.co.uk Toddler & Pre-school Food Workshops Fun classes for 2-5 years.

Holiday Programmes Cooking skills and techniques.

Classes held in NW London and Hertfordshire. 8-15 years.

COOKIE CRUMBLES 020 8876 9912

N8 NW1 NW8 N N16

Football training for nuts under 5s who are n about football

Mill Hill, Friern Barnet, Swiss Cottage, Hampstead, Muswell Hill & Golders Green 020 8201 1084 - jlevene@littlekickers.co.uk

G Gett your midfield i dynamo enjoying super-skills, fun & exercise

Southgate, New Barnet, Enfield 020 7684 7969 - ehanna@littlekickers.co.uk

CRB checked & FA qualified coachess

Islington, Hackney, Wapping & Wanstead 020 8958 2808 - amarks@littlekickers.co.uk

Training sessions, courses & parties across London

kiddikicks.co.uk ki k k 020 7937 7965

NEW! Match Play for Under 8s 32

Approved Football Training for Kids Aged 18 Months to 7 Years

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www.littlekickers.co.uk

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clubs and classes The Dance of Expression Alain & Françoise

Enjoy-a-Ball

CHANTRAINE

Sports coaching for 3-9 year olds in a

Dance for life! Dance for joy!

A unique holistic approach to all aspects of dance Children from 5 yrs, teenagers, all levels

fun, positive and non-competitive environment. Classes running in Finchley, Mill Hill and Hampstead Garden Suburb.

Children’s parties also available!

CHANTRAINE SCHOOL OF DANCE Tel 020 7435 4247 email info@chantrainedance.co.uk

Call 08452 262694 to book a FREE trial session.

www.enjoy-a-ball.com

www.chantrainedance.co.uk

Imagination takes you everywhere...

story

drama

OlĂŠ Kids

play

6 months – 7 years

Interactive storytelling and dramatic play classes t QSPNPUJOH TLJMGVM DPNNVOJDBUJPO t GPTUFSJOH DSFBUJWJUZ t CVJMEJOH TFMG DPOGJEFODF jennifer@debutots.co.uk 020 8442 2380 www.debutots.co.uk

Boo you k clas r s

MUSWELL HILL

CROUCH END

HIGHGATE .

MESSY CRAFTS, PAINTING, MODELING, GRAINS SCOOPING, JELLY PLAY, FOAM PLAY And more..

www.greenpeasevents.co.uk Local Venues t Nurseries t Schools t Children's Centres t Parties

Contact: Anna at info@greenpeasevents.co.uk

Spanish classes for children and parents

Join us for fun, energy packed and culturally rich Spanish classes where children from 6 months - 10 years old come to speak and learn Spanish in a friendly environment.

Primrose Hill Library Tuesdays 4 pm St Luke’s Community centre (Islington) Thursdays 4pm Quote: ‘Families N’ for a FREE TRIAL 6 MONTHS TO 5 YEAR OLDS Enquire for other age groups or private classes.

Telephone : 020 7386 0376 Mobile: 07734900221 Email : info@olekids.com www.olekids.com

Tel: 079 4939 2708

For classes in Barnet, Bush Hill Park, Cheshunt, Cockfosters, Edmonton, Gordon Hill, Highlands Village, Palmers Green, Potters Bar & Southgate

For classes in Crouch End, Hackney, Highbury, Highgate, Islington, Muswell Hill, North Finchley, Primrose Hill, Stoke Newington & Swiss Cottage

Contact: Lucy 07732 380706 lucy.hough@diddidance.com

Contact: Charlene 07892 711162 charlene.dinger@diddidance.com Beginners Classes: Wednesday 16.30 Hampstead Garden Suburb Thursdays 17.30 Swiss Cottage Favourite

020-8445-2588

www.panthakarateclub.co.uk info@panthakarateclub.co.uk

To advertise in Families North London please call on 020 8202 2034 or email adverts@familiesnorth.co.uk

for children aged 5 to 14 years

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clubs and classes thecookingvillage.com allison@thecookingvillage.com Holiday Workshop July 25 At Hornsey School for Girls, N8. Five tasty recipes. Cost £36. 5-11 years.

LITTLE FOOD EXPLORERS St Mary’s Church Crypt, N1 2TX 07904098203 littlefoodexplorers.co.uk Baby Food Explorers From September 13 Explore tastes, textures, smells and sounds of fruit and vegetables. Friday mornings. 8-18 months.

Little Food Explorers From September 13 Explore fruit and vegetables with songs, games and simple recipes.

18 months – 4 years.

Dance & music CHANTRAINE SCHOOL OF DANCE 020 7435 4247 chantrainedance.co.uk Classes Weekdays and Saturday mornings.

NW and Central London. 4+ years.

DANCE FUSION ACADEMY 07888 672536 sarah@dancefusionacademy.co.uk

Drama

Street Dance

Holiday Dance Camp Two hour sessions over the school holidays. Ballet, street and theatre.

ELIZABETH HARRIS SCHOOL OF DANCE 07979 915197 elizabethharrisdance.co.uk Classes in Muswell Hill Local to the areas of East Finchley, Highgate and Crouch End.

JUMP UP Kings College NW3 7ST Mill Hill NW7 2AJ 07946 581933 jumpup.co.uk Dance Lessons Ballet, modern and tap.

REGAL BALLET 07704 290 479 regalballet.comterese@regalballet. com Ballet Lessons Classes held in Hampstead, St John’s Wood and Fulham. Free trial lesson.

18 mnths – 10 yrs. Also adult lessons.

SUZUKI VIOLIN 020 8930 9120 lauderdalesuzuki.org.uk Autumn Term Suzuki method violin tuition for young children on Wednesdays at Lauderdale House, N6.

Fencing

August 5-8 (10 -13 yrs) August 27-30 (14-18 yrs)

CAMDEN FENCING CLUB Acland Burghley School, NW5 1UJ ( Tufnell Park) 020 8340 7536 camdenfencingclub.org Classes Junior members 7-17 years.

Gardening ALEXANDRA PALACE GARDEN CENTRE Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7BB 020 8347 3240

LONDON FENCING CLUB Finsbury Leisure Centre, EC1 Stoke Newington School N16 Central Foundation Boys’ School EC2 londonfencingclub.co.uk Classes From 16 September Evening and Saturday afternoon sessions. All equipment provided.

7-13 years.

Young Gardeners Club September – June Fun educational gardening activities.

Make a seed ball, a garden in a jar, composting and hanging baskets for charity. Club held second and last Saturday of the month. Some classes may run during the summer holidays.

4-10 years. Annual fee £20.

Film schools YOUNG FILM ACADEMY 24 Fitzroy Square, W1T 6EP 020 7387 4341 youngfilmacademy.co.uk Classes held in St John’s Wood Make a Film in a Day July 22, August 2 8-13 years.

Four Day Film School July 23-26 (10 -13 yrs) July 29-August 1 (14-18 yrs)

Musical Theatre

Stage School Exciting Holiday Performing Arts Courses

Star in exciting Plays, Street Dance Shows and Musicals!

Plus term-time Drama, Drama Exam & Street Dance classes on Saturdays in Hampstead.

Attention boys & girls aged 3 & 4, 5 & 6, 7-10 & 11-14.

Join our fun-packed term-time and holiday courses.

Drama or Street Dance Parties also bookable!

020 8446 0891

Contact us for more details www.dramarama.co.uk

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clubs and classes

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED BY BBC & DAILY TELEGRAPH

FREE TRIAL LESSON

Fun French Lessons for Children Est 1993

A wonderful headstart in French

www.clubpetitpierrot.co.uk 020 7385 5565 - admincpp@btconnect.com

We are a pottery painting and craft studio offering a range of activities such as pottery classes, enamelling, glass fusing, t-shirt design and bear making for kids of any age and adults in a relaxing and bright studio based in Mill Hill.

Our Summer workshops programme runs from July to August for kids aged 5 and up.

We also offer a delicious range of coffees, teas, milkshakes and refreshments for you to enjoy.

143 Dollis Road, Mill Hill, London, NW7 1JX Tel: 020 8371 6709 info@ďŹ redtreasures.co.uk To advertise in Families North London please call on 020 8202 2034 or email adverts@familiesnorth.co.uk

35

clubs and classes 25% off* next term’s fees at Fiorentini Weenies & North London Branch *Limited places. Applies to new students only

The Anna Fiorentini Theatre & Film School for 4-18 years The North London branch of the Saturday Anna Fiorentini Theatre & Film School is currently taking applications for the next term and its forthcoming Taster Days.

The school originally opened in Hackney in 2001 and now has over 250 students aged 7-18, many of whom have gone on to secure professional work on TV, Film and in theatre. Examples include Charlie Jones and Belinda Owusu, who played Ben Mitchell and Libby Fox in EastEnders and Tahj Miles who currently plays Simba in the West End’s The Lion King.

As well as providing professional training, the aim of the school is to also provide a safe and supportive environment for

all children to explore their creativity regardless of what career path they eventually choose to follow.

Every week students follow a timetable of drama/film, dance and singing under the guidance of top industry professionals. As well as weekly classes, students are given the opportunity to take part in Voice Idol, Drama and Stars in their Eyes competitions, culminating in a yearly Oscar Night.

The school has recruited some excellent teaching staff including: Mike Burnside (actor in The Bill, Bergerac, the RSC), Mark Short (choreograhper to Tina Turner, Peter Andre, Liberty X), Michael Buffong (director of EastEnders, Holby City, Casualty and Coronation Street), Jacob Murray (former associate artisitc director of the Royal

Exchange Manchester and teacher for National Theatre’s educational Department) and Jay Henry (X-Factor coach and voice coach having worked with Craig David, Mariah Carey and George Michael to name but a few). Celebrities such as Joseph Marcell (Jeffery in Fresh Prince of Bel Air) and Dani Harmer (Tracey Beaker), have also been amongst special guests to give master classes at this prestigious school.

Students get to work with a variety of casting directors, producers and TV directors. They also get the opportunity to be considered for the agency to audition for professional work.

Contact us to book your free no obligation Taster Day. Hurry - Limited Places!

Lamda Qualifications in Drama which carry UCAS points also available.

www.ANNAFIORENTINI.com Tel: 020 7682 1403

Drama, Singing, Dance, Film, Set & Costume Design for ages 4-18 Saturdays in North London & Hackney Tuesdays in Bethnal Green Wednesdays in Docklands

ANNA FIORENTINI

THEATRE

FILM SCHOOL

Maths & English tuition centre For 5 to 14 year olds of all abilities t Courses mapped to the National Curriculum. t Adapts to the individual needs of your child. t Convenient for families - Open 7 days a week, including during the summer holidays. t Award-winning tuition - Education Investor Supplementary Education Provider of the Year.

Free trial session - book today!

Crouch End Finchley Islington New Barnet Palmers Green West Hampstead

020 3375 4245 020 8150 2218 020 3597 7856 020 3375 4248 020 3597 7858 020 7993 1309

or book online at www.explorelearning.co.uk 36

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5%n July!

2 veou join i a S y en wh

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clubs and classes

Go karting TEAM SPORT 30 Nobel Road, Edmonton, N18 3BA 0844 998 0000 team-sport.co.uk Go Karting North London Indoor track with speeds up to 40mph. Cost from £28.99.

GO-KART PARTY 07931 317 949 gokartparty.net Outdoor Go Karting Entertainment for children with battery operated karts at locations in NW London. 4-9 years

Horse riding LEE VALLEY RIDING CENTRE leevalleypark.org.uk

Own a Pony Days Children can learn about grooming and handling and take a half hour riding lesson during the school holidays.

FUN FRENCH SUMMER CLUB July 15-19 Fun activities with art and crafts, cooking, singing, dancing and role play. 3-8 years. Cost £160/£36 per session.

Pony Club pcuk.org Meet once a week and gain achievement badges.

TRENT PARK EQUESTRIAN CENTRE Bramley Road, N14 4UW ( Oakwood) 020 8363 8630 trentpark.com Pony Camps & Own a Pony Day Tuesdays to Fridays during school holidays. 5-6 years & 7-14 years.

Ice skating ALEXANDRA PALACE ICE RINK Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7AY ( Wood Green) 020 8365 4386 alexandrapalace.com Holiday Fast Track Course Half hour training sessions. Build confidence and skills. 5-15 years.

Term Time Courses September 3 – October 22 5-15 years. Cost £80.

Toddler Classes On a cordoned-off area. Cost £7.50 per session.

LEE VALLEY ICE CENTRE leevalleypark.org.uk Learn to Skate Courses Weekly classes for all ages and abilities. From toddlers upwards. Also Summer holiday courses for 5 -15yrs.

Languages

MAGIC OF INDIA 07557 398270 themagicofindia.com After School Clubs Fun activity classes with Bollywood dance, Yoga, Indian culture and basic skills to speak, read and write Hindi.

3-12 years.

NORTH LONDON RUSSIAN SCHOOL OF MUSIC & CULTURE Jacksons Lane Theatre, N6 5AA 020 8883 2213 akarpeyev.com mail@northlondonrussianschool.com

CLUB PETIT PIERROT St John’s Wood/Maida Vale St Mark’s Church Hall, Abercorn Place, NW8 020 7385 5565 clubpetitpierrot.co.uk

Music & Culture Sundays Language, classical music workshops, piano lessons and performances.

Children and adults.

Fun French Summer Club July 15, 17, 19 Learn French with art activities, songs, dance and movement. Parent & toddler groups. 1-4 years. Cost £45/£16 per session.

OLÉ KIDS 020 7386 0376 olekids.com info@olekids.com Autumn Term starts September 9

MALLINSON SPORTS CENTRE 2013 ACTIVITY COURSES

MSC ACTIVITY COURSES FOR CHILDREN AGED SCHOOL YEAR 1 to YEAR 9

MSC Telephone number: 020 8342 7272 Address: Mallinson Sports Centre, Bishopswood Road, Highgate, London, N6 4NY Email: msc@highgateschool.org.uk

To advertise in Families North London please call on 020 8202 2034 or email adverts@familiesnorth.co.uk

37

clubs and classes Primrose Hill Library Tuesdays 4pm Spanish classes for children and parents. 6 months – 5 years.

St Luke’s Community Centre, Islington Thursdays 4pm

SPANISH NURSERY & CHILDREN’S CENTRE FOR CULTURE & LANGUAGE Community Centre, Ingestre Road, NW5 1UX ( Tufnell Park) 020 7482 3622 thespanishnursery.com Summer Club July 22 – August 2 Outings, library trips and interactive games. Bilingual staff. Book in advance. 4-8 years.

Leisure centres & fitness clubs DAVID LLOYD 0845 1257023 davidlloyd.co.uk/dlkidsfinchley Holiday Active Get active during the holidays with a structured programme of play, sports and arts and crafts.

Book single days or a week.

5-13 years.

FINSBURY LEISURE CENTRE Norman Street, EC1V 3PU ( Old Street) 020 7253 2346 Activities Holiday and term time activities – swimming, football, judo, fencing and table tennis.

Summer schools & camps THE ANNA FIORENTINI THEATRE & FILM SCHOOL 020 7682 1403 annafiorentini.com Make a Movie in a Week July 29 – August 2 Held at Princess May School, N16 8DF. Learn what happens in front of and behind the camera. 7-18 years.

Musical Theatre August 19-23 Theatre experience including a West End production.

BARRACUDAS ACTIVITY DAY CAMPS Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet, EN5 4DQ ( High Barnet) 0845 123 5299 barracudas.co.uk

Summer July 29 – August 23 Playing fields, gym, archery range, motorsports track, swimming and arts and crafts. 4-16 years.

Mini Minors July 29 – August 23 At Brookland School, NW11 6EJ. Art, yoga, swimming and bouncy castle.

3-6 years.

CIRCUS GLORY Primrose Hill Community Centre, 29 Hopkinson’s Place, NW1 8TN 0797 345 1603

XUK Day July 29 – August 23 At Brookland School, NW11. Wide variety of age-appropriate activities including swimming. 7-13 years.

Summer Workshops July 22-26, August 12-16 Circus skills. Cost £50 per day.

XUK Activity Residential camp in Norfolk.

6-17 years.

CRAZEE KIDS @Jacksons Lane, N6 5AA. 020 8444 5333 crazeekids.co.uk Charlie & the Chocolate Factory August 27-30 Summer workshop with dance, drama, music and art. 3-10 years.

Autumn Term From September 10 Tuesdays From September 14 Saturdays 3-5 years. Cost £120.

CROSS KEYS DAY CAMPS 48 Fitzalan Road, N3 3PE 020 8371 9686 xkeys.co.uk Specialist Academies July 22 – August 23 At Christ College School, East Finchley. Sport, art and drama.

4-13 years.

ISA Football is a training academy with a unique coaching system and philosophy developed and led by a UEFA ‘A’ Licence (Level 4) coach.

@ Kingsbury (NW9) Reception to Year 6

Hampstead G-S (NW11) Reception to Year 2

Queens Park (NW6) Reception to Year 2

Mill Hill (NW7) Reception to Year 2

UEFA & FA qualified coaches with enhanced CRB, child protection & first aid Contact us for more details

07957 229 518 george@isacoaching.co.uk www.isacoaching.co.uk

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clubs and classes DANNY GRANT SOCCER SCHOOL 020 8446 0891 dgsoccer.co.uk info@dgsoccer.co.uk Summer Football Club July 15-19, 22-26 Action packed holiday courses to develop fitness, football skills and confidence. In NW6. 3-11 years.

Cost per week £150/£155. Per day £40/£45.

Term Time Classes Weekdays and Saturday classes in Finchley and Hampstead for 7-12 years. Join the team that play in The Camden and Regents Park League.

DEBUTOTS Muswell Hill 020 8442 2380 debutots.co.uk Magical Adventures Summer Camp August 12-16 At Muswell Hill. Fun packed creative, confidence boosting and nurturing experience. Drama, games, art and crafts plus circus skills, magic and yoga. 4-7 years.

DRAMARAMA STAGE SCHOOL 020 8446 0891 dramarama.co.uk

Summer Holiday Courses July 15-19, 22-26 At The Hall School, 69 Belsize Park, NW3 4EH. Drama, Street Dance, Musical Theatre and Drama Exam courses.

3-17 years.

Saturday Classes At Holy Trinity School, NW3 5SQ. 3-12 years.

After School Classes Classes held for pupils in a number of North and North West London schools.

FORTY HALL Forty Hill, Enfield EN2 9HA (M25/J25) 020 8351 2470 to book fortyhallestate.co.uk Summer Holiday Play Schemes July 29 – August 9 Outdoor and indoor play activities.

8-11 years. Cost £17 per day.

HOXTON HALL 130 Hoxton Street, N1 6SH hoxtonhall.co.uk Summer Fest August 5-24 Theatre workshops and final performance.

ROSE BOWL CENTRE Ramsey Walk, Islington

N1 2PT ( Canonbury) 020 7354 3524 hoxtonhall.co.uk youtharts@hoxtonhall.co.uk July 29 – August 17 Learn circus skills, do graffiti and create a performance. 7-13 years.

August 5-16 Recording, writing and music production. 14+ years.

Annual Open Day July 20 Activities taking place at the centre and adjacent parkland – St Paul’s Open Space. Community fun with live music, sports, circus skills workshops, nail art, face painting and more. Free.

Summer Circus at the Rose Bowl July 29 – August 16 Learn circus skills, do graffiti, create a performance, meet friends and have fun. 10am-3pm. 7-13 years.

Football, Boxing & Netball July 29 – August 16 Work with ‘Access to Sports’ coaches, learn new skills, meet new friends and have fun! 7-19 years.

Summer Grooving at the Rose Bowl August 5 – 16 Write, record and produce an album in two weeks. Learn recording skills, lyric writing and music production.

3pm-5pm. 14-19 years.

ISIS EDUCATION CENTRE The LookOut, Hyde Park ( Marble Arch) 020 7036 8056 supporttheroyalparks.org Outdoor Escape! Hyde Park August 12-16 Outdoor summer school for teenagers includes bush craft, horse riding and swimming. Booking required. 12-16 years. Cost £200.

INKHEAD Inkhead.co.uk Story Writing Summer Workshops August 5-7, 8-9, 12-13, 14-16 Short courses in creating characters and completing a story. North London venues – Highgate Library and Alexandra Palace. 7-14 years.

weekday and weekend dance classes in Muswell Hill enquiries: 07979 915197 www.elizabethharrisdance.co.uk

To advertise in Families North London please call on 020 8202 2034 or email adverts@familiesnorth.co.uk

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clubs and classes GIVE YOUR CHILD THE BEST START IN LIFE The perfect balance of play & learning based on Early Years Foundation guidelines Caters for children from 0 - 5 years Dedicated areas for Under 2s, Over-2s and 3 - 4 years Open spaces for physical play, PE, dancing and yoga. Indoor sand area ICT, Music & drama, quiet areas Outdoor area. Trips to park & local facilities

OUTINGS t TREASURE HUNT t COOKING NINTENDO WII t DRAMA SESSIONS t TRIPS

SPANISH LESSONS t ROLLER SKATING SPORTS ACTIVITIES AND FITNESS SESSIONS AGE APPROPRIATE CREATIVE ARTS & CRAFTS HOME COOKED MEALS FRESHLY PREPARED EVERY DAY!

Healthy food prepared in custom-built kitchen Highly-qualified staff Excellent Ofsted Report in 2012 and 2013 Children love it! Parents rave about it!

WE PROVIDE ACTIVE & ENTERTAINING CHILDCARE FOR CHILDREN FROM THE AGES OF 5 - 14 YEARS OLD THROUGHOUT EVERY SCHOOL HOLIDAY

SO GIVE US A CALL WE OPEN FROM 8AM – 6.30PM Tottenham Community Sports Centre 701 – 703 High Road N17 8AD T 020 8616 2925 M 07966506043

If you would like more details please contact Linda or Jonathan

k i dz k bin

on:

020 8815 5922

www.kidzkabin.com Where learning is child’s play

Pembroke Studios . 139-141 Pembroke Road . Muswell Hill . London N10 2JE

JOIN SNOZONE FOR A WHOLE WORLD OF FUN THIS SUMMER AND KEEP THE CHILDREN ACTIVE, EDUCATED AND ENTERTAINED. OUR GREAT VALUE FUNZONE, SNOCAMPS, UNIQUE SUMMER SCHOOL AND ‘SNOZONE LEARNING’ SEMINARS FOR FAMILIES MAKE SNOZONE THE PLACE TO VISIT THIS SUMMER. TO FIND OUT MORE EMAIL ELENA.KALE@SNOZONEUK.COM OR VISIT SNOZONEUK.COM/SUMMER WWW.SNOZONEUK.COM

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clubs and classes ISLINGTON TENNIS CENTRE Market Road, N7 9PL 020 7700 1370 aquaterra.org Tennis Tuition Intensive tennis tuition during the school holidays. Indoor and outdoor tennis courts. 5+ years.

KIDZ ON THE HILL PERFORMING ARTS SCHOOL Muswell Hill, N10 1PP 07881 553480 kidzonthehill.co.uk We Will Rock You August 19-23 Summer school with singing, dance and acting based on the hit musical.

Groups 6-13 years. Cost £150. Early bird discounts.

LEADERS ARE READERS 01992 651 300 leadersarereaders.co.uk Summer School July 29 – August 16

At North London Collegiate School, HA7 4SQ & Grange Park Primary School, N21 1PP. Fun study camp with Reading, Maths and English courses to help children ‘hit the ground running’ when they return to school. 3 ½-11 years.

Summer School August 12-30 At Merchant Taylors’ School, HA6 2HT. Saturday School From September 14 Classes in Winchmore Hill, Edgware and Northwood. 3 ½ to 12 years.

MALLINSON SPORTS CENTRE Bishopswood Road, N6 4NY 020 8342 7272 highgateschool.org.uk/ mallinson-sports-centre Multi-Activity Summer Courses July 8 – August 30 Multi-activity and multi-sports, cricket, netball, tennis, football, musical theatre, silver jewellery making and music camp. Weekly and daily sessions. Costs from £40 daily and £150 weekly. 5-14 years.

MORELIFE SUMMER HOLIDAY CLUBS Islington venues 0113 812 5233 more-life.co.uk

team@more-life.co.uk

oakleighparkclub.co.uk

Get Fit for Free August 5-9 St Mary’s Community Partnership, Islington, N1 2TX. Free holiday clubs for children who would benefit from losing a little weight and want to be a bit healthier. Book a place. 4-12 years. Free.

Holiday Tennis Camp July 22 – August 30 Junior and mini camps. 4+ years.

Get Fit for Free August 12-16 Caxton House Community Centre, Islington, N19 3RQ. Weekly sessions One-to-one sessions and group sessions over a 3-month period.

4-17 years.

MOTHER NATURE SCIENCE 020 8863 8832 mnature.co.uk info@mnature.co.uk Holiday Science Camps July 22 – August 23 Get ahead in science with hands-on activities exploring scientific themes and topics. Hampstead NW3 6NP, South Hampstead NW3 4NU, Barnet NW4 1TD, Brent HA9 9JP, Enfield and Haringey. 5-12 years. Cost per week £195 or £175.

OAKLEIGH PARK TENNIS CLUB 100 Oakleigh Road North, N20 9EZ 020 8445 7221

PERFORM 0845 400 4000 perform.org.uk Aladdin Summer Holiday Courses Five day adventure with original music, dance, costumes and mini performance on final day. 4-8 years.

Cost £145. Siblings discount.

Perform Belsize Park July 22-26 The Hall Senior School.

Perform Hampstead August 19-23 Friends Meeting House.

Perform Hampstead Garden City August 5-9 Hampstead Garden City Free Church.

Perform Highbury July 29-August 2 St John’s Highbury Vale Primary School.

Perform Highgate August 5-9 Highgate United Reform Church.

Perform Muswell Hill July 29-August 2 CUFOS.

To advertise in Families North London please call on 020 8202 2034 or email adverts@familiesnorth.co.uk

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clubs and classes Perform North Finchley August 12-16 Christ Church North Finchley.

Perform Northwood July 29 – August 2 Northwood Methodist Church Hall.

Perform Pinner August 12-16 St Luke’s Parish Centre.

Perform Primrose Hill July 29 – August 2, August 5-9 Primrose Hill Community Centre.

Perform St John’s Wood July 22-26, August 19-23 Mansergh Club.

STAGECOACH stagecoach.co.uk Holiday Workshops Dance, drama and singing. Highgate 020 7272 8108. Stoke Newington 020 7354 0367. 4+ years.

Swimming ANACONDA SWIMMING CLUB anacondaswimmingclub.org.uk Swim Classes Swimming lessons and club development sessions for children of all ages and abilities at Cally Pool N1 ONH, Ironmonger Row Baths EC1V 3QF and Holloway School N7 OEQ.

Please view our website for more details:

www.talkwithus.co.uk Any enquiries please contact: Naomi Nissim 07956 54 64 13 naomi@talkwithus.co.uk or

Hannah Feldman 07769 69 41 20 hannah@talkwithus.co.uk

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CAMDEN SWISS COTTAGE SWIMMING CLUB Swiss Cottage Sports Centre, Adelaide Road, NW3 3NF 020 7974 5440 camdenswisscottage.co.uk Children’s Lessons Aqua tots, parent/toddler classes and lessons for children of all ages.

Also held at Mallinson Sports Centre in Highgate and other sites in Camden.

PARLIAMENT HILL LIDO Outdoor swimming pool.

020 7485 5757 Water Awareness Week July 29 – August 2 Booking required. 8-15 years.

Charges may apply.

POOLSIDE MANOR Lyndhurst Gardens, Finchley, N3 1TD 020 8349 1945 poolsidemanor.com Multi-Activity Day Camps July 22 – August 30 Sports, art activities, dance, drama, trips and fun swim. 3-11 years.

Swimming Lessons September 7 – December 13 Term time half hour classes for all ages and abilities. Cost £169.

OGA ( West Finchley & Woodside Park) 020 8369 5454 artsdepot.co.uk

SWIM WAY Putney, SW18 1PE 020 8871 3972 swimway.co.uk info@swimway.co.uk

Term Time Classes Something for everyone with theatre workshops, art and craft, dance, music and yoga. All ages.

Holiday Swimming Courses July 22 – August 9 Lessons on a one-to-one basis or as semi-private classes. Venues include Knightsbridge, Bloomsbury, Putney and Kew Gardens. All ages.

CHICKENSHED THEATRE Chase Side, Southgate, N14 4PE ( Cockfosters/Oakwood) 020 8292 9222 chickenshed.org.uk

Theatre workshops

Tales Workshops July 29 – August 3 Help the Tales from the Shed team with their show ‘Fairies’ Tale’ and perform on stage. 6-10 years.

Cost £70.

ARCOLA THEATRE 24 Ashwin Street, Dalston, E8 3DL (Dalston Kingsland station) 020 7503 1646 arcolatheatre.com Youth Theatre Autumn Term Weekly theatre skills workshops for those living in and around Hackney.

Watch performances on 16th & 17th July. 12-16 years.

Arcola Academy Summer auditions for the autumn intake for those with some theatre experience. 16-25 years.

ARTS DEPOT Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, N12

Summer Shed July 29 – August 2 & August 5-9 Get involved in drama, dance, singing and story-making with a final day performance. Booking required.

5-12 years. Cost £130/5-day week.

HARINGEY SHED Haringey Irish Centre, Pretoria Road, Tottenham, N17 8DX 020 8801 7209 haringeyshed.org Children’s Theatre August 5-9, 23 At Haringey Sixth Form Centre, White Hart Lane, N17 8HR. Devise and

We are an independent Paediatric Speech and Language Therapy Practice working in London.

We offer an experienced, professional, friendly and personal service.

Our service provides home and school visits or appointments in our clinic.

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clubs and classes

Crouch END Art Classes 5-12 yrs Tuesday & Thursday pm

Teenage Art Classes Thursday pm

Highgate Wood School Art Collage & Union Church Community Centre

www.fineart4kids.com Tel: 0208 2750360 / 07949 293 463

Emmylou@fineart4kids.com

Cooking Parties Fun, cooking parties For boys and girls aged 4-16 years Cooking classes

Give your child the best party ever whisking, baking, giggling, rolling, making, laughing, turning, licking, joking

A great way to learn while having fun!

020 8876 9912

Call for details: email: info@cookiecrumbles.co.uk www.cookiecrumbles.co.uk

Music classes for babies and young children!

STORY WRITING WORKSHOPS in libraries across north London, including Highgate and Hornsey Book Now www.inkhead.co.uk 07709 861161 for ages 7 to 12

Courses are being held in July and August - look on our website for details

Our courses are run by writers who are able to lead your children word by word into: creating characters; putting them in a suitable setting; giving them a voice; a problem; a solution and an outcome - and writing their stories.

® d no blues ! all r hythm an Hampstead & Notting Hill 020 8451 7626 Muswell Hill, Crouch End & Highgate 020 8889 0114 High Barnet, Mill Hill & Whetstone 020 8449 4025 Southgate, Winchmore Hill & East Barnet 020 8360 2730

www.monkeymusic.co.uk

Action songs and rhymes Music and movement Fun with percussion Musical games

Since 1993 thousands of children across the UK have grown up with Monkey Music. Our unique teaching curriculum was written by classically trained musicians, and introduces music to very young children in a way they can easily understand and enjoy.

Rock ‘n’ roll - from 3 months Heigh ho – from 12 months Jiggety jig – 2 & 3 year olds Ding dong – 3 & 4 year olds It’s fun, formative and a great way of making friends!

To advertise in Families North London please call on 020 8202 2034 or email adverts@familiesnorth.co.uk

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clubs and classes perform new productions. Final performance at Millfield Theatre.

7-10 years. Total cost £70.

Youth Theatre August 12-22 At Haringey Sixth Form Centre, White Hart Lane, N17 8HR. Final performance at Millfield Theatre.

11-16 years. Total cost £100.

LAUDERDALE HOUSE Highgate Hill, Waterlow Park, N6 5HG ( Archway) 020 8348 8716 lauderdalehouse.co.uk Drawing & Painting July 30 – August 2 (5-8 years) August 6-9 ( 7-11 years) Art workshops. Booking recommended. Cost £65.

Mini Mozart – Out of the Box July 30 – August 2 Mini musical drama with final day performance. Booking recommended. 5-9 years.

Cost £80.

Craft Workshops August 6-9, 13-16 Booking recommended.

7-11 years. Cost £65.

Brothers & Sisters Day (Raksha Bandhan) August 20 Hindu day workshop where brothers and sisters celebrate together. 3-11 years. Cost £6 per child.

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Autumn Term September 12 – December 12 After school classes in art and music.

THE YOUNG ACTORS THEATRE 70-72 Barnsbury Road, Islington, N1 OES 020 7278 2101 yati.org.uk Summer School July 25 – August 30 Acting Bootcamp, Guide to Drama School, Play in a Week and Yati’s Glee Club. 6+ years. Cost £30-£300 for different courses.

Term Time Classes Drama, singing and street dance.

From pre-school age to adults. Tots classes from £40 per half term, drama classes from £45 per half term.

Toddlers & babies BABY MASSAGE AND YOGA 07528 688734 milestonesbabymassage.com clarebabymassage@gmail.com Weekly Classes Communicate through the power of touch. 5-week courses in NW6 & NW8.

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Crouch End, Hackney, Highbury, Highgate, Islington, Muswell Hill, North Finchley, Primrose Hill, Stoke Newington & Swiss Cottage.

DEBUTOTS Finchley N12 8HG Hampstead NW3 1DR Muswell Hill N10 1PP Swiss Cottage NW3 3NT 020 8442 2380 debutots.co.uk Baby Story Play From September 16 Explore the magic of stories, sounds and words. Interactive sessions for parents to communicate and create with their children.

6 months – 2 years.

Early Years Drama From September 16 Children are guided through unique stories with imagination, sights, sounds and characters. Free trial sessions available. 2-4 years.

DIDDI DANCE 07892 711162 diddidance.com Pre-school Dance Classes Move to funky pop songs and boost confidence.

Contact Lucy 07732 380706 lucy.hough@diddidance.com Barnet, Bush Hill Park, Cheshunt, Cockfosters, Edmonton, Gordon Hill, Highlands Village, Palmers Green, Potters Bar & South Gate.

Contact Charlene 07892 711162 charlene.dinger@diddidance.com

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GYMBOREE HAMPSTEAD O2 Centre, 255 Finchley Road, Hampstead, NW3 6LU 020 7794 8719 gymboree-uk.com Classes Weekly classes in art, music, play and learn. Pre-school classes open during school holidays.

LATINO BAMBINO 07961 838349 latinobambino.co.uk Mums & Babies Fun dance classes for mums and babies.

Latin Rhythms Fun and challenging dance classes.

1-4 years.

LITTLE DANCE FLAVOURZ 07967 826888 danceflavourz.com Dance Classes Latin, hip hop, belly dance, bollywood and ballroom. 2-5 years.

MINI MOZART minimozart.com

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clubs and classes Autumn Term From September 12 At Lauderdale House, N6. Fun music classes for toddlers and babies.

MONKEY MUSIC monkeymusic.co.uk Musical Sessions Action songs, rhymes, music and movement, percussion and games.

Rock ‘n’ roll from 3 months, Heigh ho from 12 months, Jiggety Jig 2 & 3 years and Ding Dong 3 & 4 years.

Hampstead & Notting Hill 020 8451 7626 High Barnet, Mill Hill & Whetstone 020 8449 4025 Muswell Hill, Crouch End & Highgate 020 8889 0114 Southgate, Winchmore Hill & East Barnet 020 8360 2730

RUCKSACK MUSIC rucksackmusic.co.uk

rugbytots.co.uk Winter Term From September 7 Rugby sessions for toddlers.

Fortismere School, Muswell Hill and Highgate Wood School, N8.

The Original British Baby Signing Programme Award winning classes that help babies to communicate before speech For more information and classes, please contact: ♪ Vesna 020 7639 8038 vesna@singandsign.co.uk in N1, NW1, NW3, SW3, W8 ♪ Grace 07881 553708 gracesabri@singandsign.co.uk in N6, N8, N10, N12

TUMBLE TOTS tumbletots.com

♪ Versha 07790 955576 versha@singandsign.co.uk in N3, NW2, NW4, NW6, NW7, NW10, NW11 ♪ Nikki & Lynsey 07582 900418 nikkilynseysingandsign@gmail.com in N14, N20, N21, EN4, EN5 & EN6 Terms start in September, January and April

Gymbabes Babies from 6 months to walking.

www.singandsign.co.uk

Tumble Tots Walking – 5 years.

Gymbobs School age to 7 years.

Develop physical skills using brightly coloured equipment. Classes held in Potters Bar and Palmers Green.

Join in the adventures through story, rhyme rhy and yoga inspired moves.

www.YogaBugs.com Alison@YogaBugs.com Alison@Yoga Y Bug Tel. 0845 863 0688

Autumn Term From September 12 Fridays at Lauderdale House, N6.

Drop in music class. Under 3 years.

RUGBY TOTS 0845 313 6703

North London Russian School of Music and Culture On Sundays 10.30am – 13.30pm at: Jackson’s Lane Theatre, 269a Archway Road, Highgate, London N6 5AA

Piano lessons for children and adults Music theory and aural lessons Russian language and music lessons Workshops exploring classical music Piano performances Non-Russian speakers welcome

www.NorthLondonRussianSchool.com To book classes at Jackson’s Lane Theatre, private lessons at home, workshops, or a house concert by one of our teachers - the international award-winning pianist Alexander Karpeyev www.akarpeyev.com please phone 020 8883 22 13 or write to mail@NorthLondonRussianSchool.com

NEW GYMNASTICS CLASSES AT ALEXANDRA PALACE London Academy of Gymnastics and Dance (LAGAD), have been selected to offer a brand new Gymnastics Programme at Alexandra Palace. Jessica Shenton, Director of LAGAD is delighted by the news and is keen to offer

Alexandra Palace participants the high quality service that have established LAGAD as one of the leading gymnastics programmes in London.

The gymnastics classes will start in September 2013 and initially be available to children aged 3 ½ – 11 years old. www.lagad.co.uk, email: info@lagad.co.uk.

Tel: 07881848884

To advertise in Families North London please call on 020 8202 2034 or email adverts@familiesnorth.co.uk

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clubs and classes news IS IT REALLY WORTH TAKING MY LITTLE ONE SWIMMING?

By Kids Unlimited We all know how important it is that babies acquire different kinds of movements and physical abilities during their first years of life. Let’s look at four key areas in the development of a baby and toddler: physical, emotional, social and neurological.

How can swimming help?

PHYSICAL Swimming accesses all five senses: sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch. The swimming pool is therefore a wonderful sensory playground for a child to enjoy. In water, babies and toddlers can move more freely than on land, with a sense of weightlessness that they will subconsciously recognise from when they were in the womb.

However, they also have to learn how to balance, a skill which develops core muscles and co-ordination.

Swimming is a great full body workout – for babies, children and adults! By attending regular swimming classes, babies and toddlers get a gentle but effective brain and body workout which strengthens their cardiovascular system and develops their muscles without putting any strain on the skeletal system. It works the large muscles of the body honing in on gross motor skills, which build coordination. Many parents have even found that after swimming, their child’s eating and sleeping patterns improve!

Even better, weekly classes quickly become a habit which children can carry with them into adulthood, encouraging regular exercise and thus a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Swimming can also offer significant physical benefits to children who are not in perfect health. Movement can be more gentle and the environment more supportive, than on land. Water provides both a caressing and a stimulating effect on children with special needs, offering simultaneous buoyancy and freedom of movement.

EMOTIONAL By introducing babies and children to swimming from an early age, it is likely that they will always love the feeling of being surrounded by water and have no fear. Swimming becomes second nature to them. Fear usually develops when toddlers have a negative experience with water and then create a subliminal association between water and fear. Even if a child has not had any negative experiences, the foreign sounds, smells and sensations of being in a swimming pool for the first time usually take longer to overcome, the older the child is.

When a parent takes their child to a swimming class in a supportive, baby-led environment, both the parent and the child quickly learn to associate this time with positive feelings of nurture and love.

The closeness, skin contact, eye contact, smiles and shared activities all create a sense of oneness between the parent and child. Aaah!

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SOCIAL And swimming is fun! Not only is the parentchild bond positively reinforced during a swimming class, but the child will also sing and play with other children (ideally of the same age) and start to look forward to seeing them again.

During well-structured classes led by passionate and knowledgeable teachers, children also learn critical listening skills and trust, as they try new and exciting activities for the first time.

And of course, the obvious benefits of knowing how to swim will allow them to join in with their peers as they reach school age, and give them the change to enjoy the benefit of the water with their friends.

NEUROLOGICAL And even their brains benefit! Young children learn through movement and play – through being active. The development of the whole body, including the brain, comes from these physically active, direct experiences. But all kinds of movement are not equal in their impact on learning. The body movements that contribute most to development are those in which the brain engages the body to do something intentional, something purposeful.

These purposeful activities develop brain-body connections. During well-structured swimming classes, children are offered age-appropriate and purposeful activities in a fun and engaging way.

And of course, the ultimate purpose is to learn to swim!

These positive early experiences forge the foundations for lifelong learning. They have the ability to increase concentration, alertness and perceptual abilities.

Swimming can be one of the most liberating, uplifting, rewarding and healthy activities to participate in for babies and toddlers. Here are our five top tips for ensuring you get the best experience possible:

1. If at all possible, go to weekly classes with a reputable company who are passionate about baby and child swimming.

2. Don’t worry if some weeks don’t go quite to plan – swimming is no different to anything else in this regard, sometimes your child just won’t feel like it!

3. If possible, don’t use artificial buoyancy aids. Use the crook of your arm to support your child, or let them hold onto you. Allow them freedom, and if they dip down, just scoop them back up quickly without any fuss.

4. Don’t submerge your child deliberately unless this is part of a structured class with a qualified baby swimming teacher.

5. Enjoy!

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BATMAN CAR SEAT COMPETITION Check our this fabulous new car seat guaranteed to make any car journey fun! Families North London Magazine has one to win. All you need to do is answer the following question: What was Batman’s butler called? To enter go to www.familiesnorth.co.uk/competitions.

HMDT HMDT Music, twice winner of the prestigious Royal Philharmonic Society Award for Education (2004 and 2008), is a leader in developing inspiring arts projects, which support other areas of learning.

So what programmes does HMDT Music run on a regular basis?

Central to HMDT Music’s work is its Saturday Programme which aims to enrich the lives of young people through music making, and consists of four exciting different programmes: The Music Box, I Can Sing! CYMH, and The Julian Joseph Jazz Academy. See www.familiesnorth. co.uk or for more information visit www.hmdt.org.uk Currently, the Saturday Programme has around 350 students aged 1-21 and also offers courses for parents. It is a vibrant and exciting Saturday offering and, alongside the continually expanding regular classes and programmes, is a spectrum of individual projects often involving guest visits, work with leading artists, and a broad range of performing experiences both within the Programme and at concert halls and theatres. Its staff are all experienced music teachers and professional artists who foster a keen appreciation and understanding of different types of music.

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HMDT is one of the very few idealistic, altruistic organisations . . . which advocates the use of music in human development . . . genuine heroes.

THE TIMES

YOUR CHILD’S MUSICAL FUTURE STARTS HERE! INSTRUMENTAL SCHOOL

HMDT . . . is deservedly touted as one of the country’s exemplary arts education outfits.

OPERA MAGAZINE

®

A FIRST MUSICAL ADVENTURE

MAKING MUSIC TOGETHER

Under 4s Family Programme Singing and dancing for under 4s and parents with guest musicians from double bass to African dance.

Instrumental School Group and individual instrumental lessons, choirs, musicianship, ensembles and orchestral tuition.

DON’T DREAM ABOUT THE STAGE...

BE ON IT! Musical Theatre School Music Theatre training and performance skills focusing on the Broadway tradition and original HMDT commissions.

®

ALSO IN HAMPSTEAD FROM THIS AUTUMN

IT’S NOT JUST PLAYING JAZZ . . . IT’S LIVING JAZZ Julian Joseph Jazz Academy Work with the world’s top musicians to develop creative talents and performance skills through exploring the American roots of jazz.

®

SATURDAY PROGRAMME AT HAGGERSTON SCHOOL, WEYMOUTH TERRACE, LONDON E2 8LS For more information or an application pack call 020 8882 8825 visit www.hmdt.org.uk or email info@hmdt.org.uk

Come and see for yourself – sign up for one of our Summer Camps NOW! Summer Camps July 29-31

MUSIC THEATRE, BAROQUE COURSE, JULIAN JOSEPH JAZZ ACADEMY

HMDT Music, twice winner of the prestigious Royal Philharmonic Society Award for Education is a leader in developing inspiring arts projects, which have a transformative effect on participants and audiences alike. Specialising in new commissions and music schools, it aims to increase skills, raise aspirations and enrich all areas of learning and life-skills.

Photos: Clive Barda, Ben Johnson

clubs and classes news WIGGLY WORMS AND SUGAR PLUMS Elizabeth Harris offers Ballet, Tap, Modern Jazz, Theatre Craft, Freestyle and Musical Theatre Classes at her school in Muswell Hill.

Each class is taught by Elizabeth personally, from starter classes for young children through to professional coaching.

Elizabeth is a Fellow and Examiner for The International Dance Teachers’ Association and has over 20 years experience of teaching dance and successfully preparing and entering students for examinations.

‘Capturing young children’s imaginations and seeing them respond and express themselves freely is a joy’ she says. ‘Today alone, I’ve been a wiggly worm, a fairy and a witch’! www.elizabethharrisdance.co.uk

CARTOON CAMP Families North London Magazine has teamed up with Cartoon Camp to offer this amazing prize for five lucky readers.

The total prize value per winner is £175.

There are five free spots to be won for a full weeks’ attendance at the one of the four UK cartoon camps which are located at: London – Golders Green 12th – 16th Aug London – Edgware 19th – 23rd Aug London – Wimbledon 12th – 16th Aug Manchester 19th – 23rd Aug To enter go to www.familiesnorth.co.uk/ competitions.

CHICKENSHED THEATRE It is about now that many of you busy mums are thinking about how you will entertain your children during the school summer holidays this year. Think no further!!! Chickenshed has a solution.

We are running two different week-long performance workshops for young people this year – and they will love it.

The first group of workshops are called Summer Shed and are for children aged 5-12 years. Week One runs from Monday 29 July until Friday 2 August and there is Week Two which is from Monday 5 August until Friday 9 August. The workshops start at 10am and runs until 4pm each day. Children are asked to bring a packed lunch and snacks and they will be supervised by Chickenshed staff during the breaks.

Our workshops are huge fun and everyone is welcome regardless of experience. During the week the children will explore and develop a wide range of performance skills that involve drama, dance, singing and story-making. At the end of the week parents and friends will be invited in on the final afternoon to see a performance that has been created during the week. Summer Shed costs £130 each week and there will be a 50% discount for siblings.

Our second set of workshops are something completely different! Every year Chickenshed runs a big summer spectacular show for children. This year we are performing Fairies’ Tale and even though it has a ‘Fairy’ in the title, this show is not for the faint hearted! It is a

FINE ART 4 KIDS FINE ART 4 KIDS are a well-established local company who run high quality art classes for children aged 5-12 years in North London and Herts. These are very special courses where your child will produce something that they are proud of and that you will treasure. Your child will go on a journey of exploration in a fun environment, introducing them to techniques and materials used by the grand masters right up to modern day artists.

Trial Sessions/ Holiday Workshops/Art Parties: Details: www.fineart4kids.com email Emmylou@fineart4kids.com 07949293463

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AWARD-WINNING TUITION – 25% OFF WHEN YOU JOIN IN JULY Explore Learning centres across the provide maths and English tuition to 5 to 14 year olds of all abilities, and also run special courses in 11+ exam preparation. The centres are open 7 days a week, and are Ofsted registered, meaning that families can use Childcare Vouchers to pay for membership. Children attend up to twice a week on a drop-in basis, meaning that Explore tuition fits easily into busy family life.

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magical show for boy and girls aged up to 7 years with twists and turns that will have your children whooping in their seats.

In conjunction with Fairies’ Tales we are inviting children aged 6-10 years to be cast members. Children will come to workshops from Monday to Wednesday and then will perform in at least three performances of the actual show. Again the workshops are split into two-week long sessions. Week One is from Monday 29 July until Saturday 3 August and Week Two is from Monday 5 August until Saturday 10 August. The workshops from Monday to Wednesday are from 10am until 12.30pm. On Thursday and Friday the children will be asked to attend from 9am until 12.30pm and on Saturday from 9am until 2pm.

Children participating in our Tales Workshops will experience the excitement of preparing and then performing in a ‘real’ theatre production. They will gain experience in movement, singing, improvisation and puppetry. We do ask that the children attend all the scheduled workshops, and as you can imagine, these workshops are extremely popular so early booking is recommended.

Tales Workshops cost £70 per week.

Fairies’ Tale is an exciting show. The story takes us to Midsummer’s Eve, the most magical time of the year, when the fairy world and human world collide and so begins an adventure with impish sprites, boisterous boggarts, fairies-with-attitude and some rather set in their ways ‘grown up’ humans!

Tel: 020 8292 9222 www.chickenshed.org.uk

As Explore members, children work with tutors who are great educational role models, enthusiastic about learning and fantastic motivators. Each child has an individualised learning programme tailored to meet their needs, and all Explore courses map to the National Curriculum. This combination of benefits has led to the company being named Supplementary Education Provider of the Year at the prestigious Education Investor Awards for the past 2 years running.

July is the most popular time of the year for families to join Explore Learning, as parents across the country look for an engaging way to keep their children’s brains active over the long summer break. Also, families joining in July will receive 25% off their first full month of tuition at participating centres, so now is a great time to join if you haven’t already!

Explore Learning has centres across the UK – try us for free to find out how your family can benefit! To book your trial, visit www. explorelearning.co.uk or call your local centre.

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clubs and classes news The Cohen brothers, Danny & Mar tin present...

G’Day UK! The Australian Cartoon Camps have come to London & Manchester

Shows and workshops for young children this summer Fairies’ Tale | 0-7s Thu, Fri & Sat 1 - 10 Aug A truly magical and fun show for boys and girls with puppetry, songs and lots of interaction. snacks & food!

Tales Workshops | 6-10yrs Mon 29 Jul - Sat 3 Aug (week 1) Mon 5 - Sat 10 Aug (week 2) Be part of the cast of Fairies’ Tale!

Rehearse with the team and then take part in the show.

Box Office: 020 8292 9222

www.illustrating-man.com.au

www.chickenshed.org.uk

bookings@cartoonkingdom.com.au

Registered charity no. 1012369

Golders Green Alyth Reform Synagogue: 12 - 16 August Edgware & District Reform Synagogue: 19 - 23 August Wimbledon: 12 - 16 August & Manchester: 19 - 23 August

Win a golden ticket for summer fun in Barnet In celebration of the launch of the West End’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory The New Musical, Razzamataz Barnet is holding a special competition in association with Families North London, for one lucky boy and girl to win a Golden Ticket for a FREE place to the Willy Wonka themed Summer Stage Academy based at Ashmole School, Southgate.

The Summer Academy this year is based on the popular children’s book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and will feature many of the iconic songs from the film. Girls will love stomping around and replaying the antics of spoilt Veruca Salt while boys will have loads of fun being the many unique characters of Charlie Bucket, Mike Teavee or the evil Arthur Slugworth, president of Slugworth Chocolates Incorporated, who bribes the children to bring one piece of the newly-invented Everlasting Gobstopper back to him.

‘Much like the popular story, we are giving the chance for two local children to win a Golden Ticket to attend the summer school,’

says Michael French, Principal of Razzamataz Barnet. ‘The performing arts is lovely way for children to improve their confidence, make new friends and have lots of fun and we hope that with our Willy Wonka theme, we can inspire children to take part in the summer school even if they have never had any performing arts training before.’

Razzamataz Barnet is part of the Dragons’ Den performing arts theatre schools backed by entrepreneur Duncan Bannatyne. Classes for children aged between 4-18 run every Saturday afternoon during term time. Students attend dance, drama and singing classes and experience the full range of performing arts styles from classic West End theatre to street dance and pop singing.

The Summer Stage Academy will take place between Monday 29th July and 2nd August 2013. During the week students will learn dance, drama and singing, together with learning about theatre skills, prop making and much more.

Students aged between 4-8 will attend from 10-1pm and students aged 8-18 from 10-4pm.

On Friday 2nd AUGUST there will be a short

Short Day (9.30am - 3.30pm) £25 Long Day (8.00am - 6.00pm) £35

performance for parents/guardians, family and friends to attend at 12.30pm.

For details on the Summer Stage Academy or to book an appointment for a FREE trial session at Razzamataz Barnet please: Call 01923 805846 or 07788 592171 Email barnet@razzamataz.co.uk Web: www.razzamataztheatreschools.co.uk Razzamataz Barnet Classes run every Saturday from 1:30-5:30pm.

The venue is Ashmole Academy, Cecil Road, Southgate, N14 5RJ To enter you must first find the hidden Golden Ticket in this copy of Families North London Magazine and then send your answers to editor@familiesnorth.co.uk by Monday, 22nd July, 2013.

To advertise in Families North London please call on 020 8202 2034 or email adverts@familiesnorth.co.uk

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clubs and classes

Children’s Activity Camps and Holiday Workshops group will join the older children in the concert at 5pm on Friday.

CAMP BEAUMONT www.campbeaumont.co.uk Summer camps for 3-4 year-olds and 5-16-year-olds held at Mill Hill School. Specialist activities include Crcreative Workshops, English Language Lessons, Horse Riding, Motorsports, Prince & Princess Academy, Soccer Academy, Starmaker Showbusiness, Swimming lessons and Tennis.

Mill Hill, NW7 1QS 5 day camps from 8th July – 30th August Tel: 0844 335 0450

CREATIVE MOVEMENTS

For 5 -18s: children who play any instrument, to any standard are welcome. During the week, with the guidance of the DaCapo team, the children will work with musicians from Aurora. They will then perform with them in an end of term concert on the Friday at Rosslyn Hill Chapel in Hampstead.

29th July – 2nd August Tel: 020 8447 0056

FINSBURY LEISURE CENTRE www.aquaterra.org/finsburyleisure-centre/holidayprogramme Free holiday sports coaching. Table tennis and badminton sessions run by fully-qualified coaches. Sessions include skills, fun games, matches and competitions. Ages 8+.

London EC1 3PU Please contact the centre for further information.

Tel: 020 7253 2346

www.creativemovements.co.uk Summer workshops, including Art Work, Prop-Making and a Final Performance on the last day. Ages 2-8 years.

St Mary’s, Hampstead Primrose Hill Community Centre Please see their website for workshop details and dates.

Tel: 020 7435 8217

CIRCUS SPACE www.thecircusspace.co.uk Summer School – for beginners.

Trapeze, acrobatics, hula hoop and more. Young people aged 10-18 who’d like to spend a week learning a range of circus skills. This summer school is appropriate for those with little or no experience of circus.

Summer School – advanced. For those with circus experience. Flying Trapeze and Cloud Swing.

Hoxton, N1 6HZ 29th July – 2nd August Tel: 020 7613 4141

DACAPO MUSIC FOUNDATION www.dacapo.co.uk For 2-5 year olds – two hours each day, exploring singing, percussion, movement and offering children the chance to try out instruments. This

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FIT FOR SPORT www.fitforsport.co.uk This Summer’s camps include; ‘Around the World’ where children will fully engage with diverse sports from all parts of the world. ‘Time Travellers’ where children will enjoy traditional sports with a twist of time travelling. ‘Superheroes’ where children can come to camp as their favorite Hero/Superstar. ‘Legacy Week’ where children will engage fully with the Olympic Legacy taking part in Olympics sport and much more!!! For further details please check the website.

London, NW8 & NW10.

Ages 3-4, 5-7 and 8-12 Weekly camps from 22nd July – 30th August.

Tel: 0845 456 3233

FREIGHTLINERS FARM www.freightlinersfarm.org.uk/ A small farm in Holloway with a wide-variety of animals ranging from rare-breed pigs and goats to newborn lambs and chicks. Holiday activities for children of all ages and special events throughout the year.

Holloway, N7 8PF Please see their website for further information.

Tel: 020 7609 0467

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FURZEFIELD CENTRE POTTERS BAR

at Clissold Park, Haggerston Park, Hackney Downs and Spring Hill.

Camp age ranges from 4-15 yr olds

www.hertsmereleisure.co.uk/ furzefield+centre Summer holiday play schemes, Kiddie Camps for 4-7-year-olds, Day Camps 8-15-year-olds. Soft Play, Circus, Treasure Hunts, Creative Activities, Trampolining, Football, Rounder’s, Shokk Gym, Fitness, Swimming Pool Games, Team Challenges.

Potters Bar, EN6 3BW Please contact Furzefield for further information.

Tel: 01707 850 500

GEFFRYE MUSEUM The Geffrye Museum in Shoreditch runs a school holiday programme: ‘Inside, Outside & Up In The Air’.

Three weeks of exciting summer activities for children exploring gorgeous gardens, lovely living rooms and high-rise buildings. Print cityscape T-shirts, create creepy crawly soaps, make marvelous masks and much more!

Free for children 5 -11 years-old.

Places allocated on a first come first served basis.

ISA FOOTBALL www.isacoaching.co.uk Mini-Soccer training sessions with a unique coaching system and philosophy developed and led by a UEFA ‘A’ Licence (Level 4) coach

Hampstead G-S, NW11 – Reception to year 6 Queens Park, NW6 – Reception to Year 2

HACKNEY EMPIRE ARTIST DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

Mill Hill, NW7 – Reception to Year 2

www.hackneyempire. co.uk/1836/young-people/artistdevelopment-programme.html

Please telephone for further details Tel: 07957 229 518

LITTLE SUPERNOVAS SUMMER FUN SCHOOL

ADP is a two-week summer programme for young artists aged 13-18-years-old with an interest in performing arts. ADP has now become Hackney Empire’s flagship education programme. A Series of workshops, auditions, and final performance on the Empire’s stage.

www.littlesupernovas.com

ADP13 auditions are being held on 20th and 21st July 2013. To audition, please download the application form found on their website.

Hackney, E8 1EJ Tel: 020 8510 4396

A fun filled week, packed full of Art, Face Painting, Games, Drama, Dance, Action Adventure Storytelling, Music and Fun. Selected days also available. Ages 3-8 years

Highgate, N6 Mon 19th – 23rd August Tel: 07791 235 247

MAD SCIENCE LONDON

HACKNEY CITY TENNIS CLUB

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Tottenham Community Sports Centre, N17 Please contact the centre for further information.

Tel: 020 86162925

Kingsbury, NW9 – Reception to Year 6

Shoreditch, E2 30th July – 16th August.

Tel: 020 7739 9893

Popular half-term and school holiday tennis programmes with sessions

HOLIDAY PLAYSCHEME Tottenham Community Sports Centre Active & entertaining childcare for children from the ages of 5-14 throughout the holidays. Outings, Treasure Hunt, Cooking, Drama Sessions, Trips, Spanish Lessons, Roller Skating, Sports Activities, Fitness Sessions and Arts & Crafts.

www.geffrye-museum.org.uk

www.hackneycitytennisclubs. co.uk/junior_courses.html

N16.

Please contact the club for further information.

Tel: 020 7254 4235

east.madscience.org/summer scienceholidaycamps.aspx School holiday science camps, offering an action-packed, rocketfuelled journey into the exciting world of science. For 4-11 year-olds.

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clubs and classes Muswell Hill – Coldfall Primary, Coldfall Avenue, N10 1HS Islington – Hungerford Primary, Hungerford Road, N7 9LF Hampstead – The Hall School, Belsize Park, NW3 4EH

See the website for further information.

Tel: 020 8327 447

RAZZAMATAZ THEATRE SCHOOL www.razzamataz.co.uk Wonka’s Chocolate Summer Stage Academy Learn to sing, dance and act with a performance at the end of the week.

Ages 5-16 years.

Hampstead NW3 Tel: 0208 1507198 Barnet See the website for further information.

Tel: 01923805846

THE CASTLE CLIMBING CENTRE www.castle-climbing.co.uk School holiday climbing. Two-hour fun climbing sessions for youngsters over the age of nine and under 18.

These sessions allow kids to try out bouldering, top roping and abseiling.

Stoke Newington, N4 2HA See the website for further information. Tel: 020 8211 7000

STUDIO FILM SCHOOL www.studiofilmschool.co.uk Film-making activities for ages 7-16-years-old based in Muswell Hill.

Summer Film Shoot – 5 actionpacked summer days of filmmaking

to keep your young stars fully entertained as they learn lots of new creative and production skills.

‘Lights, Camera, Comedy’ – a laugh-a-minute workshop to explore different comedy styles and produce a DVD of funny short films inspired by legendary screen comedians.

Muswell Hill, N10 1PS See the website for further information. Tel: 0845 533 3763

Further afield LL CAMPS www.llcamps.co.uk True American-style day multiactivity camps in Bushey. Amazing fun for 4-14year-olds. Speciality camps include Broadway in Bushey!

Performing Arts and Magic Theatre, Wimbledon4Kids! Mini-tennis for 4-8-year-olds. Create! Is your child the next Picasso? Reasonable prices.

hArts c a o c e r t a e The g a t S

The original, ori inal, largest la estt and and STILL th the h best b est network of part-time e perfor performing arts schools in the world.

Nurturing and developing young peoples potential through dance, drama and singing.

For 4-18 year olds, after school, at weekends and holiday workshops.

Stagecoach Highgate 020 7272 8108 highgate@stagecoach.co.uk Stagecoach Stoke Newington 020 7354 0367 stokenewington@stagecoach.co.uk

St Margaret’s School, Bushy, Herts See the website for further information. Tel: 020 7870 1073

C ! DAN G N I S

PGL ADVENTURE HOLIDAYS www.pgl.co.uk A variety of Adventure Holidays and Summer Camps including Multi Activity, Introductory Adventure, Bushcraft, Explorer, Adrenaline Adventure, Climbing Adventure, Cook’s Academy, Street Dance, Film Making, First Timer Holidays, Indiana Jones, Leadership Challenge, Motorsports, Music Studio, Pony Trekking & Riding, Surfing and many more.

See their website for further details and locations.

Tel: 0844 371 2424

MoreLife FREE Summer Holiday Clubs

Venue 2: Caxton House Community Centre Date: Monday, 12 August 2013 9am – 5pm Age range: 4 – 12 years Cost: Free To book your FREE place or to find out more: Call: Niki on 0113 812 5233 Email: team@more-life.co.uk Visit: www.more-life.co.uk

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Kingsgate Community Centre

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107 Kingsgate Road, London, NW6 2JH

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healthier lifestyle.

Venue 1: St Mary’s Community Partnership, Upper Street, Islington N1 2TX Date: Monday, 5 August 2013 9am – 5pm or….

E! ACT

To enrol or to book a FREE TRIAL call 07572929168 or email info@theyoungpeoplestheatre.co.uk

Performing Arts Sc

These Free week-long clubs are for children who would benefit from losing a little weight.

Holiday clubs are all about making new friends, learning about getting healthy, taking part in lots of exciting activities and having lots of fun throughout the holidays. The Holiday Clubs are for children aged 4 – 12 years old. The children will attend the Holiday Club on their own but there will be a parents’ session on the Sunday prior to the chosen week, 10am-12pm to learn more about the programme and to allow parents to support their child in their new

lling Enro !

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www.theyo

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.co.uk ungpeoplestheatre

MONDAYS DRAMA FUNHOUSE (ages 4 - 6) 4:25 - 5:15pm

WEDNESDAYS MAMAS AND BUBBAS (ages 2 - 4) 11:30 - 12:30

DRAMA JUNIORS (ages 7 - 11) 5:15 - 6:15pm

STREET DANCE (younger) (ages 5 - 8) 4:30 - 5:30pm

YOUNG ACTORS GROUP (ages 12 - 16) 6:15 - 7:15pm

STREET DANCE (older) (ages 9-13) 5:30 - 6:30pm

Danny Grant Soccer School

Action-packed Holiday Football Courses for energetic & enthusiastic players aged 3 & 4, 5 & 6 & 7 to 11.

Non-stop football fun! Develop fitness & football skills! Exciting matches each day!

Specialised term-time weekly football classes for 3 & 4yrs and 5 & 6yrs. Plus weekly football training and league matches for 7 to 12yrs.

Also bookable football and general sports birthday parties.

Call for more details!

info@dgsoccer.co.uk

020 8446 0891 www.dgsoccer.co.uk

To advertise in Families North London please call on 020 8202 2034 or email adverts@familiesnorth.co.uk

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parties

PARTIES Welcome to our parties page for all you need to have a great party

SALLY SUNSHINE FACE PAINTING FUN !

Don’t forget to say you saw the advert in Families North!

07837 713 699

WE DON’T JUST CREATE PARTIES, WE MAKE

MEMORIES!

020 8542 1480

BOOPARTIES.COM

SWEET ETC ... s Bespoke sweet tables for all occasions s Choice of sweets and colour co-ordinated

Contact Tara:

07961 350822

tara@nzcomputing.com www.sweetetc.co.uk

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parties familiesnorthbmay13

The Ultimate Indoor Adventure Park

Play Pass

Free month's pass for Birthday Child for parties held before 31st August

1. Party must be held by August 31st 2013 2. Pass is valid for 1 month from the date of the party 3. Pass is valid for birthday child and two parents/adults only 4. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer 5. Offer valid until 31st August 2013

www.facebook.com/kidspaceromford

for more information call 01708 768 003 www.kidspaceadventures.com The Brewery, Waterloo Road, Romford, Essex RM1 1AU

To advertise in Families North London please call on 020 8202 2034 or email adverts@familiesnorth.co.uk

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Card processing solutions for small business.

A refreshingly simple way to take card payments today Capped rates Superfast setup 24/7 UK support Email us on busdev@paymentsense.com Call us on 0800 044 3552 and quote BD-FAMILIESNORTH

Card Processing. Made Simple

Join the Summer Reading Challenge in your library this summer There are plenty of spine-tingling surprises waiting for you at your local library!

From Sat 13th July, all children can register at their library for Creepy House. They will get a Creepy Fold out poster and a set of stickers (including some smelly scratch and sniff ones!) and a glow in the dark wrist band on their second visit! To receive a certificate and a medal for completing the challenge, children need to collect all 6 stickers, and record 6 of their favourite books. There will be lots to do in the library, quizzes, events, competitions and all completely free of charge! For more information visit www.creepyhouse.org.uk for fun things to do.

North London

Ezine SIGN UP FOR OUR GREAT MONTHLY EZINE AT WWW. FAMILIESNORTH.CO.UK ITS FABULOUS AND FREE. July articles include: Annabel Karmel Recipes Mummy and Me Styling The Wonder Weeks Competitions and much more.

Sharon Editor

Free!

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North London

Your Guide to North London Family Entertainment!

Places To Go Cinema

Theatre

Further Afield

Concerts

Festivals

Exhibitions

Summer Days Out

Special Events

Museums

places to go days out • cinema • exhibitions • theatres • concerts

Places To Go

Your guide to North London Family Entertainment

Welcome to our great summer guide of all the very best places to visit this summer. We hope you enjoy all your days out. To advertise in this section call 020 8202 2034 or email adverts@familiesnorth.co.uk.

Summer Days Out ALEXANDRA PALACE Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7AY ( Wood Green) 020 8365 2121 alexandrapalace.com Alexandra Park 150th Birthday Party July 21 Alexandra Park celebrates its 150th birthday with family entertainment.

Join in the fun with community games, golfing workshops, farmers market, live music and pedalo races.

Free event.

Dolls House & Miniatures Fair September 1 Dolls houses, furnishings and accessories. Cost £6/£2.50.

BRITISH LIBRARY 96 Euston Road, NW1 2DB ( Kings Cross) bl.uk Write, Camera, Action July 30, 31, September 8 Pop-up photographic studio to use props and words to create images.

Family event. Free.

BUCKINGHAM PALACE SW1A 1AA ( Victoria) 020 7766 7300 royalcollection.org.uk The Queen’s Coronation 1953 July 27 – September 29 An exhibition at Buckingham Palace to mark the 60th anniversary includes a display of items worn on the day. Combined ticket £33.25/£18.85/under 5s free.

Family Activity Day August 18 At The Queen’s Gallery. Tudor games, art activities dance workshops and short talks based on the exhibition ‘In Fine Style: The Art of Tudor and Stuart Fashion’. 5-11 years. Cost £9.50/£4.80/family (2+3) £24.

Moving Mail Weekend with Postman Pat & Jess the Cat August 10-11 Family Fun Day August 25 Day out with Thomas September 7-8 A ride behind Thomas the Tank Engine; miniature railway rides, magic and Punch & Judy shows.

Advance booking. Cost £15/£11/ family £44.50.

HAMPSTEAD HEATH ( Kentish Town/Hampstead) 020 7332 3322 cityoflondon.gov.uk/hampstead Bat Walk for Families July 19 Pre-booking required.

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE RAILWAY CENTRE Quainton Road , Quainton, Nr Aylesbury, Bucks HP22 (M25/A41) 01296 655720

Rookie Rangers Wildlife Club July 21, August 7, 14, 21, 28 Education Centre, Parliament Hill.

Booking required (020 7482 7073).

8-12 years.

Peppa Pig July 20, 21 Train rides and special attractions.

Cost £12/£9.

Water Awareness Week July 29 – August 2 Water safety activities. 8-15 year.

School Holiday Steaming July 31, August 7, 14, 21

Drop-in Activities August 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29 At Secret Garden, Parliament Hill.

Golders Hill Park August 6, 13, 20, 27 Drop-in activities.

Alexandra Park 150th Birthday Party

Zooday!

August 8, 15, 22, 29 Drop-in activities in Golders Hill Park Zoo. Wild Play Day August 13 Drop-in event at Golders Hill Park.

Waterworld August 16 Wet play. Adventure Playground (020 7482 2116). 5+ years.

Summer Fair August 24-26 Lower Fairground Site, East Heath.

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HODDESDON MODEL & RAILWAY CLUB Broxbourne Meadows, Mill Lane, Broxbourne, Herts, EN10 7AX 01992 425821 hoddesdonmrc.co.uk Annual Show August 25 Working layouts, trade stalls, train rides for children and refreshments.

Cost £2/£1.

ISIS EDUCATION CENTRE The LookOut, Hyde Park ( Marble Arch) 020 7036 8056 supporttheroyalparks.org Water World August 6, 13, 20 Activities include a visit to see the birds on the Serpentine lake and a visit to Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial fountain. Booking required. 7-11 years. Cost £30.

Discovery Days August 7 Drop-in activities. All ages. Free.

Kids’ Days Out August 13, 20 7-11 years. Booking required.

Cost £30.

Beetles, Bugs and Bees!

August 22 Family hunt for beetles, bugs and bees followed by a craft workshop. Advance booking.

Cost £6-£10.

Bats, Moths, Fire and Food August 29 Family evening bat watch and around the camp fire snacks. Booking required.

Cost £10-£15.

KENSINGTON PALACE Kensington Gardens, W8 4PX ( High Street Kensington) 0844 482 7777 hrp.org.uk

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summer days out places to go Fun Fridays July 26, August 2, 9, 16, 23 Fashion workshops. All ages. Dropin activities. Entry adults £15 or £14 online/ children free.

Kids go Free One adult ticket includes free entry for up to six children under 16 years.

KENWOOD HOUSE Hampstead Lane, NW3 7JR (Hampstead Heath ) 020 8348 1286 englishheritage.org.uk livebythelake.co.uk (tickets) Live By the Lake: Singin’ in the Rain August 30 The soundtrack will be performed

by The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra while the film will be shown on the big screen.

MYDDELTON HOUSE GARDENS Bull Cross, Enfield, EN2 9HG 08456 770 600 visitleevalley.org.uk Lady Windermere’s Fan August 3 Outdoor theatre. Bring a picnic and a rug. Booking required. Cost £10/£8 or £12/£8 on the door.

Ossie Children’s Trail Children can explore the gardens with self-guided activity booklets for 4-7 years and 8-13 years.

ODDS FARM PARK Wooburn Common Road, High Wycombe, Bucks HP10 OLX (J2/M40) 01628 520188 oddsfarm.co.uk Peppa Pig Meet & Greet July 31, September 4 Popular children’s TV characters will be making a special visit to the farm with opportunities for children to see them at intervals between 11am and 4pm. Entry costs includes the special visits. Entrance £9.95/£8.95 weekdays, £11.95/£10.95 weekends and holidays.

Scooby-Doo Meet & Greet August 7 Ben & Holly Meet & Greet August 14 Mike the Knight Meet & Greet August 21 Fireman Sam Meet & Greet August 28 Summer Maize Maze Find your way through the maze – weather permitting.

OSTERLEY PARK & HOUSE Jersey Road, Isleworth, TW7 4RB ( Osterley)

020 8232 5050 nationaltrust.org.uk Family Discovery Day July 28 Creative activities. Entrance £9.95/£5.

Mini Farm August 17, 18 Cute and cuddly animals. Cost £4.35/£2.25. Normal garden admission.

Country Show August 25, 26 Food marquees, entertainment and birds of prey displays. Cost £5/£2.50. Entrance to House and Gardens extra cost.

ROYAL MUSEUMS GREENWICH National Maritime Museum, Royal Observatory, The Queens House & Cutty Sark SE10 9NF (DLR Cutty Sark) 020 8858 4422 rmg.co.uk

Peter Pan the Never Ending Story World Arena Tour August 21, 23-26 Live theatre with movie visuals, acrobats, dancers and musicians.

Cost £28.25-£50.85/ children under 12 years 10% discount.

Potato Shindig!

September 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29 Children can harvest a free bag of potatoes from the Willows Potato Patch and learn more about food.

WILLOWS FARM VILLAGE Coursers Road, St Albans, AL4 OPF (M25/J22) 0870 129 9718 willowsfarmvillage.com Summer Spectacular July 20 – September 1 All day family entertainment with activities and events. Follow the A-maize-ing Maze and take part in sports day races.

ZSL LONDON ZOO Regent’s Park, NW1 4RY ( Regent’s Park) zsl.org Little Creatures Family Festival August 30 – September 1 Big fun for little ones – entertainers, stage shows, story telling with puppets and an enchanted walk.

Bring a picnic or visit the gourmet food festival. Entrance from £21.50/£16/under 3s free.

Kentish Town City Farm

Message in a Bottle/A ship in a bottle July 25 – September 2 Range of activities about messages to loved ones and the tiny world of a ship in a bottle.

Cutty Sark: Ahoy Captain!

July 28, August 4, 11, 18, 25 Hear tales of sea voyages. Entrance £12/£6.50.

National Maritime Museum Visions of the Universe July 31, August 7, 14, 21, 28 Exhibition and workshops with interactive science demonstrations.

8+ years. Cost family £30.

Cutty Sark Fly the Flag August 3, 4, 27, 28 Design a flag and learn to write a coded message using signal flags. Drop-in. All ages. Entrance £12/£6.50.

SEA LIFE LONDON AQUARIUM County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, SE1 7PB ( Waterloo) sealife.co.uk/london Behind the Scenes Tour Access to areas normally closed to the public to learn about breeding, research and conservation programmes. Cost £7.50/£5.

General admission extra from £20/£15/under 3s free.

Shark Reef Encounter Walk above the sharks in a glass walkway and watch them swim below.

WEMBLEY ARENA Arena Square, Engineers Way, HA9 OAA ( Wembley Park) 020 8782 5566 0844 815 0815 bookings wembleyarena.co.uk

To advertise in Families North London please call on 020 8202 2034 or email adverts@familiesnorth.co.uk

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places to go local events

Local Events: Barnet BARNET WALKS Paul Baker 020 8440 6805 barnetwalks.talktalk.net Ghost Walk August 4 Haunted village walk through High Barnet and Monken Hadley. Cost £8/£4 under 12 years.

Battle of Barnet July 28, August 10, September 15 A guided walk across the famous battlefield of 1471. Cost £8/£4 for children under 12 years.

BRENT CROSS CENTRE Hendon, NW4 3FP ( Hendon Central) 020 8202 8095 brentcross.co.uk Brent Cross Kids Club Saturdays Fun activities. 3-13 years.

EAST BARNET FESTIVAL Oak Hill Park, EN4 8JS eastbarnetfestival.org.uk Beatrix Potter Stories July 21 Quantum Theatre production.

Comedy of Errors July 28 Principal Theatre production.

Camden BURGH HOUSE & HAMPSTEAD MUSEUM New End Square, NW3 1LT ( Hampstead) 020 7431 0144 burghhouse.org.uk Old Hampstead Rediscovered – The Taverns of Hampstead Until September 1 Exhibition of paintings, prints and photographs of local pubs in existence and those lost over time.

Free admission.

Penguin Kids Corner Try on historical costumes, delve into the toy box, draw a picture or read a book.

Museum Trail Free trails to follow with buttons and flaps and Constable Hampstead family walking guides to purchase.

CAMDEN ARTS CENTRE Arkwright Road, NW3 6DG ( Finchley Road) 020 7472 5500 camdenartscentre.org Make & Do July 21, 28, August 4, 11, 18, 25 September 1, 8, 15 Sunday drop-in workshops based on the exhibitions. All ages. Free.

CAMDEN FRINGE The Etcetera Theatre, 265 Camden High Street, NW1 7BU

Palmers Green Community Festival

camdenfringe.org Festival July 29 – August 25

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Enfield

CORAM’S FIELDS 93 Guilford Street, WC1N 1DN ( Russell Square) 020 3384 2202 coramsfields.org School Holiday and Term Time Activities Coram’s Fields is a charity offering a variety of activities for local children – city farm, children’s centre and youth centre and a local community nursery.

Shakespeare Theatre in the Park July 11-13, 18-20, 25-27 August 1-3 Evening open-air performances of ‘The Comedy of Errors’ and ‘Hamlet’. Charges apply.

Playday August 7 Free arts and crafts, music and sports.

CAPEL MANOR GARDENS Bullsmoor Lane, Enfield, EN1 4RQ (M25/J25) 08456 122122 capelmanorgardens.co.uk Teddy Bears Picnic August 17 Family day with bouncy castles, music, dance, games and story time with Goldilocks and the 3 Bears.

Support the Nightingale Cancer Support Centre. Cost £6/£3/family (2+3) £15 under 3s free.

Classic & Vintage Vehicle Show September 8 Vintage cars on display, auto jumble, Enfield Brass Band and crafts. Entrance charges apply.

Pop Up Cinema August 30 – September 1 Out of School Club/Holiday Playschemes Range of activities after school and during school holidays for Camden residents.

4-12 years.

DUGDALE CENTRE Thomas Hardy House, 39 London Road, Enfield EN2 6DS (Enfield Town ) 020 8807 6680 dugdalecentre.co.uk Danny and his Amazing Balloons July 25 Magic, circus stunts and balloon sculptures. Cost £7/£6 online.

KENTISH TOWN CITY FARM 1 Cressfield Close, NW5 4BN ( Kentish Town) 020 7916 5421 ktcityfarm.org.uk

FORTY HALL Forty Hill, Enfield EN2 9HA (M25/J25) 020 8363 8196 fortyhallestate.co.uk

Summer Events Cooking, gardening, pony rides, pond dipping and arts and crafts.

Free entry.

Music in the Walled Garden July 21 Fund raising event with music and surprise events. Bring a picnic. Cost £6/£3/under 5s free.

THE PLACE 17 Duke’s Road, WC1H 9PY ( Euston) 020 7121 1000 theplace.org.uk Something Happening for Kids July 20 Family dance and movement workshops for parents to watch or dance together with their children.

Family Tours August 3, 24 Bring history to life with interactive fun for the whole family. Cost £8/£12 family ticket.

King’s Cross Festival August 17

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Under 11 years. Cost £6/£20 group of four.

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Food on my Face August 10 Build a 3D portrait to photograph and display. 8-14 years. Cost £8 per child.

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local events • theatres • concerts places to go PALMERS GREEN COMMUNITY FESTIVAL Broomfield Park, Alderman’s Hill, N13 palmersgreenfestival.org.uk September 1 Free voluntary run event with stalls, live music, children’s zones, local food, dance and more.

RADIOMARATHON CENTRE 188 Turkey Street (Bulls Cross side), Enfield, EN1 4NW (Turkey Street ) 01992 713 297 radiomarathon.co.uk Summer Fete July 20 Family event with stalls, bouncy castle, slides, dance, BBQ, indoor soft play, face painting, refreshments, mobile library and more. Money raised towards supporting young adults with learning disabilities. Entry £1/50p for under 8 years.

ST LUKE’S CHURCH Phipps Hatch Lane, Enfield, EN2 Craft Fair July 13, August 10, September 14 Children’s craft table, face painting and refreshments.

Hackney BEYOND BARBICAN CENTRE Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS barbican.org.uk noordinarypark.co.uk Shoreditch Festival 2013 July 14 Hoxton Street Market, N1 5JX. Live music, theatre and dance produced by the Barbican and Shoreditch Trust. Free.

Open East Festival July 27 – 28 At Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford. Celebrating the first anniversary of the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Games hosted by the Barbican and Create London. Cost from £9.50/£6.

DALSTON PEOPLE’S FESTIVAL – E8 Until July 20 Local community event with stalls, workshops and performers. Special theatre shows from Arcola Youth Theatre.

GILLETT SQUARE Dalston, N16 8AZ gillettsquare.org.uk Total Play August 7, 21, 24 Family play and have fun with board games, play shapes, table tennis, and giant chess.

SUTTON HOUSE – NATIONAL TRUST 2 & 4 Homerton High St, Hackney E9 6JQ ( Bethnal Green) 020 8986 2264 nationaltrust.org.uk Getting ready for the Carnival July 28 Free family day with dancing, mask making and costume fiesta fun!

Haringey BRUCE CASTLE MUSEUM Lordship Lane, N17 8NU ( Seven Sisters) 020 8808 8772 haringey.gov.uk Amazing Animals July 14, 21, 28 Drop-in art activities. 5-13 years.

Holiday Activities Look for special activities during the school holidays on selected dates.

HARINGEY FAMILIES haringeyfamilies.co.uk Local community events in Crouch End and Muswell Hill include toddler groups, cookery workshops and family fun days Nearly New Sale July 13, September 14 At St George’s Hall, Cranley Grdns, N10 3AH. Sales take place on the second Saturday of the month from 10.30am -11.45am. Second hand clothes for babies and children, books and baby equipment on offer.

HIGHGATE WOOD Information Hut, Muswell Hill Road, N10 3JN ( Highgate) 020 8444 6129 cityoflondon.gov.uk/highgatewood Meet the Bees July 21 Summer Guided Walk July 27 Strawberry Jam Clown Storytelling August 2

01707 873628 mbeam.org Engine Steaming Day August 26

Islington ESTORICK COLLECTION OF MODERN ITALIAN ART 39a Canonbury Square, N1 2AN ( Highbury & Islington) 020 7704 9522 estorickcollection.com Family Art Day July 24, August 21 Drop-in learn and design workshop.

Children free with paying adult £5.

FREIGHTLINERS CITY FARM SheringhamRoad, N7 8PF ( Highbury & Islington) 020 7609 0467 freightlinersfarm.org.uk Comedy of Errors July 21 Outdoor theatre with the Principle Theatre Company.

Family Learning Drop-in sessions on Thursdays and Fridays for parents and children to learn together. Under 5 years. Free.

ISLINGTON EXHIBITS islingtonexhibits.com July 15-31 Display of art and craft at various selected local venues.

ISLINGTON MUSEUM 245 St John Street, EC1V 4NB ( Angel) 020 7527 2837 islington.gov.uk Puppet Making Days August 15-29 Little Angel Theatre’s single day puppet and performing workshops. Make a mini shadow theatre and puppets to take home. The same workshop is repeated on each date. Book via Little Angel Theatre 020 7226 1787. Cost

Lion and Unicorn Theatre

per day workshop £40/concessions available. 5-11 years.

PARASOL UNIT FOUNDATION FOR CONTEMPORARY ART 14 Wharf Road, N1 7RW ( Angel) 020 7490 7373 parasol-unit.org Merlin James Until August 10 Summer exhibition of paintings.

Free admission.

Family Workshop July 21 Document the surrounding area and then come back to the gallery to make a composition. 5-15 years.

Cost £5 per family.

Theatres & Concerts KIDS WEEK kidsweek.co.uk 0844 248 5151 August 1-31 Kids Week is extended to a full month! Purchase one adult ticket from various participating London theatres and one child 16 years or under goes free and up to two extra children can go half price.

Also take part in a range of free

Chickenshed Theatre

Be the Bug August 9 Birds of Prey Display August 14 Wild Play Day August 16 Climb Swing Bounce August 30 Monkey Do August 31 Climbing nets in the trees.

MARKFIELD BEAM ENGINE & MUSEUM Markfield Road, N15 4RB ( Tottenham Hale)

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places to go theatres • concerts events on stage and back stage at many participating venues.

CHICKENSHED THEATRE Chase Side, Southgate, N14 4PE ( Cockfosters/Oakwood) 020 8292 9222 chickenshed.org.uk Tales Big Day Out July 27-28 Watch performances and take part in a mini festival with stalls and activities. Booking required. 0-7 years. Cost £8/free for babies under 6 months.

Fairies’ Tale – Tales from the Shed’s Summer Show August 1-10 Step into a truly magical and fun world in a spectacular colourful and interactive summer show with puppets and songs. 0-7 years. Cost £6/free for babies under 1 year.

Tales from the Shed From September 6 Interactive theatre shows for children 0-7 years. Cost £6/under 6 months free.

THE COCKPIT THEATRE Gateforth Street, Marylebone, NW8 8EH ( Marylebone) 020 7258 2925 thecockpit.org.uk

Rumpelstiltskin And The Wheel Of Fortune July 13 Storytelling and puppets.

4+ years. Cost £8.

HACKNEY EMPIRE 291 Mare Street, E8 1EJ (Hackney Central) 020 8985 2424 hackneyempire.co.uk Room on the Broom July 23-25 A dog, a bird and a frog help the witch retrieve her belongings when the wind blows them away. 3+ years. Cost £12.

LION & UNICORN THEATRE 42-44 Gaisford Street, NW5 2ED ( Kentish Town) 08444 771000 (bookings) lionandunicorntheatre.com Macbeth July 16 – August 3 Tickets £15/£12.

The Merchant of Venice September 10 – October 5 Cost £17.50/£15.

LITTLE ANGEL THEATRE 14 Dagmar Passage, N1 2DN ( Angel or Highbury Islington) 020 7226 1787 littleangeltheatre.com

Summer fun!

LYRIC THEATRE (LONDON) 29 Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 7ES ( Piccadilly Circus) We’re Going on a Bear Hunt Until September 1 Adapted from the book written

by Michael Rosen and illustrated

by Helen Oxenbury. 3+ years.

Cost £14-£21.50.

World of Treasure Discover the Museum’s treasures by answering clues and following the trail. Some clues are easy but others will challenge even the more experienced treasure hunters.

Make a treasure-chest-shaped money box to take home. There’s a chocolate coin for every child and prizes to be won.

NATIONAL CHILDREN’S ORCHESTRA OF GREAT BRITAIN 01934 418855 nco.org.uk

NATIONAL THEATRE South Bank, SE1 9PX ( Waterloo) 020 7452 3000 nationaltheatre.org.uk Romeo and Juliet July 24 – August 18 Shakespeare’s drama in a modern setting suitable for families with children 8+ years. Cost £12/£8.

Family Tours Family tours during school holidays to explore behind the scenes. 5+ years. Cost £8.50 for adult + 3 children.

SHAKESPEARE’S GLOBE 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, SE1 9DT ( London Bridge) 020 7401 9919 shakespearesglobe.com ChildsPlay – Macbeth August 17 Workshops with crafts and storytelling related to the play.

Ticket admits one adult to the matinee performance while the accompanying child attends the workshop. 8-11 years. Cost £15.

Sackler Storydays – King Lear August 14 An introduction to Shakespeare’s stories for young people. 8+ years. Cost £15 for adult + child/ additional child £8.

ChildsPlay – A Midsummer Night’s Dream September 7 Sackler Storydays – Macbeth September 21

REGENT’S PARK OPEN AIR THEATRE Inner Circle, Regent’s Park, NW1 4NU ( Baker Street) 0844 826 4242 openairtheatre.com The Winter’s Tale Re-imagined Until July 20 Shakespeare’s story suitable for 6+ years. Cost £15/family £50.

The Sound of Music July 25 – September 7 Cost £25-£45.

Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo August 9 – September 8 Family fun with prehistoric creatures on stage using life-size puppetry.

3+ years. Cost £15/family £50.

Admission free 10am – 5pm Monday to Friday. Closed weekends and public holidays. Entrance in Bartholomew Lane, London EC2R 8AH. Tel: 020 7601 5545 www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum

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Swan Lake July 29 – August 15 Bolshoi Ballet. Cost £10-£70.

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Welcome Performances for Families Special matinees of operas and ballet for new audiences – aimed at families with children 7+ years.

Registration required for advance booking. Cost £5-£20.

West Side Story August 7 – September 22 Musical theatre based on Romeo & Juliet with familiar songs such as ‘I feel pretty’ and ‘Tonight’.

Cost £15-£75/children 5+ years half price on selected tickets and dates.

Summer Concert July 27 At The Barbican Centre, EC2Y 8DS.

ROYAL OPERA HOUSE Covent Garden, WC2E 9DD ( Covent Garden) 020 7304 4000 roh.org.uk

The Sleeping Beauty August 5-9 Bolshoi Ballet. Cost £10-£120.

SADLER’S WELLS & LILIAN BAYLIS STUDIO Rosebery Avenue, EC1R 4TN ( Angel) 0844 412 4300 sadlerswells.com

Pride and Prejudice Until July 20 Jane Austen’s romantic comedy.

Cost £25-£45.

22 July – 30 August 10:00am – 4:30pm

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We’re Going on a Bear Hunt Until July 21 Puppet production with music. Baby friendly performances on selected dates. 2+ years. Cost £12/£10/£5 Friday shows at 5pm.

UNICORN THEATRE 147 Tooley Street, SE1 2HZ ( London Bridge) 020 7645 0560 unicorntheatre.com Lionboy Until July 21 Charlie Ashanti can speak to cats.

8+ years. Cost £16/£10.

We Dance, Wee Groove July 30 – August 11 Audience participation in an interactive dance show. Separate performances for under 5 years and 5-7 years.

WATERWORKS NATURE RESERVE Lammas Road, E10 7QB visitleevalley.org.uk

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museums • exhibitions places to go Finding Alice July 27 Outdoor theatre. Cost £7/£5.

Museums & Exhibitions (rainy day activities)

Family activities with games, sounds and mini beasts. All ages. Free.

GRANT MUSEUM OF ZOOLOGY Rockefeller Building, University College London, 21 University Street, WC1E 6DE ( Euston Square) 020 3108 2052 ucl.ac.uk

BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM Bartholomew Lane, EC2R 8AH ( Bank) 020 7601 5545 bankofengland.co.uk

Rumble in the Jungle July 30 – August 3 Hands-on specimen based activities on animals that make the jungle their home. Free event.

World of Treasure July 22 – August 30 Treasure hunts and clues with fun prizes and a chocolate coin for every child.

HANDEL HOUSE MUSEUM 25 Brook Street, W1K 4HB ( Bond Street) 020 7495 1685 handelhouse.org

BRITISH MUSEUM Great Russell Street, WC1B 3DG ( Tottenham Ct Road) 020 7323 8000 britishmuseum.org Life & Death Pompeii and Herculaneum Ends September 29 Charges apply.

Holiday Events Borrow art materials from the Families Desk and follow activity trails or take part in walking tours and digital workshops at the weekend.

Check for special Summer holiday workshops on selected dates.

FOUNDLING MUSEUM 40 Brunswick Square, WC1N 1AZ ( Russell Square) 020 7841 3600 foundlingmuseum.org.uk Memory Sculpture July 20 Drop-in activities to create a delicate paper sculpture. Children and two accompanying adults free.

GEFFRYE MUSEUM Kingsland Road, E2 8EA ( Old Street) 020 7739 9893 geffrye-museum.org.uk Family Day July 28 Summertime activities with garden games and craft workshops and film-making for older children. Free.

Outside and Up in the Air July 30 – August 16 Explore gardens, living rooms and buildings and take part in workshops.

Places allocated on first-come, firstserved basis. 5-16 years.

Nursery Rhyme Time July 30 – August 2, August 6 – 9 Stories, songs and art activities to explore homes and gardens. 2-5 years. Free.

Bugs and Blooms Family Day August 11

Georgie Porgie, Puddin’ and Pie August 18 Drop-in family event with tunes, nursery rhymes and tours. 11 years and under. Admission charges apply.

IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM Lambeth Road, SE1 6HZ ( Waterloo) 020 7416 5000 iwm.org.uk Horrible Histories: Spies July 29 onwards Interactive family exhibition exploring the world of spies and spying during WW2. Follow the trail showing the use of gadgets, camouflage, codes and invisible ink.

5-12 years. Cost £6.20/£3.30/family £12.25-£19.

entry for a year. Children under 16 years free.

Tackling Tunnels July 30, 31, August 1, 2, 3, 13-17, 27-31 Stories about Underground railway tunnels and how they were built.

3-7 years.

Get Messy July 30, 31, August 1, 2, 3, 13-17, 27-31 Tunnel building into a sandpit with sticks, picks and spades. 4-12 yrs.

Steamy Science August 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26 Demonstrations to see how far the power of steam can fire a doll and discover the joys of electricity. 6-12 years.

Make and Take August 6-10, 20-24 Invent a character and take it up and down a lift or escalator using paper mechanics and lots of imagination. 4-12 years.

Singalong August 6-10, 20-24 Join Alfie the alligator in a singalong through the different ways to get up and down to the Underground. 3-10 years.

Poster Art 150 Until October 27 Exhibition of London Underground’s greatest designs.

‘Horrible’ Events August 1, 10, 17 Marking the twentieth anniversary of Horrible Histories, a full programme of family events will take place alongside the exhibition to include drawing and drama workshops and an appearance from Horrible Histories author, Terry Deary.

MUSEUM OF LONDON 150 London Wall, EC2Y 5HN ( St Paul’s) 020 7001 9844 museumoflondon.org.uk All out of Toys August 26 Hear stories of some of the people who kept London’s children playing during WW2. 5+ years. Free.

Summer Cycling for Families September 7, 8 A range of themed activities related to cycling. 5+ years. Free.

LONDON CANAL MUSEUM 12-13 New Wharf Road, N1 9RT ( Kings Cross) 020 7713 0836 canalmuseum.org.uk

MUSEUM OF LONDONDOCKLANDS West India Quay, E14 4AL (DLR West India Quay) 020 7001 9844

Boat Trip Summer Fun August 6 Craft activities and a short boat trip.

6-12 years. Cost £4 per child.

Peg Pirates August 5, 6 Victorian toys craft activities. 3+ yrs.

All About Ice! August 13, 20, 27 Art activities combined with a boat trip. 6-12 years. Cost £4/£4.

LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM Covent Garden Piazza, WC2E 7BB ( Covent Garden) 020 7565 7299 ltmuseum.co.uk Adult admission £15 unlimited

Musical Playground August 8 Nursery rhymes from the past. Free.

1+ years.

Shadow Puppets August 15, 16 Shadow puppet workshop. 3+ years. Free ticketed event.

NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY St Martin’s Place, WC2H OHE ( Leicester Square)

Imperial War Museum

020 7306 0055 npg.org.uk Young People July 20, 21. August 4, 17 Art workshops. Drop-in and bookable sessions. 14+ years. Free.

Family Art Workshops July 20, August 7, 17 Family workshops and story telling sessions. 3+ years. Free with ticket on arrival.

Look at Me! August 5-30 Ticketed and drop-in events inspired by the BP Portrait Award 2013. 3+ years. Free.

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD ( South Kensington) 020 7942 5000 nhm.ac.uk Sensational Butterflies Until September 15 Interactive activities in an outdoor butterfly garden. Cost £4/£4/family £14.40.

Animal Vision August 7, 10, 14, 21, 28 Show with live animals.

Hands-on Nature – Dinosaurs Free drop-in activities for families during school holidays. 5-12 years.

ROYAL AIR FORCE MUSEUM Grahame Park Way, NW9 5LL ( Colindale) 020 8205 2266 rafmuseum.org.uk Wild Bird Week July 29 – August 4 Bird displays. Free.

Story Telling Week August 12-18 Tales and workshops. Under 12 years. Free.

Land Army Week August 27 – September 1 Animals on display.

Battle of Britain Weekend September 14-15 Talks, tours, concerts and archive films. Free.

SCIENCE MUSEUM Exhibition Rd, SW7 2DD ( South Kensington) 0870 870 4868 sciencemuseum.org.uk Web Lab Until end July

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places to go museums • exhibitions • nct • cinema All about the internet with on and offline activities. Free entry to the museum but charges apply on some events.

Family Chess Club July 20, August 3, 17, 31 Drop-in family event to learn chess and get some useful tips. 6+ years.

IMAX Cinema A range of 3D and 4D films.

Separate charges apply.

Summer Festival July 28 Live music, dance, craft activities, stalls, rides and games.

A Cockroach Tour Explore the museum from a different angle. Tours take place at the weekend.

SIR JOHN SOANE’S MUSEUM 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, WC2A 3BP ( Holborn) 020 7440 4263 (booking) soane.org

Family Fun Fridays August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Drop-in fun-filled activities.

THE WALLACE COLLECTION Hertford House, Manchester Square, W1U 3BN ( Bond Street) 020 7563 9500 wallacecollection.org

Half Day Workshops July 31, August 8, 15, 21, 22 Booking essential. 7+ years. Cost £12.

Whole Day Workshops August 1, 6, 7, 14, 16, 28, 29 Booking essential. 7+ years. Cost £20.

Holiday Workshops July 25-26, 29-30 Art workshops. Booking essential.

10+ years. Cost £22.

Summer Fun! August 15, 16 Follow a trail around the galleries and create an artwork. 6+ years. Free.

NCT – North London

V&A MUSEUM Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL ( South Kensington) 020 7942 2000 vam.ac.uk David Bowie is Until August 11 Family Trails Choose a trail to follow with puzzles and games. 7-12 years.

Hands-on Exhibits Try on costumes in the Theatre & Performance Gallery; see how pots are made in the Ceramics gallery and make a brass rubbing in the Discover the Medieval world area.

V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD Cambridge Heath Road, E2 9PA ( Bethnal Green) 020 8983 5200 museumofchildhood.org.uk

BARNET, ENFIELD, HARINGEY AND TOTTENHAM BRANCHES nct.org.uk/branches bookings5b@nct.org.uk Introducing Solids July 16-19 N8, EN4, N10 August 28 – N8 September 11 – EN4 Decide when to start introducing solid food to your baby – the approach and what to expect.

Suitable for parents to attend with babies 4-6 months.

Second+ Parents From July 4 Refresh your knowledge of birth, labour and breastfeeding and coping with another child emotionally and physically.

Twins Workshop August 17 Information and support as well as contact with parents who are also expecting twins. Cost £60.

Meet in the Richard Hope Play Space, the picnic area opposite the café.

Expectant Parents Yahoo Group Send a blank email to JulAugSep2013HaringeyNCTsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

Antenatal Courses In East Finchley, Muswell Hill, Crouch End, Wood Green and Finsbury Park. Courses include aspects of pregnancy, labour, birth and early parenting – tailored to group’s individual needs.

TOOTOOMUMS@ TOOTOOMOO Every third Wednesday at 12 Crouch End Hill, N8.

NCTea in East Finchley, N2 Weekly on Thursdays.

Meet up for mums with babies under 12 months.

Contact Ruby on eastfinchley @haringeynct.org

HARINGEY BRANCH haringeynct.org.

Antenatal Courses July 11 – August 6 September 3 – October 8 Wood Green and Alexandra Palace area held at home in N22. Contact bookings5b@nct.org.uk or check the website.

Running Late@Pond Square, N6 Weekly on Wednesdays Summer fitness drive. Contact highgate@haringeynct.org.

Bumps & Babies Weekly on Thursdays 2.30pm at Jacksons Lane, N6. Meet for coffee and cakes.

Cheeky Monkey Summer Tea Party July 16 At Cufos Playgroup, The Avenue/ Dukes Avenue junction, N10 2QE. cufos.org.uk. Afternoon of fun and entertainment. Playgroup sessions every Tuesday all year round.

NCT Summer Socials Summer picnics in the park during July & August. Look for NCT balloons, and bring a picnic and a rug from 11am-1pm weather permitting.

July 31 Cherry Tree Woods, East Finchley, N2. Hosted by Kate. Meet on the grass near the unfenced play area.

August 7 Priory Park, N8. Hosted by Emma.

Meet in the Philosopher’s Garden.

August 14 Highgate Wood, N10. Hosted by Anne and Laura. Meet near the café.

August 21 Bowes Park Community Garden, Myddleton Road, N2. Hosted by Emma and Jenny.

August 28 Finsbury Park, N4. Hosted by Lucy.

Character Visits At Odds Farm!

Autumn Nearly New Sale September 15 Union Church, Weston Park, Crouch End, N8 9TA. 10.30am. Excellent quality baby and children’s clothes, toys and equipment.

Cinema BARBICAN CENTRE Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS ( Barbican) 020 7638 4141 barbican.org.uk/film Framed Film Club Family film club on Saturday mornings with special activities once a month. A short introduction before each film and a chance to sing happy birthday to anyone in the audience on their special day. Cost £2.

EVERYMAN BELSIZE PARK 203 Haverstock Hill, NW3 4QG ( Belsize Park)

Don’t forget to say you saw the advert in Families North!

G t News!

Great N ! Every E W Wednesday d d d during i th the SSummer Holidays H lid you can see a different character at Odds Farm Park – from Peppa Pig (31/07 & 04/09) to Ben & Holly, y, Mike the Knight and more!

Plus, win a Medal in the Sheep Racing** Park Farm he explore the Giant Indoor Playbarn T Of and meet plenty of Furry Friends!

2013!

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www.peppapig.com © ABD Ltd/Ent. One UK Ltd 2003.

Character will be appearing at intervals on their event date. No extra cost to see the characters. *Weather permitting

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cinema • festivals places to go everymancinema.com Kids Club Saturday film screenings with activities. 4-10 years. Cost £5.

EVERYMAN SCREEN ON THE GREEN 83 Upper Street, N1 ONP ( Angel) everymancinema.com Kids Club Films for children early Saturday morning. Weekly programme available on the website. Cost £5.

THE LEXI CINEMA 194b Chamberlayne Road, Kensal Rise, NW10 3JU (Kensal Rise ) 0871 704 2069 thelexicinema.co.uk Kids’ Club Every Saturday morning at 10.30am with special activities based on the film. 5-11 years. Cost £5.

Parent & Baby Screenings Monday morning films for parents with babies. Lower volume, brighter lights and space for buggies. Film shown is usually the main feature of the week. Cost £5/babies free.

LUNA CINEMA At Holland Park Theatre, W8 6LU ( High Street Kensington) 0300 999 1000 rbkc.gov.uk/operahollandpark thelunacinema.com E.T. The Extra Terrestrial (U) August 8 Breakfast At Tiffany’s (PG) August 9 West Side Story (PG) August 10 A Night of Silent Cinema August 11 Classic silent films with live orchestra.

Outdoor cinema experience.

Tickets £9.50-£19.50.

ODEON CINEMA 419-427 Holloway Road, N7 Great North Road, Barnet Lee Valley Leisure Complex N9 Fortis Green Road, N10 0871 22 44 007 odeon.co.uk Odeon Kids Screenings on Saturday and Sunday mornings and everyday throughout the school holidays. Daily listings on the website. Costs £2.50-£3.

PHOENIX CINEMA 52 High Road, N2 9PJ ( East Finchley) 020 8444 6789 phoenixcinema.co.uk Kids Club on Saturdays Bookable activities at 11am for

5-10 years followed by a film at midday. Cost £2.

The Croods (U) July 20 My Neighbour Totoro (U) July 27 Epic (U) August 3 Ernest & Celestine (U) August 10 A tale of friendship between Ernest the bear and a mouse called Celestine.

Summer Holiday Workshops August 15 & 16 (10 -14 years) August 23 (7-11 years)

Festivals ANGEL CANAL FESTIVAL Islington, N1 8JX angelcanalfestival.org.

September 1 Annual one-day festival with stalls, fun fair, rides, bouncy castle, boat trips and art workshops. Free admission.

CAMP BESTIVAL Lulworth Castle, Dorset 0844 888 4410 (tickets) campbestival.net August 1-4 Family festival with camping facilities. Kids entertainment includes theatre performances, circus acts, bouncy castle and soft play area. Weekend adult and children’s tickets cost £190/£180/£175/£113/ £98. Free tickets for children under 10 years. Booking fees and parking extra.

FESTIVAL OF BRITISH ARCHAEOLOGY britarch.ac.uk/festival July 13-28 Special events held around the country with excavation open days, tours and workshops.

Museum of London Events July 17-21 museumoflondon.org.uk Various events and activities for all age groups to explore and discover hidden treasures.

Bones in the Basement July 27 benjaminfranklinhouse.org At Benjamin Franklin House.

Archaeological history.

Cost children £5/accompanying adults free.

KINGS PLACE FESTIVAL 90 York Way, N1 9AG ( Kings Cross) 020 7520 1490 kingsplace.co.uk September 13-15

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places to go festivals • further afield

LOLLIBOP FESTIVAL 2013 Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford, E20 2ST lollibopfestival.co.uk August 16, 17, 18 Entertainment geared for families with children under 10 years old. Craft workshops, children’s activities, performances, acrobats the list is endless. Individual and family tickets available. Tickets from £20.

MAYOR’S THAMES FESTIVAL thamesfestival.org September 6-15 A 10-day celebration of music, art and entertainment between Westminster Bridge and Tower Bridge.

OPEN EAST FESTIVAL Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford, E20 2ST 0844 581 4995 barbican.org.uk noordinarypark.co.uk North Park Opening July 27, 28 Mark the first anniversary of the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Games with live music, food, theatre and magic shows inspired by East London. Discover Children’s Story Centre will offer storytelling and craft workshops; meet artists at the Art Car Boot Fair and take part in picnics, family trails and pop-up theatre. Cost from £9.50/£6.

THE BIG FESTIVAL Kingham, Oxfordshire OX7 6UJ (Kingham via Paddington) jamieoliver.com/thebigfestival August 31 – September 1 Presented by Jamie Oliver & Alex James. Music, food and family fun.

Cost £30/£50/£60/children under 12 years free day ticket. Extra for camping facilities.

Further Afield HOLLAND PARK THEATRE Holland Park, W8 6LU ( High Street Kensington) 0300 999 1000 rbkc.gov.uk/operahollandpark Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland July 20, 23, 25, 27, 29, 30 August 1, 3 Family opera with familiar

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characters from the book. Phone bookings only. Cost £8/£3.

KEW GARDENS Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AB ( Kew Gardens) 020 8332 5655 kew.org Climbers & Creepers Interactive botanical play zone with tunnels and slides. 3-9 years.

Entrance to gardens £14.50/ children free.

Rhizotron & Xstrata Treetop Walkway Underground and up in the air walkway.

RADLETT CENTRE 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett, Hertfordshire, WD7 8HL (Radlett ) 01923 859291 radlettcentre.co.uk The Teddy Bear’s Picnic August 7 Songs, games and stories. 5+ years.

Cost £8.50/family £30.

Postman Pat Live August 14, 15 Postman Pat and his friends live on stage. 3-6 years. Cost £13/£11/ family £44.

TRI FOR LIFE triforlife.co.uk Family Triathlon September 8 Charity fundraising event at Woburn Abbey. Enter online.

Includes Scootathlon for children 4-8 years. Support for Great Ormond Street Hospital, Whizz Kids, Rays of Sunshine and Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

WWT LONDON WETLAND CENTRE Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, SW13 9WT (Barnes ) 020 8409 4400 wwt.org.uk/London Pond Dipping July 25 – August 4 Pond dipping, storytelling and craft activities. Entrance £10.59/£5.91/under 4s free.

Family ticket £29.55.

VIL

Sum m

lar u c ta 13 er Speecmber 20

20th July - 1st Sept

Find your way out of our A-maize-ing Maze!

O NEW The Farmyard - animal feeding and handling O NEW Toddler Town - under cover play the kids will love O JUST FOR THE SUMMER Goat Racing - no kidding!

O Summer Sports Day Races O Young Drivers Zone O Captain Chicken’s Egg Dodge O Ride on Rabbit Racers O Animal Feeding Area O Childrens Show O Frisbee Golf O Woolly's Workout Agility Play Trail O Country Fun Fair O Childrens Disco O Build ‘n Play O Adventure Play O Tristan the Runaway Tractor O Pan for Gold O Scarecrow’s Animal Friends O Bird-o-batics Falconry Display O Woolly Jumpers indoor play barn F ROO ERP WS H T WEA WILLO

We've acres of under cover fun too!

Open daily 10am - 5.30pm Just 200 metres from Jnc.22 M25. Willows Farm Village, Coursers Rd, London Colney, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL4 0PF

Tel: 0870 129 9 9718 w ww ww.willow ww ll wssfffa arm r www.willowsfarmvillage.com Programme Pr ro ograam mme subject to change. change e..

Child Goes Free

Meet the Otters Watch the otters playing, feeding and swimming.

Guided Tours Learn about the history and wildlife at the centre. Daily tours suitable for families.

Don’t forget to say you saw the advert in Families North! familiesnorth.co.uk

16178a 05.13

Family Events September 15 A range of interactive family events during the day. Story telling, art workshops, concerts and boat trips.

Free and ticketed.

*This voucher admits one child free to Willows Farm Village with one full paying adult day ticket. cket.

1. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer, school/group bookings, birthday parties, online purchased tickets or Willows Membership.

2. This voucher is valid until 18th October 2013. 3. Only one child (up to 15 years old) admitted free with one full paying adult day ticket (aged 16+) per voucher. 4. No forged, defaced or photocopied vouchers or downloaded copies from electronic versions of publications accepted. 5. This voucher can only be used once and must be given up at the time of use.

www.willowsfarmvillage.com twitter.com/familiesnlondon

facebook.com/FamiliesNorthLondon

places to go

10 of the best North London parks and picnic spots ALEXANDRA PALACE PARK – ALEXANDRA PALACE

www.alexandrapalace.com/park/park-map/ Highlights and Facilities; Grove Café, garden centre, pitch & Putt course, boating lake, Little Dinosaurs soft play, Rose Garden, Deer enclosure, play area, Lakeside Café AVENUE HOUSE ESTATE – FINCHLEY

www.avenuehouse.org.uk Highlights and Facilities; A grade II listed mid Victorian mansion, extensive grounds, children’s playground, café, Saturday artisan market, good access to public transport and convenient parking.

GOLDERS HILL – GOLDERS GREEN

www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/greenspaces/hampstead-heath/golders-hill-park/ Pages/default.aspx Highlights and Facilities; Walled garden, tennis courts, croquet lawn, golf practice nets, zoo and butterfly house, a children’s play area a popular café and a bandstand.

HIGHGATE WOODS – MUSWELL HILL

www.haringey.gov.uk/highgate_wood.pdf Highlights and Facilities; Ancient woodland with scenic trails, extensive children’s playground with a separate under 5’s area, The Pavilion Café with children’s menu, side hatch selling ice cream, tea’s, coffee’s and snacks, playing field and public toilets.

HAMPSTEAD HEATH – HAMPSTEAD

www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/greenspaces/hampstead-heath/Pages/default.aspx Highlights and Facilities; Kenwood House, Keats House, Hampstead Heath swimming ponds, duck ponds, children’s playground and magnificent London skyline views PARLIAMENT HILL – HAMPSTEAD HEATH

www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/greenspaces/hampstead-heath/Pages/default.aspx Highlights and Facilities; London skyline views, kite flying, tennis courts, café, adventure playground with paddling pool, public lido.

PRIMROSE HILL – PRIMROSE HILL

space, Priory Park Pavilion with café and event space, children’s paddling pool, tennis courts, playgrounds and a variety of other sporting and recreational facilities.

REGENTS PARK

www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/the-regents-park Highlights and Facilities; The largest outdoor sports centre, London Zoo, The Open Air Theatre, boating lake, boat and pedalo hire, park deck chairs, The Regent’s Park Tennis Centre, The Boathouse Café, The Garden Café, The Honest Sausage, The Hub Café, The Cow and Coffee Bean Cafe, and plenty of Flora and Fauna.

WATERLOW PARK – HIGHGATE

www.primrosehill.com

www.waterlowpark.org.uk

Highlights and Facilities; Wonderful London skyline views, children’s playground, sports facilities and public toilets with disabled access.

Highlights and Facilities; Lauderdale House (equipped with a café for refreshments), tennis courts, children’s playground with separate under 5s area, three ponds and plenty of ducks to feed.

PRIORY PARK – HORNSEY

www.haringey.gov.uk/index/community_and_ leisure/greenspaces/parks_and_open_spaces_ parks_facilities/priorypark.htm Highlights and Facilities; Ample green

INNOCENT KITCHEN COMPETITION

LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM – FAMILY FUN AUGUST 2013

Families North London Magazine has teamed up with innocent kitchen so you can win two months’ worth of smoothies and a night out.

Innocent inspires, the series of inspirational evenings tailor-made by smoothie makers innocent, will be holding a sensory night out to discover everything you’ve wanted to know about good taste.

To celebrate, we have a pair of tickets to give away to the event this August.

For a chance to win go to www. familiesnorth.co.uk/competitions.

The Crypt on the Green, St James Clerkenwell Clerkenwell Close London EC1R 0EA

There’s fun to be had this summer as London Transport Museum invites families to join in their 150th anniversary celebrations in and around London.

Visitors will have the chance to admire and ride on locomotives dating back to the Victorian times, including the recently restored Metropolitan Locomotive No 1, Jubilee Carriage No 353, and the 1890s Metropolitan Jubilee 353 coach. Smaller visitors can take part in family fun activities on the day.

The 150th anniversary celebrations are sponsored by Cubic Transport Systems, Siemens and CBS Outdoor, while the Jubilee

LOVE PARKS WEEK – 27TH JULY TO 4TH AUGUST

www.loveparksweek.org.uk

Carriage No 353 was restored with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund and London Transport Museum Friends.

Heritage vehicle outings will take place on 3, 4 and 7 August at London Transport Museum at Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, and 31 August at London Transport Museum at Neasden Depot.

The anniversary celebrations will continue throughout August at the Covent Garden Museum where accompanied children get in free. There will be steamy science demonstrations, story time sessions, make and takes and sing alongs on how the Underground tunnels were built. See our What’s On listings for more information, or for full details, call 020 7565 7298 or go to www.ltmuseum.co.uk.

To advertise in Families North London please call on 020 8202 2034 or email adverts@familiesnorth.co.uk

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places to go CHARACTER VISITS AT ODDS FARM PARK! Great News! From Peppa Pig to Mike the Knight, Ben & Holly and more, every Wednesday during the Summer Holidays you can meet a different Character at Odds Farm Park!+ Plus…it’s back! With a specially built mini race track with jumps and bends, eager sheep with miniature jockeys, Sheep Racing* is an event not to miss at Odds Farm Park! Guess the winning sheep and take home a Medal!

Elsewhere at Odds Farm Park – voted ‘Farm Park Of The Year 2013’ – expect more exciting activities – board Tractor and Trailer Rides*, race Go Karts and meet Furry Friends in the large Undercover Animal Barns. Combined with a jam-packed Animal Activity and Demonstration Programme and the Giant Indoor Playbarn, including a special Toddler and Under 5’s areas, there’s so much to do!

Odds Farm Park is located just minutes from Junction 2 of the M40, near Beaconsfield. For more information, including special Summer events and prices visitors should call 01628 520188 or visit www.oddsfarm.co.uk. * (Until October, Weather Permitting) + See website for more details. Characters will be appearing at intervals on each day.

WIN TICKETS TO ODDS FARM PARK! Great News! From Peppa Pig to Mike the Knight, Ben & Holly and more, every Wednesday during the Summer Holidays you can meet a different Character at Odds Farm Park and we have six sets of entry tickets for two adults and two children to give away!

To win tickets to Odds Farm Park, all you have to do is answer the question below and enter at www.familiesnorth. co.uk/competitions.

On what day of the week during the Summer Holidays can you meet a different children’s Character at Odds Farm Park? a) Monday b) Wednesday c) Sunday

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Lollibop set to rock Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park this summer LolliBop, The Big Bash for Little People, is returning for 2013 to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London, with an incredible line-up designed to delight mini festivalgoers.

Joining some of the hottest names in kids’ entertainment, as well as hundreds of activities, workshops and interactive demos, are the Mr. Men and Little Miss Village Green Event and Shaun the Sheep’s Championsheeps LIVE! The ever-popular Mr. Men will be hosting a fun maypole activity area and favourite characters, such as Mr. Bump, Mr. Tickle and Little Miss Sunshine, will be meeting and greeting fans at the Mr. Men and Little Miss reading hubs.

Shaun the Sheep will be personally on hand at the Championsheeps with sheepy shenanigans, including Shirley’s Pie-athalon, the Naughty Pig’s Sack Race and Get Fit with the Flock. Kids and parents are ‘wool-come’ to get involved! Other big names confirmed so far, include: • LolliBop favourites Dick and Dom return with their special mix of madcap games, songs, jokes and a foam pie or two…

• Peppa Pig will be at the festival all weekend, meeting and greeting all her little fans • Sid Sloane and Andy Day will be hosting their very own Big Birthday Bash and everyone is invited! Expect lots of energetic songs and silliness and plenty of audience participation • Watch and learn how to ‘Copy Poppy’ with

familiesnorth.co.uk

Poppy Cat on the Lolli Live stage • Straight from Nickelodeon to the Lolli Live Stage, The Go! Go! Go! Show are bringing brand new pop songs, catchy, easy-to-learn dance moves and loads of laughs • Sing and dance along with the adorable Cloudbabies mini show • Older LolliBoppers will love The Diary of a Wimpy Kid activity, which include exclusive clips of the author Jeff Kinney talking about the books and a master class showing how he draws the characters. There’s also a Wimp Wars quiz • Experience the life-size Transformer Optimus Prime Truck, along with the Transformers Station; showcasing the new Beast Hunters toys, viewings of the cartoon series Transformers Prime and free green screen pictures • Witness the amazing wildlife showcase with National Geographic Kids Animal Man • Laugh along with hilarious antics from the amazing 8ft Titan the Robot Returning LolliBoppers will also see old favourites mixed with new attractions for 2013, including LolliBop Live – Popular CBeebies presenter Alex Winters is comparing the live stage which plays host to some of the biggest names in kids entertainment, with live music and performances from stars of stage and screen.

There is also a wide selection of food and drink stalls at LolliBop. Extensive covered buggy parks, baby changing and breast-feeding areas are also available.

Families North London has teamed-up with LolliBop 2013. For a chance to win one of four family passes worth £100 each please go to www.familiesnorth.co.uk/competitions.

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facebook.com/FamiliesNorthLondon

asquith day nurseries & pre-schools

’

La F qu dyb R ot i E e ‘ rd E La b dy o bi o rd k * 1

Your child: Our priority

OUTSTANDING!

and Nurseriesgether o Nannies t

Your child deserves the best

The searc stops her h e!

A part of a £5 million investment company wide

30 nurseries and pre-schools accross London Come and join us at our Open Days Saturday July 13th, 10am - 1pm Saturday September 21st, 10am - 1pm

asquith nurseries, nannies & pre-schools

0845 873 4440 www.asquithnurseries.co.uk * must register first, terms and conditions apply.

“The safety and wellbeing of the children and staff is our number one priority.”