Families SW London October 2017 issue 270

FREE

TAKE

ME H

OME

South West IN THIS ISSUE Which school next?

Open days Developing employability skills Local school results

Activities this October Half term activities Get in the Halloween spirit Enjoy local Fireworks safely

What’s On? Where to go, what to see, what to do this month

Issue 270 October 2017

familiesonline.co.uk

The White House

Thames Christian School

Contents

It's School Open Day season, see our Open Days listing pages 12 and 13

Families SW|Issue 270 ®

OCTOBER 2017 TEL: 020 8696 9680 EDITORIAL: editor@FamiliesSW.co.uk NEWS: news@FamiliesSW.co.uk ADVERTS/ARTWORK: adverts@FamiliesSW.co.uk EVENTS, DIARY DATES, WHAT’S ON: whatson@FamiliesSW.co.uk NEXT ISSUE: November 2017 DEADLINE: Early October 2017 ISSN 1354-9553 All content ©Families SW 2017

• Families London SW is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families® is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. • The contents of Families SW are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without the prior consent of Families SW. • Printed by OSC Print, Middlesex • Designed by Shirley Trimmer • Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families SW, our distributors, the franchise company Families Print Ltd and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

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

4-5

Local news

6

Families Top Five activities this month

7-20

EDUCATION FEATURE The importance of parent involvement in their child’s education Open Days listing Local school news Preparing primary children for the world of work Explore Learning

21

Can you really get 30 hours of free childcare?

23

Could you be a foster carer?

25

Get fit, ski ready!

28-30

How to get your children in the Halloween spirit

32

Local Fireworks and fireworks safety

34-36

Half term activities

37

FREE activities

38-43

What’s On Diary dates Events Babies and toddlers Theatre Museums & Exhibitions Special Needs

ADVERTISE IN OUR NEXT ISSUE Contact us on 020 8696 9680

Familiesonline.co.uk

Find us on Facebook and Twitter FamiliesSWLon

Families South West 3

NEWS PARENTS ELIGIBLE FOR CHILDCARE COMPENSATION Thousands of parents who have missed out on Tax-Free Childcare due to technical problems with the Childcare Service website may be able to claim compensation from the Government.

The Childcare Service website, which is run by HMRC, has been plagued with technical glitches since it went live in April, affecting parents’ ability to register for TaxFree Childcare and 30 hours childcare. In order to receive 30 hours free childcare in September, eligible parents needed to have received a code from HMRC by 31 August and taken it to their childcare provider to secure a place.

New guidance published on the gov.uk website under the heading ‘Childcare Service Compensation’ states that: ‘If you’ve been unable to access Tax-Free Childcare through your childcare account for technical reasons, you may be able to claim compensation.’

For more information call HMRC on 0300 123 4097 or visit www.gov.uk/guidance/childcareservice-compensation

COOKEASE CLASSES Since launching five years ago, more than 500 children have attended Cookease cooking classes, with many mums and dads returning with their second (and sometimes third) child.

The weekly classes teach children important cooking skills together with an introduction to all food groups. Across the term they cook up a fantastic, varied range of recipes to share with their families and friends.

To book your child’s place on one of the courses or for more information, please visit www.cookease.org.uk

CLUB PETIT PIERROT We are delighted for Club Petit Pierrot, which has been awarded the CAA GOLD accreditation: their work was noted to be "outstanding". They have been teaching French to thousands of children in London since 1993, and remain as ever-popular and dedicated today. Instrumental in championing both the immersion method and in developing Parent & Toddler programmes for babies as young as 8 months old, they offer multi-sensory parent and toddler groups from newborn and, for older children up to 8 years old, a carefully planned syllabus with fun worksheets, language games and creative activities such as theatre, art and singing. Courses throughout SW London. www.clubpetitpierrot.co.uk 020 7385 5565

FIREWORKS TICKETS The first tickets to the spectacular Battersea Park Fireworks Display have gone on sale. Award-winning pyro-technicians Jubilee Fireworks are powering up for what promises to be an electrifying 22 minute firework display on November 4, set to music inspired by this year’s theme “Power”.

Gates open at 6pm for pre show entertainment and refreshments from the food and drink stalls, with the bonfire lit at 7.30pm by the Mayor of Wandsworth followed by the firework display at 8pm. Don’t miss out on the limited Early Bird tickets – buy them now at www.enablelc.org/fireworks

4 Families South West

Amber Bremer, pupil 2015-2017 with her class photo

SEAHORSE NURSERY CELEBRATES 20 YEARS OF EDUCATION Last month Seahorse Nursery celebrated 20 years of Education with the support of Secretary of State for Education and local MP Justine Greening. The 20th Birthday Party was attended by past and present families at the day Nursery in Southfields. Julia Wolfe originally set up the Nursery in 1997 in the ground floor of her family home. Her daughter, Harriet Wolfe, has followed in her footsteps and joined the family business in 2012 and last year opened a new Day Nursery in Southfields. Congratulations! www.seahorsenursery.co.uk

Familiesonline.co.uk

NEWS LITTLE VOICES CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF STARS Congratulations to Little Voices which is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Nationally the organisation has grown exponentially since it started in 2007. Little Voices is dedicated to helping children reach their full potential in drama and singing and nurturing them as individuals.

Blackburn born founder, Jane Maudsley, said: “The arts are being cut from the school curriculum and less importance is being placed on the importance of music and drama. It is so important, the arts can give a child and young person so much – Little Voices can bridge that gap for young people and ensure that they do not miss out on vital life skills acquired through arts training. Parents and Headteachers across the UK are turning to Little Voices to provide the missing building blocks of an all round education.

Contact Ashlea on 020 8088 0113 or visit www.littlevoices.org.uk

FREE CYCLE TRAINING Fancy ditching the car and riding into work? Merton Council is encouraging more people to take up cycling by offering free cycle training for anyone living or working in Merton. The free course is available to complete beginners as well as those who just fancy brushing up on their road skills. To book a place or find out more go to www.cyclinginstructor.com/Merton. Plus, encourage your employer to sign up for the Bike2Work scheme and save up to 42% on a new bike!

For details, see www.evanscycles.com/b2b/ride-to-work-employer.

Familiesonline.co.uk

KINNDA POSTPONED Kinnda is an app designed to help ease the cost and inconvenience of childcare. It was originally launched in July, by full-time mum of two young Catriona. For personal reasons, she has simply struggled to find the time to give Kinnda the attention it deserves. She told Families: “After much consideration, I have decided to put Kinnda temporarily on hold. As life begins to return to normal, and without the pressure of having a live product, I can begin addressing some of the technical issues we have faced and work behind the scenes. Come 2018, Kinnda can will be able to hit the ground running.” Stay tuned for updates on her social media pages as well as getkinnda.com

FAMILIES DISTRIBUTORS WANTED Do you have car and a bit of free time? Would you like to take batches of copies of Families South West? Once a month take batches of magazines to a list of nurseries, schools, shops and after school classes. You get paid per drop. To know more email distribution@FamiliesSW.co.uk

Families South West 5

FAMILIES TOP FIVE...

Our top picks of the best days out for the whole family this October half term…

©Trustees of the NHM, London.

LONDINIUM

WINTER SKATING Natural History Museum Cromwell Road, Kensington SW7 5BD www.nhm.ac.uk From 26 October In the run up to Christmas, book your tickets for the magical ice rink at the Museum. Whether you’re an expert or a novice, a glider or a slider, skating in the open air is a wonderfully exhilarating experience. As the winter evenings draw in, the Museum’s east lawn will be transformed once again into a magical setting complete with thousands of fairy lights adorning the nearby trees, a fairground carousel, gift shop and café where you can relax and enjoy the views above London’s loveliest ice rink. We love it!

Across the City of London visitlondon.com/romans To 29 October A season celebrating the City of London’s Roman Heritage. The perfect family day out with plenty of exciting and educational events ranging from interactive children’s galleries, free activity bags and stimulating online games. Over half term, take part in family friendly and interactive walk Liberiorum Londinium, introducing children to life as a Roman citizen. Discover the remains of the Roman fort and what life was like as a soldier, shop for foods the Romans would have eaten, visit the entertainments at the Amphitheatre, and learn a little Latin along the way. And don’t forget to take a Billingsgate Roman House & Baths Weekend Tour, where you can explore a late 2nd-century wealthy Roman’s home and private bathhouse – a fascinating view into ancient domestic life.

THE MAGIC POSTER London Transport Museum Covent Garden Piazza WC2E 7BB www.ltmuseum.co.uk 21-29 October

There’s a whole load of fun family activities at the Transport Museum this half term, including the museum’s new Poster Girls exhibition being brought to life for children.

Little ones can join Storytime sessions about a brother and sister’s adventure into the world of a magic poster, and Make and Take craft activities, where you can create their own storybook inspired by an artwork from the exhibition.

Painting by Swedish Painter Anders Sunna: Area Infected

LONDON LITERATURE FESTIVAL Southbank Centre Belvedere Road SE1 8XX www.southbankcentre.co.uk Throughout October Now in its 11th year, this wonderful entertaining family festival has something for everyone. Explore live readings, performances, talks, debates, visual displays, workshops and music with authors and poets including Philip Pullman, Annie Leibovitz, Lauren Child, Tracy Chevalier, and David Mitchell. The final week takes place during half term and features a wealth of family and children events, many of them free, with Young Adult Literature Weekender taking place on the final weekend.

Join in storytelling sessions, take part in a parent and child poetry event, go hip-hopping with rhythms for 3-6 year olds, and get blogging and vlogging with some of the most exciting YA novelists.

6 Families South West

Museum of London 150 London Wall EC2Y 5HN www.museumoflondon.org.uk 21-29 October Expect daily activities inspired by London’s favourite bear and his upcoming film, Paddington 2, released on 10 November. Keep an eye on the website to find out about special guests, exclusive competitions and highlight events. To coincide with the release of Paddington 2, you can also visit a display celebrating the wellmannered bear and including original costumes and props from the new film. 11am4pm, age 5+. FREE

© P&Co. Ltd./SC 2017

© Anders Sunna

PADDINGTON’S HALF TERM

Familiesonline.co.uk

LITTLE ANGELS NURSERY SCHOOL A Traditional Teaching Nursery - Learning through Play We are an Ofsted rated 'Good' day care nursery school.

We lay the foundation of learning where your child's interests form the base to develop their full potential. Our nursery is very homely and friendly, and staff are fully qualified with many years' experience in Early Years.

Open all year round 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday except bank holidays and four weeks in a year.

15 hours weekly free sessions available for 2-4yrs.

Please contact our office on 020 7274 8333. info@littleangelsbrixton.co.uk www.littleangelsbrixton.co.uk 50 Gresham Road, Brixton, SW9 7NL

8 Families South West

Familiesonline.co.uk

Familiesonline.co.uk

Families South West 9

10 Families South West

Familiesonline.co.uk

EDUCATION great Such !

advice

The importance of parent involvement in your child’s education

By Fiona Mangion, Deputy Head, Parkgate House School

With increasingly busier lives and higher demands on us all, life has never been so full or hectic so how can parents ensure they remain involved in their child’s education and in a meaningful way?

Reassuringly, parents can achieve this through relatively simple but effective steps.

FOSTERING A LOVE OF LEARNING One key point is for parents to continue to foster a love for learning within their child and this can be achieved by extending their learning experiences beyond the classroom. Weekend trips to galleries, museums, exhibitions or shows can all inspire and encourage a child to pursue their interests and passions further and stimulates discussion between parent and child on this subject. Living in London, there are a plethora of extracurricular activities and trips on our doorstep which can be accessed almost 365 days of the year with little need to pre-arrange in the majority of cases. In an age of texts, emails and social media frenzy, time spent exploring, visiting and learning together is incredibly valuable, not only in ensuring a parent is involved with their child’s education but in the overall relationship that they both enjoy.

ENCOURAGE FAMILY TALK TIME The above point would naturally assist meaningful conversations at the dinner table but even if these proposed trips or activities haven’t been arranged, this carved out family ‘talk time’ is an invaluable opportunity in remaining up-to-date with your child and involved in their developing knowledge and understanding of the world. Engaging your child in thought-provoking talk, using open ended questions and tackling global issues with them at an appropriate level for their age are all ways in which a parent can develop their child’s understanding and play a role within their education. From a school’s point of view, children who can communicate effectively, discuss topics with confidence and hold their own opinion stand out from the crowd and when verbal communication is strong it can have a knock-on effect to the strength of their written communication.

FOSTER THEIR SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY As well as the importance of promoting interest and intrigue within their child, parents can foster an individual’s sense of responsibility by providing them with jobs to do at home. By setting simple chores a parent is

Familiesonline.co.uk

involving a child in the overall running of the family home and it can encourage a child to take ownership for that task. Taking this a step further, parents may seek to develop a sense of citizenship within their child which could involve helping in the wider community through volunteering or charity fundraising. Once again, from a school’s perspective, a child who has a growing understanding of the community around them and who actively participates in helping others is an excellent role model to their peers.

MAKE SURE THEY DEVELOP A VARIETY OF SKILLS At Parkgate we have an extensive range of clubs before and after school, which provide further opportunities for children to develop their skills and extend their learning. When choosing these clubs, parents can involve their child in this decision-making process which once again promotes joint discussion and involvement in their overall educational experience. At the same time, children will feel a sense of independence and trust in having been included in choosing what they attend before and after school.

From the points raised above it becomes clear just how crucial one-onone time is between a parent and child and how valuable verbal communication remains. Our children are growing up in a technological age where the internet and smartphone dominate but by going back to basics, by engaging in real discussion and talk, finding time to sit down together at a meal time, pursuing interests at weekends and on holidays all enable a parent to remain involved in their child’s education as well as guiding and influencing it. Ultimately though, this approach goes one step further and actually strengthens the bond between a parent and child by developing a relationship based on open communication, involvement, trust, responsibility and independence, the key skills that every child needs.

Parkgate House School, 80 Clapham Common Northside, SW4 9SD http://parkgate-school.co.uk

Families South West 11

OPEN DAYS

Compiled by Joanna Parry

SW1 HILL HOUSE SCHOOL 4-13 Co-Ed Tours every weekday morning in term time, 8.30am booking required 020 7584 1331 www.hillhouseschool.co.uk www.stmwschool.org.uk

EATON HOUSE BELGRAVIA PRE-PREP 3-8 Boys Open Evening 10/10 7-9pm 020 7924 6000 www.eatonhouseschools.com

MORE HOUSE SCHOOL 11-18 Girls Open day 5/10 4.30-8pm 020 7235 2855 www.morehouse.org.uk

ST GABRIEL’S C.E. PRIMARY SCHOOL 4-11 Co-Ed Open days 2/10, 6/10, 17/10, 1/11 and 23/11 020 7641 6300 www.stgabrielsprimary.co.uk

SW2

PARSONS GREEN PREP 4-11 Co-Ed Open Day 7/10 at 9.30am, plus midweek tours on Thursdays at 9am by appointment only.

020 7371 9009 www.parsonsgreenprep.co.uk

LANGFORD PRIMARY SCHOOL 4-11 Co-Ed Tours every week, book in advance 020 7736 4045 www.langfordprimary.org.uk

KENSINGTON PREP SCHOOL 4-11 Girls Open Day 5/10 1.45-3pm 020 7731 9300 www.kensingtonprep.gdst.net

LONDON ORATORY 7-18 boys and 16-18 girls Open days First Form 2/10 2.30pm, Junior House 18/10 at 6pm and 16/11 at 2pm, Sixth Form 11/10 at 6.30pm 020 7385 0102 www.london-oratory.org

STREATHAM AND CLAPHAM PREP

SINCLAIR HOUSE SCHOOL

3-11 Girls Open Morning 7/10 10am-12pm 020 8674 6912 www.schs.gdst.net

2-11 Co-Ed Open Morning 5/10 10-11.30am 020 7736 9182 www.sinclairhouseschool.co.uk

CHRIST CHURCH STREATHAM CE PRIMARY

SW7

4-11 Co-Ed Open days 16/10 10am and 2pm, 20/11 10am book on 020 8674 4308 www.christchurchstreatham.lambeth.sch.uk

THE HAMPSHIRE SCHOOL

ST JOSEPH’S PRIMARY

3-13 Co-Ed Tours of main school on Wednesdays at 9am and of Early Years School on Mondays and Thursdays at 1.30pm 020 7352 7077 www.thehampshireschoolchelsea.co.uk

4-11 Co.ed 12/10 1pm and 8/11 www.stjosephs.rbkc.sch.uk

ST NICHOLAS PREPARATORY SCHOOL

SW4

2-10 Co-Ed Open Morning 18/11 9.30-11am plus Open House every Wednesday and Thursday during term time 9.30-10.30am book in advance 020 7225 1277 www.stnicholasprep.co.uk

SW3

EATON HOUSE THE MANOR 8-13 Boys Open Morning 7/10 9-10.30am and 11am-12.30pm 020 7924 6000 www.eatonhouseschools.com

LARKHALL PRIMARY 4-11 Co-ed 19/10 am and 23/11 9am www.larkhalllambeth.sch.uk 020 7622 3820

EATON HOUSE BELGRAVIA PREP 8-13 Boys Open Evening 3/10 7-9pm 020 7924 6000 www.eatonhouseschools.com

WIX PRIMARY SCHOOL

SW8

4-11 Co-Ed Open Morning 8/11 9.3011.30am, 020 7228 6727 http://wixschoolnet

NEWTON PREP

SW6

4-11 Co-Ed Open Day 7/10 9.30am-12.30pm, also Friday tours by appointment 9-10.30am 020 7720 4091 www.newtonprepschool.co.uk

FULHAM PREP SCHOOL

SW10

4-13 Co-Ed Pre-Prep Open Morning 19/10 and 30/11 9.15am, 10.15am and 11.15am, call to book a place and time slot 020 7471 4217, Prep School tours by appointment only 020 7386 2444 www.fulhamprep.co.uk

3-11 Girls 3-8 Boys Tours Tuesdays and Thursdays during term time 9.30am booking required 020 7352 9247 www.redcliffeschool.com

12 Families South West

Young Giants Tutoring agency

Call to book your place now

REDCLIFFE SCHOOL

SW11 DOLPHIN SCHOOL 4-11 Co-Ed Open Mornings Thursdays 9.1510.30am by appointment 020 7924 3472 www.dolphinschool.org.uk

THE DOMINIE 6-11 Co-Ed Tours by appointment Please contact the school to find out more about their specialist teaching for dyslexic children 020 7720 8783 www.thedominie.co.uk

THAMES CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 11-16 Co-Ed Open Morning 11/10 and 7/11 11am-1pm 020 7228 3933 www.thameschristianschool.org.uk

JOHN BURNS PRIMARY SCHOOL 4-11 Co-Ed Open Morning 6/10, 13/10 and 20/10 11-11.45am 020 7228 3857 www.johnburns.wandsworth.sch.uk

CHRIST CHURCH CE PRIMARY SCHOOL 4-11 Co-Ed Open Days 3/10 9.45am, 8/11 1.30pm and 8/1/18 10.30am-12pm 020 7228 2812 www.christchurch.wandsworth.sch.uk

BELLEVILLE PRIMARY SCHOOL 4-11 Co-Ed Open Mornings 1/11 and 2/11 at 9.30am booking not required 020 7228 6727 www.belleville-school.org.uk/home

SW12 BROOMWOOD HALL Ramsden Road Pre-prep 4-8 Co-ed 10/10 8.45- 10.15 Nightingale Lane Prep School 8-13 Girls 10/10 10- 11.15am Please register by calling 020 8682 8830 www.broomwood.co.uk

WHITE HOUSE PREP SCHOOL 4-11 Co-Ed Open Day 18/11 11am, call to book 020 8674 9514 www.whitehouseschool.com

LONDON STEINER SCHOOL 4-11 Co-Ed Weekly school tours by appointment every Wednesday at 9am 020 8772 3504 www.waldorflondon.co.uk

RAVENSTONE SCHOOL 4-11 Co-Ed Open Mornings 3/10, 10/10, 14/11 and 21/11 020 8673 0594 www.ravenstoneschool.co.uk Familiesonline.co.uk

SW13

STANFORD PRIMARY SCHOOL

4-18 Co-Ed Regular tours during term time 020 8762 6321 www.harrodian.com

4-11 Co-Ed Tours of the school 6/10 at 9.30am and 14/11 9.30am and 2pm 020 8764 3892 www.stanford.merton.sch.uk

SW15

SW18

THE HARRODIAN SCHOOL

IBSTOCK PLACE SCHOOL 3-18 Co-Ed The Prep School Open Morning for Junior School 15/11 9.30am booking required 020 8876 9991 / 020 8392 5803 www.ibstockplaceschool.co.uk

GRANARD PRIMARY SCHOOL 4-11 Co-Ed Tours on 18/10 and 16/11 at 9.30am call to book a place 020 8788 3606 www.granardprimary.co.uk

PUTNEY HIGH SCHOOL 4-18 Girls Junior School Open Mornings 14/10 9-11.45am, 19/10 9.30-10.45am, and 20/10 9.30-10.45am, Senior School Open Days 14/10 9.45am-1pm, 16/10 2.15-3.50pm, 17/10 8.4510.45am, and 18/10 8.45-10.45am, Sixth Form Open Morning 14/10 11.45am-1pm 020 8788 4886 www.putneyhigh.gdst.net

SW16 BROOMWOOD HALL PRE-PREP Garrad’s Road 4-8 Co-ed 12/10 9- 10.30am Please register by calling 020 8682 8830 www.broomwood.co.uk

THE ROCHE SCHOOL 2.5-11 Co-Ed Open Mornings 6/10 and 15/11 9.15-11.30am call to make an appointment on 020 8877 0823 www.therocheschool.co.uk

ST MICHAEL’S CE PRIMARY SCHOOL 4-11 Co-Ed Contact the school to book a place on one of their Open Mornings in October TBC 020 8874 7786 www.stmichaelswandsworth.sch.uk

PARK HOUSE SCHOOL / TRAM HOUSE SCHOOL 4-19 Co-Ed Open days 19/10, 16/11 and 14/12 1-3pm 020 3031 9707 / 9700 www.beyondautismschools.org.uk

SW19 KINGS’SCHOOL 7-16 Boys, 16-18 Co-Ed Sixth Form Open Evening 15/10 at 6pm, Lower School Open Evening 10/10 at 6pm 020 8255 5437 www.kcs.org.uk

THE STUDY PREP SCHOOL

STREATHAM AND CLAPHAM HIGH SCHOOL

4-11 Girls Tours on Tuesdays in September and October 9.20-10.30am 020 8947 6969 www.thestudyprep.co.uk

11-18 Girls Open Mornings 10/10 and 8/11 9.15-11.30am, Sixth Form Open Evening 4/10 6.30-8.30pm 020 8677 8400 www.schs.gdst.net

4-13 Boys Tours of the school by appointment 020 8944 7020 www.willingtonschool.co.uk

Familiesonline.co.uk

WILLINGTON INDEPENDENT PRIMARY SCHOOL

WIMBLEDON COMMON PREP (also known as Squirrels) 4-7 Boys Open Morning 11/10 9.15-11am, go to website to make a booking. Plus tours of the school by appointment 020 8946 1001 www.wimbledoncommonprep.co.uk

WIMBLEDON HIGH SCHOOL 11-18 Girls Main Open Morning 7/10 9.30am12.30pm and a further Open Morning 11/10 8.50-10.20am 020 8971 0900 www.wimbledonhigh.gdst.net

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

W6 RAVENSCOURT PARK PREP SCHOOL 4-11 Co-Ed Open Morning 12/10 and 14/11 9am, booking necessary 020 8846 9153 www.rpps.co.uk

SE22 JAMES ALLEN’S GIRLS’ SCHOOL 4-18 Girls Senior School Open Day 10.30am12pm, 7/10 10am-1pm and 19/10 10.30am12pm, Pre-Prep and Prep Open Day 7/10 at 10am-12pm 020 8693 1181 www.jags.org.uk We take every care preparing this info, but things can change, so do please check with schools or websites before setting out.

Families South West 13

14 Families South West

Familiesonline.co.uk

SCHOOL NEWS

STUDENT-CENTERED LEARNING Student-centred learning has gained widespread recognition as best practice in education over that last decade, and new private tutoring company Young Giants has taken this to its heart.

Student-centred learning refers to a style of teaching that places the student’s learning needs, interests, and aspirations at the heart of the instruction. Examining first what the student hopes to achieve, a teacher will work with the student to consider the necessary planning and assessment needed to reach the goal. In this way the student becomes empowered as they are treated as an equal part of the learning process, seeing for themselves what is needed and why. Subject content is then delivered through the student’s strengths and interests, developing within the student a more meaningful understanding of a subject as they are asked to consider knowledge within real world contexts.

The approach has been proven to be most effective in developing higher order thinking skill such as analysis, evaluation and creativity, skills all looked for in the higher achievement bands of exam criteria. In addition, by focusing on what is learned, rather then what is taught, studentcentred teaching develops confidence and self-esteem within learning.

Run by qualified teacher and trainer, Jaime Johnson, Young Giants trains all of its tutors in methods of student-centred teaching for the development of confidence in learning. Providing tutors for private one-to-one tuition, group tuition, holiday study and home-schooling support, Young Giants works to empower and embolden today’s young learners.

Young Giants Tutoring Developing Confidence in Learning www.younggiants.co.uk 020 8068 8603

Streatham & Clapham High School making history

EXCELLENT RESULTS There have been fantastic results in schools this year, here are a few remarkable achievements: • Streatham & Clapham High School students have garnered the highest proportion of A* grades at A level in the school’s history! This year SCHS pupils achieved superb results, with the pass rate sustained at 100% for the sixth consecutive year. The percentage of A Levels awarded the top grade of A* was 19%, with grades awarded A*/A at 48% - not bad going! And this is in the context of students sitting a number of the ‘tougher’, linear A Level exams this year, in which all assessments take place at the end of the course rather than through a series of modules over two years. www.schs.gdst.net • Thames Christian School celebrated their GCSE results with 83% of their pupils achieving at least one A*/A grade and every pupil is going to their first choice for A levels or equivalent. The percentage of grades attained was 32% A*/A and 78% A*/C, significantly above the national average. Stephen Holsgrove, Head teacher, Thames Christian School comments: “Parents care deeply about their child’s education and so do we. At Thames each individual is educated according to their individual needs and strengths enabling our teachers to develop each pupil’s talents and inspire them to achieve.” www.thameschristiancollege.org.uk • Sydenham High’s GCSE results have hit new heights with an increase in top grades for the second year running. An excellent performance in Biology, Chemistry and Physics has contributed to over 34.9 per cent of all grades being A* and 61 per cent being A* or A. In total 94.7 per cent of grades were A*-C. Headmistress Katharine Woodcock said: “Congratulations to all our year 11 pupils on their excellent GCSE results. We are extremely proud of the girls and their strong performance is testament to their hard work and that of their teachers. Well done to all.” www.sydenham.lewisham.sch.uk

APPLYING FOR A PLACE AT SCHOOL? Make sure you don’t miss out on the application dates for entry to local schools for September 2018. All boroughs in SW London have the same deadlines. For entry into Secondary Schools in September 2018 in these boroughs the date is 31 October 2017. For more details, see individual borough websites.

For Primary School entry in September 2018 in Wandsworth, Merton, Kensington and Chelsea, Lambeth and Hammersmith and Fulham the closing date for applications is 15 January 2018.

More than half of all A Level grades at Sydenham High School were A*-B and 25% were A*/A. Familiesonline.co.uk

Families South West 15

Children Learning to Succeed...

First Class Learning Putney

Maths, English, 11+ Preparation Vicky Barnett BA, MSc, PGCE

020 8876 2553 www.firstclasslearning.co.uk

16 Families South West

Familiesonline.co.uk

EDUCATION

Children leaving Shaftesbury Park will not only be endowed with excellent maths and literacy skills but also with the skills most valued by employers—ambition and a drive to succeed.

Preparing primary children for the world of work. Really? So soon?

It is difficult to know what the world of work in years to come will look like for those currently in education. However, as organisations such as the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) report that an overemphasis upon passing exams in education is leaving large numbers of children ‘underequipped for real-life,’ it is clear that a different approach is needed.

DEVELOPING EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS With the CBI reporting that 89% of employers rate employability skills as essential, Shaftesbury Park Primary School in SW11 has chosen to make innovative changes to the curriculum by working with Enabling Enterprise.

Enabling Enterprise has helped the school to bring the world of work into the classroom. Skills such as self-reliance, creativity, problem solving, aiming high, staying positive, listening and understanding, presenting, working as a team and leadership have been embedded in the curriculum by engaging local and international business in delivering exciting projects that help equip the children with the skills, experiences and aspirations to succeed whatever the future may hold.

One such project involved Shaftesbury Park Year 5 children visiting a software company, Yoti. The children explored the different barriers companies face when communicating, and identified internal communications as an area which could be improved. The children then worked together to develop and refine their ideas for an app to aid communication between employees. They went on to pitch their ideas in front of company employees.

Not only do such projects pay dividends in terms of helping children develop crucial skills such as public speaking, they also enable pupils to feel empowered to take the lead in many aspects of school life from organising fundraising events to lobbying the Governing Body for a school garden. A group of students were so inspired by their recent enterprise project that they decided to tackle an issue in our local community, that of littering.

Having developed an idea, they then entered the capital-wide Mayor’s Fund for London City Pitch, presenting their idea at City Hall to a panel of judges and ultimately winning £1,500 of investment!

Familiesonline.co.uk

DEVELOPING SKILLS, EXPERIENCES AND ASPIRATIONS TO SUCCEED IN LIFE Shaftesbury Park headteacher Bunmi Richards told Families: “We firmly believe that it is never too early for children to begin developing these skills. Our Nursery and Reception classes recently completed a project to improve their local environment by designing and building a bug hotel to attract local insects. All eight enterprise skills were fully utilised in its creation!

Mrs Richards added: “It goes without saying that developing Enterprise capability is not at the expense of the development of core learning. It must be underpinned by sound maths and literacy skills. Children at Shaftesbury Park Primary School have had plenty of opportunity to apply these skills by visiting companies such as Experian (learning about spreadsheets and budgets), and law firm Hogan Lovell, which encouraged the development of strong literacy skills by engaging our children in real life scenarios and inviting them to present their case to a panel of lawyers.

Our vision for Shaftesbury Park Primary School is for all children to be empowered to succeed academically and socially so they can take a confident place in an increasingly global and digital future through a creative and diverse curriculum. Enterprise education is an integral part of this. Children leaving Shaftesbury Park will not only be endowed with excellent maths and literacy skills but also with the skills most valued by employers—ambition and a drive to succeed.” They should be proud!

Shaftesbury Park Primary School, Ashbury Road, Battersea SW11 5UW www.shaftesburypark.wandsworth.sch.uk

Families South West 17

Explore Learning We asked local mother Patricia Murphy to tell us about her experience with the Explore centre in Merton

• How has Explore helped and what impact has it had?

It is such a nice environment with friendly staff and a ratio of 6 children to 1 tutor. I use Explore Learning to reinforce what my son is learning at school. At Explore it is very personalized to each child, the computer and tutors work out where he is at and sets the work to an appropriate level. There is an hour of work in the group with 15 mins afterwards with fun things to do such as computer games, board games etc, which helped him to socialize. Because it is an individual service they can change the program to suit each child. Each level is for him, for his ability. I can see Explore has made learning fun for him.

• Would you recommend Explore?

• Why did you decide to join Explore?

I felt my son was needing help and support, because he is dyslexic and class sizes were 30+. My child started when he was four, Explore has helped us a lot, we are still there, he is nine now.

Definitely! No matter what your child’s ability, every child should go.

Without Explore he would definitely be behind; it has given him confidence, his concentration has improved a lot. He is always happy and willing to go—he goes twice a week, but he can go whenever he wants, it is flexible. I have recommended Explore to lots of parents who are worried about their child’s education. I always tell them not to hesitate and give it a go. They offer a free trial to see how they can help support your child.

Your nearest centres are Brixton, East Sheen, Fulham, Merton, Nine Elms and Wandsworth.

For ages 4 to 14 years.

They also have specific courses to prepare for the 11+.

Call 020 3909 2119 or visit www.explorelearning.co.uk to book your free trial.

18 Families South West

Familiesonline.co.uk

Familiesonline.co.uk

Families South West 19

20 Families South West

Familiesonline.co.uk

Can you really get 30 hours of free childcare per week?

By Ben Black

The recent increase from 15 to 30 hours of free early education and childcare per week brings with it no shortage of complications for parents looking to take advantage of the scheme – and confusion is rife.

Participating childcare settings include nurseries and nursery classes, playgroups and pre-schools, childminders and Sure Start Children’s Centres.

The key word is ‘participating’ as not all childcare settings will be participating in the scheme.

In theory, the new 30 hours of free childcare scheme should be hugely helpful for parents of 3 and 4 year olds in England who will be eligible. However, there have been some difficulties in the transition and the reality may be somewhat different from what was envisaged.

Parents who are not eligible will be able to continue receiving 15 hours of funded childcare.

Those who become ineligible after commencing to use 30 hours funded childcare will receive a ‘grace period’ of 30 hours funded care, before returning to the 15 hour entitlement.

Applications must be made by parents through the Government’s childcare service on the gov.uk website the term before they plan to start using free childcare. There are strict termly deadlines for application, so it's important for parents to keep a close eye on the Government’s cut off dates - or they will miss out on funding for the following term.

If parents are eligible, they’ll receive a code that will allow them to arrange their childcare place with any childcare provider on Ofsted’s Early Years Register. This code will allow for childcare with the provider for three months, before the code expires. Parents will be notified before the expiry date, giving them the opportunity to log back in and either confirm or update their circumstances.

To be eligible, children must be 3 or 4 years old, each parent (or sole parent) must be working, based in England and earning more than £120 per week (for those aged 25 or over) and no more than £100,000 year.

Familiesonline.co.uk

One of the key issues is the negative impact of the 30 hours funded childcare on the business models of childcare providers. This is because the hourly rate received by the provider from the Government may not cover the running costs of setting, leading to a funding shortfall. As a result, some providers have chosen to opt out of the scheme all together, whilst others will be charging parents for additional things such as nappies and food, or charging more for babies and children under 2 years old, meaning that the so-called ‘free’ childcare may not actually be free at all.

The consequence of childcare providers opting out of the scheme is that parents need to act as quickly as possible to secure the places that are on offer. Some providers may choose to offer only some of the funded hours, so parents may also need to consider splitting their childcare between more than one setting.

• Ben Black is CEO at www.myfamilycare.co.uk. Look also www.childcarechoices.gov.uk set up by the HRMC at. This also gives information about the new Tax Free Childcare Scheme.

Families South West 21

Est 1976 Ofsted registered and MEAB Accredited An independent nursery school for children 2 to 5 years

• EYFS and Montessori Method of teaching • MEAB inspected and accredited Montessori nurseries (the only ones in SW12) • Ballet, Drama, Football, French and Music classes • Morning, afternoon and full day sessions (term time only) • Summer Clubs Nightingale 1 Montessori: St Luke's Church Hall, 194 Ramsden Rd, SW12 8RQ. 07958 567210 Nightingale 2 Montessori: St Stephen's Church Hall, 35 Weir Rd, SW12 0NU. 07930 401769 Contact: info@nightingalemontessori.co.uk www.nightingalemontessori.co.uk Register early to avoid disappointment.

22 Families South West

Familiesonline.co.uk

FOSTERING

Wanting to make a positive difference to a child's life is often the main reason for becoming a foster carer

Could you be a foster carer?

A Wandsworth Council recruitment campaign is focussing on recruiting an additional 20 foster carers to meet the needs of their children and young people in their care. Could you be one?

People from all walks of life can consider becoming a foster carer. You can be married, in a civil partnership, or single, you can come from any cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Carers from a diverse range of religions—whether actively practicing or not—are welcome.

You don't have to own your own home - many of the carers rent their homes, whether these are houses or flats you will need to have a spare room. Many of the carers only undertake fostering as their main source of income, but others successfully combine working with fostering. Previous childcare experience will support you in your application to foster.

Children are placed into foster care for a whole range of reasons and, more often than not, it’s a temporary solution to ensure each child is cared for in a safe environment whilst issues are resolved.

People who refer a friend or relative who is successfully approved to be a foster carer will get £1,000 under a new council incentive scheme

PAULINE’S FOSTERING JOURNEY Pauline has fostered since 2012 - originally for another agency and then for Wandsworth Council. She’s single with two grown-up children.

“I am always out and about busy doing something; I love spending one to one time with the children and young people I foster and taking them out to places they enjoy.

As a single foster carer, I believe it is easier for the child because they get one to one attention. This is particularly beneficial for girls who are more comfortable with a female carer. My first placement was a child aged nine months who was adopted three years later. She was my little shining star, so clever and always happy and beaming. When the time came for her to be adopted I was very sad, but for me it was about preparing her to settle into her new permanent home. I prepared a large photo album and did lots of life story work to help her in her future journey.

Since then I’ve had a number of placements of children ranging from nine months to 16 years and each one has been a different learning experience. Some placements are easier than others but fostering is never easy – it has its challenges but the rewards are enormous.”

To find out more visit www.wandsworth.gov.uk/fostering

More foster carers are always needed, and the council has brought in the initiative because people who are referred by others have a higher application success rate.

It is all about spreading the word and encouraging people to sign up to a rewarding job that can transform a child or young person’s life. People from outside Wandsworth can be referred, and they can be married, single, divorced and from any religious or cultural background. All they need is the resilience and determination to take on a challenge and to have a spare room in their home.

To find out more call 020 8871 6666 or email: carerrecruitment@wandsworth.gov.uk

Familiesonline.co.uk

Families South West 23

BLOSSOM TREE CHILDCARE Affordable Childcare Long and short term affordable, Au pairs and Nannies We are a family-based Agency offering advice and assistance to families thinking about childcare options.

We shall support you before, after and during all placements.

Look forward to hearing from you.

All our applicants are personally interviewed and their references checked

Nannies, Maternity Nurses, Housekeepers and Mother’s Helps Permanent and Temporary Residential, Daily, Full and Part-Time Evening Babysitting Register

Tel: 020 8947 4666 Facebook: Wimbledon Nannies Twitter: @wimbledonannies

info@wimbledonnannies.co.uk www.wimbledonnannies.com 184 Copse Hill, SW20 0SP

info@blossomtreechildcare.co.uk 020 3302 7197 www.blossomtreechildcare.co.uk

Calling all baby Scientists!

Help us discover how babies learn!

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

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

0844 879 7189 www.likeminders.co.uk

Do you a need a cozy and affordable space for small groups?

ONLY £20 AN HOUR if you book before end of October

MEDITATION GROUPS • SMALL EVENTS FAIRS/SALES • DINNER PARTIES, ETC

www.TheLivingRoom.place

24 Families South West

Familiesonline.co.uk

HEALTH AND FITNESS

Get fit, get ski ready !

THE TELEGRAPH SKI & SNOWBOARD SHOW BATTERSEA PARK Taking place over half term, The Telegraph Ski & Snowboard Show in Battersea Park will offer thrill-seeking entertainment, informative talks and demonstrations, an offering of the latest apparel and equipment and opportunities to lap up the après lifestyle before the winter season kicks off! In the lead up to the 2018 Winter Olympics, visitors will have the chance to get up close and personal with the stars of the British Ski and Snowboard team during Q+A sessions in the Mountain Talks Theatre and marvel at their impressive stunts on the 50-ft real snow kicker. This year’s athletes will compete in a brand new big air competition. The main hall features a broad range of exhibitors including ski resorts, tour operators, all the top ski and snowboard brands, and a tech innovation zone with the most cutting-edge gadgets for winter.

Visitors are invited to the Mountain Talks Theatre, brought to you by Neilson, with a line up of expert guest speakers covering sustainability, avalanche safety and screenings of some of the industry’s best ski films.

To complete the après activities, there will be an ice skating rink, late night après on the Friday and Saturday, live music and comedy performances and alpine-themed food and drink stalls offering everything from hot chocolate to tartiflette. (We are going!)

Earlybird tickets are currently on sale from https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-telegraph-skisnowboard-show-2017-tickets Family Earlybird: £30

We have TWO tickets to give away, see our Facebook page to enter. @FamiliesSWlon

The Telegraph Ski and Snowboard Show this half term.

CHEL-SKI, LONDON’S VERY OWN #URBANMOUNTAIN! Chel-Ski is London’s only indoor ski centre offering the very best hi-tech slopes. A fun, safe and controlled environment where you can learn to ski or snowboard as well as advance existing skills - the speed and angle of the slopes are adjusted to match your ability.

Chel-Ski is the perfect place for children to learn to ski whilst having fun. The centre caters for skiers and boarders – running separate sessions for skiers and boarders – and welcome customers of all ages and experience levels.

Chel-Ski also offers group lessons in which clients are matched by age and ability, private tuition is also on offer for those who would prefer one-to-one lessons.

If your child is beginning to take skiing seriously and looking to try out for a ski club or school ski team, they can receive race training from the in house race coach. The Chel-Ski instructors will also work alongside the school teams coach to help develop your child’s technique and ability.

Chel-Ski is also a brilliant venue for children’s parties all year round, it is great fun for girls and boys aged 5 to 16. A range of ski abilities within the party group is no problem at all. The instructors create a range of on slope party games, skiing and snowboarding depending on each child’s ability and age.

Open from 10am to 10.30pm, Monday to Sunday. 4 Sotheron Place, Michael Road, London SW6 2EJ www.chel-ski.uk

Familiesonline.co.uk

Families South West 25

26 Families South West

Familiesonline.co.uk

Our skilled staff prepare children aged 2­5 years for their next school and start them on a journey of life­long learning.

PAINTING & DECORATING

Incorporating art, cooking, music, sport, languages, drama, yoga and all aspects of the Early Years Curriculum. Please arrange a visit to see the learning and excitement in action.

Interior / Exterior Experienced, Reliable, Clean Fully Guaranteed / Insured FREE ADVICE & QUOTE

www.oaktreenurseryschool.co.uk Ramsden Hall, 21 Ramsden Road, Balham, SW12 8QX Tel: 020 8166 5932

Familiesonline.co.uk

John:- James & Lamont

020 8462 4646 - 07802 535695

Families South West 27

How to get your children in the

HALLOWEEN SPIRIT It's one of the best times of the year for children, but how can you help your child get into the spirit of Halloween? We've come up with lots of ideas to create a truly scary atmosphere for your child so that everyone is ready and prepared for the spookiest event of the year.

All children like to make a mess and be imaginative. Well, let them do this for Halloween. Most of these ideas only require simple materials and things you can find lying around your house.

Leeds Castle

GET CRAFTY!

Milk bottle ghosts Using empty milk cartons and black pen, draw spooky faces onto the plastic.

Tissue paper ghouls Take an old jam jar and wrap with tissue paper. Then draw spooky faces onto the paper. You can then either place a torch inside or a candle with parental supervision.

Halloween decorations You can choose whether to design pumpkins, Frankenstein or ghouls and will then need orange, green or white tissue paper respectively. Wrap the tissue around a toilet

Spooky spider crafts For this, all you'll need is an old toilet roll, paint, scissors, paper and googly eyes. All you need to do is cut the end of the roll into 8 leg sized pieces and bend the legs upwards so they stick out. Dip the legs in black paint and print onto paper. Then stick on your eyes.

Costumes nowadays can be really expensive, and whilst some children will happily go out wearing a bin bag with arm holes cut in, others will want something a little more complex.

Rather than spend a fortune on pricey costumes, find ways to design their own. Here are a few simple ideas.

Witch's hat Roll a large piece of cardboard into a cone to fit the circumference of your child's head.

Glue, or tape from the inside and trim any spare cardboard (this could be used for decoration later). Then decorate as you please - use glitter, coloured can and pens to design your hat.

Make a cardboard Wall-E If your child likes Disney, then this character is incredibly easy to make, and just involves cutting holes in a large cardboard box. If that doesn't suffice, wrap arms and legs in tin foil, and create goggles using either cardboard or an empty egg box.

Pumpkin prints Cut an apple in half, dip in orange paint and have pumpkin shapes printed before your eyes! roll, tuck in at one end and tie with a pipe cleaner at the other. Then decorate with whatever you can get your hands on!

Magic foaming potion Take a glass, and place it in a large container to catch overflowing liquid. Fill the glass about halfway full with vinegar. Then put a few drops of food colouring on a spoon with bicarbonate of soda (the more you use the bigger the foam!). Stir the spoon into the vinegar and watch the magic happen. You could also add some glitter for extra sparkle!

28 Families South West

GET COSTUME DESIGNING!

Crocodile Another way you can recycle those old boxes is by making a crocodile head. Take a long square box and cut a large triangular shape out of both sides for the jaws (make sure you cut enough out so your child can see!). Then cut teeth out of white paper and voila! To make this even more specific, you could consider pairing this with a ticking clock to replicate the crocodile in Peter Pan. SAFETY: Always beware of risk of fire.

Familiesonline.co.uk

GET COOKING! What better way to enjoy this event than with lots of edible treats?

Below are some really easy and cheap ideas you can try at home.

HALLOWEEN EVENTS 23-27 October Terrible Terror Tours Family ghost tours that will entertain and delight your little terrors.

Learn about the spooky history of Ham House with a goody bag for every child. 45pm, £10

HAMPTON COURT PALACE

Halloween custard Layer broken-up chocolate brownie and custard into a short glass. Once filled to the top, use 2 mini marshmallows and chocolate buttons to create eyes.

Chocolate mousse gravestones Take your chocolate mousse (either homemade or shop bought) and crumble broken Oreo biscuits over the top to resemble dirt. Then stick a rich tea biscuit gravestone and use an icing pen to write the message on the tombstone.

Jelly worms Pack a cup with straws and pour in your jelly mix. Then leave to set in the fridge.

Getting them out can be tricky, but you could turn this into a great Halloween game!

Muddy worms Make up a batch of chocolate Angel delight, and poke jelly worms out of the top as

A packed programme of freaky activities at Bocketts Farm Compiled by Joanna Parry

HALLOWEEN PUMPKIN QUIZ TRAIL Battersea Park Children’s Zoo Battersea Park, Chelsea Bridge Gate, Battersea SW11 4NJ 0207 924 5826, www.batterseaparkzoo.co.uka 21-29 October Which of their animals have pumpkins this year? Buy a quiz sheet upon entry and use the clues to help you find which animals are taking part in the Halloween fun. Cost £1, usual entrance fee applies.

EDDIE CATZ

though they're coming out of the ground.

Then sprinkle with grated chocolate to look like worm casts.

Cheeseburger faces A great dinner treat to celebrate Halloween and this requires no effort or skill! Simply place or tear cheese into faces and melt on the top of your burgers.

For more amazing Halloween ideas visit www.familiesonline.co.uk

Familiesonline.co.uk

First Floor, 68-70 Putney High Street SW15 1SF 42 Station Road SW19 2LP 279 Magdalen Road SW18 3NZ 0203 4755268 www.eddiecatz.com 26, 27 and 28 October Annual Family Halloween Parties Across the 3 branches in SW London – Putney, Earlsfield and Wimbledon Colliers Wood – join in the fun with these annual Halloween bashes.

Times vary depending on venue. See www.eddiecatz.com for more information and to book online.

ELTHAM PALACE Court Yard, Eltham, Greenwich SE9 5QE 0870 333 1181, www.englishheritage.org.uk/visit/places/eltha m-palace-and-gardens 23-27 October Half Term Horrors Creepy crafts await at eerie Eltham Palace. Show off your spooktacular costumes and frighten their fearless staff in a costume competition - a perfect day out for the family.

They also have pumpkin carving sessions - what face will you create? 11am, 12pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm, first come first served. Entry fees apply, plus £4 for pumpkin carving.

HAM HOUSE AND GARDEN Ham Street, Richmond-uponThames TW10 7RS 020 8940 1950 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hamhouse-and-garden Ham House is so close to us, a delightful place by the river 21-29 October Hallowe’en half term fun Hallowe'en hocus pocus at Ham House. Take part in a children's Witch Hunt, decorate a pumpkin biscuit or make your own witch's hat.

KT8 9AU 0844 482 7777, hrp.org.uk/HamptonCourtPalace 31 October Family Ghost Tours From the spot where two bodies were discovered in shallow graves in the 1870s to the haunted realm of former Grace and Favour apartments, where will you find yourself when midnight approaches? Plus, a special late-night tour will delve even further into eerie tales of residents past, with the route taking in parts of the castle normally closed to visitors, from empty former Grace and Favour apartments to disused stairwells. 6.30pm Family Ghost Tour, 7.15pm Adult Ghost Tour, 10.20pm Late Night Special, prices vary depending on tour.

HORNIMAN MUSEUM AND GARDENS 100 London Road SE23 3PQ 020 8699 1872, www.horniman.ac.uk 28 and 29 October The Horniman Halloween Fair Join them for fiendish fun at their annual Halloween Fair.

Enjoy amazing arts and crafts markets, plus spooky animal handling and more. Come dressed in your scariest costume and join in the Halloween happenings at the Horniman. 10.30am-4.30pm, free entry.

LEEDS CASTLE Maidstone ME17 1PL 01622 765400, www.leedscastle.com 23-29 October Wacky Witches and Wizards Find the wacky witches and wizards around the Castle grounds and listen to their spooky tales although beware, they often get themselves in a monster

Families South West 29

HALLOWEEN EVENTS muddle. Their silly sorcerers are making big mistakes, note them on your trail card to be rewarded with a chocolate prize. A spooky quest is available in the Woodland Walk for younger visitors (small additional charge applies). Join in the fancy dress competition at 2pm each day, dance in the 'Monster Mash Ball' and take part in spooky games.

LONDON CANAL MUSEUM 12-13 New Wharf Road King's Cross N1 9RT www.canalmuseum.org.uk 28-29 October The Amazing Halloween Experience Includes story telling in the museum by a witch whose spine-chilling tales will make your flesh creep, plus a trip through the three-quarter-mile-long Islington Tunnel on a decorated narrowboat in the dark. Every year this event is a hit with families. Why not dress up for the occasion? 3-9.30pm, prices and times vary depending on event.

Party Join them on a spooky journey through the icy depths of the National Maritime Museum at their annual family Halloween party. Investigate a haunted ship and meet ghostly explorers who have come back to life to join in the fun. 11am-4pm, £8, all ages.

the eerie woods of London’s most frightful park. Survivors receive a free slime shot before creeping over to the glow in the dark after party, featuring a live DJ and bar.

Will you survive?

Have a wild time this Halloween with den building, woodland craft, campfires, treasure hunts and spooky adventures. Age 8-13, 9am-4pm, £40 per day, £170 for 5 days.

WARNER BROS STUDIO TOUR LONDON

NCT HALLOWEEN FAMILY EVENT

PARTY SHOPS

Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden WD25 7LR www.wbstudiotour.co.uk/HarryPotter 27 October – 6 November Dark Arts The Harry Potter studio is given a spooky makeover in this chilling Halloween feature.

Test your nerves by walking down a gloomy Diagon Alley, avoid the followers of He-Who-Must-NotBe-Named who patrol the sets, and practise your wand combat techniques against Death Eaters, as you enter the menacing world of the Dark Arts.

St Luke’s Community Hall, 194 Ramsden Road SW12 www.nct.org.uk/branches/clapham 14 October Join them for a wonderful Halloween family event, with entertainment for babies and children under 5 plus pampering for Mums. Includes free Monkey Music lesson, Talking Tots, Baby Sensory taster, free Mummy-MeTime mini pamper sessions, fancy dress competition, Halloween games and crafts and much more.

1.30-3.30pm, buy tickets online.

BOCKETTS FARM OSTERLEY PARK AND HOUSE

NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM

Jersey Road, Isleworth TW7 4RB www.nationaltrust.org.uk/osterleypark-and-house 21-29 October Hallowe’en Pumpkin Festival Enjoy spooky fun and activities in this week-long pumpkin festival. £3 per pumpkin, 11am-4pm. Play silly games, jump around in crunchy leaves and carve your scariest face on a pumpkin.

27-28 October After Dark Tours For the brave amongst you, join them for a creepy evening tour of Osterley and discover the darker side of this Georgian party manor's history.

Park Row, Greenwich SE10 9NF www.rmg.co.uk/national-maritimemuseum 26-28 October Museum Late: Quarantine The National Maritime Museum opens its doors after hours for this interactive horror event for Halloween. A devastating virus, dredged up from the depths of the ocean has infected the Museum’s research staff with terrifying consequences. Follow the clues to find the antidote to this mysterious maritime illness, encountering creepy characters and unusual objects along the way. Will you be able to keep your team safe and solve the mystery before it’s too late? From 7pm, £20 27 October Lost in the ice! Halloween

Southwark Park http://humanrace.co.uk/event/trickor-treat-run 28 October Join thousands and brave the paths of Southwark Park as its haunted horrors come to life. Creep it real with friends and family as you run, jog or sneak around this 2.5km or 5km central London course, only 3 stops from Waterloo station.

Afternoon Spooky Run - bring the family together for this spooky Halloween extravaganza. Think pumpkin party, ghastly ghouls and wicked witches - with prizes for the most spook-tacular costumes and hair-raising surprises, you’d be a devil not to enter. Evening Scare Run - a moonlit 5km run through

THE LONDON DUNGEON Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, Lambeth SE1 7PB www.thedungeons.com/london To 6 November Halloween Show It’s Full Scream Ahead as the Home of Halloween invites you to experience the scariest journey of the 19th Century. This gets booked up very fast so get your tickets now!

30 Families South West

TRICK OR TREAT RUN

Leatherhead, Surrey www.bockettsfarm.co.uk Wizards and Witches Week 21-29 October 2017 Packed programme of fun and freaky activities including a Quiz Trail, Creepy Craft Corner and Reptile Roadshow. Amazing magic shows, daily activities including pony rides, tractor rides, animal handling and pig racing. The Animal Barns are also open, where you can meet and feed all of the friendly farm animals. There is a large heated indoor play barn, trampolines, pedal go karts, young driver’s area and a jumping pillow, phew…

WILD HALLOWEEN CAMP Painshill Park, Portsmouth Road, Cobham KT11 1JE www.painshill.co.uk 23-27 October

Where to get the best costumes in town!

CIRCUS CIRCUS 176 Wandsworth Bridge Road SW6 2UQ 7731 4128 www.circuscircus.co.u

NON STOP PARTY SHOP 214-216 Kensington High Street W8 7RG 020 7937 7200 www.nonstopparty.co.uk/kensington

OCCASIONS 27 Ebury Bridge Road SW1W 8QX 020 7730 7088 www.occasionspimlico.co.uk

PARTY SUPERSTORES 268-, 274 Lavender Hill SW11 1LJ 020 7924 3210 www.partyshoplondon.co.uk/clapham -junction

THE SEWING AND CRAFT SUPERSTORE 292-312 Balham High Road London SW17 7AA 20 8767 4724 A fantastic craft store with everything you can possibly need: material for sewing, haberdashery, cake accessories, soft furnishing and also Halloween too. This year they are stocking a wide range of Halloween accessories: spiders' webs, light batons, pretend blood, severed hands, broomsticks, axes, spray paint etc

Familiesonline.co.uk

Familiesonline.co.uk

Families South West 31

FIREWORKS

from a barge moored between Waterloo and Blackfriars bridges.

Watch from the banks or grab a prime position on one of the bridges. Admission is free or book a Grandstand seat through the website, from £39

MORDEN PARK FIREWORKS London Road, Morden SM4 5HE www.merton.gov.uk/fireworks 5 November Amazing Bonfire Night action at Morden Park, with two spectacular musical firework displays plus traditional bonfires.

Gates open at 5.15pm, first bonfire lit at 6.30pm, children’s fireworks 6.45pm, second bonfire lit at 8.15pm, fireworks 8.30pm.

Tickets on the gate or buy in advance from the website – children £6, adults £8, family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) £25

Firework safety advice Compiled by Joanna Parry

As the Diwali Festival of Light and Bonfire Night fast approaches and with all the excitement of rockets and Catherine wheels among adults and kids alike, it can be easy to overlook the potential dangers of bonfire and firework celebrations.

BISHOPS PARK FIREWORKS

CRYSTAL PALACE FIREWORKS

RAVENSCOURT PARK FIREWORKS

Bishops Park, Fulham SW6 3LA www.lbhf.gov.uk 3 November Doors open 6pm, children’s fireworks 7.15pm, main fireworks 8pm. Plus funfair rides and food stalls. Tickets on the door, under 5s free. Advance tickets available.

Crystal Palace Park SE19 2AA www.crystalpalacefireworks.co.uk 5 November Not one but two fireworks displays plus a family funfair and stalls selling traditional food and drink. Gates open 6pm, Children’s Show 7pm, gates close 8.15pm, Adult Show 8.30pm. Funfair runs until 10pm. Tickets must be bought in advance as none will be available at the gate. No parking available.

London W6 020 8741 5378 www.lbhf.gov.uk 4 November Gates open 6pm, children’s fireworks 7.15pm, main fireworks 8pm. Expect rockets, bangers, food stalls, rides and more. Tickets in advance and on the gate.

A FEW SAFETY TIPS BATTERSEA PARK Did you know: Fireworks can travel at speeds of 150 mph, the cruising speed of some biplanes!

Make sure the fireworks you buy are meant for home use, are suitable for the size of your garden and are marked with British Standard number (BS 7114).

You should also: 1. Store fireworks in a metal box with a lid during the display 2. Use a torch for checking instructions 3. Use a taper for lighting fireworks 4. Have a bucket of water close to hand 5. Have a bucket or other container of soft earth to stick fireworks in 6. Use a board or other nonflammable rigid surface for flatbottomed fireworks 7. Use supports or launches for Catherine wheels or rockets Now that you’re clear on keeping your family safe; enjoy your Diwali celebrations on October 20th and Bonfire Night on 5th November!

Have fun. Be safe.

32 Families South West

FIREWORKS

Battersea Park SW11 www.wandsworth.gov.uk/fireworks www.enablelc.org/fireworks 4 November One of the biggest highlights of the year is the annual Battersea Park Fireworks display. A great night out for families, with lots of entertainment and fun. This year’s display will be set to music made by legends, fired by the award-winning Jubilee Fireworks. Gates open 6pm (no entries after 8pm), fireworks 8.10pm, advance tickets £7-£10, children under 10 go free but need a ticket.

BLACKHEATH FIREWORKS Blackheath, Shooters Hill Road SE3 0TY 020 8314 7321 www.lewisham.gov.uk/fireworks 4 November The Blackheath Fireworks is one of the city's few major displays that remain free to attend, so it's no wonder so many people turn up each year. A Funfair from midday and food and drink stalls from 5pm.

Free entry.

EALING FIREWORKS Ealing Cricket Club, Corfton Road W5 2HS020 8997 1858 www.ealingcc.co.uk / http://buytickets.at/ealingcricketclub /109953 4 November If you like your fireworks displays to be dramatic and set to rousing music, then head to the Ealing Fireworks Display. With bars, BBQs, mulled wine, candy floss and children’s rides. Gates open at 6pm, display 7.30pm. Advance booking £6 adult/ £4 child under 14, pay at the gates on the night £7/£5

LORD MAYOR’S SHOW River Thames, between Waterloo Bridge and Blackfriars Bridge www.lordmayorsshow.london 11 November The Lord Mayors Show celebrates an 800-year tradition with parades, festivities, fireworks and more in this historic London event. The fireworks display starts at 5.15pm,

SOUTHWARK PARK BONFIRE NIGHT AND FIREWORK DISPLAY Southwark Park, Lower Road SE16 2PA www.southwark.gov.uk/southwarkpre sents/fireworks 4 November Short and sweet fireworks, plus family entertainment. Gates open 5.15pm, fireworks display 7pm, free. Tickets on sale from early October.

WIMBLEDON PARK FIREWORKS Wimbledon Park, Park Road SW18 5NR www.merton.gov.uk/fireworks 4 November Two bonfires, two firework displays and a fantastic fairground, all set to rousing music. Gates open at 5.15pm, first bonfire lit at 6.30pm, children’s fireworks 6.45pm, second bonfire lit at 8.15pm, fireworks 8.30pm. Hot food, stalls and drinks. Tickets on the gate or buy in advance from the website - – children £6, adults £8, family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) £25

Familiesonline.co.uk

Familiesonline.co.uk

Families South West 33

HALF TERM HOLIDAY LISTINGS We took every care in preparing these entries but sometimes events are cancelled or times changed. Please double check event with the organiser to avoid disappointment.

Compiled by Joanna Parry

ARTS AND CRAFTS EDDIE CATZ PUTNEY, WIMBLEDON AND EARLSFIELD First Floor, 68-70 Putney High Street SW15 1SF 42 Station Road SW19 2LP 279 Magdalen Road SW18 3NZ 0203 4755268 www.eddiecatz.com 21-29 October Half Term Holiday Activities Across the 3 branches in SW London – Putney, Earlsfield and Wimbledon Colliers Wood – there will be plenty of Holiday Camps to choose from including Trolls Dance and Creative Workshops with Dance Grooves, Eddie Catz Annual Halloween Parties and Funky Feet Disco. See www.eddiecatz.com for more information and to book online.

Prices usually include lunch and a free play at the venue, plus Eddie Catz appears in all venues twice a day to meet and greet the children.

NAOMI MARTIN TOUCH TYPING Sinclair House School, 59 Fulham High Street SW6 3JJ Dawes Road Hub, Matthew Court, 20 Dawes Road SW6 7EN 07949 204553, www.nmtouchtyping.co.uk 23–27 October Touch Typing Courses Touch typing courses for children aged 7+, classes are 90 minutes long, £250 for the week. Classes are mixed age and ability. Sibling discounts available.

YELLOWBIRD EDUCATION Parsons Green Prep School, 1 Fulham Park Road, Fulham SW6 4LJ 020 7731 0695 / 07790 912318, hello@yellowbirdeducation.com www.yellowbirdeducation.com 23 October – 3 November Exam Prep Workshops Perfect your child’s comprehension, writing and interview skills in time for January

34 Families South West

exams, for age 7+, 8+ and 11+.

Includes Comprehensive and Composition Workshop, Creative Writing, Discursive Writing and Interview Practice Sessions. Prices vary depending on course.

LANGUAGES ET PATATI PATATA Thomas’ Academy, Parsons Green SW7 07966 893674, caroline@etpatatipatata.com www.etpatatipatata.com 23-27 October Fun French October Day Camp Join the award winning French immersion programme and learn French without leaving London.

Fun activities including French music, French art, patisserie, French coding, French musical, sport…and it’s all 100% French fun! 4-14 years, in 3 groups, 9am3pm.

CLUB PETIT PIERROT Venues in Chelsea and across SW London 020 7385 5565, admin@clubpetitpierrot.co.uk www.clubpetitpierrot.co.uk 28 October Halloween Fun spooky-themed and educational activities, organised in partnership with Petit Bateau. Not only will the children have fun, but they will also learn some French!

All ages & levels of French welcome.

31 October Librarie La Page Inspired by French culture and literature, this is a fun storytelling workshop. Without realising it, children will learn new vocabulary and they will re-use it appropriately, as the teacher takes them on an imaginary literary adventure with many games, songs as well as spooky arts & crafts for the 3-6 yrs old group. Come in your scary costume. 3.30pm age 13, 4.15pm age 3-6, at Libraire La Page Bookshop, 7 Harrington Road, South Kensington SW7 3ES

The Strings Club

MUSIC AND DRAMA

activities all based around music thrown in for good measure, you'll be amazed how much they can learn whilst having fun.

FUNKY MONKEY KEYBOARD CLASSES

FUNKY MOVES DANCE

Streatham, Balham, Herne Hill, Beckenham 01732 457100, mail@funkymonkey.info www.funkymonkey.info 23-27 October Funky ‘One Hit Wonder’ Taster Days A brilliant all-round introduction to the electronic keyboard for 4-9 year old beginners. Learn how to read, play and write notes C-A alongside basic keyboard technique, plus composition, artwork, singing and performance skills. All equipment and mid morning snack provided, please bring packed lunch.

Maximum 10 children per class, 10am-2pm.

23-25 October. 'Frightful Fingers' Halloween Workshops One day workshops for beginners - a perfect opportunity to try out the keyboard and make music the fun way. Children learn in small groups how to write and play notes C-G and try some famous tunes using electronic keyboards.

With games, quizzes and art

POLKA THEATRE

Balham, Dulwich and Wimbledon 07810 431101, info@funkymoves.com www.funkymoves.com 23-26 October Half term Courses Amazing Street Dance workshops, break dance skills class, funky arts and crafts activities, fancy dress games and spectacular performances. 9.30am–12.30pm daily, age 3-12, £105 + VAT per course.

240 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB 020 8543 4888 www.polkatheatre.com 23-29 October Half Term Holiday Workshops A range of exciting holiday workshops for budding actors, directors, designers and costume makers, including Puppetry Party, Stop Motion Animation and Magic!

Ages, times, dates and prices vary, see website for details.

LITTLE HOUSE OF SCIENCE Kensington & Chelsea www.littlehouseofscience.com 23-29 October Spooky Science Fun October half term. 3 days 10am-3pm. Drop off. Classes for 4 to 11yrs.

Familiesonline.co.uk

HALF TERM HOLIDAY LISTINGS UPBEAT MUSIC

ALLSORTS DRAMA •More House School SW1 •Notting Hill Prep School W11 020 8969 3249 www.allsortsdrama.com Drama Workshops Popular and fun drama workshops for ages 4-6 and 7-11, dates vary depending on venue. The perfect way to keep your child entertained and stimulated in a creative and structured way.

SPARKS (FORMERLY STUDIO FILM SCHOOL) Broomwood Hall School, Nightingale Lane SW12 8NR 020 7101 9329, hello@sparksignite.com www.sparks-ignite.com Dates in October half term Holiday Courses Shoot, crew, direct, act in and edit your own blockbuster. See website for details.

THE STRINGS CLUB The London Steiner School, 9 Weir Road, SW12 0LT www.thestringsclub.org/events/octobe r-half-term-2017-balham/ 23rd to 27th October Inspire your child through music this October.

Each day with The Strings Club is wonderfully different, including exciting workshops alongside high quality small group instrumental sessions. Suitable for 4-11yrs.

9.30am–4pm, half days available too. Wrap around from 8am/until 5.45pm, £37.50 for a full day, £20 for a half day.

Familiesonline.co.uk

Thomas’s Academy, New Kings Road, SW6 4LY 07816 901396 www.upbeatmusiccourses.co.uk 23-25 October Half Term Music Course Get spooky with Upbeat’s Halloween-themed half term music course. A jam-packed 3 day course including singing, dance, electric guitars and drums, songwriting, recording and performance. Age 4-12, 10am4pm. Introduce a friend to Upbeat and receive 25% off!

SPORT CENTRAL LONDON GOLF CENTRE Burntwood Lane SW17 0AT 020 8871 2468 www.clgc.co.uk 23-27 October and 30 October - 3 November Junior Golf Holiday Camps These fun-based camps for 7-14 year olds are tailored to children of all levels, whether they want to try golf or have been playing for some time. Morning only camp 9am12pm, £30, whole day camp 9am3pm, £45. Bring a packed lunch.

There will be a special Halloween Day on Tuesday 31 October for those lucky golfers who have a two week half-term. .

FULHAM FC FOUNDATION Venues in Fulham 0870 442 5432, holidaycourses@fulhamfc.com www.fulhamfc.com 23-27 October Holiday Courses Holiday courses for all abilities in a fun and challenging environment.

3-5yrs, 9-11am, 6-14 yrs, 9am3pm, from £15 per day.

Book an intensive swimming course with Swimway this half term

FULHAM FOOTBALL CLUB

ONE D EVEN AY T

Fulham Vs Bolton Wanderers Visit fulhamfc.com/half-term to secure your tickets!

Saturday 28th October, kick –off 3pm Local Primary Schools and Junior Clubs are invited down to Craven Cottage this Half-Term to enjoy more than just 90 minutes of football! Meet Club Mascot Billy the Badger and the talented balloon modeller as well as have your face painted. Tickets are just £5 for juniors and £15 for adults.

020 3871 0810 Quote Families for discounted tickets

KIDDIKICKS Across South West London 020 7937 7965, sarah@kiddikicks.co.uk www.kiddikicks.couk 23-27 October Holiday Sessions Kiddikicks (football 18m to 5 years) Kiddisports (multi-sport 18m to 5 years) and Ligasoccer (football Under 8’s) sessions run throughout the holidays. Or arrange a bespoke session (1 to 3 hours) for your player and their friends: pick your sport and they’ll provide the coach, equipment and place.

LITTLE GYM Smugglers Way SW18 1DB 020 8874 6567, wandsworth_fulham@thelittlegym.eu www.wandsworthfulham.thelittlegym.eu

23-27 October Holiday Fun Don’t miss out on these ever popular camps at their Wandsworth gym. These 3-hour camps (OFSTED approved) for over 3s build new skills and develop confidence while the kids have loads of FUN. Call the team for specific timings.

MERTON ACTIVE Venues across Merton 020 8545 3663 www.merton.gov.uk/activekids 23-27 October Half Term Activities Get active with Merton’s range of leisure activities. Find something for everyone with arts, sports and watersports courses. Brush up on your racquet skills with tennis and badminton, or choose from football and golf or even arts and crafts and music classes. From £10 per hour, age 5+.

Families South West 35

HALF TERM HOLIDAY LISTINGS PLAYBALL Battersea Park / Oak Lodge School, Nightingale Lane 020 8123 2217 www.playball-london.com 23-27 October Holiday Camps High quality, age-appropriate, fun holiday activities for children aged 3-9 years. Venue varies depending on date, 10am-1pm.

SWIMWAY Balham, East Sheen, Putney, Kensington, Kew Gardens and Wimbledon 020 8871 3972, info@swimway.co.uk www.swimway.co.uk 23-27 October Swimming Courses Intensive courses to improve your child’s swimming technique, on a private or semi-private basis.

Courses run for half an hour each day, book early to avoid disappointment. Age 3-9, dates and times dependent on venue.

36 Families South West

MULTI ACTIVITIES

SW SWIMMING SCHOOL

FIRST HAND EXPERIENCES

Emanuel School and Burntwood School 0208 767 2723, operations@swswimschool.co.uk www.swswimschool.co.uk 23-28 October Intensive Courses A 5-day intensive splash courses where children swim everyday with same instructor. All lessons are 30 minutes each day, running between 9am-12pm Monday to Friday.

Fulham Palace, SW6 6AE www.firsthandexperiences.co.uk 23-27 Oct and 30 Oct to 3 Nov Fantastic nature based activities in the heart of London!

The Palace Pioneers for 3 to 5 years olds. Inspired by their daily woodland and garden adventures children will make a wood craft wand, natural bath bomb, enjoy yoga and learn an original witches' song. Half day and full day sessions.

The Wild Explorers for 6-11yrs.

Set in the inspiring autumnal landscape of Richmond Park, live actors and musicians wait for the children to involve them as characters in their very own adventure. Full day sessions.

'Fire and Light' for 7-14 yrs 5 day camp in Kent from 22-26 Oct. Learn to make a fire, forage, fly a kite, plus poetry, costume craft, music, sleep in a heated yurt and much more.

All campers make their own whole food meals and snacks each day!

YOUNGSTARS MULTISPORTS AND ACTIVITY CAMP Balham, Clapham, Parsons Green, Putney and Wimbledon 07749 343116, info@youngstars.co.uk www.young-stars.co.uk 23-27 October Half Term Holiday Camps Plenty of fun, games and excitement whilst kids are introduced to all aspects of sports in an all inclusive and noncompetitive environment. 3-10 years, times and prices vary.

ROLE MODELS 020 3637 7107 info@rolemodels.me www.rolemodels.me October 23-26th and December 18-21st Autumn & Christmas Confidence & Resilience Courses Role Models are running their unique Confidence & Resilience Courses for ages 812 in Chelsea (SW10 0AB).

The courses include team-building exercises, interview skills, debating & public speaking. They focus on developing a growth mindset and the key ‘soft’ skills required to thrive at school, at home and in life ahead. Cost is £325 +VAT. 10am–3pm.

Familiesonline.co.uk

FREE ACTIVITIES

There’s plenty to do in London for FREE! Compiled by Joanna Parry

FULHAM PALACE Bishop’s Avenue SW6 6EA www.fulhampalace.org 25 October Family Activity Day: Astonishing Archaeology. Roll your sleeves up and prepare to get mucky as you dig up the past and get hands-on with archaeology at this half term activity day. Free, no booking necessary, 11am-3pm

MORDEN HALL PARK Morden SM4 5JD www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mordenhall-park Geffrye Explorers at the Geffrye Museum

A STORY A DAY Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road SE1 8XX www.southbankcentre.co.uk 23-27 October Join in with storytelling and poetry sessions, 3.30pm each day.

GEFFRYE MUSEUM 136 Kingsland Road, Hoxton E2 8EA www.geffrye-museum.org.uk Every Saturday in October Geffrye Explorers Fun children’s activities including Quiz Desk, Feely Box and Backpacks. 12.30-4.30pm.

Entry is free.

MICHAEL MORPURGO: A LIFETIME IN STORIES V&A Museum of Childhood, Cambridge Heath Road E2 9PA www.vam.ac.uk/moc Throughout October Michael Morpurgo is one of Britain’s greatest living authors for children and will be celebrated in a new, free exhibition.

BATTERSEA ARTS CENTRE Lavender Hill SW11 5TN www.bac.org.uk Final Saturday of the month Family Saturdays. Fun, free activities for ages 0-11, including face painting, music, toy and clothes swaps, plus older children and young people can get involved in their Homegrown programme.

Includes The Bee’s Knees, a magical indoor play space for ages 0-5.

10am-1.30pm, free (The Bee’s Knees is £3 per child).

Throughout October Join a nature trail around the park and make some delightful crafts to take home. £4 per child, entry to Morden Hall is free. 11am-4pm

QUENTIN BLAKE: THE LIFE OF BIRDS AT THE WORD FESTIVAL House of Illustration, 2 Granary Square N1C 4BH www.houseofillustration.org.uk Throughout October Transform your family into feathered creations. Make beaks and paper feather accessories to create your own bird outfits.

THE NATIONAL GALLERY NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

Trafalgar Square WC2N 5DN www.nationalgallery.org.uk

Cromwell Road SW7 5BD www.nhm.ac.uk

Every Sunday in October Magic Carpet Storytelling Age 2+, 10.30–11am and 11.30am12pm

28 October Investigate for Families Get a feel for how scientists work by having a go yourself. Explore hundreds of real nature specimens that form the evidence museum scientists use in their work. Age 311, 11am-5pm

THE RAGGED SCHOOL MUSEUM 46-50 Copperfield Road E3 4RR www.raggedschoolmuseum.org.uk First Sunday of every month

Learn a Victorian Lesson Find out what life was like 150 years ago at Dr Barnardo’s ‘ragged school’. Dress up and experience a Victorian classroom for yourself. All ages, free.

AUTUMN FESTIVAL Painshill Park, Portsmouth Road, Cobham KT11 1JE www.painshill.co.uk 22 October Celebrate a host of autumn activities for all the family. With wine and food tasting, outdoor demonstrations, carriage rides and special children’s trails. Free, but normal admission fees apply.

FRANKLIN’S FLYING BOOKSHOP Foyle’s Waterloo, Unit 22, Lower Concourse SE1 8SW www.foyles.co.uk 28 October A reading and writing workshop extravaganza for all ages, 11am

WALLACE COLLECTION Hertford House, Manchester Square, Marylebone W1U 3BN www.wallacecollection.org 23 October Aluminium Jewellery Work with jeweller Jenny Parker and learn how to print patterns inspired by the Wallace Collection.

11am–4pm, age 15+, free but booking essential.

25 and 26 October Drop-in and Draw! Join artist Luisa Rivera to create your very own Spanish masterpiece inspired by the works of El Greco, Goya, Velázquez and others. Part of this year’s Big Draw Festival. 10.30am–12.30pm and 2–4pm, age 5

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

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

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

Familiesonline.co.uk

Families South West 37

WHAT’S ON

SEE MORE EVENTS IN OUR ONLINE WHAT’S ON CALENDAR

We take much care in preparing these What’s On pages, but please do double check with organiser before setting out as things change.

DIARY DATES PAEDIATRIC FIRST AID COURSE. London First Aid Training www.Firstaidtraininglondon.co.uk 020 8133 8552 Venue: Battersea Paediatric first aid course.

Ofsted compliant.

A ‘MUST GO’ DATE FOR YOUR DIARIES… ONE STOP CHRISTMAS SHOPPING AT BABYCCINOKIDS Chelsea Old Town Hall, London, SW3 5EE www.babyccinokids.com/theshopup 3 & 4 December 2017 (Sunday 12pm6pm, Monday 10am- 5pm) This year's ShopUp event will be the 5th annual shopping pop-up in Chelsea, filling the historic Chelsea Old Town Hall with charming shops and interesting brands, this is one-stop-Christmas shopping at its best.

The ShopUp event shows off a lovely selection of independent boutiques from the shopping portal and lifestyle magazine Babyccino Kids.

Over 50 independent boutiques will be present, along with fun for the whole family: face painting, live music, crafts, yummy snacks and, of course, a visit from Father Christmas. A day out that the entire family can enjoy. Free entry

THE GLOBE FAMILY OFFER 21 New Globe Walk, SE1 9DT Visit the exhibition desk to buy tickets every day or call 020 7902 1528 for more information.

Learn about Shakespeare’s world and his plays through interactive activities and demonstrations at Shakespeare’s Globe. £10 Family tickets for a limited period. Ages 4+ to 5+

38 Families South West

LONDINIUM

LITTLE SCIENCE

YOUNG FLYERS

Across the City of London www.visitlondon.com/romans To 29 October A season celebrating the City of London’s Roman Heritage The perfect family day out with plenty of exciting and educational events ranging from interactive children’s galleries, free activity bags and stimulating online games.

Imperial College, Exhibition Road SW7 2AZ www.littlehouseofscience.com Saturdays in October Helping lay the foundation for your child’s future academic progress.

10am, age 5-8

St Mark’s Church Hall, Wimbledon SW19 www.flyingfantastic.co.uk/youngflyers 14 October Learn circus skills and become a superhero in training. Fly on aerial hoops, trapeze and silks.

TCH KIDS CLUB The Climbing Hangar, 33-35 Parsons Green Lane SW6 www.theclimbinghangar.com/london Saturdays in October Sports Club Climbing session led by experienced instructors and open to all abilities. Age 7-9, 9.30am

FULHAM PALACE Bishop’s Avenue SW6 6EA www.fulhampalace.org 14 October The Family Archaeology Experience Prepare for adventure as you get hands on with the past, investigating the fascinating finds their Community Archaeology Dig has uncovered with a range of bespoke activities, including digging for genuine historical treasures! 1.30pm2.15pm (under 8s) and 2.30pm3.15pm (ages 8 and over), £7.50; booking essential.

21 October Vegetable Trail: An Edible Adventure Eat your way around Fulham Palace’s vibrant Walled Garden with this edible tour of delicious produce and see for yourself how your favourite greens grow. 11am-11.45am and 2pm2.45pm, free, booking essential.

27 October Museums at Night – Blitzed at the Palace. A heady evening of vintage cocktails, swing dancing, live music and performance. Don your gladrags and prepare for the blackout as you blast your way back to the 1940s for this Museums at Night event. 6.20pm10pm.

JUNIOR SUSHI MASTER The Jamie Oliver Cookery School, Jamie’s Italian, Ariel Way W12 7GB www.jamieolivercookeryschool.com/c ooking-classes 14 October A fun cookery class where children learn how to make delicious sushi rolls. 10-11.30am

SATURDAY ART ACADEMY Lacy Road Gallery, Putney SW15 1NL www.lacyroadgallery.co.uk 14 October Learn all sorts of arty crafty skills in this art workshop.

STORY AND CREATE The Bright Emporium, 103-105 St John's Hill, Clapham SW11 1S www.thebrightemporium.com 14 and 28 October Celebrate stories that inspire the imagination, with 30 minutes of craft, mess making and creative madness. £8.50, age 4-6, 12pm

FAMILY MERMAID CLASS Lady Berry Cupcakes at the Penthouse Studio, Mapleton Road SW18 4GD // continued p40

Familiesonline.co.uk

SEE MORE EVENTS IN OUR ONLINE WHAT’S ON CALENDAR

HORNIMAN MUSEUM AND GARDENS

BYOB comedy (Bring Your Own Baby comedy!)

BABIES AND TODDLERS

NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM

SOUTHBANK CENTRE Belvedere Road SE1 8XX www.southbankcentre.co.uk 23 October Pram Jam: Words and Rhymes Parents can bring their little ones along for a London Literature Festival-themed Pram Jam series, including nursery rhymes, poems and rhyming stories for children under the age of 5. £5, 10.15am11am

THE GRAVENEY AND MEADOW 40 Mitcham Road SW17 9NA graveneyandmeadow.com Wednesdays in October Kids’ and toddlers’ arts and craft classes. See website for details.

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

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

THE BEDFORD PUB 77 Bedford Hill SW12 9HD thebedford.com Tuesdays and Fridays in October Baby Sensory classes and Pram Chorus See website for details. Plus, they are running dance classes during October half term and hold a Big Fish Little Fish kids’ and parents’ “rave” every month, featuring top DJs, craft drop ins, bubble machine and parachute dance.

Last Wednesday of every month Screaming With Laughter London’s original afternoon comedy

Familiesonline.co.uk

100 London Road SE23 3PQ www.horniman.ac.uk Every Tuesday and Wednesday in October Busy Bees Lively sessions for under-5s and their parents/carers during term-time. Activities include storytelling, art and craft and outdoor play. Free, 10.30am, 11.15am, 12pm

club, designed for parents with babies under 1 year. See the best acts from TV and the comedy circuit without having to book a babysitter.

Buy tickets at www.wegottickets.com/Screaming WithLaughter

BYOB COMEDY Landmark Arts Centre, Ferry Road, Teddington TW11 9NN www.byobcomedy.com 17 October and 21 November Bring Your Own Baby Comedy – the UK’s premier baby-friendly comedy club comes to Teddington. A funny, friendly afternoon of top comedy and you get to bring your own baby!

They provide toys, baby changing, buggy parking, bottle warmers and more, so that baby is happy and you can relax and enjoy top comedy stars from the circuit and TV.

UNICORN THEATRE 147 Tooley Street SE1 2HZ www.unicorntheatre.com Saturdays in October Up Club Join the Unicorn Play Club most Saturdays for free drop-in activities from portrait painting and potato printing to giant rocket making and more. 12noon - 2pm

SINGING MAMAS CHOIR South London Liberal Synagogue, Streatham / The Half Moon (Workshop Room), Herne Hill www.singingmamaschoir.com Tuesdays and Wednesdays in October, depending on venue A Community of Choirs for Women,

Park Row, Greenwich SE10 9NF www.rmg.co.uk Saturdays in October Character Encounters Join an exciting performance and journey bringing maritime history to life.

12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm Tuesdays in October Play Tuesdays Embark on a museum adventure that includes trails, arty workshops, songs and stories. 10.30am, 11.30am, 1pm and 2pm

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

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

MORDEN HALL PARK Morden Hall Road, Morden SM4 5JD www.nationaltrust.org.uk

WHAT’S ON

Every Monday in October Little Explorers Bring your little ones to enjoy crafts, outdoor activities, songs and stories. Little Explorers is a fun activity session for children aged 2-5, 10am, £2 per child, £1 siblings.

THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL Kensington Gore SW7 2AP www.royalalberthall.com Tuesdays and Wednesdays in October Storytelling and Music Sessions A series of sessions for babies and toddlers aged 04, to encourage interaction between parents/carers and their little ones using musical instruments, singing, movement and stories.

10am and 11.30am, £5 © ElyseMarks

with or without children Sing world songs, folk songs, gospel and more.

A warm welcome awaits all singing abilities. Contact southlondonsingingmamas@gmail.c om 07947 609780.

FULHAM PALACE Bishop’s Avenue SW6 6EA www.fulhampalace.org Mondays and Tuesdays in October The Palace Explorers Join the Palace Explorers, weekly parent/carer and toddler sessions for children aged 2-4. £4 per child, which includes a drink and healthy snack, booking essential. 9.30am10.30am

HAMPTON COURT PALACE East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9AU www.hrp.org.uk/HamptonCourt Palace Every Thursday and Saturday in October Tiny Explorers Explore and play in the Palace together. Discover the stories of Hampton Court Palace through music, movement, messy play and more. £6 per child, price includes up to two adults £5 per child for members. 10.30am – babies, 1pm – walkers, 2.30pm – walkers.

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

Families South West 39

WHAT’S ON

SEE MORE EVENTS IN OUR ONLINE WHAT’S ON CALENDAR

www.ladyberrycupcakes.co.uk 21 October Cookery for age 5 and above, with an adult. 2.30-4pm

21 October Create your own artwork capturing your visit to the Royal Mews. 11am3pm, from £5.80, under 5s free.

ROBOTICS WORKSHOP Imperial College, Exhibition Road SW7 2AZ www.inspiredmindstutors.com 21 October Workshops full of fun, hands-on activities Build and break things and solve puzzles, plus learn the basics of programming. 11am-4pm, kids only!

MAKE A FILM IN A DAY – ZOMBIE MOVIE St Barnabus Church, Belgravia SW1W 8PF www.youngfilmacademy.co.uk 21 October Work against the clock in teams to plan, storyboard, shoot, act and edit a film. With a screening of the film and a copy for you to take home.

Ages 8-10 and 11-12, 10am-5.30pm

FAMILY SATURDAY The Royal Mews, Buckingham Palace SW1A 1AA royalcollection.org.uk/visit/royalmews

MUSEUMS AT NIGHT Across London www.museumsatnight.org.uk 26-28 October Visit the top museums across the capital, with special evening and late night events, talks, walks and workshops.

YOUNG ADULT LITERATURE WEEKENDER Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road SE1 8XX www.southbankcentre.co.uk 28-29 October A weekend of the most exciting YA novelists, bloggers, vloggers, poets and spoken word artists from rising stars to legends of the genre including Tracy Chevalier, Juno Dawson, Hannah Witton, Samantha Shannon and Niviaq Korneliussen.

11.45am-5pm

Fulham Vs Bolton Wanderers on 28th October 0203 871 0810. Quote Families for discounted tickets

MUSEUMS AT NIGHT: TOVE JANSSON Dulwich Picture Gallery, Gallery Road SE21 7AD www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk 28 October Enjoy the Tove Jansson exhibition after dark. Go on a theatrical journey, make your own fabric Moomin creatures and help build a magical world in the Mausoleum.

6-9.30pm, children £20, accompanying adults go free.

LEGO WORKSHOP The Toy Shop, 133 St Margarets Road TW1 2LJ www.thetoyshop-stmargarets.com Saturdays in October A fun filled session with a range of games, challenges and free style building enabling children to express their creativity and bring their ideas to life. 10am, age 3-12, £6

BROCKWELL PARK COMMUNITY GREENHOUSES Brockwell Park SE24 0PA www.brockwellgreenhouses.org.uk First and third Saturday in October Fun, family workshops on Bees, Butterflies, Dragonflies and Herbs.

Eat, make, learn and explore.

CHICKENSHED CHILDREN’S THEATRE WORKSHOPS The Wharf Rooms, Imperial Road, Fulham SW6 2GA www.chickenshed.org.uk Wednesdays in October A new children’s theatre group for ages 5-7yrs All workshops are taught by skilled practitioners who will invent and explore drama, dance and music with members.

40 Families South West

MESSY TODDLERS The Bright Emporium, 103-105 St John’s Hill SW11 1SY www.thebrightemporium.com Various dates in October Why make a mess at home? Come to the Emporium and have all the fun with none of the tidying up.

Age 0-4, 10.30-11.30am

SATURDAY COMMUNITY DAYS Oasis Play Nature Garden, Larkhall Lane SW4 6SP www.oasisplay.org.uk Saturdays in October A nature garden for children and their carers to enjoy together.

Picnic, pond dip, garden, cook or join in with workshops teaching woodwork, gardening, bush craft skills and more. 10.30am-4pm

FAMILY SATURDAY Battersea Arts Centre, Lavender Hill SW11 5TN www.bac.org.uk Various dates in October A day of fun, food and family friendly activities including face painting, storytelling, music, soft play, crafts and more. 10am-3pm

SKI CLOTHES SALE 22 Northbourne Road Clapham SW4 7DJ 07939 051 220 libbyderouge@hotmail.co.uk www.skiderouge.com 7 & 8 November New & second-hand adults & children ski clothes and equipment: Jackets, salopettes, snow suits, gloves, thermals, snowboots, goggles, helmets and more...Big reductions on last year’s stock.

New Winter 2017 collection.

8.30am – 7.30pm A HOUSE FULL of stock, get the whole family sorted in one go at bargain prices!!

Familiesonline.co.uk

SEE MORE EVENTS IN OUR ONLINE WHAT’S ON CALENDAR

FULHAM FOOTBALL CLUB Fulham Vs Bolton Wanderers Visit fulhamfc.com/half-term to secure your tickets!

Saturday 28th October, kick – off 3pm Local Primary Schools and Junior Clubs are invited down to Craven Cottage this Half-Term to enjoy more than just 90 minutes of football! Meet Club Mascot Billy the Badger and our talented balloon modeller as well as have your face painted. Tickets are just £5 for juniors and £15 for adults.

020 3871 0810. Quote Families for discounted tickets

DRAMA CAMBRIDGE THEATRE Seven Dials, 32-34 Earlham Street WC2H 9HU uk.matildathemusical.com Throughout October Matilda The Musical Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, Matilda revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination and the inspiring story of a girl who dares to change her destiny.

COLOUR HOUSE THEATRE Watermill Way SW19 2RD www.colourhousetheatre.co.uk To 5 November Rapunzel In the Colour House Theatre’s re-telling of this Brothers Grimm classic discover that all is not what it seems. From £10

WHAT’S ON

LYRIC HAMMERSMITH One Lyric Square W6 0QL www.lyric.co.uk 24-28 October Burglar Bill Join Pied Piper Theatre Company in a fun and engaging stage adaptation of Janet and Allan Ahlberg’s charming picture book, Burglar Bill. Age 3-8, £10

NEW WIMBLEDON THEATRE The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1QG atgtickets.com/venues/newwimbledon-theatre 28 October That’ll Be The Day The UK’s premier Rock & Roll production returns with another brand new show!

www.PregnantThenScrewed.com is an action group set up to protect, support and promote the rights of mothers in the workplace

THE PEACOCK THEATRE WC2A 2HT sadlerswells.com/peacock-theatre 4-21 October Cirque Eloize Saddle up for a journey to the Wild West as world leaders in contemporary circus Cirque Éloize blast back to the West End with their new show.

Their trademark blend of spectacular circus and drama creates the colourful characters swinging through the saloon doors.

PICCADILLY THEATRE 16 Denman Street W1D 7DY www.anniewestend.com Throughout October Annie The Musical The world’s favourite family musical makes its

long-awaited return to London, starring comedy superstar Miranda Hart. Tickets are going fast so book yours now to see the comedy megastar high kicking, falling over and passing out as Miss Hannigan!

THE POLKA THEATRE 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB www.polkatheatre.com To 15 October Child of the Divide Summer 1947 and 16 million people are on the move between India and the newly-formed Pakistan. Amid the upheaval young Pali’s fingers slip from his father’s hand, and his destiny changes forever.

From 18 October My Brother, My Sister and Me With a new baby in the family, a little sister has to move in with her big brother. She’s got used to the idea but her brother and Gecko, his constant companion, are really not keen. Especially when she starts to unpack her very large collection of hats!

25-29 October Little Red Riding Hood Join two performers as they retrace Red Riding Hood’s path in the shadowy woods, constantly swapping characters – as if playing a game. But of course, they are really vying to be The Wolf.

RICHMOND THEATRE The Green, Richmond TW9 1QJ atgtickets.com/venues/richmond-theatre 10-14 October Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat X-Factor winner Joe McElderry dons the coveted coat in Bill Kenwright’s production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s sparkling family musical.

SADLER’S WELLS Rosebery Avenue EC1R www.sadlerswells.com 31 October – 2 November Birmingham Royal Ballet – Aladdin A cave of riches is waiting to be explored in David Bintley’s glittering production of the classic story of Aladdin and his adventures with the magic lamp. Featuring lavish sets and costumes, stunning special effects, beautiful choreography and a larger-than-life Chinese lion.

TARA THEATRE www.tara-arts.com 356 Garratt Lane, Earlsfield, SW18 4ES 7-11 November Child of the Divide An emotionallycharged story of family, identity and belonging; marking the 70th anniversary of the partition of India.

7+, £12 17,18 November Prince of Fire Based on the story of Diwali, this sumptuous performance with sculptural set, original score, dance, projections and puppetry is a pearl of hope in a sea of uncertainty. 5+, £12

Colour House Theatre Rapunzel Familiesonline.co.uk

Families South West 41

SEE MORE EVENTS IN OUR ONLINE WHAT’S ON CALENDAR

UNICORN THEATRE 147 Tooley Street, Southwark SE1 2HZ www.unicorntheatre.com

To 12 November Laika Laika, the space dog: the first living creature to orbit earth A moving sci-fi adventure, inventively and beautifully told using puppetry, movement and music. Don’t miss this one – it’s an absolute delight!

Age 6-12, from £10.

THE VAULTS AT WATERLOO Launcelot Street SE1 7AD www.alice-underground.com Throughout October Adventures in Wonderland A magical show, pushing the boundaries of children’s theatre.

Tumble down the rabbit hole in a theatrical adventure like no other, with more to explore than ever before. Meet some of Wonderland’s famous and curious inhabitants, take tea at the biggest un-birthday party with the maddest of Hatters, let the Cheshire Cat take you hither or thither or join the underground movement to rise against the fearsome Queen of Hearts. What a ride! Age 5-10.

MUSEUMS, GALLERIES AND DAYS OUT BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM Threadneedle Street EC2R 8AH www.bankofengland.co.uk 27 October Museums at night A rare opportunity for an evening visit, with a spooky spin! Listen to the mysterious tale of the Bank Nun

42 Families South West

and many more ghostly stories from the Bank’s past.

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

15 October The Housemaid’s Tour Step back in time to 1839…Dickens and his young family are preparing to leave for a journey to their ‘home from home’ – a relaxing holiday in Broadstairs is just the ticket. But during their absence, the housemaid is up to no good.

From £10 29 October Twists and Turns: Explore the places that inspired Oliver Twist Follow in Dickens’s footsteps as he wandered the streets near his home, seeing places and hearing about people and events that inspired him to write Oliver Twist. 11am, £10, age 12+

CHELSEA PHYSIC GARDEN 66 Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea SW3 4HS www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk 24-27 October Fun family half term activities Includes Living Colour Family Activity Day and Unwoven Histories. Prices vary depending on event.

CUTTY SARK www.rmg.co.uk/cuttysark 7-8 October Batik Inspired Drawing Sail away across the waves to Indonesia, one of Cutty Sark’s destination ports, to create Batikinspired drawings in this artist-led workshop. Learn about the beautiful designs associated with Batik and make a mini wall-hanging to take home with you. 11.30am and 2pm, age 4+, free with admission to the ship.

23-28 October She Tells Sea Tales: Lost at Sea

© Horniman Museum and Gardens

WHAT’S ON

Don't miss the Robot Zoo at the Horniman Museum A storytelling festival of high seas adventure. Brace yourself for tales of freak storms, giant waves and mysterious stowaways, as well as the true story of the luckiest sailor aboard Cutty Sark who only just survived to tell his tale. 10.30am4pm, all ages.

DESIGN MUSEUM 224-238 Kensington High Street W8 6AG www.designmuseum.org To 17 October California While California’s mid-century modernism is well documented, this is the first exhibition to examine its current global reach. Picking up the story in the 1960s, the exhibition charts the journey from the counterculture to Silicon Valley’s tech culture.

HAM HOUSE Ham Street, Richmond-uponThames TW10 7RS www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hamhouse-and-garden Saturdays and Sundays in October Art Activities Weekends Create a piece of art inspired by your visit to Ham House in the below stairs Education Room.

HAMPTON COURT PALACE East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9AU www.hrp.org.uk/HamptonCourtPalace Throughout October The Magic Garden Discover something new around every twist and turn in an immersive world populated by mythical beasts, including a 25m dragon! Take the family to become Tudor Knights, besiege the battlements, storm the

Tiltyard Towers and explore a mysterious secret grotto. Included in palace admission.

Daily until 22 October Heads or Hearts and Heresy Hunt The court of King Henry VIII is alive with plots and intrigue, as once favoured courtiers have fallen and queens have faced divorce or death. This live performance drama steps into the dangerous declining years of Henry’s VIII’s reign at Hampton Court Palace. 11am, 12.15pm, 2pm and 3.15pm 22-28 October Horrible Hampton Discover the most rotten parts of Tudor history, joining the Court as an apprentice for the dirty jobs needed to make sure the palace runs smoothly. This fun series of interactive presentations for families promises to uncover the mad, bad and awful side of life as a Tudor.

31 October and 5 November Family Ghost Tour Join a State Apartment Warder for an early evening walking tour where the history of the palace comes creepily to life. Discover the stories of ghostly apparitions, paranormal activity and all manner of spooky happenings from over 500 years of the palace’s history.

6.30pm, £14 adults / £7 children.

30, 31 October and 1 November Halloween Luna Cinema The stunning gardens of Hampton Court Palace will be the setting for the ultimate spooky experience, with Luna Cinema screening The Shining, Beetlejuice and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. www.thelunacinema.com/hampton -court-palace

Familiesonline.co.uk

SEE MORE EVENTS IN OUR ONLINE WHAT’S ON CALENDAR

HORNIMAN MUSEUM AND GARDENS

LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM

100 London Road SE23 3PQ www.horniman.ac.uk To 29 October The Robot Zoo How do chameleons change colour? What makes grasshoppers leap so high? How do bats see at night? Enter the fascinating world of the Robot Zoo and discover the mechanisms that give animals their amazing abilities.

Covent Garden Piazza WC2E 7BB www.ltmuseum.co.uk From 13 October Poster Girls Girl power comes to Covent Garden when Poster Girls a major new exhibition about 20th and 21st century female graphic artists opens at the Museum.

KENSINGTON PALACE W8 4PX www.hrp.org.uk/kensingtonpalace 21 October Austentatious Kensington Palace plays host to the theatre company Austentatious as they put on an entirely improvised comedy play in the style of Jane Austen. Join the cast as they create a riotously funny new literary masterpiece, based on a title suggested by the audience.

2.30pm, £25

SPECIAL NEEDS FOUNDLING MUSEUM 40 Brunswick Square, Camden Town WC1N 1AZ www.foundlingmuseum.org.uk 1 November Family BSL Drop-In Session Using a combination of gallery talks and the Museum’s handling collection, guide Alan Murray helps younger BSL users to engage with the Hospital’s broad and varied history. Suitable for age 5+. Free with Museum admission

V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD Cambridge Heath Road E2 9PA www.museumofchildhood.org.uk Throughout October Family Art Fun: Trails Explore the V&A with the new Undiscovered Museum Family Trail Follow the images and discover the museum. Journey across the V&A with fantastic stories, games and multi-sensory materials. Plus Curious Ceramics - Sensory backpack for children with visual impairments.

MUSEUM OF LONDON EC2Y 5HN www.museumoflondon.org.uk Sundays in October Museum Explored Explore the galleries through fun, hands-on activities. 11am and 2pm. Plus, join a fun and engaging tour of the museum’s galleries, especially for families. Age 5+, 2-2.30pm Saturdays in October Hands-on history Hear incredible London stories as you touch and hold real museum objects. Age 5+, 2-4pm

27 October Night Owls Halloween sleepover What happens in the museum once the doors close for the night? Trickor-treat your way around the galleries, solve a spooky crime by torchlight with the help of a mysterious character and help tell some ghostly tales from Victorian London. Bed down in the museum galleries, before breakfast and a family friendly film in the morning.

6pm, £60, age 7-11

NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM

WHAT’S ON

NATIONAL ARMY MUSEUM Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea SW3 4HT www.nam.ac.uk 21-29 October Camouflage Masks Test your camo-creating skills in a maskmaking workshop. Sneak like a spotty leopard in the desert, prowl like a white Arctic fox and explore how the army uses camouflage in different environments. Free, no booking necessary.

Park Row, Greenwich SE10 9NF www.rmg.co.uk Saturdays in October Character Encounters Join an exciting performance and journey bringing maritime history to life.

12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm

National Army Museum

LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM

PUPPET THEATRE BARGE

Covent Garden Piazza WC2E 7BB www.ltmuseum.co.uk 28 October SEN Early Explorer Morning Enjoy the Museum at a quieter time, free from the general public and take part in one of the interactive workshops and demonstrations. Many of the gallery sounds are switched off, making the Museum a peaceful place to be. Children can explore the All Aboard family galleries in peace, join in bespoke craft activities or get hands on with genuine parts of transport history.

9-10am, advanced booking required due to limited places.

Petersham Road (opposite 85), Richmond TW10 6UT www.puppetbarge.com Various dates in October Captioned performance of The Hare and the Tortoise and other Tales from Aesop, 3pm.

IN - DEEP MUSIC THERAPY Grosvenor Hall, Vincent Street, Victoria SW1P 4HB www.in-deep.org.uk One Saturday a month Free music therapy sessions for children with special needs and disabilities. For ages 5-13, 1011am, sessions run by a qualified music therapist with trained volunteers supporting the children.

Email emma.chapman@indeep.org.uk

MUSEUM OF LONDON EC2Y 5HN www.museumoflondon.org.uk Dates in October Morning explorers (ASC friendly) Morning Explorers offers families with children who have an Autistic Spectrum Condition the opportunity to explore the museum while it is quiet. Discover fascinating objects and take part in relaxed family activities such as sensory rooms, self-directed trails and an arts and crafts session. Age under 13, 8.30-10am, advanced booking required. FREE

IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM Lambeth Road SE1 6HZ www.iwm.org.uk First Sunday of every month Audio-described Tours Experience the First World War Galleries through one of these live audio-description tours for blind and partially sighted visitors, ages

14+. 9.30am, booking essential on 020 7091 3157 or visitorenquiries@iwm.org.uk FREE

GAMBADO CHELSEA 7 Station Court SW6 2PY www.gambado.com/centres/chelsea Dates in October Chelsea Austism Session Come and join these fantastic Chelsea Autism friendly indoor soft play sessions at Gambado! Children £5, includes 1 adult, extra adults £2.50, see website for details.

EDDIE CATZ WIMBLEDON First Floor, 68-70 Putney High Street SW15 1SF 0203 4755268 eddiecatz.com Dates throughout October SEN Soft Play Evening Sessions Eddie Catz runs regular SEN indoor soft play sessions specifically dedicated to children ages 3-14yrs with special needs and their families. 6-7.30pm, includes full access to the soft play areas including the toddler area, the disco room will have music turned down and soft lights, wheelchair users will have access to area with soft mats, balls and toys, plus quiet and chill out area. Book on http://shop.eddiecatz.com/category /128/SEN_Eve_Play_Session_Wimb ledon

•If you have any events for inclusion, please send to whatson@FamiliesSW.co.uk Familiesonline.co.uk

Families South West 43