Families London southeast September 2015 issue 171

ESTABLISHED 1996

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ISSUE NO. 171

FR

SEPTEMBER 2015

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familiesse.co.uk

southeast london

BACK TO SCHOOL School news, playground tactics and open days BEYOND THE CLASSROOM After school activities and clubs in southeast London WHAT’S ON Family events, workshops and shows

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with workin website links

WOW! WHERE DID the long holidays go? In the blink of an eye, last term’s school trousers shot up the children’s legs and of course, we didn’t realise until the first day of term - gaar!

As we dive headfirst back to school, new terms are also starting in clubs and classes across southeast London. Whether it’s performance arts, rugby, coding or ukelele lessons, there are plenty of opportunities for children to expand their horizons - Autumn’s going to be fun!

Robina Cowan, editor

IN THIS ISSUE 2-3

Local News and Views After school care in Forest Hill, local TV stars, a story festival for children and a protective power of attorney

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Education News Avoiding school life mistakes, local school news, and preparing for Open Days’

9-14 Children’s Activities Sports clubs, theatre schools, dance classes, making music and more: beyond the school curriculum

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The Book Page Bookseller and blogger - Justine Crow reviews a shelfful of new books

LocalNews email your news to editor@familiesse.co.uk

Mini Champions open new after school club Mini Champions After School Club in Sydenham is opening a second site at the Malham Christian Centre in Forest Hill a place for children to flourish from September 2015.

The club, formed at St Michael’s Church, has provided the local community with a safe and stimulating environment for its young children. The club prides itself on putting the child first, working with the ethos that every child is a champion. Mini Champions understands that every child is different and works with parents to cater for all children’s needs.

For more information, call 0780 986 3082, email info@minichampions.co.uk, or see the website www.minichampions.co.uk.

Diddi dancing for charity Diddi dance raised an incredible £4,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support in aid of the charity’s annual Dress Up And Dance campaign.

Over 2,000 toddlers joined in the summer dancing fun, attending the specially themed rock and roll dance classes in fancy dress.

The national campaign encouraged both parents and little ones to don their dancing shoes and show off their best dance moves in their favourite costumes to fundraise for the charity.

Diddi dance gets under 5s active and on their feet in a fun, creative and unique way, with a new dance style covered every half term using original choreography and music.

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

Your round?

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There Goes Summer...

Are you suffering from post-summer fallout? Read the Vale Practice’s practical advice for beating the blues

17-19 What’s On Our September listing highlights. For hundreds more, click ‘What’s On’ at www.familiesse.co.uk, where you can filter by age, place, find free events and ideas for days out

Front cover: Girl’s pinafore with pleats and bow from £11, short sleeved fitted blouse from £4, tights from £6, all Tammy Girl at BHS Back to School 2015, www.bhs.co.uk

Next issue out 1 October, deadline 11 September

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

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families south east - september 2015

If you know southeast London like the back of your hand, have a car and free time to spare once a month, by joining Families’ delivery team you could earn yourself some money.

We often have vacancies delivering to local shops, nurseries, schools, cafés and libraries. The magazine comes out at the beginning of each month, and deliveries can be completed within school hours. If you’re interested, please email info@familiesse.co.uk with ‘Delivering Families magazines’ in the subject line, with your phone number and any questions you have.

Who will take control if you are no longer able to?

By Kalpa Prajapati Usually, if you wish to legally appoint someone else to manage your affairs, you can provide a General Power of Attorney. However, this ceases to be valid if the person giving the power (the donor) becomes incapable of managing their own affairs. So who takes control if you are no longer able to?

A new type of power was introduced by the Mental Capacity Act 2005 called a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) (the successor to an Enduring Power of Attorney), called as such because it ‘lasts’ past the point that the donor loses mental capacity.

There are two types of LPAs, one in relation to a person’s property and financial affairs and another in relation to their health and welfare. An LPA for Financial Affairs gives an attorney the authority to deal with a donor’s property and financial affairs as specified. An LPA for Health and Welfare allows an attorney to make welfare and healthcare decisions on a donor’s behalf when they no longer have capacity to do so, and can extend to giving or refusing life sustaining treatment, so it can be really useful if you have specific wishes in this regard.

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Break that habit!

Freedom Academy to ‘keep it in the family’ on TV

Do your children have difficulty getting to sleep?

Are they losing sleep? Are they anxious about something? Do they have self-esteem issues?

Is it causing you stress?

Chosen as one of just six theatre schools from across the UK, Freedom Academy are thrilled to be performing on the Saturday night ITV prime time series ‘Keep It In The Family’. The show’s producers auditioned hundreds of groups from around England, Scotland and Wales for the opportunity to appear on the hugely popular entertainment show hosted by actor and comedian Bradley Walsh and produced by Simon Cowell.

Twenty two of Freedom Academy’s 8-18 year-old students were taken to film at the world’s prestigious Elstree Studios; home to some of the top shows on British television today and known as the birthplace of Star Wars.

Tune in to watch Freedom Academy’s fabulous performance on Saturday 12 September at 7pm, and for more about weekly classes and the agency, go to www.freedomacademy.co.uk.

Humphrey’s Pyjama Week

Tickets are booking fast for STREAM2015 - a free book festival for readers of all ages, from nursery school age to young adults.

Held on 7 November at Streatham & Clapham High School, the day will be packed with exciting sessions with authors, activities and events, workshops, panels and competitions.

The line-up includes top writers including Horrid Henry author Francesca Simon (pictured); Steven Butler with his latest Diary of Dennis the Menace; performance poet and story writer Laura Dockrill; the multi-talented Natalie Haynes; and author James Dawson. Tales on Moon Lane is the partner bookshop, and fantastic food will be supplied by stalls from Norwood Feast.

Further information and bookings are online at www.STREAM2015.co.uk.

Children throughout the country are being asked to don their pyjamas to help raise money for The Children’s Trust, the UK’s leading charity for children with brain injury.

Humphrey’s Pyjama Week will run from 5-9 October and nurseries, playgroups, primary schools and mother and toddler groups can all get involved.

For a voluntary donation of £2, youngsters, staff and parents can wear their favourite PJs for a day during the week and organise themed events such as best dressed competitions and slumber party games.

For inspiration, the event pack includes Humphrey stickers, posters, a certificate for each child, and a story booklet: sign up at www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk/humphrey.

© Helen Giles

STREAM2015

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Don’t get me wrong Congratulations to Dulwich author Marianne Kavanagh, whose second novel Don’t Get Me Wrong, is published this month.

A follow-up to last year’s successful debut For Once in My Life, Marianne once again gets under the skin of modern relationships, this time weaving together sisters Kim and Eva with city banker Harry - a charmer who is more than meets the eye.

Throw in a family tragedy and the applecart is truy upset...

Heart-warming and witty, the book has been hailed as ‘perfect for fans of Jojo Moyes, David Nicholls and Sophie Kinsella’, rrp £10.99 from Text Publishing.

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Accordingly, it is important that a donor thinks carefully about who they wish to have as their attorneys, as they would be making important decisions on a donor’s behalf. It is a way to ensure that the people you trust will be able to make important decisions on your behalf if you become mentally or physically unable to do so yourself.

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While LPAs are most often used to deal with the affairs of the elderly, if they are prepared much earlier in life they will give the same protection in the case of incapacity due to an accident or illness. An LPA does not restrict your right to control your affairs for as long as you feel able, it just means there is someone to take over if required.

If there is no LPA in place and mental capacity has already been lost by the donor, then all is not lost! The alternative is to apply to the Court of Protection in order to appoint a deputy to manage the person’s affairs, although this can be time consuming and is certainly more expensive than having a LPA in place.

Kalpa Prajapati is a solicitor at Blackheath and Greenwich Solicitors, Grant Saw. For further information on this; call 020 8858 6971 or email: kp@grantsaw.co.uk; or see www.grantsaw.com.

familiesse.co.uk

september 2015 - families south east

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education news Whether your lovely little one is starting a new school or a new term, there are still pitfalls for parents. Liat Hughes Joshi shares her advice

10 school life mistakes to avoid Complaining to the teacher based on what your child told you happened... only it didn’t...

Your child tells you X did Y, you march in demanding answers from the teacher, only to discover that what your little one reported wasn’t actually correct. Stay open-minded until you find out the facts from all concerned.

Fretting about fall-outs Reception children switch friends quicker than you can ask ‘who’s your best buddy now?’ It’s completely normal and bust-ups are quickly forgotten.

Sweating the small stuff Try to not get obsessed with reading levels, who got the hardest spellings and the like. It won’t go on their CVs after all. As long as they’re enjoying school and learning, that’s what matters most.

Tackling other parents about problems between the children Even if your protective instincts kick in, don’t head over to give the other mum what for. She probably won’t agree that her child is to blame and parental fall-outs can endure long after the kids forget.

Speak with the teacher instead.

Getting embroiled in school gate competitiveness Engaging with competitive parents is a lose-lose situation. If your child is ahead of theirs, they’ll hate you for it. If theirs has one up on yours, you’ll have to endure their smugness. Walk away or change the subject to something more interesting, like the weather.

Losing sight of the fact the teacher has 29 other pupils to look after At ‘big school’, you aren’t going to get the daily chat with staff you might be used to at nursery or with childminders. Assume ‘no news is good news’.

Not helping at school... or doing so for the wrong reasons Volunteering in the classroom or for the Parent Teacher Association will help you make friends and feel part of the school community.

Expecting your child to be pleased to see you at 3pm With so much to learn, by home time many reception kids are exhausted. Skip the after-school activities in favour of quiet time back home and go with lots of early nights during the first term.

Focusing on academic rather than practical skills before they start Ask reception teachers what they’d like their new charges to be proficient at and it probably won’t be about letters or numbers. What’s more important to settling in is for your child to be able to dress and undress for PE, use the loo independently and maybe recognise their name on their coat peg/ belongings.

Not naming absolutely anything of use or importance!

There’s a black hole in every single primary school into which children’s belongings fall, never to be seen again. If you want to maximise chances of getting lost uniform, pencil cases or shoes back, add their name to it all!

Liat Hughes Joshi is a parenting journalist and the author of four books including New Old-fashioned Parenting and How to Unplug Your Child (both published by Summersdale), and Raising Children: The Primary Years (Pearson).

school news Southwark Primary Free School

Charlton Manor PIC CREDIT Brian Aldrich Photography

Southwark Primary Free School is a small and caring community school, which opened in September 2012 and was highly praised in its recent Ofsted report. With the ethos ‘philosophy for children’, pupils learn to think critically, caringly, creatively and collaboratively. The education model is based on some of the most outstanding primary schools in London, where children consistently achieve way beyond expectation and enjoy a secure, happy, yet challenging environment.

The school has: • High expectations and ambition for all pupils • An enriched curriculum through trips and visits • Highly qualified leading practitioners • A learning environment supporting and encouraging children to fulfil their potential • Strong links, and access to specialist support, through its executive principal, a headteacher of an outstanding London academy.

Thanks to a recent expansion - six new classrooms and fantastic new facilities - the school has places available for Reception through to Year 3 pupils. Furthermore, the school will be moving to a new architect-designed building with state of the art facilities in 2017.

Interested parents are invited to find out more and arrange a visit by calling 020 7635 4256 or email southwarkfreeschool@gmail.com. Read more at www.southwarkfreeschool.com.

Community garden for Charlton Manor school Teachers and pupils from Charlton Manor primary school in Greenwich opened their ground-breaking community garden in Shooters Hill this summer, with the aim of growing organic life-enhancing vegetables.

The garden was launched by TV chef Raymond Blanc OBE and his son Olivier’s giant ally Henri le Worm - after which the garden is named.

Charlton Manor headteacher Tim Baker said “We named the garden after the Henri le Worm app which children love. But, as with everything at our school, we want children to be doing as they learn, so we’ll be having lessons at the farm garden and inviting other schools to use it as well. We’re here to

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families south east - september 2015

prove that getting healthy, organic food from the ground is the real fun.”

Chef Raymond Blanc said: “There is a food revolution taking place and this small community farm is part of it, with Charlton Manor one of the leaders of the campaign to reconnect with food.

The school under Tim Baker has changed its eating culture completely and its children are benefiting from it with high levels of achievement - and teaching their parents to cook!”

The community garden will mainly grow vegetables and fruit for cooking and eating at the school, which has two full-time teaching chefs who take classes from reception to Year 6.

The community garden will be run by Charlton Manor but five other primary schools in the borough and Corelli College in Kidbrooke are already getting involved.

To find out more visit www.charltonmanorprimary.co.uk. Henri Le Worm aims to remind children where food comes from and the role that nature plays in its production.

Encouraging children to develop a healthy relationship with food, to get back outside exploring, gardening and using their imagination and to want to start cooking and making that link between plot and pot. Read more at www.henrileworm.com.

familiesse.co.uk

BROMLEY HIGH SCHOOL

Exceptional Education Since 1883 Independent Co-educational 3-11 years. Founded 1942. ISA & IAPS

Inspiring Brilliant Futures

Open Mornings Saturday 3rd October 10.00 - 12.30 Tuesday 3rd November 9.30 - 11.00

Alleyn’s

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T o

L e a d

Saturday October 3rd 2015, 9.30 am - 1.00 pm

SIXTH FORM OPEN EVENING Tuesday 13th October 2015 at 6.45 pm

Tel: 020 8781 7000

admissions@bro.gdst.net www.bromleyhigh.gdst.net

email: admissions@rosemeadprepschool.org.uk www.rosemeadprepschool.org.uk

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L e a r n

FOR GIRLS 4-18 YEARS

020-8670 5865

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G i r l s

Fees assistance & Scholarships available in the Senior School

Tours of the school are held on Tuesday mornings Bursaries available

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OPEN MORNING W h e r e

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Junior School The best start for boys and girls alleyns.org.uk

Developing independent thinkers and learners

Open days Saturday 26 September 10am – 12 noon

Prep School Open Days Saturday Tuesday

3 October 3 November

10 am - 12 noon 9 am - 10.45 am

Thursday 8 October 1.30 – 3.00pm Tuesday 10 November 1.30 – 3.00pm London’s top co-educational prep school as ranked by Sunday Times 2014 ‘Top 100 Prep Schools’ national list

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Register for Open Days www.schs.gdst.net

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

september 2015 - families south east

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education news

Open Days – which school next?

Schoolwear from Marks and Spencer, www.marksandspencer.com

It’s the open day term - the best time to explore your options in the hunt for your child’s next school.

Schools come in all shapes and sizes, and league tables, prospectuses, Ofsted reports and SATs results are enough to make most parents’ heads spin. The good news is that thousands of parents have survived the process before - here’s how it’s done.

If you’ve lived in the area for any length of time, you’ll already know where your local schools are; the next step is to find out what they are like behind closed doors.

• Log onto the government website www.direct.gov.uk and type ‘find a school’ into the search box for lists of local schools, exam results, school profiles and application details •

Go to www.familiesse.co.uk for up-to-date open day dates and contact details for southeast London independent schools, plus a wealth of education features

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Read inspection reports online at www.ofsted.gov.uk (for state schools) and www.isc.co.uk (for independent schools), but be wary of out-of-date reports as things can change very quickly

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www.findaschool.info lists schools by type, the distance from your home, a snapshot of recent Ofsted gradings, and a link to the local authority admissions team

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Another useful resource is www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk, which has authoritative guides to different school types, school listings, and if you are prepared to make the investment, offer an advisory service which can be tailored to your child.

Having whittled down your choices, ask for a prospectus for all the schools you are interested in, plus their admission criteria and an application form: read them, and visit the schools - you wouldn’t buy a house without going to see it first, but surprising numbers of parents choose schools without stepping over the threshold first.

Other parents are useful for a view of local schools. Ask what they think about their child’s school’s strengths and weaknesses, taking with a pinch of salt any extreme comments which might be based on a specific experience and a tad biased.

Another interesting exercise is passing the schools at the end of the day. Do the pupils look confident and purposeful, are they chatting in groups but still have the grace to let you pass? Or are they pushing each other around, dropping food wrappers and rubbishing their teachers? Could you see your child coming out of this school?

Be wary of reading too much into league table results - they are useful but provide a statistical snapshot without any ‘flesh’ or explanation. A school with a challenging intake may be making magnificent strides through committed teaching, yet on paper would compare poorly to a school whose more able children find exams easier.

There’s no substitute for visiting your shortlisted schools with an open mind, asking lots of questions and trusting your gut instincts.

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What makes us different is the difference we make...

Our strong academic record is just the starting point: from scientific exploration to personal discovery, our outstanding education goes way beyond exams.

Find out more at our open events Senior: Saturday 19 September 10am - 1pm Junior: Saturday 26 September 10am - 1pm See our website for additional Autumn dates and taster days 020 8557 7004 admissions@syd.gdst.net www.sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net 15 & 19 Westwood Hill, London, SE26 6BL

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families south east - september 2015

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Independent schools One in ten London children is educated in the independent sector, with thousands of parents opting to ‘go private’ when it comes to their child’s education. You can expect smaller class sizes, high expectations of the pupils, league-topping results, and thanks to a longer school day, an enhanced curriculum of sports, arts activities and inter house tournaments.

Mindful of costs, many offer scholarships and bursaries to help with the fees, making it worth including independent schools in your open day tours to increase your knowledge of what is available locally.

St Dunstan’s College

A co-educational, independent College for ages 3 to 18

A new headmaster for Alleyn’s Junior School Simon Severino has taken up the post of headmaster of Alleyn’s Junior School from September 2015.

Previously headmaster of St Andrew’s Prep School in Eastbourne, Mr Severino will be building on the school’s ongoing success, which ranked sixth in the Sunday Times 2014 ‘Top 100 Prep Schools’ national list; and is the highest ranking co-educational prep school in London and second in the country.

This autumn’s Open Days will be held on 26 September, 8 October and 10 November. For admission enquiries, contact the registrar or see www.alleyns.org.uk.

A new headteacher for James Allen’s Junior School (JAGS) Mrs Sally-Anne Huang has been appointed new head of JAGS from September 2015. She told Families: “Many will tell you that headship is lonely; that has never been my experience.

My first eight years of headship have been all about being with people. Heads get to share aspirations, triumphs and difficulties too. It’s a privilege.

As an Oxford graduate, and student of literature, I want pupils to love learning for its own sake and to strive for excellence. But true education always comes back to people. To support the young on individual journeys so they are ready to lead purposeful, happy adult lives. As soon as I set foot in JAGS, I knew that this was at the heart of the school’s ethos too. Known for its academic excellence, JAGS is so much more. It is a school with heart and conscience and one which reaches out beyond its own community. I am looking forward to moving to Dulwich with my family and to working at JAGS. Most of all, I am looking forward to getting to know all the people.”

This autumn’s Open Morning will be held on 10 October. For admission enquiries, call 020 8693 1181 or see www.jags.org.uk.

* JAGS’ biology teacher Liz Parker, has been given a British Citizen Award for her services to volunteering and charitable giving.

In January 2014, Liz set up the charity AFFCAD UK after witnessing heartbreaking poverty in a Ugandan slum first-hand. The senior school has been actively engaged in working with Miss Parker, devising ideas such as a sustainable chicken feed project which enables Bwaise primary school children to have lunch every day and releasing a song that hit a world record.

The British Citizen Awards (BCAs) were launched in January this year to honour the incredible accomplishments of individuals in society who positively impact their communities and on receiving her award, Liz Parker said: “It was overwhelming to receive such a prestigious award and I would like to accept it on behalf of everyone who has been part of the AFFCAD UK journey this year. I could not have done it without the enthusiasm and unfaltering support of the students at JAGS; I am very proud of what we have achieved together and excited about what the future holds for AFFCAD UK!” www.affcaduk.org.

familiesse.co.uk

#EveryMomentMatters Pre-Prep Open Morning (Nursery & Reception) 2015 Thursday 1 October To book a place, email: rscard@sdmail.org.uk Prep Open Morning (7+) 2015 Thursday 5 November To book a place, email: rscard@sdmail.org.uk Senior School Open Mornings 2015 Saturday 26 September Saturday 7 November These mornings run from 0930 to 1130 with the Headmaster speaking at 0940 & 1045 Sixth Form Open Afternoon 2015 Wednesday 14 October 2015 at 1430 - 1630 Stanstead Road, London, SE6 4TY

www.stdunstans.org.uk

Charity number: 312747

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

september 2015 - families south east

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Young Reporters scoop top awards where children learn, aspire and achieve Missed out on your first choice of primary school?

Well, we’ve just expanded and have places for children in Reception through to Year 3.

Our learning is child-lead, with a vibrant curriculum, fantastic new facilities, specialist PE teaching and strong links with an outstanding London Academy.

Interested? Then call 020 7635 4256 or email southwarkfreeschool@gmail.com to arrange a visit

Open Mornings for Prospective Parents & Girls

•Senior School 11-18yrs Sat 10 Oct (11+ and 16+) 10am-1pm •Additional Open Mornings for 11+ only Wed 23 Sept & Thurs 12 Nov 10.30-12 noon •Prep School 4-11yrs Sat 10 Oct 10am-12 noon

Please visit us at www.jags.org.uk James Allen’s Girls’ School 144 East Dulwich Grove, London SE22 8TE Tel: 020 8693 1181 No need to book

www.thameschristiancollege.org.uk

Three Year 11 students from Sydenham High School scooped a total of four awards in this year’s prestigious Young Reporter Awards.

Evie Richards won the Interview category with her interview with local MP and London Mayoral candidate Tessa Jowell, and Rachel Honeysett took the award for Most Read report for her story on the Penge Mystery. Rachel was also highly commended for her piece on the future for sci-fi heroes, while Sophie Allen gained a Commended award for her Breaking News story on saving the Coronet at Elephant & Castle.

The Young Reporter programme is run by Newsquest, publishers of the News Shopper and Guardian titles, to give students the opportunity of experiencing first-hand what it is like to be a journalist and see their work published and responded to. The award haul is all the more exciting because this is the first year that the school has taken part.

“We are absolutely delighted for the girls and the school,” said Dr Laverick, acting headteacher. “The girls are to be congratulated not only on their excellent writing but also on successfully juggling the programme’s deadlines with the demands of their intensive GCSE studies.”

Sydenham High’s next Open Events are on 19 September (Seniors), and 26 September (Juniors). For more information, additional dates and taster days and to read the girls’ winning Young Reporter articles - go to www.sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net.

What makes Bromley High special?

Headmistress Angela Drew explains: “We are a school where both excellence and endeavour are valued; where academic achievement and extra-curricular commitment are expected of every girl. In the classroom, each girl’s intellectual potential is challenged by teachers seeking to inspire a love of learning, a spirit of enquiry and an independence of mind.

In a green and leafy environment with space to grow and have fun, our girls make rapid progress academically and socially. They are happy to express intellectual enthusiasm; free to pursue their interests without regard to preconceptions about ‘boys’ subjects’ or ‘girls’ subjects’; confident to take the lead in the multitude of opportunities we offer. Our girls participate with enthusiasm and commitment in Music, Drama, Sport and an overabundant range of activities - and where they have interest or talent or enthusiasm, it is nurtured so that they learn to excel.

Aspirational and innovative, Bromley High School was shortlisted in 2015 (alongside Wellington, Brighton College, Kilgraston and Newcastle Grammar School) for ‘Outstanding Progress in a UK Independent School.’

Bromley High School is part of the Girls’ Day School Trust, the leading network of independent girls’ schools in the UK. The GDST is an extraordinarily effective network for innovation in teaching and learning and for the sharing of best practice whether it is excellence in hockey, Oxbridge Entrance or Career Networking with its alumnae network of 60,000 women. At Bromley High School, girls always come first.”

Open Events will be held on 3 October 2015, with a Sixth Form Open Evening on 13 October. The school also holds Open Events in May as well as regular Taster Sessions throughout the year. Read more at www.bromleyhigh.gdst.net.

St Dunstan’s College - fantastic IB results

Smaller school.

Bigger opportunities.

Personal attention.

Great results.

Affordable.

Scholarships available

OPEN MORNING SATURDAY 3rd OCTOBER 10.00-13.00 For full list of open mornings, enrolment and fee details contact 020 7228 3933 Thames Christian College, London SW11 2HB. Five minutes’ walk from Clapham Junction.

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families south east - september 2015

Year 13 students at St Dunstan’s College celebrated an excellent set of International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma results this summer. One-quarter of all Higher Level subjects were awarded the maximum score - equivalent to achieving an A*-A grade at A Level; while two of the eight students entered achieving over 40 points out of 45.

The College’s average IB Diploma score was 35.6, and the average UCAS points achieved was 514.5, equating to more than 3 A*s at A Level).

Top IB student, Siobhan McShane, was awarded the equivalent of 698 UCAS points, placing her in the top 1% of candidates worldwide (based on 2014 statistics). Siobhan will read Classics & English at the Durham University.

Headmaster, Mr Hewlett, commented: “I am absolutely delighted with these results. All the students worked extremely hard over the past two years and everyone at St Dunstan’s is incredibly proud of them. Our IB students continue to perform well above the worldwide and UK IB averages, and we wish them every success in their future studies.”

St Dunstan’s is holding a Pre-Prep Open Morning on 1 October, Prep on 5 November, Senior School Open Mornings on 26 September and 7 November, and a Sixth Form Open Afternoon on 14 October. To book a place and for more school news and admissions criteria, go to www.stdunstans.org.uk.

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children’s activities

Outside the classroom - children’s activities “What do you want to be when you grow up?” I asked my six year-old last week.

“A deep sea diver or a dinosaur” he replied, much-chewed diplodocus in hand.

While we could help by booking swimming lessons, Crystal Palace Park and the Natural History museum have rather taken first dibs on the dinosaurs. Ask him again next week and his reply will probably be completely different.

This is the concern of many parents - you pay for a ten week course in chess strategies but by week three, your child has lost interest in the game and would rather be playing the drums instead.

So how do you decide which club or class to book your child into? You could start by taking advantage of the free trial sessions offered at many classes; alternatively some run on a drop-in, pay as you go basis.

Your child’s interests are likely to change over time as they develop new skills - and mixing it up over the years is no bad thing. The five year-old who loved to sit quietly colouring in farm animals may turn out to be football captain by the time he or she reaches the end of primary school. Or after a term of street dance, announce that what they really, really want to do is learn the trumpet.

A couple of extra after school or weekend classes a week add tremendous benefits - new skills, new friends and new interests away from school and home. What we would advise is that you choose at least one physical activity - it’s a well known fact that the UK’s children aren’t reaching exercise guidelines to keep them healthy - while they’re dancing, kicking or hitting a ball, they’ll be building stronger bodies.

The one problem you won’t have is lack of choice there’s plenty out there to stretch all ages, abilities and interests. Too many to fill these pages and enough to fill a directory - so we have!

Start at www.familiesse.co.uk, and click ‘Directory’ in the top right hand corner for a terrific variety of children’s activities across southeast London.

Meanwhile, read on for local club news and some tempting reader offers.

Old Colfeians Boys & Girls Rugby The best value team sport for 6-18 year olds at our family friendly club. All abilities, no experience needed.

RFU qualified coaches.

2015 OFFER! TRY US OUT FOR FREE! www.ocrfc.co.uk/minis 07827 881044

FUN FRENCH FOR CHILDREN • • • • •

3 – 11 years old Games, Songs & Drama Native French Teachers Professional Materials Free Trial Session

For SE3, SE4, SE12 and SE23

Call Séverine: 020 8699 7665

HARTBEEPS

GYMBOREE

Active bodies New newborn, baby and toddler classes in Dulwich Hartbeeps, award-winning, musical, multi-sensory, developmental classes are coming to Dulwich in September.

With three classes specially designed for newborns, babies who sit until walking, and for toddlers and pre-schoolers - each session is a magical, musical adventure set to a soundtrack of original songs, remixed nursery rhymes and lullabies.

The sessions are designed to help you bond with your little one and aid in attaining their key milestones. Age-appropriate developmental activities are brought to life with cool props, wacky puppets and sparkly parachutes you won’t see anywhere else. Hartbeeps Baby Bells, Baby Beeps and Happy House classes complement and enhance every stage of your child’s early years from birth to school.

Classes run across southeast London in Dulwich, East Dulwich, Crystal Palace and, Herne Hill - try it out for free! Book online at http://bit.ly/HartbeepsSELondon or read more and click ‘Find a class’ at www.hartbeeps.com.

Tennis-4-Kids Tennis-4-Kids offer a fun-filled introduction to tennis for children aged 21⁄2 to 11 years. Sessions are played indoors with small rackets, sponge balls and a scaled-down court, after school, on Saturdays and during some school holidays - including this October half term. For details or to book a free introductory session, call Gordon on 07877 391 005, email gordon@tennis-4-kids.com or log onto www.tennis-4-kids.com.

familiesse.co.uk

Active fun with Gymboree Gymboree focus on encouraging and nurturing little ones in every aspect of their development, with parents and carers right by their side. The classes offer a variety of sensory led, age specific classes, from newborns to four year-olds. Each 45 minute session is designed to support mental physical, and creative development.

The award-winning programme is child led and supports learning through fun and play!

Book your free trial and experience a class with Gymboree’s enthusiastic and knowledgeable teachers. Email eastdulwich@gymboree-uk.com, phone 020 3616 0033, or go to www.facebook.com/gymboree.eastdulwich.

SPECIAL OFFER: Gymboree is offering a No Joining Fee plus 20% off your first month of membership. To claim your discount, quote GYMBOSEPT when you book.

Microsport Microsport makes all sport fun for all, encouraging young children to develop healthy, active lifestyles and to participate in any sport at any level they are capable of. From pre-schoolers to 7 year-olds, children are introduced to cricket, soccer, rugby, hockey, tennis and much more besides. For information and testimonials, see www.micro-sport.co.uk, or call Angela on 01689 600992.

Tiny Tots age 2.5-3

Little Aces Junior Champs Grand Slammers age 3-4

age 5-7

age 8-11

fun filled tennis games and activities indoors with sponge balls and mini tennis rackets

FREE introductory session phone

07877 391005

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

Olé Kids Spanish classes for children and parents Bilingual and beginners.

Children learn languages through immersion and play. !Group classes across London !Spanish in Nurseries !After School Clubs !Private classes at home !Birthday parties Free weekend workshops at Iberica Canary Wharf while you eat www.ibericalondon.co.uk !Adult Spanish Classes

Facebook: olekidslondon Twitter: ole_kids

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

september 2015 - families south east

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children’s activities

SOUTH LONDON DANCE STUDIOS

Dancing for all ages South London Dance Studios in Herne Hill provides outstanding ballet, tap, modern and commercial dance classes for all ages. Teachers are inspiring and nurturing and classes develop skills for life.

Lower school classes focus on the creative aspect of dance, while older students develop their dance technique, artistry and performance skills.

Specialist boys’ training is available.

Children achieve consistently outstanding results in the highly regarded Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance examinations, and full-scale dance shows are regularly presented.

Students who show exceptional potential can audition for West End shows. Talented students have gone on to train at top vocational colleges.

SLDS’ adult dance classes are fun, and can improve fitness, posture and coordination.

For information, call 020 7978 8624, email info@southlondondancestudios.co.uk, and see www.southlondondancestudios.co.uk.

Old Colfeians Rugby for boys and girls Old Colfeians Rugby Club retains close ties to Colfe’s independent school; however it has been an ‘open’ club for many years. Dave Hodgekiss, chairman of the senior club explains: “We are especially proud of the diversity of the club, with players from a wide range of schools and backgrounds. We like to win of course but it is much more about getting young people playing sport in a fun, team environment.”

“As rugby is a sport made for all shapes, sizes and abilities, it is great to see how many kids have found team sport for the first time”, adds coaching coordinator Dave Cheng.

Old Colfeians offer tag rugby for U6-U8s then contact through to U18s and beyond. For more information, call 07827 881044 or see www.ocrfc.co.uk/minis.

OLD COLFEIANS RUGBY

TRY TIME KIDS' RUGBY

Try Time Kids’ Rugby Try Time Kids’ Rugby offer rugby-based games and activities that increase children’s enjoyment of sport as well as develop them physically. Developed for 2-7 year-olds, the rugby play sessions give them the attributes they will need to go on and play the next level of rugby; or indeed any sport.

Danielle Dyer explained: “A lot of parents, when they hear ‘rugby’, expect tackling and rough stuff.

Our play sessions are absolutely NOT about this.

We take all the best parts of rugby (hand and foot eye coordination, agility, team work, discipline) and put them into games and activities that will move them forward physically and mentally; while having loads of fun.”

For more information and to book a free trial, check the website at www.trytimekidsrugby.com or call the office on 01252 794150.

Tennis for all South East London Tennis offer affordable, quality tennis coaching to people of all ages and ability, through local tennis courts, primary school programmes and holiday courses.

Believing in ‘tennis for all’, the coaching includes pre-booked and drop-in sessions, offering everything from mini tennis sessions for children, to evening play and cardio tennis for adults who are looking for a fitness workout.

Founders Chris Howard and Michael Stephens are both LTA licensed club coaches, DBS checked, and bring years of experience and fun to local tennis. Read more at www.southeastlondontennis.com.

SPECIAL OFFER: in 2015 the first three sessions are free!

SE LONDON TENNIS

Tumble Tots and Gymbabes Tumble Tots is the country’s leading physical play programme from 6 months to 5 years, designed to develop children’s physical skills of agility, balance, co-ordination and climbing along with songs and rhymes.

The programme is structured to develop children’s positive personality traits including confidence and self-esteem.

Each 45-minute weekly session combines fun, excitement and challenge in a safe and caring environment. All sessions use unique equipment and are run by staff specially trained to get the best out of your child, appropriate to the different ages and stages of their development.

For bookings and more information, email Julia.forrest@tumbletots.com, call 020 8464 4433, or visit www.tumbletots.com.

SPECIAL OFFER: For two weeks only from 1 September, Tumble Tots is offering new members £10 OFF a block of booked classes.

Crystal Palace Gymnastics Established in 1987, Crystal Palace Gymnastics run pre school and gymnastic classes for beginners through to experienced gymnasts, winning London’s Club of the Year in 2012. The talented and agile youngsters train hard and regularly win titles in tournaments and competitions across the country. For news and demonstrations, see the Crystal Palace Gymnastics page on Facebook, or the webpage www.crystalpalacegymclub.wordpress.com.

Class checklist When you’ve selected an activity, here are some more things to think about:

3 3

Having matched an activity to your child’s unique personality, check that the atmosphere in the class will also suit him. Is the teacher a person your child will relate to?

Are the classes essentially fun, or does it seem that the leaders are pushing to gain the highest certificates for pupils?

3

Colour your world...

3 3

with our fun packed, group keyboard tuition!

3

Small group classes, perfect for 4-11 year old beginners Read, write & play music to first grade Term classes & holiday courses Herne Hill, East Dulwich, Forest Hill (new!), Brixton To find out more, check for new centres & book a trial:

0800 107 7949

3

Do classes lead to performances? Some children love this - others shudder at the thought of being on show Make sure the staff are qualified and have the required DBS checks and health and safety certificates. There is no harm in asking if you are unsure - they should have nothing to hide!

Additional costs. Will you need specialist clothes or equipment? Does the club offer these second-hand? Is there an annual subscription or insurance charge? How much are exam fees?

Most classes allow parents to sit in on a session or for children to attend a free trial class. Watch if the children are a) under control - not rigid but willingly paying attention; b) getting the balance of discipline and fun; c) getting constructive corrections from the teacher And finally, give it time. Some children are prone to dropping out.

Unless you think they are genuinely unsuited to the activity, try it for at least a couple of terms to give them time to settle in and see how much they can achieve.

www.funkymonkey.info 10

families south east - september 2015

TUMBLE TOTS

familiesse.co.uk

Established

1979

INSPIRE YOUR CHILD THIS Autumn

The springboard to confidence for your child

- Ukulele, violin and guitar

• Exciting physical play programme • Specially designed equipment • Supervised by trained staff • Develops a child’s confidence, balance and co-ordination • First steps to an active life • Great fun! • Parties available

- Partners with The Royal School of Music - Instrument hire from £3 per week

Awarding winning term time courses for children aged 4-11 years

For more information please call Julia on: 020 8464 4433 julia.forrest@tumbletots.com Classes in: Battersea, Clapham, Dulwich, Blackheath www.tumbletots.com/dulwich

R

www.thestringsclub.org | 0121 369 1950

£1 0

SOUTH LONDON DANCE STUDIOS

Dance classes for children and adults

SE PE SS R IO N

RUGBY PLAY SESSIONS FOR KIDS AGE 2 - 7 YRS OLD IN DULWICH

Enthusiastic and creative teachers Shows and competitions Exceptional ISTD examination results

DEVELOPING

Contact us for information and to enrol for new classes starting in September

BOOK A FREE TRIAL TODAY!

130 Herne Hill, SE24 9QL 020 7978 8624 info@southlondondancestudios.co.uk www.southlondondancestudios.co.uk

Termses Clansow g in book

CALL US: 01252 794150 EMAIL US: sales@trytimekidsrugby.com

www.trytimekidsrugby.com

Call your local Stagecoach: Dulwich 020 8949 4116 Blackheath 020 8417 0010 Beckenham 020 8541 0833 Sydenham 020 7228 0981 Upper Norwood 020 8672 6066 www.stagecoach.co.uk

familiesse.co.uk

september 2015 - families south east

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children’s activities

FREEDOM ACADEMY

STAGECOACH

Theatre schools Freedom Academy Freedom Academy is a local independent theatre school, established in 2007 to offer top quality affordable tuition in acting, singing and dance for 3 to 18 year-olds.

Whether a child would like to grow in confidence, make new friends or have more opportunity within the performing arts, they can help children achieve their goals. Students work towards full scale productions, group LAMDA examinations, have guest tutors such as Britain’s Got Talent’s “Twist & Pulse” as well as attending regular fun technique classes.

Freedom Academy groups have been chosen to perform on CBBC, at the O2 and the Southbank Centre, and most recently on ITV’s “Keep It In The Family”.

Their agency gives students the opportunity to audition and perform for top theatre, film, commercial and TV productions. The school has gained a reputation within the industry as one of the go-to places for young and talented, grounded performers.

To book a free trail and for more information, visit www.freedomacademy.co.uk.

New Perform classes in Forest Hill and East Dulwich Owing to popular demand, Perform children’s drama school is bringing new classes to Forest Hill and East Dulwich from September 2015.

Perform Drama, Dance and Singing Workshops started a class in January 2000 and now have more than 5,000 children attending their workshops across London. Focusing on child development, they use a unique mix of drama, dance and singing specially formulated to bring out every child’s true potential. Classes are kept small to ensure lots of individual attention by their experienced actor/ teachers. They offer exclusive classes for 4-7 and 7-12 year olds and their focus is entirely on The 4 C’s: Confidence, Communication, Co-ordination and Concentration. They don’t send children to auditions or castings, but focus on helping children develop their social skills whilst having the best fun of the week. They are also centrally run as opposed to being a franchised business.

Principal Lucy Quick says “We are incredibly excited about opening in Forest Hill and East Dulwich. Parents have been asking us to have a Forest Hill class for ages and our East Dulwich class has a long waiting list so we needed an additional day. We have a fantastic venue and have found some brilliant teachers to lead the workshops.”

Classes will run after school on Wednesdays at The Quaker Meeting House in Forest Hill, and Thursdays at the Goose Green Centre in East Dulwich. Other local classes are held in Blackheath, Dulwich, Greenwich and Hither Green, and all children are invited to a Free Drama Class at your nearest Perform venue. Call 020 7255 9120 to book your free trial today or read more at www.perform.org.uk.

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families south east - september 2015

Stagecoach in SE London Stagecoach Theatre Arts is the original and largest network of part-time performing arts schools in the world. The classes offer quality training in drama, dance and singing to local young people from 4-16, after school and at weekends.

The classes are designed to build confidence and develop communication through performance skills, with either a demonstration class or play at the end of each term, and holiday workshops.

Call your local Stagecoach: Dulwich 020 8949 4116; Blackheath 020 8417 0100; Beckenham 020 8541 0833; Sydenham 020 7228 0981; Upper Norwood 020 8672 6066.

PERFORM

Theatre Tots Laura Sydonie set up Theatre Tots in 2008 and now offers weekly classes, plus workshops for schools and nurseries, classes, shows, published books and parties.

Designed for 1-7 year-olds, classes are a mix of stories, music and movement to engage and enthral the youngest imaginations. A free trial is offered and there is a flexible payment scheme. 0780 107 2776, www.theatretots.com.

THEATRE TOTS

English, maths, languages, music and more Explore Learning Explore Learning centres provide maths and English tuition for 5 to 14 year-olds of all abilities.

The centres are open seven days a week to fit into busy family life.

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, and all courses map to the National Curriculum.

To find out how your child can benefit from Explore Learning membership, book a free trial at www.explorelearning.co.uk.

The Strings Club South London’s aspiring young musicians can now experience award-winning music tuition right on their doorstep with The Strings Club’s term-time courses for 4-11 year-olds.

Taking place each week at St John’s Church in Brockley, the courses start on Wednesdays and Saturdays from w/c 21 September - with even more classes added due to popular demand!

Parents can enrol their little ones into ukulele classes with Strings Club Minis, especially created for children aged 4-5 years in their first year of school. Older children in Year 1 and above can join Strings Club’s Sound Start groups and choose between learning the guitar, violin or ukulele.

The term-time courses start from £15 per lesson, with instrument hire from just £3 per week. Visit www.thestringsclub.org or call 0121 369 1950 for enquiries.

EXPLORE LEARNING

STRINGS CLUB

SPECIAL OFFER: To celebrate the launch of its autumn courses, The Strings Club is offering FREE taster sessions on Wednesday 16 and Saturday 19 September. familiesse.co.uk

Award Winning Classes from Newborn

Sensory Baby Play

Play & Learn

Families

Parties

September Offer!

Gymboree East Dulwich is offering a No Joining Fee plus 20% off your first month of membership.

To claim your discount simply quote ‘GYMBOSEPT’

Gymboree East Dulwich 184 Peckham Rye, East Dulwich SE22 9QA

020 3616 0033 eastdulwich@gymboree-uk.com facebook.com/Gymboree.eastdulwich gymboree-uk.com

South East London BOOK A FREE TRIAL CLASS TODAY! 020 3793 6843 www.freedomacademy.co.uk info@freedomacademy.co.uk

Ages 3 yrs - 19 yrs

Award-winning tuition Maths & English a ag ges es 5 -14

New skills Confidence Enthusiasm

Free trial session - book today!

Brixton

020 3713 9722

Greenwich

020 8166 0100

New Cross Gate

020 3714 1229

Sydenham

020 3700 2611

www.explorelearning.co.uk familiesse.co.uk

september 2015 - families south east

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children’s activities Speedy touch typing YES Tuition and Training teach intensive touch typing, using their own highly successful programme. Classes are held on Saturdays and every school holiday and they are fun! Most children are touch typing in just 10 hours, helping enormously with their school work and using a PC at home. There are particular benefits for those with dyslexia or dyspraxia. 020 7515 1707, www.yes-tuitionandtraining.co.uk.

SPARK4KIDS

Coding is Cool Coding, and the rise in awareness of computational thinking, has become the big thing for children.

Experimenting with technology, having fun, and discovering how things work are all key to expanding a child’s confidence both in themselves, and their ability to learn.

Spark4Kids is a computer coding club offering children’s courses in coding, games design and touch-typing. Beginners are welcome, as are more experienced participants looking to extend their knowledge. Advanced programming is also available for older children.

Spark4Kids meet on Saturday and Sunday mornings in Dulwich, with holiday workshops to enjoy as well. Find out more at www.spark4kids.com, or phone 020 8090 1444.

Piano maestros Piano Maestros bring lessons to children and adults at home; or at one of their SE London piano studios.

Also, a programme of concerts enables students to play together. For a free trial, call 020 3654 8102 or see www.pianomaestros.co.uk.

Expert private tuition The UK’s largest agency, Fleet Tutors has nearly 40 years’ experience in providing tailored, private home tuition across all school subjects and stages including school FLEET TUTORS entrance exams, GCSEs and A’levels, plus holiday revision courses. All the tutors are experienced professionals who have been screened and vetted, and the agency comes recommended by The Good Schools Guide. For advice and information, call 020 8580 3911 or see www.fleet-tutors.co.uk.

Funky Monkey keyboard tuition Funky Monkey are bringing more electronic keyboard classes to south London this term. Four to 11 year-olds have fun learning how to read and make music in small groups, up to a recognised grade, providing a springboard for other instruments later on.

There are classes in Forest Hill, Herne Hill and East Dulwich, with a free trial for new players. See www.funkymonkey.info or call 0800 107 7949.

Le Club Français Le Club Français teaches French in a fun way through games, songs, plays and more, giving children the opportunity to speak and understand the language without realising.

Classes also teach the way of life through food, customs and celebrating festivals etc. In informal and friendly classes, children develop their self-esteem and self-confidence, quickly acquiring enough knowledge to enjoy using the language for communication and expression.

Children from 3 to 11 can benefit from the classes. Members also have access to Babelzone website filled with songs, stories and games to play in their own time.

All teachers are French native. Not only the best way of teaching a language; it also gives children a head start in understanding and speaking the language with the right accent.

The Club Français offers free trial sessions, very competitive prices, and sibling discounts.

For more information or bookings, contact Séverine email to severinecoupe@aol.com, or on 020 8699 7665.

Olé Kids Olé Kids run fun Spanish language classes for children aged 6 months to 18 years; and adults too.

Their monthly newsletter has ideas on how to keep up Spanish language at home through books, films, games and activity ideas for children. For more information, call 020 7386 0376 or see www.olekids.com.

For a tasty ‘taster’, head to Iberica London Canary Wharf where Olé Kids run workshops for children while you eat amazing Spanish tapas at the restaurant, www.ibericalondon.co.uk.

Excitingin,teractive and fun!

The most original musical baby, toddler and pre-school classes on the planet call Lotte 07522 386 334 lotte@hartbeeps.com

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families south east - september 2015

Suitable from birth to 5 years

Classes across South East London Dulwich, Crystal Palace, Herne Hill

familiesse.co.uk

The Bookseller Crow

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

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

Back to school? After what seems like a dog’s age of moody teenagers bored by their own inertia but absolutely allergic to going somewhere for the sake of it? You bet. I was out with my friend Fi and her two year-old, Ghengis, the other day and I had forgotten just what a simple pleasure hitting the park for the heck of it really was.

While every squirrel, duck, pigeon, puppy or big-boy-on-abicycle was a source of endless fascination for little G, for me it was a sublime revisitation of swings and ice-creams and conversation and laughter. And not a long-face in sight. No, my grumpy lot are all back behind their desks where they belong, moaning about what a rubbish summer they’ve just had, at our expense.

THE COLOUR MONSTER by Anna Llenas - Templar rrp £12.99. It is such a relief to return to the land of small people like Ghengis, of jolly little monsters filled with simple emotions sunny hues of happiness, flame red fury, lawn green serenity. In this book, as in reality with a toddler, these sudden feelings pop-up quite literally, the superb paper engineering giving form to feelings. Oh, for the days when a smile could be coaxed out with nothing but the first golden leaf wafting down from an early autumnal tree.

GRRRRR! by Rob Biddulph - Harper Collins rrp £12.99. Fred wants to win the Best Bear in the Wood contest but naughty old Boris comes along to ruin things. Do you think the author might be trying to tell us something? Ostensibly, the message is that cheating is wrong and honesty and friendship wins every time.

T-VEG by Smriti Prasadam & Katherina Manolessou - Frances Lincoln rrp £11.99. So, in view of the above, no surprise then that I am reminded of the time not so long ago when a real life dinosaur was spotted next to the famous stone ones making the announcement that our beloved, local Crystal Palace park was to be ‘sold’ to the highest bidder. Only for it to turn out to be a tiny weeny personal puff. I love the idea of a baby tyrannosaurus who only chows down on mangoes and broccoli in a story that shows that real strength is on the inside. Afterall, dinosaurs come in all shapes and sizes, but the best ones have integrity.

I DON’T WANT TO GO TO SCHOOL by Stephanie Blake Gecko rrp £6.99. Ah, but this time of year also heralds the beginning of your little darling’s institutionalisation. Whereas mine are seasoned desk-dodgers, for many the world of book-bags and nits awaits, glittering with tears. But have no fear, there is a wealth of authors out there compelled to make the system’s newest recruits’ first experience of the classroom a happy one. But you’d be right in thinking that the writer of Poo Bum and Stupid Baby! would have a somewhat different angle on the process. Recently reissued, we find Simon wearing his superhero cloak (costume de choix of many under the three foot mark, you’ll agree) and he gives a lippy “No way!” response to the news that he is starting school. But by the end of his first day, he doesn’t want to come home. And you can guess what his answer is when he is told he has to.

Meanwhile in CHU’S FIRST DAY AT SCHOOL by the ubiquitous Neil Gaiman, Bloomsbury rrp £6.99, the eponymous panda, gloriously realised by illustrator Adam Rex, has the opposite response. No matter how the teacher tries, our newbie won’t say a word.

THE SCHOOL OF ART by Teal Triggs, illustrated by Daniel Frost - Wide Eyed Editions rrp £14.99. Exquisitely guided by five professors through the basic tenets of great art - composition, colour, line, shape and perspective - in just 40 lessons we learn how to be artists ourselves. Or at least more understanding of what makes the awkward but creative little beggars in our lives tick, as you apply the Jif to the sponge and scrub off the felt-tip rainbows that have mysteriously appeared beneath the dado rail. You wait ‘til they start tagging.

THE GREEN FINGERS OF MONSIEUR MONET by Giancarlo Ascari & Pia Valentinis - RA rrp £10.95. A day-trip to Giverney is actually considered a threat in our household. If we are in France and there is the slightest notion of being at a loose end, the offspring bury their noses in hitherto abandoned homework, determined that we won’t ever carry through our

long-held desire to take a drive over to one of Europe’s bucolic miracles. Here flowers, art and biography merge, just as Claude himself desired.

THE WONDER GARDEN by Kristjana S. Williams, written by Jenny Broom - Wide Eyed Editions rrp £20. The illustrator rightly gets top billing here in this spectacular guide to five extraordinary habitats. From the South American desert to the Barrier Reef, we also visit the rain forest canopy, the Black Forest floor and the foothills of the Himalayas. Brimming with facts and fauna on every page - geography was never this much fun when I was taught by boring old blinkered Mr Bottomley. Except for when it came to calling out his name, naturally.

From the same publisher and also rrp twenty quid, CITY ATLAS by Martin Haake & Georgia Cherry is worth every penny not only because this celebration of urban life features 30 maps of cities across the world, but along with the usual suspects, London and Paris and Prague, it also includes less frequently lauded destinations like Helsinki and Lisbon. Mindyou, Trasha wants a word with the authors. “Look,” she spits, “aaaaall this space given to north London but south of the river, there’s hardly ANYTHING.” Ah, that ole Sarf Lundun chip is never far from a shoulder here at Croydon pedigreed Crow Towers.

DANGER IS STILL EVERYWHERE by David O’Doherty & Chris Judge - Puffin £7.99. More mayhem from Docter (sic) Noel Zone who, as noted previously, I feel certain has never been to medical school. This time our top dangerologerist, dog Napkin and pet stone Dennis (who gets about on a skateboard), investigates the sinister phenomenon of puddle sharks and discovers how wasps use a letterbox to eat all your treats (ten of them hold the flap open while the rest fly in, silly).

MY BROTHER IS A SUPERHERO by David Solomons - Nosy Crow rrp £6.99. Given the appalling sibling rivalry in my brood, if one of them suddenly sprouted superpowers, I dread to imagine the subsequent apocalypse. The author must come from a similar combative background because he sets a suspiciously familiar scene, albeit less violent, when Luke’s irritatingly dull brother is chosen to save not one but two universes in this superb novel for Year 3s and up.

SHAKESPEARE’S GUIDE TO PARENTING by James Andrews - Square Peg rrp £8.99. I know he isn’t a registered child-minder nor respected childbirth guru but in general, the bard has the right epithet for most situations, so why not parenting? It’s worth a try.

101 GINS TO TRY BEFORE YOU DIE by Ian Buxton - rrp £12.99. So with contented children finally in bed and your creative leadership credentials firmly restored thanks to some well-flung quotations from the above, you can now turn to important scientific research designed to ensure a boost to the spring in the parental step. To aid you straight to the sort of Mother’s Ruin (or Dad’s) that suits you best, each flagon of posh juniper juice featured is accompanied by an interesting back-history, like the Shoreditch brand made with, er, grapefruit and coconut. Crikey, you’ve got to love those hipsters.

GOOD IDEAS by Michael Rosen - John Murray rrp £9.99. I’m sure I’ve bigged this up before but no harm in doing it again now that it is in paperback because it really is a mine of ideas to motivate both children AND their worn-out, fuddled parents.

From the kitchen to cobble-stones, from camping to the humble loo, Rosen can even conjure fun out of fresh air if required. And we grown-ups need that sort of a pick-me-up sometimes too, eh?

And if all else fails and the kids are still running you ragged, you can borrow a handy quotation from that other master of the English language and father of eight, Dickens. Delivered with your best Ron Moody Fagin-esque growl, it is guaranteed to make you feel better: “Shaddap and drink yer gin!”

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

september 2015 - families south east

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family life

Are you suffering from post-summer fallout?

It’s no surprise people find themselves feeling a bit flat after the summer: a time they’ve filled with exciting and varied activities, seeing friends and catching up with family, soaking up the sunshine and packing as much into a day as possible. But as the summer comes to an end and we pack away our summer clothes and sandals, we notice the days getting chillier and a little shorter. Work related stress begins to creep back in, and as school starts again, summer starts feeling like a distant memory.

But as post-holiday blues set in, it’s worth remembering there are positive things you can do to help you and your family through the post-holiday fall-out.

At home You may notice it is not just you feeling the holiday blues, but your children, partner, and even the cat and dog. Children may be anxious about changing classes or schools, or worry about not being in the same school or class as friends. Listening to their concerns, rather than dismissing them or making light of them, will help you both to deal with these worries. Focussing on things as a family and sharing your anxieties will help you all get through this period.

NEED HELP? Although we all like to think we are in control of family life, sometimes it may be worth considering a bit of help in the form of family counselling, even just to guide you through what might seem trivial family disagreements. It’s amazing what clarity an impartial trained ear can give you.

Take time in the mornings to have a proper breakfast. Finding an extra 15-20 minutes to sit at the table as a family and discuss the day ahead can help you feel more prepared for the day ahead.

NEED HELP? Consult a nutritionist for great healthy options that are specifically right for your body.

Get back into good sleep habits. Insomnia can kick in after holidays as we force ourselves to change from holiday lie-ins to normal waking hours, a bit like a holiday jet lag effect. This can lead to increased fatigue levels and irritability during the day. Re-establishing a normal meal and bedtime routine a week before school starts by going to bed 10-15 minutes earlier each night will mean it’s not

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families south east - september 2015

Food, glorious food

such a shock to the system the first week back.

If fatigue and trouble sleeping persists, drinking full fat milk has been shown to reduce fatigue in children and help them sleep better through the night [1] and research has shown that tart cherry juice can improve sleep duration [2].

NEED HELP? If the insomnia persists, acupuncture has a proven track record of helping to improve sleep patterns [3].

Focus on ‘you time’

Stock up on healthy foods for the home, and treat yourself to a few things that remind you of your holiday. Having some exotic fruit to spice-up packed lunches will not only remind you of days on the beach, but also reinvigorate boring lunches.

Eating high protein and/ or high carbohydrate meals can become the norm while on holiday: cheese at the end of every meal in France, rich late night meals in Med resorts, etc. Now that you’re home reintroducing healthier, energy giving foods, such as homemade soups and colourful salads, will invigorate you for the colder months ahead.

NEED HELP? Why not try consulting a nutritionist to get the best out of your diet, and focus on the areas you are lacking as well as any intolerances that may be affecting your health.

Our autonomic nervous system (ANS), is responsible for unconscious control and balance of bodily functions such as breathing, heart function, digestion and the stress response. This delicate nervous system balance can be altered after holidays with back to school/ work worries leading to increased stress levels. Looking after yourself and getting back into a healthier routine will not only help to rebalance the ANS, but help to alleviate feelings of sadness which may accompany post-holidayfallout. Neuroscientific studies show that meditation helps calm the sympathetic nervous system helping you to balance and settle your nervous system [3].

NEED HELP? Osteopathy also works on the body’s physical manifestations of stress helping to rebalance this system too [4].

The best tonic of all?

Exercise: During the summer months we are far more active without even thinking about it. Longer days mean spending more time in parks and strolling on sunny days. Try to continue this by taking short walks to the shops rather than driving, or getting off the bus/ tube/ train a stop before you need to and walking the rest of the way.

NEED HELP? Consider joining a Pilates class or enlisting a personal trainer to get into the swing of it.

Not only will you feel great for the exercise, the social aspect of it is good for you too.

References:

Look after your body... Just as we don’t wait for something to go wrong with our cars before taking them for an MOT, or for cavities to plague our teeth before seeing a dentist, making time to deal with niggling aches and pains that may have built up over the summer can set us up for the weeks ahead.

NEED HELP? A restorative and relaxing massage or consulting an osteopath can work wonders.

Planning the next holiday of course!

The Vale Practice is at 64 Grove Vale, East Dulwich SE22 8DT, and open 9am-10pm Mondays to Fridays and 9am-6pm Saturdays.

The therapy team includes osteopaths, counsellors, homeopaths, acupuncturists, NLP practitioners, ‘babies, bumps and beyond’ care, hypnotherapists, chiropodists, and more. For a health MOT or to book an appointment, call 020 8299 9798 or go to www.thevalepractice.co.uk.

1. Steenbruggen, T.G., Hoekstra, S.,J., van der Gaag, E.J. (2015) Could a change in diet revitalise children who suffer from unresolved fatigue? Nutrients, March, 13; 7(3): 1965-77.

2. Howatson G., Bell, P.G., Tallent, J., Middleton, B., McHugh, M.P., Ellis, J. (2011). Effect of tart cherry juice (Prusnus Cerasus) on melatonin levels and enhances sleep quality.

European Journal of Nutrition, December, 51(8): 909-16.

3. Zuppa, C., Prado, C.H., Wieck, A., Zaparte, A., Barbosa, A., Bauer, M.F. (2015). Acupuncture for sleep quality, BDNF levels and immunosenescence: a randomized controlled study. Neuroscience Letters, February, 5:587:35-40.

4. Kim, S.H., Schneider, S.M., Kravitz, L., Mermier, C., Burge, M.R. (2013). Mind-body practices for post traumatic stress disorder. Journal of Investigative Medicine, June, 61(5):|827-34.

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Mother and daughter image: Heribertosdb at RGBStock.com

From the Vale Practice team

Handyman For all your household repairs and odd jobs.

I offer a professional and courteous service

www.shaunthehandyman.co.uk 020 8249 3264 or 07913 656 502

Bumps,Babies & Beyond VEGFEST UK LONDON

OUTBREAK 250!

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

What’sOn Our September highlights. For hundreds more listings, click ‘What’s On’ at www.familiesSE.co.uk, where you can filter by age, place, find free events and ideas for days out

Diary Dates for Grownups FIRST AID FOR LIFE 9 + 19 September, 2, 10 + 14 October in Balham and Westminster, www.firstaidforlife.org.uk A three-hour course covering care of the unconscious baby and child as well as most commonly occurring injuries and illnesses such as choking, bleeding, breaks, bleeds, burns, head injury and febrile convulsions. 9.30am-12.30pm, £60.

DULWICH BABY & CHILDREN’S MARKET 19 September, St BARNABAS PARISH HALL, 23 Dulwich Village SE21 7BT, www.babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk A large selection of excellent quality new and nearly new items for babies to eight year-olds. Plus a small selection of unique businesses in the baby and children’s industry showcasing and selling their products and services. 2-4pm, admission free for children, £1 adults.

HAVEN’T STOPPED DANCING YET 26 September, TRAFALGAR TAVERN, Park Row, Greenwich SE10 9NW, 0796 716 3247, www.haventstoppeddancingyet.co.uk The phenomenally popular 70s and 80s soul, funk and disco night “for people who remember the tunes first time round and still want to party” returns to the Trafalgar Tavern’s fabulous chandeliered ballroom.

Don your best disco outfit and strut your funky stuff with top vinyl DJs, join in with choreographer-led dance routines, and enjoy retro sweets and ice pop.

7.30pm-midnight, tickets £15, book first. 10 per cent of profits from HSDY nights go to Cancer Research UK.

ST CHRISTOPHER’S MIDNIGHT WALK 10 October, from St CHRISTOPHER’S HOSPICE, 51-59 Lawrie Park Road, Sydenham SE26 6DZ, 020 8768 4575, www.stchristophers.org.uk/midnightwalk St Christopher’s Midnight walk is a five mile sponsored moonlight walk starting and finishing at the hospice in Sydenham. This starlit stroll around the five boroughs that St Christopher’s serves is not only a fabulous night out, but last year 400 walkers also raised £34,000. This year’s walkers are encouraged to don pyjamas and onesies on to raise funds for the Candle Project service, which helps bereaved children and young people when they lose someone important. 11pm start, registration includes a t-shirt, medal and refreshments, with a reduced fee for 11-17 year-olds.

VEGFEST UK LONDON 10+11 October, OLYMPIA WEST, Hammersmith Road, Kensington W14 8UX, www.london.vegfest.co.uk A weekend celebrating vegan living, with over 200 stalls showcasing food, bodycare, cosmetics and fashion, celebrity guests, high-profile speakers and cookery demos, plus comedy, live music, street theatre and activities for children. Open 11am-7pm Saturday, 10am-5pm Sunday. Admission on the door free for under 16s, adults £12, reduced prices for pre-booked tickets.

Events and Attractions OUTBREAK 250!

THE HORNIMAN MUSEUM

10-30 September, LONDON DUNGEON, Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road SE1 7PB, 0871 423 2240, www.thedungeons.com/london Dungeons open daily, admission on the door £20.50 children, £25.95 adults, reduced for online pre-bookings.

To mark the 350th anniversary of the Great Plague of 1665, The London Dungeon is preparing for its own outbreak of the disease that claimed 20% of the capital’s population. Rewind three and a half centuries and meet the Dungeon’s resident Plague Doctor, sinister and unfathomable behind his beak-like mask (that’s where the phrase ‘quack’ doctor comes from) as he examines visitors for signs of disease, contagion, and general putridness.

Journey through disease-ridden streets and encounter the Plague Doctor’s Assistant, who is training to be a fully-fledged ‘Quack Doctor’, whose treatments include leeches, bloodletting and any number of crazy ‘cures’.

1000 years of London’s murky past await visitors, with murderous characters from Jack the Ripper to Guy Fawkes and Sweeney Todd, plus plenty of edge-of-the-seat surprises and two thrilling rides.

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

SOUTH LONDON LANDSCAPES, until 20 September. South London photographer, Max A Rush has captured some of south London’s most iconic natural spaces in enchanting and unexpected shots. The display celebrates the diversity and enchanting nature of urban natural spaces in extreme weather conditions, and includes images of Brockwell Park, Crystal Palace Park, Dulwich Park, Dulwich Wood, Ruskin Park and, of course, the Horniman Gardens.

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THE FOUNDLING MUSEUM

PLANTASTIC, Until 1 November. Explore the wonderful world of plants on a massive scale. From giant seeds and exploding cucumbers to sun-seeking flowers and a huge crawl-through root system, Plantastic’s interactive exhibits and games bring visitors up close to all kinds of fantastic plant life revealing how plants are essential for life on Earth. Look out for the Plantastic gardens in the museum grounds, too. £3.85 per child, £7.15 adult, £18.15 family.

ON BLACKHEATH 12+13 September, BLACKHEATH SE3, www.onblackheath.com OnBlackheath offers a magical two days on the historic green space of Blackheath, with a food demonstration stage, pop-up restaurants and street food, roaming theatre performances, urban arts and workshops.

This year’s musical line-up includes Elbow, Madness, the Manic Street Preachers, Laura Mvula, Kelis and more. For children, entertainers will include presenters and stars from TV’s Milkshake, Seagull Slapstic Circus Sensations, a Kids Comedy Corner and village fete tournaments. Adult day tickets from £45, 13-16 year-olds £25, under 12s free, bookable online.

THE GREAT RIVER RACE 12 September, THE THAMES from Milllwall Slipway, Westferry Road E14, to the riverside below Ham House, Richmond, TW10, www.totallythames.org More than 2,500 competitors will brave the Great River Race course, from dedicated regular racers to fun rowers and paddlers, ranging from barely-teenage Scouts to national and international champions. Crews are entered by groups as diverse as rowing clubs, councils, schools, livery companies, pubs, youth clubs, police, fire brigades, the Armed Services, banks and other companies. The entry includes gigs, skiffs, cutters, currachs, jolly boats, naval whalers, Chinese dragon boats, Hawaiian war canoes, Viking longships, shallops, skerries, wherries and many, many more. The race starts from Millwall Slipway at 10.45am and the leading boat is expected to cross the finish line, below Ham House in Richmond at around 1.40pm.

Effective, safe treatment and care for you and your child, from pregnancy to early years and onwards through life.

The Vale Practice

Osteopathy, Cranial Osteopathy, Acupuncture, Nutrition, Massage, Counselling and much more...

64 Grove Vale, London SE22 8DT

T. 020 8299 9798

E. info@thevalepractice.co.uk

www.thevalepractice.co.uk

PAINTING & DECORATING Interior / Exterior Experienced, Reliable, Clean Fully Guaranteed / Insured FREE ADVICE AND QUOTE John:- James & Lamont

020 8462 4646 - 07802 535695

Adult & Children’s Entertainer Magic, Plate Spinning Balloon Modelling Interactive Games Karaoke, Mini Disco

Tel: 020 8480 8176 www.amigosmagic.co.uk

HOPS ‘N’ HARVEST BEER FESTIVAL

37 12+13 September, KENT LIFE HERITAGE FARM PARK, Lock Lane, Sandling, Maidstone, Kent ME14 3AU, 01622 763936, www.kentlife.org.uk Join in a time-honoured tradition and give hop picking a go! Meet some of the wonderful historic characters from Kent’s past such as the Oasties, Tallyman and Celebrating 30 years of introducing the pearly kings and queens. See one of interviewed and Reference Checked the last working oast houses fired up and witness the process from picking to drying EVENING BABYSITTERS before tasting one of the lovely beers. & NANNIES There’ll also be live music and plenty of entertainment for younger visitors. Open Agency fee £99 or £300 max from 10am, admission free for under 3s, adults £10.

BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM

call Debbie 020 8650 3232 www.littlemastersandmisses.com

BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM, Threadneedle Street, London EC2R, 020 7601 5545, www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum The Bank of England Museum tells the story of the Bank of England from its foundation in 1694 to its role today as the UK’s central bank. Examine intricatelydesigned banknotes, feel the weight of a genuine gold bar and see the pikes and muskets that were once used to defend the Bank. Children’s activity sheets provide fun for younger visitors. Open 10am-5pm Mondays to Fridays, admission free.

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MUSEUM OF LONDON

V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD

ROYAL MUSEUMS GREENWICH

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

SHREK’S ADVENTURE

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

Until December, Riverside Building, COUNTY HALL, South Bank SE1 9PB, www.shreksadventure.com

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

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

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

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

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

Admission £6.50, families £22.

DINO SNORES, 18 September, 23 October, 7 November and 5 December. Discover what really happens at the museum when the staff and visitors have gone home. Children aged 7-11 years, from 7pm to 9.50am the following day. Tickets £60.

RADIO TIMES FESTIVAL 24-27 September, The Green at HAMPTON COURT PALACE, East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9AU, www.radiotimesfestival.com Celebrate the best of TV, radio and literature with workshops, talks, exhibits and screenings. Family sessions include David Walliams discussing his popular children’s books, Shaun the Sheepcreators Aardmanhosting a series of modelling workshops, Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler leading a fun-packed storytelling session, and Little Princess creator Tony Ross conducting a ’How to illustrate’ masterclass.

Book online.

ZIPPOS CIRCUS

THE FOUNDLING MUSEUM

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

V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD

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

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

FOUNDLINGS AT WAR, until 4 October. The effect of the Napoleonic Wars on the Foundling Hospital is explored through the stories of two young foundlings who served at sea: one at the Battle of Trafalgar, the other alongside Nelson aboard the HMS Victory.

MUSEUM OF LONDON MUSEUM OF LONDON, London Wall EC2Y 5HN, 020 7001 9844, www.museumoflondon.org.uk Open daily 10am-6pm, admission free. Regular programmes of weekend and holiday events and workshops help visitors find out more about London’s history, covering events such as the Great Plague, Londoners’ jobs and occupations, and Roman life. On Sundays, museum hosts help visitors explore the galleries through fun, hands-on activities at 11am and 2pm.

NIGHT OWLS SLEEPOVER, 19 September and 24 October. Uncover London’s history from the Romans to the Victorians before bedding down amid the objects for lights out at midnight. A bright and early breakfast and family friendly film follow in the morning. Ages 7-11, 6.45pm-9.40am, £60, book first.

Theatre, Shows and Music FAMILY SUNDAYS AT THE ROH

PROMS IN THE PARK

POLKA THEATRE

Every Sunday in September, ROYAL OPERA HOUSE, Bow Street, London WC2E 9D, 07304 4000, www.roh.org.uk Explore the Royal Opera House, its artists and the world of opera and ballet. Sundays are packed full of creative and practical activities for all the family including informal performances from Royal Ballet dancers, plus interactive singing and dance activities. 12-4pm, £5 adults, £3 children.

12 September, HYDE PARK, 0844 209 7353, www.royalalberthall.com Join in the Last Night of the Proms celebrations hosted by Proms in the Park stalwart Sir Terry Wogan and with a line-up including the BBC Concert Orchestra, special guests Dutch swing sensation Caro Emerald, Motown and disco superstars The Jacksons, The Mavericks, Beverley Knight, Matt Cardle and the West End cast of Memphis The Musical and Britain’s Got Talent finalists Jack Pack. Gates open 3pm, main stage show starts 5pm, tickets from £39.

POLKA THEATRE, 240 Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB, 020 8543 4888, www.polkatheatre.com WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU FIND A DINOSAUR, 24 September 4 October. In 1824 eccentric scientist William Buckland discovered a bone from a creature no one had ever heard of. He named it the Megalosaurus and he was desperate to tell the world. Join him on a prehistoric dinosaur journey with humour, music and plenty of audience participation. Ages 4-8, tickets £10 children, £13.50 adults.

CLAYTIME, 25-27 September. Create a world of fabulous forms, amazing animals and morphing monsters. Each performance is totally unique, with characters and stories coming directly from the young audience. Be prepared to get your hands dirty - this is interactive theatre at its most messy and engaging. Ages 3-6, £9 children, £12 adults.

THUMBELINA, 3-4 October. There was once a girl so small she could float on a lily pad and ride on the back of a dragonfly. Follow Hans Christian Andersen’s extraordinary tale of a girl no bigger than a thumb and her adventures with a frog, mouse, mole and swallow who help her on her journey. Ages 3-5, tickets £9 children, £12 adults.

ZIPPOS CIRCUS 10-15 September, PECKHAM RYE, Strakers Road SE15 3UH, 0871 210 2100, www.zipposcircus.co.uk 2015’s OMG! is a two-hour circus spectacular starring the incredible motorcycle Globe of Terror, globally-renowned musical clowns The Rastellis, beautiful Liberty horses, tumbling and human pyramids from the Kenya Boys, Gold-medal balancer Kremena from Bulgaria and much, much more, all hosted by the World’s Greatest Ringmaster, Norman Barrett MBE. Tickets from £8.49.

ALBANY THEATRE ALBANY THEATRE, Douglas Way, Deptford SE8 4AG, 020 8692 4446, www.thealbany.org.uk MR TIGER GOES WILD, 13 September. Join Mr Tiger on a rocking musical adventure that will have your little ones roaring with laughter as he journeys from the city to the jungle. Ages 3+, 1 and 3pm, tickets £7, families £24.

HOW TO BE A HERO, 16-19 September. The world is so confusing now. It’s getting harder to tell the heroes from the villains... who is good, who is bad, and who gets to decide? This new play inspired by the phenomena of real life vigilantes and includes real stories of heroism from Deptford and beyond. 7.30pm, tickets £12 / £10 concs.

NO MORE WORRIES, 23 September - 3 October. Kieran is 27 and stuck in a dead-end town. He wants to see the world: foreign suns, adventure and cocktails. Paul is 50 and on the road again in an old-skool campervan. Trusting in tai chi and the power of sevens, he’s on a quest to reconcile the then and now. Join this mismatched couple on their road-trip through austerity Britain, searching for the perfect holiday moment. Ages 14+, 7.30pm, tickets £12/ concessions £10.

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families south east - september 2015

GREENWICH THEATRE GREENWICH THEATRE, Crooms Hill, Greenwich SE10 8ES, 020 8858 7755, www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk ROMEO AND JULIET, 8-12 September. A stroke of fate - and a raucous party - leads a forbidden relationship to blossom as Romeo and Juliet are unable to resist their desire for each other. Tickets from £16.

THE GREAT GATSBY, 6-10 October. This sizzling new stage adaptation from nationally acclaimed Blackeyed Theatre recreates the sights, sounds and feel of America’s ‘Roaring Twenties’ as seen through the eyes of Nick Carraway. Tickets from £16.

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

Tickets from £29.50, family tickets from £105.

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

Tickets from £16.50.

I BELIEVE IN UNICORNS 30 September, ORCHARD THEATRE, Home Gardens, Dartford, Kent DA1 1ED, 01322 220 000, www.orchardtheatre.co.uk Tomas hates reading and school, but his world is turned upside down the day he meets the Unicorn Lady in his local library. Bringing to life Michael Morporgo’s treasured story, this is an enchanting and interactive production about the power of books. Add your own piece of magic to the story by bringing a children’s book to become part of the set, and swap it for another at the end. Ages 6+, 1pm and 5pm, tickets from £9.50.

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BILLY ELLIOT

ALBANY THEATRE

DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY

LADYBIRD BY DESIGN

IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM

V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD

ROYAL MUSEUMS GREENWICH

IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM, Lambeth Road, London SE1, 020 7416 5000, www.iwm.org.uk

Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green E2 9PA, 020 8983 5200, www.museumofchildhood.org.uk This gem of a museum is fascinating for families with young children.

The collection includes dolls, dolls’ houses, puppets, teddy bears, games, childcare, clothing, furniture and art and photography. Everyday drop-in activities include storytelling, arts and crafts, and trails. There’s dressing-up, role play and an under 3’s area, an indoor sandpit, and regular special events. If it’s sunny there’s an outdoor space to enjoy a picnic. Open 10am-5.45pm daily, admission free.

DISCOVER THE BOX WORKSHOP, 13 September. Explore a mystery box of photographs and then bring the images to life in words and performance. This is part of The Box of Photographs, Polka’s story writing competition run in partnership with the museum.

10.30am-12.30pm, ages 8-11, free but book online, www.polkatheatre.com/boxofphotographs.

IMAGINARY FRIEND WORKSHOP, 19 September. Does your child have an imaginary friend? Join an interactive workshop with world famous designers and model makers. The designers will turn children’s descriptions into drawings and later sculptures for a Museum advert.

11am-3pm, all ages, free drop-in.

CHINESE FESTIVAL DAY, 27 September. Celebrate the Chinese Moon festival with traditional and modern instrumental and dance performances, Chinese paper cutting and calligraphy workshops and dressing up. A collaborative event with Mothers’ Bridge of Love. 11am4.30pm, all ages, free drop-in.

National Maritime Museum, Queen’s House, Royal Observatory and Cutty Sark, Greenwich SE10, 020 8858 4422, www.rmg.co.uk Royal Museums Greenwich holds the world’s largest maritime collection.

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

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

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

IWM London has been transformed with ground-breaking First World War Galleries alongside a central atrium space with large object displays, shops and cafes. Family-friendly creative and object discovery sessions take place on Sundays. Admission free.

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

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

A FAMILY IN WARTIME. Explores the lives of William and Alice Allpress and their ten children and what life in London was like during the war.

A Family in Wartime is brought to life through interactive exhibits, photographs, recorded interviews with the family, archive film footage, paintings, personal documents and an intricate model of the Allpress family home.

MUSEUM OF LONDON DOCKLANDS MUSEUM OF LONDON DOCKLANDS, West India Quay E14, 020 7001 9844, www.museumoflondon.org.uk/docklands Open daily 10am-6pm, admission free. Regular programmes of weekend and holiday events and workshops help visitors find out more about London’s history.

RIVER FAMILY FESTIVAL, 26 September. An exciting family day exploring the sights, sounds and stories of the Thames, with crafts and storytelling sessions. Ages 5+, 12-4pm, free.

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

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

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

Art Activities DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY

SUNDAY FAMILY ART CLUB

ART AT SIR JOHN SOANE’S HOUSE

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

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

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

GALLERY STORIES, 27 September. Meet a storyteller at the ticket desk and participate in interactive storytelling in the main gallery. 2.30 and 3.10pm, free with a gallery ticket.

PILLOWS AND PAINTBRUSHES, 3 October. An exciting night-time adventure. After an evening of creative activities and storytelling children can enjoy a special night’s sleep in the company of the gallery’s Old Masters, as the gallery hosts its first ever children’s sleepover with Pushkin Press. Ages 8-13, from £50, book first.

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

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

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

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

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

LADYBIRD BY DESIGN Until 27 September, HOUSE OF ILLUSTRATION, 2 Granary Square, London N1C 4BH, 020 3696 2020, www.houseofillustration.org.uk Celebrating 100 years since the Ladybird logo was registered in 1915, Ladybird by Design is an exhibition of over 120 original illustrations from Ladybird books dating from the late 1950s to the early 1970s. Visitors can see every Ladybird title in House of Illustration’s south gallery, as well as joining in with family activities or simply relaxing on a bean-bag and reading an old favourite Ladybird book. Open 10am-6pm Tuesday to Sunday, admission £4 children, £7 adults.

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

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

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

THE LITTLE DRAW, 4 October. Meet Millie Nice: an artist and illustrator with a playful approach to history of art, and an interest in museum spaces. 1.30-4.30pm, free drop-in workshop for all ages.

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

familiesse.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

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

september 2015 - families south east

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