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Halloween events • Half term activities Fireworks displays • What’s on for children Issue 310 October 2021

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To find out more: Call (020) 8871 6666 wandsworth.gov.uk/fostering fosteringrecruitment@wandsworth.gov.uk Produced by Wandsworth Design & Print. wdp@wandsworth.gov.uk CS.1933 DC 1 (4.21)

Introducing our 7+ bursary programme We are offering a means-tested bursary place at each of our schools across both our Belgravia and Clapham sites.

Eaton House Belgravia 3-5 Eaton Gate, London, SW1W 9DA Eaton House The Manor Boys’ School | Eaton House The Manor Girls’ School 58 Clapham Common North Side, London , SW4 9RU For an application pack please email: ehfoundation@eatonhouseschools.com Entry will be into Year 3 in September 2022 Applications welcome from families with children currently in Year 2, attending a state primary school

Apply by 30 November 2021 Join Year 3 in September 2022

Celebrating 125 years of excellence

Nothing should hold a girl back.

Visit us this autumn to discover how we develop fearless pupils who forge their own path.

Open Morning: 18 November Application deadline: 22 November Book online at www.sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net admissions@syd.gdst.net | 020 8557 7004 Prep, Senior & Sixth: 15 & 19 Westwood Hill, London SE26 6BL @sydenhamhigh

S T E A M

-

science technology engineering arts maths

@sydenhamhighschool

A STEAM school in the heart of London Our parents rate us 5/5 on

We looked at numerous local private schools and felt that this hidden gem was ideal for our sons.

PGP is an exceptional school, with excellent teaching and facilities (did I mention the outdoor space?! In London!) full of confident, happy children, reaching their potential.

If you’re looking for a school that will help produce a well-rounded, happy child who achieves to the best of their ability without undue stress, this is the school for you.

The remote learning programme from PGP was outstanding.

She and we loved PGP and with great results.

PGP is a wonderful school with strong academics and a lovely, caring ethos.

Prepare for the future; enjoy the journey!

4 Families South West • October 2021

There are not enough superlatives to describe how happy we are at PGP.

|

www.parsonsgreenprep.co.uk

• 020 7610 8085

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In this issue 6 & 7

13

14 & 15

Ten places for an afternoon tea

Primary school guide

School open days

17

22

26 & 27

Fun and games with maths

Clubs & Classes directory

Half term activities

29

30

34—39

Firework displays

Halloween events

What’s On

Events, museums, days out, babies

Free magazines for your school, nursery, after school class, shop, ante natal group or for the school gates.

Just ask.

Could you help?

In our pages we support so many small local businesses who are trying to survive and need to reach parents. By distributing some magazines you will help keep the economy going and help small local businesses including ours.

South West

Just email editor@familiessw.co.uk with the number of magazines you can distribute (min 20) and we’ll drop them to you.

To advertise: 020 8696 9680 | Editorial: editor@FamiliesSW.co.uk | Adverts/Artwork: adverts@FamiliesSW.co.uk Events/DiaryDates/What’sOn: whatson@FamiliesSW.co.uk | Next Issue: Nov / Dec 2021 | ISSN1354-9553. | All contents ©FamiliesSW 2021.

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October 2021 • Families South West 5

10

VERY SPECIAL PLACES FOR AN AFTERNOON Compiled by Melissa Reynolds

With the weather getting cooler we start to think of warm fires, steaming cups of tea and a delicious array of sweet treats and cucumber sandwiches. Families has you covered with 10 great places for tea for two, four, or more this autumn.

1. Kids’ Sci-Fi Afternoon Tea

The Ampersand Hotel

The Ampersand Hotel, £31.50 per child. www.ampersandhotel.com You and your little ones can sample jellies in petri dishes, crunch some edible fossils and taste test some chocolate spacemen. Your entire group will be full, happy, and ready to walk on the moon when done. Come as a small group or book the experience as a party complete with science entertainment!

Little ones will love: Their treats being served on a rocket ship stand with dry ice shooting out the bottom!

2. Brigit’s Bakery Tea Bus Tour Covent Garden, £35 per child. http://b-bakery.com Brigit’s Bakery offers tea in their café, to go and on the go. Choose from several different bus tours while enjoying your afternoon tea. Little ones though will love Brigit’s Peppa Pig Tea Bus Tour, complete with a kidfriendly menu, Peppa videos on demand and a Peppa activity book! Bring Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig or even your own George!

Little ones will love: The sing a long that accompanies the bus tour through downtown London’s most famous landmarks.

3. Peter Pan Tea The Aqua Shard, £52 per person. www.the-shard.com The Jolly Roger is full of treats and goodies for this afternoon tea. The custom-made tea stand holds a selection of sandwiches such as Lost Boy Rules and Enormous Mushroom Chimney. Don’t forget the Tinker Bell Cookie, Hook’s Perish Cake and more. There are two tea choices to accompany the treats: The Darling Tea with rose petals and vanilla and The Adventure Tea, with citrus and ginger.

Little ones will love: Peter Pan’s Secret Hollow Tree Entrance; a chocolate cake in the shape of a tree trunk!

Bridget’s Bakery The Aqua Shard

4. Teddy Bear’s Picnic Afternoon Tea The Podium Restaurant and Bar, £24 per child. www.podiumrestaurant.com Sit down with a complimentary teddy bear and enjoy some teddy bear sandwiches, cake-pops and meringue mushrooms, all offered with hot chocolate, smoothies, milkshakes and more! Sittings offered Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Little ones will love: What’s not to love about snuggling up to a cuddly bear with treats!

6 Families South West • October 2021

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The Dilly

5. Peter Rabbit Afternoon Tea The Dilly, £39 per person. www.thedillylondon.com Everyone’s favourite literary bunny invites you to tea while taking in the views across Piccadilly. With tasty, themed treats and teas for both children and adults, this tea is a must-sip!

Little ones will love: Delicious desserts like the Flower Pot Hideout, an edible chocolate pot with chamomile mousse; Magnificent Mushroom, a strawberry ganache filled mushroom with meringue stem or Every Bunny’s Favourite, a carrot cake with cream cheese and chocolate carrot!

6. Little Prince and Princess Tea The Rubens at The Palace, £19 per child. https://rubenshotel.com Your own little prince and princess can enjoy freshly made bite-size sandwiches, pastries, scones and their choice of a milkshake, tea, soft drink, or hot chocolate. Children staying at the hotel can also enjoy a Master Chef Experience in the art of pastry making.

Little ones will love: Being this close to the palace AND having tea like the real Queen!

The Potion Room

7. Alice’s Queen of Hearts Afternoon Tea Taj 51 Buckingham Gate, £45 per person. www.taj51buckinghamgate.co.uk Venture down the rabbit hole and experience a tea fit for a Queen – of Hearts that is. Sit down to some lovely pastries and savoury treats, all inspired by Alice in Wonderland. Food is presented on fine China with original book illustrations over a glass checkerboard with the Queen of Hearts playing card hiding nearby. Don’t miss the top hat centrepiece!

Little ones will love: The yummy goodies including No White Roses, a red velvet cupcake topped with chocolate ganache; Checkmate, a redcurrant and chocolate Battenberg cake or Royal Flush, an orange semolina cake with fresh fruit.

8. Fairy Tea The Fairy House, drinks and treats priced separately. www.fairytalefriends.co.uk This autumn help the fairies journey through the Fairy tale Friends Forest as you travel around the lantern-lit room, meet curious characters, old spell books and collect hidden treasures. End your visit with fairy tea and cake including spiced Fairy Lattes, Unicorn Hot Chocolate, Fairy-chinos, and floral teas. Cupcakes and seasonal iced cookies also available.

Little ones will love: Design your own Woodland Wand prior to visit, which will be awarded by the fairies as you leave.

9. Afternoon Tea at The Potion Room Cutter & Squidge, £39.50 per child. www.cutterandsquidge.com Put on your cloak, sit back, and relax and get ready to start mixing up some potions. The Cutter & Squidge Secret School of Wizarding Alchemy offers up delicious food and magic potions that you create. A downsized version of the menu is available for children aged 8 to 12.

Little ones will love: Harry Potter fans will love creating their own potions complete with cloak and wand!

10. The Original Sweetshop Afternoon Tea The Chesterfield, £31 per child. http://chesterfieldmayfair.com This afternoon tea brings back the goodness of a traditional sweetshop with freshly made finger sandwiches, yummy cakes, scones, and pastries.

Little ones will love: Sipping away at a smoking pink lemonade or chilly milkshake!

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The Chesterfield

October 2021 • Families South West 7

“Bilingual primary in the heart of Wandsworth where creativity and individual talents are nourished” • New primary school for all children from the local and wider community • Innovative curriculum underpinned by the values of the UK national curriculum and global pedagogical approaches • Strong focus on developing creativity and children’s individual interests • Exceptional language provision • Club provision offering a range of enrichment opportunities

Facilities: Two outdoor areas and a covered area for the Early Years Brand new classrooms and equipment for all year groups Large gymnasium and a performance room State of the art play decks for every key stage Fully equipped music room sponsored by the Gulbenkian Institute, Lisbon

info@angloportugueseschool.org | https://angloportugueseschool.org Wandsworth High Street (South Thames College site), SW18 2PP | 020 3417 0905

8 Families South West • October 2021

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Prep school for boys and girls aged 2½–11

Discover the joys of learning at Redcliffe, now part of the Godolphin and Latymer family

BOOK A TOUR: www.redcliffegardens.com Godolphin and Latymer Redcliffe Gardens School 47 Redcliffe Gardens, London SW10 9JH

Home from home place for small groups

10:58

Book clubs, trainings, meditation, art classes, quiet children’s parties etc.

Hire The Living Room!

Read our amazing reviews on Google

A cosy place for smaller events Perfect for baby and bridal showers and little people’s birthdays. Intimate, secure, two levels, fully working kitchen. www.thelivingroom.place info@thelivingroom.place 19 Thrale Road SW16 1NS | 020 3889 9814

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October 2021 • Families South West 9

Top tips for a positive Parents’ Evening

By Annabel Gray

Supporting learning

Despite the sore throat and spinning head by the end of the event, as a teacher, I used to love parents’ evening. Those ten minutes can make all the difference to a child’s experience and outcomes at school. To get the most out of those precious minutes, my biggest piece of advice to parents is: be prepared!

Supporting our children in their learning journey is a key and will contribute massively to their attitude, enthusiasm and enjoyment of education.

Attend. Yes, this may be obvious but it is vital that you make time to attend—be it in person or online—and to show your child that you value their learning. Personally, I always liked it when the children attended too; we are talking about them after all.

Parents are naturally great teachers and it’s proven that their involvement in their child’s education makes a huge difference to their child’s outcomes. But life is busy for most parents and they are often stretched for time. This means sitting down at a desk with your child and helping them with a worksheet doesn’t always work out.

Smile. The teacher you are meeting spends just as much time as you do with your child and will know them very well. Make them feel at ease and create a positive vibe from the outset by being friendly.

Come armed with questions. The most productive meetings are when the parent brings all the queries they have to the meeting so they can be ironed out quickly. What do you want to know? Their level? Their test results? How they interact with others? How confident they are? What the homework is about? How to do long division? This is your chance! Don’t waste it!

Celebrate their work. Pandemic-permitting, let your child take you round and show you the work they have done on display. Look at their books too. Most parents are surprised at the quality of the work their children do at school.

Tell them they are great!

10 Families South West • October 2021

Focus on solutions. Sometimes, there might be tricky issues to tackle, from either side of the desk. Try to focus on solutions rather than blame. Teachers want the best for your child as much as you do. If an issue can’t be resolved, book another meeting at another time.

Be proud. Your children are amazing! Tell them that!

And that’s it.

But don’t worry! You can easily incorporate these fun learning activities into even the busiest of family routines:

Annabel Gray is proprietor of Bella Learning.

• Read to them; • Talk about the time and the analogue clock; • Write letters to family members and put them in the post—or even send an email if that’s easier!

• Keep small change in a jar and encourage your child to take it out and talk with you about coin values; • Play board games—something the whole family can enjoy.

If you’d like to find out more about what your child learns at school and how to support them in their learning journey, visit www.bellalearning.co.uk

These tips create fuss-free ways to encourage learning—you’d be surprised how much they can help children progress.

Think about how you can work these top tips into your parents’ evening and I promise you’ll feel positive, productive and informed by the end of it. Teachers love you to ask questions and to help create a triangle of communication between yourself as the parent, your child and them.

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Meet THE head

Sponsored feature

Magoo Giles Founding head

Knightsbridge School

Magoo Giles was in the infantry for 11 years. He served in Belize, Germany, Cyprus, Spain, Bosnia and worked with Junior Leaders, a brilliant General as an ADC and with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for 2 years as her Coldstream Equerry. Whilst in Bosnia during the war, everyone commented on his brilliance with children. As a result, he left the forces and decided that a second career in education was the way forward. He joined GH School as an assistant rising quickly through the ranks to become Head. In 2006 he set up Knightsbridge School as founding head, and in 2016 became Principal, when Shona Colaco became the Head.

How would students describe you?

The words that I hear are: great fun, approachable, kind, empathetic, enthusiastic and cheerful. Abdullah M said I never had a gloom on my face! I remember having a hilarious chat with a pupil who said he followed the CHAOS Code instead of the KS Code—I love it that the kids understand why they are at school and absolutely love it because all subjects are special and they are allowed to be themselves and more importantly learn through having a go and getting it wrong (as well as right!). My teachers at KS applaud that instead of telling you how stupid you are—that was in my day!

them: Fashion Shows, Fun Runs, Cake Days, Activities, as well as external individual support (Sport equipment for Harrow Boys, Food parcels for the Homeless, Lemonade etc.) We work closely with Ashburnham Community Primary School (ACPS) and Marlborough Primary Schools (MPS) supporting each other. We provided Place2Be for ACPS, resources over Covid (ACPS), Books (MPS), Food bank (Heathside), Residential support (ACPS). We work with churches, businesses, police, fire brigade, military and the Chelsea Westminster hospital (providing presents for sick kids).

What is something about you that nobody knows?

When I was born my dad asked my mother whether I was like him : tall, dark, handsome. My mother replied What inspired you to teach, to 'No he's bald, blind, fat—in fact Mr later on be a Head?

I was lucky enough to have a Magoo has arrived! I'm actually The 2016 Inspection yielded a 97% happiness return from Parents, Children dad who was in the parachute christened Julian but only the and Staff. The ISI inspectors were astounded and had never seen it before! regiment and a doting mum who Queen, my first commanding Officer and my Scottish friends called me was a teacher and brilliant What have you been most proud of since that—in fact they called me 'Gillian' so I stuck mother to 3 sisters who were all gutsy. My first setting up Knightsbridge School? with Magoo! experience of school was tough. In Scotland I am excited that the whole community follows where I was chased onto the coal and beaten the KS Code: Keep It Simple, Keep Studying, Knightsbridge School has extended recently to with a belt for playing on the coal, I learned Keep Sporting, Keep Singing, Keep Soldiering Year 11. There are currently places in Year 9 and about injustice early on! In Bosnia I was able to On, Keep Singing, Keep Striving, Keep Striding.

Year 10. get through to many different traumatised I am incredibly proud of the 'ecosystem of children with my sense of humour, empathy happiness' at KS which embraces the and energy, seeing and using the importance community and shows that it can work. Happy of education as a way out or leveller. As a For more information please contact Teachers. Happier Students. Happier Parents.

Head of School and now as Principal, I really Miss Mary Caldecott-Smith on Happier Teachers. believe that I am developing younger people to be future leaders where they will understand m.caldecottsmith@knightsbridgeschool.com How do you get the kids to give back? the importance of power, influence, money, www.knightsbridgeschool.com The first thing on the code is that Giving and empathy and opportunity. I want them to be Sharing are the best feelings in the world. able to look after others by example—always Keep Smiling and Soldiering on!

Every child votes for a charity in their areas and remembering the Officer training motto: 'Serve undertakes activities throughout the year for To Lead!'

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FamiliesSWLondon

October 2021 • Families South West 11

COLLEGE GUARDIANS

Ever Thought of Hosting an International Student?

YOUR CHILD THE MOST IMPORTANT PERSON IN THE WORLD

We are currently seeking host families to look after children attending boarding school in the UK whose parents are based overseas.

Our hosts look after the children during some half term holidays and occasional weekends. Dates of stays will depend very much on the school that the child attends.

In exchange for your hospitality you will receive a generous compensation package as well as the invaluable experience that hosting an international student can bring to you and your family.

For more informa on please contact Caroline Lloyd, Guardianship Manager

caroline@collegeguardians.co.uk • +44 (0) 1684 581600

www.collegeguardians.co.uk

St Barnabas' Primary School & Nursery "Serve with Hope and Encouragement to Learn and Love" • No geographical catchment area • Breakfast Club and After School Clubs (until 6pm) • Specialist Music and Latin teachers

"...a strong and caring school community where all pupils are respected equally." OFSTED Contact us to arrange a visit to the school and a meeting with our Head of School.

St Barnabas Street | SW1W 8PF | 020 7186 0152

www.stbarnabasprimary.org.uk | office@stbarnabasprimary.org.uk @StBarnabasSW1 (Short walk from Victoria and Sloane Square stations)

LITTLE ANGELS NURSERY SCHOOL A Traditional Teaching Nursery - Learning through Play

BELONGING | BELIEVING | ACHIEVING “You are the light of the world.”

• No geographical catchment area • Breakfast Club and After School Care (until 6pm) • Specialist Music and Spanish teachers Contact us to arrange a visit to the school and a meeting with our Headteacher, Mrs Rachel Jewitt.

St Matthew’s Primary School and Nursery 18 Old Pye Street | Westminster | SW1P 2DG office@stmwschool.org.uk | 020 7504 0500 www.stmwschool.org.uk | @stmwschool

12 Families South West • October 2021

Ofsted rated 'Good' nursery.

Established in 2000, very homely, friendly and staff are fully qualified in Early Years. Age 3 months to 5 years with three spacious rooms to explore, learn and grow in confidence and intellect. There are two large gardens. Open all year 8am to 6pm. 15/30 hours weekly free sessions available for 2-4yrs.

Please contact our office on 020 7274 8333. info@littleangelsbrixton.co.uk www.littleangelsbrixton.co.uk 50 Gresham Road, Brixton, SW9 7NL "Overall, staff provide a stimulating learning environment where children are motivated and eager to learn" OFSTED

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The beginner’s guide to primary school

By Gabrielle Nash

If you are parents who have a child that has just started school, introduction to school life may mean getting your heads around a range of school practices and processes, as well as new terminology and acronyms to understand and get used to. Becoming familiar with some of these can help you navigate those first weeks more easily.

EYFS. The Early Years Foundation Stage includes Nursery and Reception classes. The focus here is learning through high quality play.

When your child moves from Reception into Year 1, more formal teaching is introduced.

SEND. If your child has special educational needs or disabilities, your school should work with you to identify any areas your child will need support with. Many schools will employ specific methods to integrate a child with SEND into the classroom and school.

Welfare Officer. A staff member whose role is to support children attend school. Remember, you are liable for a fine of £60 (per parent) if you take your child out of school, unless due to illness or special permission from the school.

Reading Record. A book in which your child’s teacher will ask you to record the reading your child does at home.

At the start of term, it’s also handy to get your head around how your child’s school is going to approach certain important issues and talk about these with your child.

Behaviour. Younger children are introduced to a system of rewards to encourage, praise and ultimately reward good behaviour and effort.

Each school will have a different system, like ‘super star’ stickers to motivate hard work.

Covid-19. The pandemic will continue to impact schooling for some time. Contact your school office to discuss how their approach to containing an outbreak and their Covid-safe policies.

School Nurse. Each school will have a district school nurse who looks after their pupils and can provide support in areas like healthy eating and sleep. The nurse will also look after several schools.

Food. All children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are entitled to ‘universal’ free school meals. If your child brings a packed lunch, you’ll be encouraged to provide healthy food choices.

Golden Time. This is time set aside for fun as a reward for good behaviour during the week.

Often scheduled for a Friday, it’s a chance for children to unwind and enjoy activities that are not necessarily part of the formal curriculum.

Wrap-around care. School day hours do not necessarily align with work hours. Often schools offer a breakfast club and after-school care at an additional cost. Remember, spaces in these are often in demand.

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FamiliesSWLon

What does an average school day look like?

Primary schools start between 8.30am and 9.00am, unless your child attends a breakfast club. During the pandemic, many schools have been staggering start times to reduce the numbers on site.

Lunchtimes may also be staggered, depending on your school’s Covid policies but will take place between 11.30am and 12.30pm. Remember to inform your school if your child has any allergies.

Younger children tend to have a specific PE day. A good tip is to practise getting out of uniform into PE kit – and back!

In Reception, the end of the day is often preceded by Circle Time, a chance for a story or a game, but also an opportunity to encourage positive relationships through listening and speaking.

You’ll be asked to give details of who will be collecting your child. Make sure to update the administration and teaching team if it changes.

The school day ends between 3.00pm and 3.30pm, depending on your child’s year group.

October 2021 • Families South West 13

. . . e t a Upd

School Open Days An independent education Open Day events are varied across the education sector, ranging from appointment-booked only, to online tours, as schools make the safest decisions for their pupils, staff and visitors.

Check the school websites for admissions criteria, scholarships and bursaries, and the latest information for visitors: Please check direct with the schools concerned in case things have changed. Please mention Families SW.

SW1 Eaton Square Schools. B&G. Nursery & Prep. Open morning 14/10. 020 7225 3131. registrar@eatonsquareschool.com.

St Barnabas Primary and Nursery.

B&G. To arrange a visit to the school and a meeting with the Head of School call 020 7186 0152 office@stbarnabasprimary.org.uk www.stbarnabasprimary.org.uk Knightsbridge School, 4-16y, B&G. Watch the virtual tour on the website. www.knightsbridgeschool.com 020 7590 9000.

Future Academies PIMLICO ACADEMY Sixth Form 14/10 4.30 pm. Book your visit at www.pimlico.futureacademies.org TRINITY ACADEMY 5/10 & 6/10 8.40 am and 7/10 5pm Sixth Form 11/11 5pm. Book your visit at www.trinityacademylondon.org St Matthew’s Primary and Nursery, B&G. Arrange a visit on office@stmwschool.org.uk or 020 7504 0500 www.stmwschool.org.uk

SW2 Lambeth Nursery School’s Federation, 2-4y, B&G. Free nursery places available. See websites for information and to apply: Effra, SW2 www.effra.lambeth.sch.uk Holmewood, SW2 www.holmewoodnurseryschool.org.uk

14 Families South West • October 2021

Maytree, SW4 www.maytreenursery.lambeth.sch.uk Triangle, SW4 www.trianglenursery.org Ethelred, SE11 www.ethelrednursery.org.uk

L’Ecole des Petits, 3-6y, B&G Bilingual French nursery. Virtual tours on website. 020 7371 8350 www.lecoledespetits.co.uk Sinclair House, 2-11y, B&G.1:1 personal tours of the school.

Book on 020 7736 9182 www.sinclairhouseschool.com Fulham School, 4-18yrs, B&G. Open day 9/10 9-4pm. Individual visits also welcomed during termtime. Contact the admissions team for more information admissions@fulham.school or book your place via fulham.school

SW7

Shaftesbury Park, Nur-11y, B&G. French bilingual & Enterprise.

Contact the school. 020 7228 3652 www.shaftesburypark.wandsworth. sch.uk

SW12 Northwood Schools, 4-16y, B&G. All sites open day 8/10. Pre-prep and prep schools, 9am-12pm; Northwood Senior 9.30-12.30.

020 8682 8830 Bookings via website www.northwoodschools.com • Broomwood Hall Lower, 4-8y, B&G. • Broomwood Hall Upper, 8-13y, G. • Northcote Lodge, 8-13y, B • Northwood Senior, 11-16y, B&G.

SW3 Cameron Vale, 2-11yrs, B&G. To arrange a tour please contact admissions@cameronvaleschool.com

Hampshire School, 3-13y, B&G. Please phone the school to visit.

020 7352 7077. Book on www.thehampshireschoolchelsea.co.uk

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary, 3-11y, B&G. Open 7/10 2-3pm & 3/11 6-7pm. Contact the school on 020 7589 2438 www.stjosephs.rbkc.sch.uk

SW4 Eaton House Schools, B&G. 3-13yrs. Book a visit on www.eatonhouseschools.com or contact Head of Admissions on 0203 917 5050.

Harris Academy Clapham, 11-18y.

B&G. Open evening 6/10 4.30-7.30 and open morning 8/10, 11/10 and 13/10 9am-10.30 020 8253 7777 www.harrisclapham.org.uk Parkgate House, 2.5-11y, B&G. Private tours. 020 7350 2461 www.parkgate-school.co.uk

SW6 Parsons Green Prep, 4-11y, B&G. Please phone the school to visit 020 7610 8085 admissions@parsonsgreenprep.co. uk www.parsonsgreenprep.co.uk

Lycée Francais, 3-18y, B&G French, Bilingual & British curricula. www.lyceefrancais.org.uk Prince’s Gardens Prep, 3-11y, B&G. Tours or virtual visits by appointment 020 7591 4620 www.princesgardensprep.co.uk St Philip’s, 7-11, B. Contact via website to visit: www.stpschool.co.uk St Thomas of Canterbury Catholic Primary, 3-11y, B&G. join a tour with the Head every Wednesday during term time. Confirm attendance by calling 020 7385 8165 www.stthomasrc.lbhf.sch.uk

SW10 Redcliffe Gardens School, 2.511yrs, B&G. Personal tours and a meeting with the Head can be booked via www.redcliffeschool.com

SW11

The White House School, 6m-11y B&G. To visit email Office@whitehouseschool.com www.whitehouseschool.com

SW15 Falcons School for girls. G. Nursery and Prep. Please arrange a private in person tour on weekdays registrar@falconsgirls.co.uk www.falconsgirls.co.uk The Alton School, B&G. See www.altonschool.org.uk to see a virtual school tour.

Ibstock Place, 4-18, B&G. Virtual tour on website. 020 8876 9991 www.ibstockplaceschool.co.uk Granard Primary, 3-11y, B&G. See the virtual tour here: https://bit.ly/GranardPrimaryTour 020 8788 3606 www.granardprimary.co.uk

Dolphin School, 4-11y, B&G. 12/10 9.15am admissions@dolphinschool.org.uk 020 7924 3472 x2 www.dolphinschool.org.uk

Sacred Heart Roehampton, Recep-11y, B&G. To book a visit, send an email to the Admissions Manager dharding@sacredheartroe.wandsworth.sch.uk 020 8876 7074 www.sacredheartroe.wandsworth.sch.uk

L’Ecole de Battersea, 3-11y, B&G Bilingual French prep school. For registration requests and visits 020 7371 8350 http://www.lecoledespetits.co.uk/l ecole--battersea

St. Joseph's Catholic Primary, 311yrs, B&G. School Visits: 1:1 tours by appointment www.stjosephs.wandsworth.sch.uk admin@stjosephs.wandsworth.sch. uk 020 8874 1888.

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SW17

SE21

Burntwood Academy, 11-18y, G. Year 7 open event 5/10 8.45am.

020 8946 6201 www.burntwoodschool.com Finton House School, 4-11yrs, B&G. To visit call the school 020 8682 5757. www.fintonhouse.org.uk

Dulwich College Junior. Open events for years 3, 4 and 5 (ages 79yrs) entry. Please visit the Admissions section of the website to book a place. www.dulwich.org.uk/admissions or call the Junior school 020 8299 8432.

SE22

SW18 Wandsworth Prep, B&G Open morning 18/11. Contact the school to find out more. office@ wandsworthprep.com 020 8870 4133 www.wandsworthprep.com Anglo-Portuguese bilingual primary, B & G. 020 3417 0905 www.angloportugueseschool.org The Roche School, 2-11y, B&G. Open morning 15/10 & 17/11 9.30-12pm. 020 8877 0823 www.therocheschool.com

SW19 Hall Wimbledon, 4-18Y, B&G. Open day 9/10 9-11.30am.

Book your place on website. 020 8394 6144 www.hsw.co.uk The Study Wimbledon, 4-11y G. Open morning 2/10. Visits booked via 020 8947 6969 www.thestudyprep.co.uk Our Lady Queen of Heaven, 5-11y, B&G. See the virtual tour on website. 020 8788 7420 www.ourladyqueenofheaven.wand sworth.sch.uk

James Allen’s Girls, 4-18y, G. Open mornings 2/10. Plus open event webinar 5/10 & 13/10 5-6pm.

020 8693 1181 Booking required via www.jags.org.uk

SE26 Sydenham High School, 4-18y, G. Open morning 18/11. Book online: 020 8557 7004 www.sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net

CROYDON Trinity, 10-16y B; 16-18y B&G 020 8656 9541 open day 2/10. Register to join. www.trinity-school.org Whitgift, 10-18 B. 020 8633 9935.

See website for Open events. www.whitgift.co.uk

ASCOT Ascot Heathfield School, day, weekly and boarding, G, 11-18yrs. Open morning 16/10 9.45-12. To book email admissions@heathfieldschool.net www.heathfieldschool.net

SW20 BATH The Rowans School, 3-7yrs, B&G. To book a tour contact the Registrar: registrar@rowans.org.uk 020 8946 8220 www.rowans.org.uk

Monkton Combe, 2-18y, B&G. Open Mornings Prep: 9/10 www.monktoncombeschool.com

To advertise in

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October 2021 • Families South West 15

16 Families South West • October 2021

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EDUCATION

Fun and games with maths

By Daisy Upton

There are a few di erent things that our kiddos will be learning when it comes to numeracy in their early school years and it really helps for parents to get up to speed with these and brush up on their own basics.

Firstly, what’s the terminology?

Maths Glossary A lot of maths terminology will be familiar but it’s useful to have a reminder. And, as always, some things HAVE changed.

Multiple: This is the ANSWER number to times tables. So the multiples of 5 are 5, 10, 15, 20 etc.

Numeracy: This is a word that refers to using maths in real life, such as working out change in a shop. It’s the term that lots of schools now use instead of simply ‘maths.’

Bond Boogie Have you ever played one of those dance games where you have to step on the arrows in time with the screen and music? I’m so bad at them but cannot resist playing because I’m guaranteed laughter. I’ve tried to incorporate the fun of that game into number-bond learning here. Whack the music up . . . !

Number sentence: This is the phrase that has replaced the general word ‘sum.’ A number sentence is simply a mathematical sentence such as ‘3 + 2 = 5.’

1. On twelve A5 sheets of paper, write the numbers for your number bonds.

Number bonds: These are pairs of numbers that make a certain total number. For example, number bonds making 10 are 5&5, 1&9, 2&8, 3&7 and 4&6.

3. Put on music that you can pause. When it plays, your child can boogie.

Tens and ones: In my day (I feel like a grandma when I say this!) we used to say ‘tens’ and ‘units.’ But now teachers tend to refer to ‘tens’ and ‘ones,’ so 27 has 2 tens and 7 ones.

I believe in mixing up tricky maths learning with a big dollop of fun. Try this game.

2. Place the numbers randomly in a circle around your kid.

4. When you stop the music, shout a number. They have to put one foot on the number you’ve shouted and the other on the matching bond to make ten. So if you shout, ‘Eight!’ then they have to jump on eight and two.

5. Once they’ve got the correct numbers, start again. Or they can just jump on the paired bonds while the music plays.

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Five Minute Mum: Time for School Five Minute Mum, Daisy Upton, has recently published a new book, called Five Minute Mum: Time For School. Daisy told Families: ‘I am hoping that my new book will act like a little bridge: a paperbound stepping stone between what happens in the classroom and what happens at home. I wrote it to help parents who are preparing their children to start school or have children in the first few years of education, so you can learn together as you go.’

The book is aimed at parents of children ages 4 to 8 and includes lots of fun games, including number games, that kids will enjoy playing. Daisy says: ‘Fun is always the desired outcome for my games, so it’s not crucial to play them daily. I hope that by playing them children’s confidence with numbers will increase. I use these games myself to get back into the swing of times tables, mental addition and subtraction and all the other bits and bobs I regularly did my best to avoid at school.’

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October 2021 • Families South West 17

By Emma Lewry

The White House school

Top questions to ask on a school visit Choosing a school for your child is a big decision that can feel charged with pressure and uncertainty. As a teacher, former head teacher and a mum, I’ve been through the process from both sides of the classroom door, so here’s my simple advice to make the most of your visits.

Before your visit Check out the school website for a range of information from pupil numbers to wrap around care and start times to curriculum opportunities. See what the school offers and if it raises any questions to ask on your visit.

Look for any Ofsted reports. These won’t tell you everything and may be outdated but they may raise some questions to ask at the visit.

important especially for secondary school choices.

Try to go into any visit with an open mind; just because your neighbour loves the school doesn’t mean it will be a good fit for your family. Equally that poor Ofsted report may have been several years ago and the school could now be a great place to learn.

In person visits So now you’re prepped, what about the visit itself?

With all types of visit, whether it’s a video, a Zoom meeting or an in person tour, you will get a feel for the school communication and ethos. Ask yourself if you feel comfortable and welcomed? Is the information clear and do you feel able to ask questions or contact the school at a later time to ask? These ideas might seem trivial but initial impressions are valuable and trusting your gut is a good thing to do when choosing a school.

You should get information about class sizes, the curriculum, how the day is organised, school lunches and much more. Take your child with you if possible. Their viewpoint is 18 Families South West • October 2021

Seeing inside a school really gives you the opportunity to experience the atmosphere.

Have a good look at the learning environment and find out what resources and space the school has to offer.

If you can, speak to some teachers and children. Ask what makes the school special and what they like best about working and learning there.

Maybe ask what the lunches are like.

Children are always brutally honest so this is a great way to find out any hidden truths! Make sure you ask any questions you think of, no matter how trivial you think they might sound, so that you gather as much information as possible.

So what should you ask at the school?

• What’s the best thing about your school?

• What are you working on to improve as a school currently?

• What do the children say about your school? (or ask a child if you can!)

• How are the classes organised? Are the mixed ages and abilities?

• How do you deal with behaviour incidents and bullying?

• Any logistics that are important to you. Do you offer a breakfast club?

• Do you teach particular sports or musical instruments?

• What time does the school day start?

By prepping for your visit, paying close attention throughout and asking any questions you have, you will have got the best out of the opportunity. Always try to visit more than one school to give you a comparison and, if in doubt, trust your instincts when making a choice.

Emma Lewry is a school leader, former head teacher and co-owner of Every Day’s a School Day (edasd.co.uk) where parents can find support for matters relating to school and education.

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Become a school Governor Wandsworth is asking local people to consider becoming a school governor—and is keen to hear from people from all ethnicities and backgrounds so that governing bodies truly reflect the communities they serve.

Every school has a governing body and they play a vital role working with the head to improve standards. Some have children at the school, but many do not. Training and support is provided by the council.

Find out more at http://i4s.wandsworth.gov.uk/Page/13619

Hasib Dewan is Vice Chair of Governors at Hillbrook Primary School “Being a school governor gives you the chance to contribute to the quality of the experience children have at school by using the skills and knowledge from your day to day life. As someone who works in technology, I volunteer with a school near where I live to look at opportunities for improving facilities, mapping out plans over computing lessons, but also thinking about where technology is heading and how best to bring that into the school experience. The best thing about being a governor is that everyone comes from different walks of life, so whatever your background,

there is always a way that you can make a positive impact as a governor. It doesn’t matter what you do for a living—depending on your interests you could get involved in things like quality of teaching, something subject specific, school finance, or support the school in raising standards around attendance.

I now have the privilege of being Vice-Chair at the school. This responsibility entails supporting leadership more closely with questions or concerns from parents and students, and supporting the Chair in running of governor meetings. It isn't much more of a commitment in terms of time at all.

If you’re the kind of person that wants to give a little back to their community and have some time to spare each month then being a governor is something I couldn’t recommend highly enough. To think you have had even a small part to do with the positive learning experience of children in your local area is a brilliant feeling.”

Wandsworth celebrates its carers with the annual Foster Carer Ball

F

oster carers are at the heart of our community in Wandsworth. As part of the ongoing support provided to foster carers, recognition is given at an annual event, taking place on 2nd October this year, to celebrate the achievements and contributions of both council-approved foster carers and those from Independent Fostering Agencies. In attendance to acknowledge this valuable role will be staff from the fostering service, senior members of the Council, the lead cabinet member for Children’s Services (Cllr Sweet) and the Mayor of Wandsworth. It is also a fun opportunity for carers, members, and council officers to come together, socialise and share experiences in person. The love, care and consistency that our foster carers have provided throughout the Covid pandemic has been invaluable.

The event will be an opportunity to honour the life and contribution of an esteemed foster carer who unfortunately died in the past year.

This year marks the 35th year that him and his wife have been approved foster carers for Wandsworth. He will be receiving a posthumous award and his wife will be

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attending the Ball as a special guest of the night in recognition of their long-standing service.

Could you Foster?

Every child is unique and deserves the best care through a secure and loving home.

Wandsworth are committed to ensuring that all children who are unable to live with their birth families are cared for locally in Wandsworth communities, so they welcome interest from

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anyone from Wandsworth and the surrounding areas that would like further information on becoming a foster carer. Our children are unique, Wandsworth want to ensure their foster carers are equally as diverse, from all walks of life.

If you are interested in fostering, please call 020 8871 6666 for further details or visit the #lovetofoster website for information fostering@wandsworth.gov.uk

October 2021 • Families South West 19

Teaching our children Our children are the future. If we want that future to be as good as it can be for them and for the planet we all share, we need to teach and encourage future-friendly values and actions. So what does that mean in practice?

Here are just a few of the ways we might do this.

Protecting the planet For too long human beings have taken all the earth has to offer to enrich their own existence, but that behaviour has depleted resources, damaged fragile eco-systems and brought some species to the point of extinction. We all have a responsibility to do all we can to protect our world for future generations. Children learn from what they see, hear, and experience around them. When families talk about eating less meat, avoiding plastic, recycling, putting solar panels on the roof or the best way to travel, together with the reasons they are making these choices, then children learn not only that these things matter, but that positive action is possible.

relationships, but also develop an understanding that everyone has the right to be treated well. This can be in encapsulated in the Golden Rule: do to others as you would have them do to you.

Valuing our shared humanity Despite the importance of accepting diversity, we have more in common with each other than our differences. To tackle issues that affect all of us in the future, we have to focus on collaboration for the common good. Parents can show approval of young people taking a stand on things like climate change, gun control and racism. They can also support food banks, charities for the homeless and the NHS. Children drawing pictures of rainbows in the pandemic acknowledged all keyworkers and maybe this helped them value these people more highly.

Caring for each other The most important factor in sustainable wellbeing is the quality of our relationships. As children grow, they move from an egocentric view on life to one that takes account of other people— firstly those nearby and then in an ever-widening circle. Teaching and modelling values of kindness, care and respect will support not just their wellbeing in having healthy

Wellbeing begins with ‘we’ and our future depends on this. Every individual can make a difference, but if we all pull together there is more chance of a world where everyone can flourish.

Teaching Kindness Children begin life by reaching out to others. Even toddlers will often show empathy when another child is upset. We need to nurture this trait and show children the many ways in which they can show kindness to others. This is also in their interests: being kind helps them feel good about themselves, it boosts a positive sense of self and it is a basic tool for establishing healthy relationships, a critical component of wellbeing.

Begin with the family Ask children to help you in small ways, such as fetching things or giving you a hug and then tell them how kind they are. When children hear positive things about themselves this reinforces this behaviour.

Point out when others are being kind and the positive difference this makes In more challenging situations, ask them to tell you what would be the kind thing to do. This focuses their thinking on the positive.

When they have been kind, ask how this makes them feel. Tuning into positive emotions makes it more likely they will repeat such actions.

By Dr Sue Roffey

Children from 7 months to 5 years

For more information Call 0207 5810 200 E-mail: queensberrynurs@gmail.com www.queensberrynursery.com Where Big Hearts Shape Little Minds 20 Families South West • October 2021

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future-friendly values Collaboration matters more than competition We have an escalating mental health crisis amongst our young people and much of that is due to high levels of anxiety about how they are doing in comparison with others. They worry about academic grades, looks, popularity and much more.

Parents need to avoid fuelling competition and show their children they value them for who they are, focusing on their wonderful uniqueness and many character strengths. They need to hear the message that it doesn’t matter if you are not perfect; no-one is.

Ensure they have enough free time to let their imagination and creativity roam. Kids who spend too much time in planned, structured activities lose out.

Encourage volunteering in local community action such as community gardens or sporting teams.

Dr Sue Roffey is a psychologist and academic specialising in whole child, whole school wellbeing. She is co-author of Creating the World We Want to Live In (Routledge), available now.

Well established, independently run Montessori nursery school offering high quality education in a friendly and caring environment. Small classes with qualified staff ensure excellent levels of pupil contact. Newly renovated in September 2021.

Extra activities include sport, yoga, music and Forest School. Lovely outdoor garden.

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FamiliesSWLondon

October 2021 • Families South West 21

Clubs & Classes Directory

Please tell companies you saw them in Families! Thank you

DEVELOPING SKILLS

Wimbledon Village Stables

Lucy Sparkles

Horse riding and horse riding lessons. A multi-award winning riding school offering horse riders the opportunity to escape the city and enjoy the stunning countryside and wildlife of Wimbledon Common and Richmond Park. Try their state of the art, fully interactive horse riding simulator! www.wvstables.com

Fulham, Putney, Wandsworth. Drama, music, dance classes and parties. Classes for Toddlers, Pre-schoolers and Reception. www.lucysparkles.com

DRAMA

Fighting Fit

BOSS acting classes

Learn Kung-fu and kick boxing moves through this effective and unique training system. Improve confidence, problem solving skills, coordination, balance, flexibility, concentration.

Age 4 and up. Wimbledon, Streatham, Cheam and Tooting. tony@fighting-fit.com www.fighting-fit.com

B.O.S.S. (Be On Stage & Screen) Acting School is a new cutting-edge drama school founded in 2020 by professional actors, Jennifer Brooke and Samantha Shaw.

Chelsea, Colliers Wood, Wimbledon and Earlsfield. Holiday camps and workshops. www.bossactingschool.co.uk

LANGUAGES

MUSIC

Creative Hare Leap ahead in creative writing! Nurture your child's imagination and confidence in small, friendly groups that will foster creativity, develop analytical minds, improve spelling, punctuation and grammar skills. Provides excellent experience for school entrance exams. www.creativehare.co.uk

Art-K With over 30 clubs across England and over 2000 students being taught weekly, Art-K has created a community of art lovers. Students study different mediums as well as take part in yearly exhibitions and national Art-K events. Ages 6-16. Clapham, Fulham, Putney, Wandsworth, Wimbledon. customerservice@artk.co.uk www.art-k.co.uk Kings Tutors Enriching & confidence boosting Creative Writing course.

Renowned for adding fun & interaction to every session.

Perfect Key Stage 2 preparation. kingstutors.co.uk

VIP Trips for kids Nanny-supervised action-packed days out to London’s world-famous attractions and venues for children aged 514 years old. viptripsforkids.com

BABIES Dantastic Productions Action packed musical classes aimed to inspire, educate, build confidence and improve fitness. Suitable for ages 0-4 yrs open every week including half term. Southfields, Raynes park and Streatham. Prices from £9.50 per class. www.dantasticproductions.com

Northcote Baby Baby Massage Courses suitable from 6 weeks of age and Baby Yoga (Yoga for Baby. During these sessions you will learn a combination of both massage and yoga techniques to help stimulate and relax your baby. The baby yoga moves are gentle, playful and most of all fun!https://northcotebaby.com

Olympic cinema Parent and baby screening for children under 1 at Olympic Cinema in Barnes. Light and sound levels are optimised for the benefit of parent and baby and, where possible, the film will be screened with subtitles. olympiccinema.co.uk

Chinese Learning Centre Classes are relaxed and fun and children steadily learn Chinese speaking, Chinese reading and Chinese writing skills.

Their goal is to cultivate a long lasting interest and motivation in Chinese language and culture. The teachers use Say it, Read it, Chant it, Sing it, Do it, to help kids have a fun Chinese learning experience. chineselearningcentre.co.uk

Le French Programme Designed to provide French lessons to children of French speaking families within the English education system. The programme is located in Parsons Green Prep school, where they run a Saturday club as well as holiday clubs. lefrenchprogramme.com

Tricolore Tots Let your child enter a totally French speaking atmosphere with many creative activities and enjoy a French ‘goûter’.

Children go home with a piece of art relevant to the week’s topic. Fun French for Tots with Art and Craft 2.5 – 6 year olds, 4–5pm. Broomwood Rd, SW11 6BD . leclubtricolore.co.uk

Experience the fun and excitement of learning, recording and performing music. Sing & dance, play electric guitars and drums, record cds at their on site studios, perform at a gig at professional venues. For 4 – 18 years. upbeatmusiccourses@gmail.com londonupbeatmusiccourses.co.uk

Bilingual Beats

Piece of music

Welcome babies, toddlers and children up to six years old.

Programme is based on making the classes as fun and engaging as possible, thanks to the live music played in the sessions! Locations across London. bilingualbeatsonline.com

Kidslingo Award-winning, fun and engaging French and Spanish classes for babies to 11yrs, they teach in nurseries, lunch and afterschool clubs, holiday clubs, private groups in venues and @home across SW London. www.kidslingo.co.uk

SPORT

DANCE

Wandsworth School of Gymnastics

Be.Dance

High quality gymnastic coaching from the age of 2-16 years and abilities. Gymnasts become more sociable, confident and self-assured whilst learning a variety of skills in a disciplined environment. Classes in Balham and Wandsworth.

0203 441 4621 www.wandsworthschoolofgymnastics.co.uk

Broomwood Football Club The Club has over 970 children (including over 140 girls) playing in age groups from Reception to Year 12, which makes it one of the largest youth football clubs in the UK. This includes non-competitive football in Reception-Year 4, 18 league teams from Year 5 and upwards. Currently looking for more girls to come and play. Wandsworth Common Saturday mornings. www.broomwoodfc.co.uk

Muddy Knees Kids Rugby Non contact rugby for girls and boys aged 2-7yrs. Saturday mornings on Wandworth Common and Tooting Bec Common. “We just have the best time, full of fun, playing rugby outdoors in all weathers, all year round.” www.muddykneeskidsrugby.com

Little Kickers Four different football classes aimed at different age groups, and all focus on the play not push idea, as well as the idea that football can be educational. Ages 2-7. Wimbledon, Southfields, Wandsworth, Raynes Park, Merton Park, Putney, Parson’s Green, Chelsea, south Kensington. www.littlekickers.co.uk

22 Families South West • October 2021

Upbeat music courses

Focus on commercial and street dance styles, they draw upon influences from the world of musical theatre, jazz, hip-hop, tap, ballet and lyrical dance, creating inspiring choreography and developing students' technical skills. Balham, Clapham Junction and Wandsworth. From 18mths. www.bedance.co.uk

Classes are designed to help your child thrive and develop their love of music and learning through play. Using the elements from Dalcroze Eurythmics and Carl Orff method combined with a specifically designed curriculum, they aim to develop musical skills in even the youngest of our students.

Monday morning in Barnes. www.pieceofmusic.co.uk

Teddy's Tune Time A lovely, relaxed singing group that is as much about your child's enjoyment and development as it is about you and your chance to meet other local mums. 30 minutes of song time and 30 minutes of coffee and chat. Different songs and toys to interact with and share every week. Play musical instruments, have bubble time and dance too! It's lots of fun.

Putney, Fulham, Wandsworth. www.facebook.com/TeddysTuneTime

Jeanine Jones School of Music Piano and singing lessons for children and adults, UK wide and Europe for virtual courses. Specialise in bespoke, student centred general and exam piano, singing and drama courses from 6 yrs. www.jeaninejonesmusic.co.uk

Creative Dance Studio Dance classes and workshops for children aged 3+ and adults of all ages and abilities. Highly qualified teachers and classes with limited numbers. Follow the Rambert Grades syllabus, a new graded and OFQUAL accredited system for contemporary. Focus on inspiring people to develop their creativity and self-expression in a welcoming and inclusive environment. www.creativespacestudio.net

FOR PARENTS The Brightday Company

Royal Academy of Dance Ballet, Hip Hop, Tap and Drama classes. Classes located in Fulham, Parsons Green, Hammersmith, Chiswick, Kensington. thelittledanceacademy.com

Unique, fun-filled classes for parents. In this fun, creative and playful environment, you will be able, through games and play, to bond and connect with other parents, explore the changes you're going through, and just simply have a good time. Babies are more than welcome. They use drama-based exercises and games as a tool to build confidence and connect. These exercises are both fun and meaningful. The parents are encouraged to integrate the baby into the exercises and games if they feel like it. Clapham. www.thebrightdaycompany.net

The Ballet School London

My Baby My Birth

Consistently achieve outstanding results in examinations and have seen several pupils progress to the highest calibre of vocational training whilst retaining the ability to conduct fun, inspirational classes for any child, regardless of ability. theballetschoollondon.com

Hypnobirthing classes for a positive birth. Learn relaxation and breathing techniques in a fun and relaxed atmosphere and look forward to the birth of your baby. Suitable for all types of birth, hospital, theatre at home. www.mybabymybirth.com

The Little Dance Academy

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Helping children believe they can do anything Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 - 18 year-olds

BATTERSEA 07956 288928 battersea@stagecoach.co.uk stagecoach.co.uk/battersea

NEW MALDEN 0208 540 7791 newmalden@stagecoach.co.uk stagecoach.co.uk/newmalden

FULHAM 07498 213142 fulham@stagecoach.co.uk stagecoach.co.uk/fulham

PUTNEY 020 8099 9861 putney@stagecoach.co.uk stagecoach.co.uk/putney WIMBLEDON 020 8946 3400 wimbledon@stagecoach.co.uk stagecoach.co.uk/wimbledon

Stagecoach Performing Arts is the trading name of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited. Stagecoach Theatre Arts schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach and Creative Courage For Life are registered trademarks of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited.

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October 2021 • Families South West 23

24 Families South West • October 2021

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October half term activities Look at the amount of amazing things happening this half term! From creative writing to active camps, there is something for everyone.

We’ve worked hard to compile these listings, please make sure your tell organisers where you saw them!

DEVELOPING SKILLS Yellowbird Education hello@yellowbirdeducation.co.uk Fulham, SW6 4LJ www.yellowbirdeducation.com 18-22 October and 25-29 October Year 2 to Year 6 Creative Writing Workshop, 10-2.30pm.

7+, 8+ and 11+ English Exam Preparation 11+ Reasoning 11+ Maths for advanced Problem Solving 7+ and 8+ Reasoning Interview Preparation 7+, 8+, 10+ and 11+ Mock Exams throughout the term 7+, 8+ 11+ Sunday Exam Preparation Weekly Handwriting lessons

Little House of Science Holiday Inn Kensington Forum, SW7 4DN www.littlehouseofscience.com October Half term Science Camp: Classroom based Science camp. Ancient Mysterious STEM Spectacularium Mon-Fri, 25-29 Oct, daily from 9.303.30 (early drop-off from 8.30). Holiday camps are completely hands-on & project-based throughout each day

Chelsea Young Writers SW London www.chelseayoungwriters.co.uk 11+ exam preparation, Holiday courses as well as creative writing workshops designed and delivered by acclaimed children’s authors and creative writing tutors. An educational, fun holiday camp or holiday activity for your children designed to stimulate children's creative thinking and improve their creative writing skills in a fun and entertaining way. See website for the full programme. 8-12yrs.

DRAMA, SINGING, MUSIC Perform Venues include Chelsea, Clapham South, Kensington, Battersea, and Wimbledon www.perform.org.uk/superheroes 25-27 October Superheroes Missions This half term, Performers are off to Superhero School for an action-packed top-Secret Mission to save the world! With singing, dancing, twirling, and swooping, your child will discover their own special powers as they zoom towards a sensational showcase for family and friends. Ages 4-10 years.

Quote LSW151021 for an introductory £40 discount when you book an autumn class by 15th October.

Funky Monkey www.funkymonkey.info and click on ‘Holiday Workshops’ or call 01732 457100.

25/10 Clapham 26/10 Sydenham 26/10 Streatham 27/10 Herne Hill Come and waggle a witchy finger or five at our Frightful Fingers Electronic Keyboard Workshop this half term!

A half day music workshop, a brilliant all-round introduction to the electronic keyboard for 4-8 year old beginners. It's a carefully devised fun-packed four hours which incorporates reading and writing notes C-G alongside learning basic keyboard technique. Wrap this around Halloween inspired activities and you have the perfect day of music making that kids love, all with a spooky twist! All equipment and workbook provided.

10am-2pm. Bring lunch. £40 for first child, £30 subsequent siblings.

Inkhead Creative writing info@inkhead.co.uk Louise on 07943 514408 https://inkhead.co.uk 20-29 Oct. Online and face to face. 11+ revision course, 11+ writing for exams, 7+ create a lovable monster, write a tall tale, write to persuade, argue and report and more.

Polka Theatre

26 Families South West • October 2021

Crazy Camps www.crazycamps.co.uk At Ernest Bevin College and Tooting Bec Athletics Track It's Halloween all week this half term with Crazy Camps. A usual crazy, fun timetable of events (and a few spooky surprises). Five day booking is just £115, however single and multi-day bookings are welcome. All venues are Ofsted registered and childcare vouchers and tax free payments can be used. Book online at www.crazycamps.co.uk

Club Petit Pierrot Book online https://clubpetitpierrot.co.uk/ Chelsea venue: A fun holiday club packed with dynamic, creative and educational activities such as arts and crafts, sporty games (indoor and outdoor weather permitting), singing and dancing…all in French! £362 per week Mo-Fri 9am-4pm.

Fulham venue: A different French cultural topic every day with activities such as cooking, science, art and gardening workshops and will also explore all the vocabulary with fun worksheets, games etc £262 per week Mo to Fri 9am-11.30am or 1pm-3.30pm.

Kids En Cuisine Belgravia SW1V 1PJ info@kidsencuisine.com 18-29 Oct. Cooking classes in a professional kitchen with certified chefs for children from 6 years old.

Money well invested we say! 10am to 1pm. £80 per day or £360 the week.

CAMPS & ACTION

Upbeat Music Courses - Parsons Green https://upbeatmusiccourses.co.uk/holiday-camps/ 25-27 October Spooky sounds Half Term course.

Monstrous musical fun with their multi-activity halloween themed course. Instruments, singing, dance, bands, percussion, art and outdoor fun. 10am—4pm. 5 - 11yrs.

RHS Garden, Wisley

Youngstars multi sport & activity camps Balham, Clapham, Clapham Junction, Wimbledon, Putney, Tooting 07749 343116 or 0845 222 1313 campbookings@young-stars.co.uk www.young-stars.co.uk 25-29 October holiday camps. Guaranteed fun through games, sports and arts & crafts. The camps are all inclusive and non competitive, designed to improve co-ordination, awareness, motor skills.

Ages 3-10yrs.

The Little Gym www.thelittlegym.co.uk 25-27 October This half term why not get your child to get moving again? At The Little Gym they use non-competitive activities like gymnastics to help children develop physically and mentally. Helping improve their confidence, aid their sleeping patterns, as well as developing vital motor and social skills. It’s time to get moving again. Let’s help them feel good about it.

Active Kids St. Mathews CofE Primary School www.zoneallsportsandcare.com 25–29 October Arts, crafts & activities. Children will still remain active this week with sports sessions during some of the day along with some creepy craft making as well. £26 per day, £120 full week.

FUN Soccer School Wandle Recreation Centre, SW18 4DN dennis@funsoccerschool.co.uk 079 4673 1463 https://funsoccerschool.co.uk/holiday-camps Come on and have fun! Autumn Half Term: 25-29 October

Zebra Skate Kensington and Clapham Common www.zebraskate.co.uk 25-29 October Rollerblading and skateboarding camp. A great way to keep kids active and learning during the holidays. Also private skating lessons in Battersea park and Kensington Gardens. “Our aim to teach skating in a safe and fun environment. We are OFSTED registered. have enhanced DBS background checks, are Paediatric First Aid trained, accept Childcare vouchers and tell very cheesy jokes.”

Perform

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Swimway

Polka Theatre Half term

Balham, Clapham, East Sheen, Kensington, Kew Gardens, Putney, Wandsworth and Wimbledon Homeguard@swimway.co.uk 020 8871 3972 www.swimway.co.uk Very popular intensive swimming courses, book early. NEW! Brand new purpose built 20m training pool in East Sheen. Also parents & baby lessons and group adult lessons.

Polka Theatre www.polkatheatre.com 27–29 October The Polka Theatre is full of fun this half term. There is a physical theatre and movement workshop with the music from RED, a power poets’ workshop, a multisensory storytelling workshop and drop-in classes for little ones.

South West Swimming School

Dino Snores for Kids

Emanuel School, Battersea Rise.

To book or reserve a place contact 020 8767 2723 operations @swswimschool.co.uk www.swswimschool.co.uk Intensive courses 30min classes from 9am-12pm.

Natural History Museum www.nhm.ac.uk 23 October Join a night of exploration and adventure among the Museum's most incredible creatures. This will be a sleepover you'll never forget. 6.45pm-10am Booking very early advised, it’s very popular!

The Gruffalo at Kew Gardens

OUTDOOR RHS Garden, Wisley www.rhs.org.uk 22-30 October Autumn Carnival Find out how the autumn season is celebrated around the world with hands on activities for all ages, including a garden trail. On 23 and 24 October is the Autumn circus weekend with a big top marquee and enthralling performances. Included in admission.

Illuminature WWT London Wetland Centre Visit the website to book: wwt.org.uk/illuminature 22 October–9 January 22 A light trail like no other where Families can experience a unique and magical event—a unique opportunity to see a different side of the wetlands while enjoying an immersive art experience after-dark. Get the family together, or join friends you haven’t seen in too long, for a special evening. The immersive illuminated light trail gives children and adults a chance to explore the natureinspired trail through London’s original wetland.

Follow the trail past reed beds, lagoons and the grazing marsh, seeing larger-than-life illuminations of iconic wetland wildlife like otters and swans.

There will be immersive light tunnels, hop along responsive lily-pads, and a multitude of other opportunities to interact with the lights on the journey, creating an unforgettable experience.

The immersive light trail has been specially-designed and carefully curated to work alongside the amazing natural wetlands and their wildlife.

4pm - 9pm. Tickets are £17.50 per adult and £12.50 per child, under 4’s go free.

Funky Monkey

Telling Tales Shakespeare’s Globe www.shakespearesglobe.com 24-30 October Shakespeare’s Globe is full of fun this half term!

Telling Tales hosts a range of family activities and events including storytelling performances, on stage workshops, family guided tour, family workshops, sword fighting and family dressing. Check website for more details.

Teds Space Adventure Royal Observatory www.rmg.co.uk During school holidays Explore the solar system with a bear named Ted and learn about what they find and what it means to us.

Full of interactive music and rhyme. Suitable for young audiences aged 3 – 7 years.

The Gruffalo’s Child Kew Gardens www.kew.org 16–31 October Join the Gruffalo’s Child and follow Kew’s enchanting trail through the deep, dark woods. Meet familiar characters including Owl, Fox, Snake and of course Big Bad Mouse. Look out for surprises and collect clues!

Pattern Pod

Kids En Cuisine

Science Museum www.sciencemuseum.org.uk On now, Wednesday to Sunday Pattern Pod is a multi-sensory area for children aged 8 and under. Kids can explore water ripples without getting wet, create symmetrical images on touch screens, follow robot trails and more! They can learn to recognise and copy patterns or create new ones of their own.

Science Museum

MUSEUM ACTIVITIES (See also our What’s on pages)

London Transport Museum www.ltmuseum.co.uk From Steam to Green 23–31 October Learn how different types of public transport have shaped London’s environment over the last 200 years. There are interactive STEM inspired activities, meet real-world engineers and take in a hands-on display about cycling in the city. There are also storytelling sessions and a collaborative art installation about the wildlife of London.

Polesden Lacey

familiesonline.co.uk

www.sciencemuseum.org.uk On now The garden. Children can explore areas of construction, water, light and sound. They can learn about floating, sinking, shadows and reflections.

Suitable for children aged 3-6 along with parent or carer.

Dodo masks workshop Victoria and Albert Museum www.vam.ac.uk 10 October Artis Gayle Chond Kwan will guide your little ones through a mask-making class to make your won fantasy dodo mask. Free but tickets must be booked.

London Zoo

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Science Museum Wetlands Wildlife Trail

October 2021 • Families South West 27

Fun French Lessons Innovative immersion programme Featured by BBC, ITV, Daily Telegraph, Daily Express and Time Out

Across London

Est. 1993

020 3969 2642 admin@clubpetitpierrot.co.uk www.clubpetitpierrot.co.uk

Not 1 not 2 but 3 Halloween parties!

29th October 2021 Under 5’s - 10:00 -12:00 - £16 Fancy dress prizes, spooky playlist, Halloween themed games, face painting, Halloween colouring in & create a spooky wax hand mould (addition fee).

We like you to post your most spooky flip out picture competitions to win a family pass.

After dark Halloween Parties!

All Ages - 18:00 - 20:00 - £16 14 years + - 20:00 - 21:00 - £14 The lights go down, music goes up and ghost come out to play Halloween-themed after dark disco time , fancy dress competition and party games! from our foam pit to huge inflatable drop and dedicated under 5's areas there a spooky-good time to be had for all.

Our Very Popular Toddler Time experience is an amazing way for your little ones to explore and socialise, as well as develop coordination and balance.

Monday - Thursday off peak 9.00 - 10.00 - £13

The Perfect Fun Activity, For Your Family or Your Bubble!

Our FAMILY BONUS TICKET includes: 2 adult & 2 children or 1 adult & 3 children 60 min jump session - peak £44 (£12 peak for addition guests maximum 2 additional, maximum of 6)

28 Families South West • October 2021

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Fireworks Battersea Park Fireworks www.enablelc.org/fireworks 6 and 7 November Battersea is holding two nights of fireworks and bonfire shows with the 7th of November being a family-friendly night with an earlier starting time and child-friendly programming.

Wimbledon Park Fireworks www.merton.gov.uk 5 November Wimbledon is back with two musical fireworks shows as well as a funfair, food, drinks and more!

Morden Park Fireworks www.merton.gov.uk 6 November Merton has two fireworks shows for residents to enjoy, along with food, drinks, and funfair!

Willows Activity Farm Fireworks www.willowsactivityfarm.com 5 and 6 November Willows will be lighting up the sky above the farm for an evening of crackling good fun! Fireworks begin at 6:30pm.

Leeds Castle Fireworks www.leeds-castle.com 6 and 7 November Firework enthusiasts can enjoy the space-themed fireworks show along with a full production of projections and lasers onto the castle. Visitors can enjoy the castle’s grounds before fireworks.

Godstone Farm, Surrey www.godstonefarm.co.uk Low Bangs Fireworks on Friday 29th and Saturday 30th October.

Ideal for sensitive ears meaning children of all ages can enjoy the bright colours and sparkles without the usual noise.

An evening ticket includes access to the outdoor play area from 5pm, a fun filled pre-show followed by the main event.

There’s food, drink and a great atmosphere promised! Day tickets to the farm are also on sale with lots of Halloween themed activities and savings to be had when buying a combi ticket for day + evening.

Top Haunts in London London is full of tales of ghosts and ghouls. Here are five that may make your hair stand on end!

Hampton Court Palace Known as the home to Henry VIII, it’s two of Henry’s wives who have been said to haunt the castle. It is said that both Jane Seymour and Catherine Howard have been known to drift through the castle now and again.

Fulham Palace With a 1,300-year-old history, Fulham Palace is bound to have some ghost stories. The former home of the bishops of London is said to be home to ghosts who wander the great hall.

The Tower of London Some well-known people lost their lives at the tower, so it’s no wonder there have always been tales of ghosts swirling around! Many have been reported as being seen there, including Anne Boleyn.

The Ten Bells The local bar, famed for well-known patron Jack the Ripper is said to have a lot of paranormal activity going on.

New Wimbledon Theatre Visitors have speculated for decades about a mysterious dark theatregoer who seems to turn up in the theatre. It is also home to the “Grey Lady” who wanders around the theatre at times. She has also been known to turn on the sprinkler system!

Battersea Park

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FamiliesSWLon

October 2021 • Families South West 29

Blenheim Palace

Halloween Compiled by Melissa Reynolds Halloween these days is about getting outdoors and having fun in the dark.

Here is a good choice of things to do and places to go to with your little ones that everyone should enjoy.

4 family passes to Flip Out to win!

To enter see @FamiliesSWLondon Facebook page.

Magnificent monsters

Hever Castle & Gardens

Southbank Centre www.southbankcentre.co.uk 27 October Little ones can enjoy storytelling, crafts, readings, workshops, and performances from Pop Up Projects’ 10 Stories to Make a Difference. The book is a collection of ten original illustrated stories for young readers, inspired by the theme of difference.

Edenbridge, Kent www.hevercastle.co.uk 23-31 October Sport your spookiest costume and follow the Ghoul School audio trail, encountering a spooky array of teachers who will impart their delights, frights, and a few vampire bites. Take part in a garlic bulb planting workshop to try and ward off vampires and spot spooky decorations around the grounds. For older and braver visitors (age 14+), Halloween Scream also takes place in half term week with a two-part interactive experience in both the Castle and the cellars underneath after dark.

Baby Halloween Party My Gym Battersea www.mygym.com/battersea 31 October Boo! A party for babies filled with cute scares, monster cuddles and Halloween stories plus a little gift for visitors. 10-11am, ages 2 months - 3 years.

Halloween family rave At The Goodness Brewing Company www.bigfishlittlefishevents.com 24 October Rattle your bones on a dance floor filled with bubbles, balloons, and foam, topped off by the parachute dance. There'll be spooky goings at this award-winning Big Fish Little Fish family rave, with a scary mix of acid house, techno, drum and bass and anything else that he fancies! Get crafty on the Nifty Natty Craft tables and enjoy face painting, plus the baby chill out or play areas.

Spooktastic family show Dantastic Productions St Marks church hall, Wimbledon.

Tickets £12, siblings £8, Adults £4 www.dantasticproductions.com/hall oweenshow 31st October Expect plenty of singing, dancing, magic, laughter, tricks, treats and surprises live on stage. A high energy burst of spooktastic interactive fun Dantastic style!

The show is aimed at ages 3-8 years however this is only a guide so older/younger kids are more than welcome to join in the fun. Show times 1.30pm. 3pm, 4.30pm, 6pm.

30 Families South West • October 2021

Spooky movie making Halloween school

Flip Out Wandsworth www.flipout.co.uk 0203 026 8440 The usual fun PLUS more this HALLOWEEN! Themed games, colouring in, face painting and a chance to make your very own spooky wax hand mould (wax hands are an added cost).

29 October programme: - Make a Spooktacular entrance and dress up! The best in costume on the day will be rewarded with fun treats.

- 10-12 pm Halloween Under 8’s.

Themed fun playlist, Halloween themed games, face painting and more. £15: Adult and child ticket.

Socks £2.50 pp.

- 6pm-8pm (suitable for all ages) Halloween After Dark Session Ghoulish gals and ghastly guys don’t miss Flip Out Wandsworth themed Halloween Friday night, After Dark jump session! £16 pp (plus socks £2.50).

- Calling all 14 years and above to our NEW session 14+ After Dark Perfect for your first jumping date, alternative work night out or for ghostly giggles with your friends!

Adults, release the big kid within and enjoy everything Flip Out Wandsworth has to offer.

- 8-9 pm £14 pp (plus socks £2.50).

Dress to impress, treats for the best costume!

BFI Southbank www.bfi.org.uk 25-29 October Children can learn how some of the most gruesome and grizzly effects in horror movies are made. They can then work on making their own ghostly short films during this workshop.

Witches and Wizards Week Bocketts Farm www.bockettsfarm.co.uk 23–31 October Bocketts is full of spooky, family fun!

Take in the reptile roadshow, science and slime shows, spooktacular fun trail, creepy craft corner and more!

Don’t forget to meet the animals and enjoy play indoors and out.

Halloween at Blenheim Palace Blenheim Palace www.blenheimpalace.com 22–31 October Travel a spooky, fun-filled trail this half term. Wander from dusk into darkness from one ghostly space to another!

Howl’o’ween Chessington World of Adventure www.chessington.com 16–31 October Chessington is full of loads of spooktacular fun this Halloween! See the Wild Witches, the Plunderous Pirates, the Ferocious Pharaohs and Barbaric Bandits. Little ones can wander through the Forgotten Forest and the Misadventures of Wilf! Riders can enjoy turns in the dark.

Leonardslee Horsham RH13 6PP www.leonardsleegardens.co.uk 23-31 October You are in for a fright this Halloween with the spooktacular pumpkin trail and Halloween themed afternoon tea.

A wonderful day out in this beautiful garden and lakes.

Halloween shadows Polka Theatre www.polkatheatre.com 26 October Create Halloween light sculptures, lanterns, and ghostly shadow puppets in this creepy craft workshop. From 10am to 12:30pm, ages 4-6 years.

Happy Hallowe'en Paulton’s Park www.paultonspark.co.uk 14 October to 1 November The friendliest, most frightful fun fest in the UK - all set in Peppa Pig World.

Exciting Hallowe'en shows including The Legend of Paultons Manor—an all singing, and dancing extravaganza, ghoulish fun and Peppa Pig World will get a spooky Hallowe'en makeover.

Shriek Week - Colchester Zoo www.colchester-zoo.com 23–31 October It’s a week of shrieks and spooky fun at Colchester Zoo! There will be pumpkin carving, witches craft coven, a pirate adventure ride, glow show and more!

familiesonline.co.uk

Top Halloween pranks for families Over the years, Halloween has become a fun celebration embraced by many but it doesn’t have to be all about the treats! It’s also a great time to play some fun tricks on your family. So check out these ghoulish ideas and get ready for the most spooktacular season of the year!

Skeleton fun

Glowing eyes

Fake treats

Gory Food

Pranking your family with a skeleton is both easy and creative. Your family won’t expect a skeleton at the dinner table, in the passenger seat of your car or in the shower. Glow in the dark ones are a particularly great and unexpected surprise!

Looking to spook your family at night? Try making some glowing eyes to put in your garden.

Simply draw some eyes onto the tube of a toilet roll, cut them out and place glow sticks into them.

Some carefully placed ones could also spook the neighbours too…

We all know Halloween is synonymous with treats, so, with this prank, you get the best of both worlds. You can cover fruit or vegetables in chocolate to make them look like a tasty treat and watch your loved ones grimace when they take a bite!

Popular options are Brussel sprouts, onions or chocolate covered grapes wrapped in sweet wrappers.

This may require a little more creativity, but making sausages look like chopped fingers (don’t forget the ketchup!) or Rice Krispie treats look like brains is usually something kids relish. Another idea is to peel green grapes – the texture and look of the inside of the grape is surprisingly similar to an eyeball…

Spooky insects

Mirror Messages

It’s not Halloween unless fake creepy crawlies are involved!

You can hide them in beds, the bathroom or even freeze them in ice cube trays. It’s an easy scare and relatively low cost.

Use a little bit of liquid soap on your finger and write on the bathroom window. When your unsuspecting victim gets in the shower and fogs up the mirror, they will see your secret message. It could be their name or something more in tune with Halloween like ‘I’m watching you.’ Or something simple like ‘Happy Halloween’ or ‘Boo!’

Spooky Noises

Bloody Handprints

These days, finding sound clips on YouTube can be the answer to scaring people when they least expect it. Especially when you can connect your phone to devices such as speakers or an Alexa. Have a search to find ghost noises or perhaps creaky floorboards, then play your prank when your victim least suspects it. (But make sure it isn’t when someone is driving, using the stairs or wielding sharp objects safety first!).

Guess the Body Parts The idea is to blindfold your kids and get them to feel food and guess which body part it is. You can use foods like spaghetti for a brain, sausages for fingers, jelly for a heart or perhaps pickled onions for eyes.

The options are endless and it is so much fun to see the look on their faces when you reveal the truth at the end.

A simple but e ective decoration.

Simply find some removable fake blood, place it on your hands or on some plastic gloves and get creative. Maybe try putting bloody hand prints across the window or on a floor - definitely not one for the carpet though.

Remember, Halloween isn’t for everyone; so only visit houses decorated with a pumpkin or decorations and don’t play pranks on people you don’t know.

By inter e ir Cla W

Familiesonline.co.uk

Please tell advertisers you found them in Families Calling all young Scientists!

Help us discover how babies & kids learn!

We’re recruiting infants from birth to school age to take part in fun studies at Birkbeck’s Babylab & ToddlerLab in central London.

Our prime locations are easy to reach and we refund travel expenses.

We also have online studies you can do from the comfort of home www.cbcd.bbk.ac.uk/online-studies

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

32 Families South West • October 2021

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HALF TERM FAMILY FUN 23-31 October London Transport Museum

From

STEAM to

GREEN

With thanks to our Climate Crossroads coalition partners:

10:37

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FamiliesSWLon

October 2021 • Families South West 33

What’s On October 2021

Compiled by Robina Cowan

All details are as provided when going to press, however those Halloween gremlins do like to make mischief and scupper plans - best double-check before setting out

DIARY DATES Big Fish Little Fish Family Rave The Bedford, Balham SW12 9HD www.bigfishlittlefishevents.com 10 October Join the awardwinning, world famous Big Fish Little Fish pioneering family ravers as they bring acid house, techno, house, hip hop, drum ‘n’ bass to families with 0-8 year-olds. Dance together on a dance floor filled with bubbles, balloons, glitter and topped by the parachute dance in this amazing under the arches venue. 2-4.30pm.

Warm & Well in Merton Information Fair Wimbledon Library, Wimbledon Hill Road SW19 7NB www.warmandwellinmerton.co.uk 13 October Pop in to find out how to stay well this winter. Pick up your free information pack and free thermometer, enjoy free refreshments and brownies, whilst hearing how local organisations can help with energy-saving advice and tips on staying well in colder weather. 2.30-4.30pm.

Clapham Book Festival Omnibus Theatre SW4 0QW and Zoom www.claphambookfestival.com 16 October Inaugurated in 2016, this year’s festival includes absolutely top-notch biographers, historians, and children’s authors so there is something for everyone.

With guided literary walks around Clapham and events at Omnibus Theatre, enjoy talks by Sir Michael Morpugo, Radio 4’s Ed Stourton, historian Ben Macintyre and more.

The Chocolate Factory Westfield London, W12 7GF www.chocolatefactoryexperience.com

Until 31 October Immerse yourselves in a world of sweets, where sight, smell, and taste all bring this candy-themed adventure to life. Your journey will take you through a series of magical themed rooms and naturally, you’ll be able to eat your way through the experience too. All ages, time slot bookings.

Parallax Art Fair Kensington Town Hall W8 7NX www.parallaxaf.co/tickets.php 23+ 24 October Europe’s largest fair for independent artists and designers has over 7000 works and 300 exhibitors, plus music and refreshments in a family-friendly space. 11am-5pm, free, prebooked tickets.

31 October Oliver Jeffers: There’s a Ghost in the House Oliver Jeffers, bestselling picture book maker and artist, introduces his latest title, 'There’s A Ghost In This House' on the spookiest day of the year. Hear the story behind his artistic process and his use of mixed-media illustrations in creating this unique and disarmingly witty take on a traditional ghost story, which is

suitable for every day - not just Halloween. Ages 8+.

Mum2mum Market Various venues across SW London www.mum2mummarket.co.uk Nearly new baby and children’s clothes, toys, books and baby equipment. Book a stall to make space in your house - or bag a bargain. Check the website calendar for your next local sale.

Spirit of Christmas Fair Olympia W14 8UX www.spiritofchristmasfair.co.uk 1 - 7 November Now in its 20th year, this sparkly event features over 650 small boutiques and artisan designer-makers, showcasing original, high-quality products from clothing to homewares, food to jewellery.

There are gift ideas galore with sampling opportunities, special offers and the chance of a classy glass of champagne with fellow shoppers.

The Baby Show Live London Literature Festival Southbank SE1 www.southbankcentre.co.uk Until 31 October London Literature Festival returns with a timely focus on friendship. A stunning line-up of authors, activists, poets and performers will lead conversations and readings, including a free family programme headlined by Oliver Jeffers:

Olympia W14 8UX www.thebabyshow.co.uk/live 22-24 October Complete with over 200 exhibitors, exclusive show offers, celebrity appearances, expert advice and the opportunity to try before you buy, The Baby Show is the UK’s leading pregnancy and parenting event.

Colourhouse Theatre

THEATRE & SHOWS Polka Theatre The Broadway SW19 1SB www.polkatheatre.com Until 31 October Red The wolves have seized power from Queen Sukotai and Alpha Wolf sits on the throne. What will happen now and where is Red? Don your wellies and journey through forests and swampland on a mission to restore peace to the land; but be careful not to disturb the sleeping wolves!

Ages 6+.

34 Families South West • October 2021

Merton Abbey Mills SW19 2RD www.colourhousetheatre.co.uk Until 7 November Hansel and Gretel Hansel and Gretel are lost in the forest with no hope of finding their way back home. When they explore a house made of sweets they think their luck has changed, but things take a turn for the worse when they discover the house belongs to an evil witch. Find out if the bond between a brother and sister can prevail over an evil witch in one of Colour House Theatre’s favourite musical productions.

Ages 3+.

Cambridge Theatre Earlham Street WC2H 9HU www.lwtheatres.co.uk/theatres/ca mbridge Matilda the Musical The multiaward winning musical from the Royal Shakespeare Company is back! Inspired by the beloved book by the incomparable Roald Dahl and with original songs by Tim Minchin, this is the story of an extraordinary little girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. Ages 6+.

familiesonline.co.uk

What’s On October 2021 Lyric Hammersmith Theatre King Street W6 0QL www.lyric.co.uk 26 – 30 October Zoom! Molly knows everything about space. All the planets and their moons; even the number of Saturn’s rings.

Molly is definitely, absolutely going to be an astronaut when she grows up. But when, one wintry night, Molly meets a visitor from outer space she realises she still has a lot to learn about looking after our very own planet, Earth. Ages 3-8.

23 October The Tales of Robin Hood Join England's greatest outlaw as he and his merry friends take on the dastardly Sheriff of Nottingham! Be swept along in the adventure as dynamic puppetry and colourful acting bring these much-loved tales to life. With comedy, derring-do and even interactive archery, The Tales of Robin Hood is a quiver-full of fun for both young and old alike.

Ages 4+.

Leicester Square Theatre Leicester Place WC2H 7BX www.leicestersquaretheatre.com

16 October Sleeping Beauty Dazzling dancers, Tchaikovsky's sumptuous score and gorgeous costumes bring this glittering classical ballet to life. A good fairy turned evil by jealousy casts a bad spell on a young princess. But an act of pure love will undo her

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6 November Roald Dahl and the Imagination Seekers All around the world Roald Dahl's words are disappearing, not only from books but from children's minds too.

Only a secret organisation known as the Ancient Guild of Tale Tenders can save the stories - and they need your help! Roald Dahl and the Imagination Seekers develops both creative and literacy skills through performance, games and creative play whilst exploring Dahl's extraordinary stories. Ages 6-10.

magic, restoring her heart and bringing peace and harmony to the whole kingdom. Performed by Let’s All Dance, the shortened classic is the perfect way to introduce children to the wonder and magic of live dance.

Ages 2-14.

23 October – 3 January 2022 Stick Man What starts off as a morning jog becomes quite the misadventure for Stick Man: a dog wants to play fetch with him, a swan builds a nest with him, and he even ends up on a fire! How will Stick Man ever get back to the family tree? Touching, funny and utterly original, Freckle Productions’ delightful adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s tale is back in town!

Ages 3+.

FamiliesSWLondon

Little Angel Theatre Dagmar Passage N1 2DN www.littleangeltheatre.com Until 7 November There’s a Rang-tan in My Bedroom and other Stories Imagine waking up to find a turtle bathing in your bathtub, an orangutan bouncing on your bed and a jaguar creeping through your kitchen!

How did they all get there, and why on earth are they all so far from home? Inspired by Greenpeace campaign films and featuring a voiceover from Emma

Thompson, this magical mix of puppetry and music helps children to discover more about these animal friends and what they can do to help - because no one is too small to make a difference. Ages 5-11.

Ciné Lumière

Peacock Theatre

Institut Français SW7 2DT www.institut-francais.org.uk/cinelumiere 26 October + 30 November Small Dragons & Little Dragons Enter a world of fantasy where you can be anyone (an elf, a magician, an alien…) and follow adventures ahead. In this activity, children discover easy mechanics of roleplaying games, and use their imagination to their full potential in made-up scenarios inspired from children’s literature. Bi-lingual and easy French, ages 6-10.

Portugal Street WC2A 2HT www.peacocktheatre.com 20 November – 2 January 2022 The Snowman Festive favourite The Snowman at The Peacock is a magical adaptation of the muchloved Raymond Briggs book. Its enchanting mix of dance, live music, storytelling and magic has been captivating audiences for 23 years.

Shakespeare’s Globe New Globe Walk SE1 9DT www.shakespearesglobe.com 24 - 30 October Telling Tales Plays retold for children include The Merchant of Venice, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Hamlet, and Julius Caesar. The Globe’s Fight Team will be offering a demonstration of historical sword fighting, while costumiers will show how Elizabethan women and gentlemen courtiers dressed.

Until 30 October A Midsummer Night’s Dream Four love-drunk teens, escaped from the confines of an oppressive regime, caught in a dispute of increasingly magical proportions. The Fairy Queen and King at war, and one wild spirit hell-bent on causing as much havoc as possible. Designed for families and young people, the production is a fiesta like no other, with pinatas, streamers, glitter and a cacophony of brass.

Family Guided Tours Ideal for those with children aged 7-11 years old, the tours introduce younger visitors to Shakespeare’s London and to the theatrical world he created.

Sadler’s Wells Theatre Rosebery Avenue EC1R 4TN www.sadlerswells.com 29 + 30 October Pinocchio Based on the timeless original story, Jasmin Vardimon Company’s performances combine physical theatre, dance and innovative technologies to bring this classic tale to life.

2 + 3 December Chotto Xenos This powerful work takes families and young audiences back in time, shining a light on our present and future by exploring the often untold stories of First World War colonial soldiers. Ages 7+.

7 December - 30 January 2022 The Nutcracker Indulge your sweet tooth with Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker! With family-sized helpings of Bourne’s trademark wit and magical fantasy, this is a treat for all.

October 2021 • Families South West 35

What’s On October 2021

Compiled by Robina Cowan

THEATRE & SHOWS

SEN DAYS OUT

continued

A number of major London venues offer quieter sessions for visitors with SEN including those with an Autism Spectrum Condition, where they can enjoy everything on offer, free from the hustle and bustle of the general public. Venues include the Natural History Museum,

The Royal Albert Hall Kensington Gore SW7 2AP www.royalalberthall.com www.beatboxadventures.com 26 October Shlomo’s Beatbox Adventures For Kids World record-breaking beatboxer SK Shlomo makes mad music with his mouth. Become one of this sonic superhero’s sidekicks in a world of funny sounds, brilliant noises and cool music, whether you’re aged 1 or 101!

Prince Edward Theatre Old Compton Street W1D 4HS www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk/wha ts-on/mary-poppins Until 22 February 2022 Mary Poppins Disney and Cameron

MUSEUMS The British Library Mackintosh’s multi award-winning stage adventure is filled with music, lyric, dancing, incredible effects and of course - the world’s favourite nanny.

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

BABY & TODDLER ACTIVITIES Baby and Me Coffee Mornings The Abbey Centre, Great Smith Street SW1P 3BU www.theabbeycentre.org.uk Tuesdays Free weekly coffee mornings for parents and babies, with a different speaker each week.

Speak to Maternity Champions for support and signposting, and meet other new parents in the area over free tea, coffee and healthy snacks.

10am-12noon Tuesdays, booking required; email Sharon.macdonald@theabbeycentr e.org.uk or call 07803 779 453.

Adventure Babies Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road SW7 5BD 5 + 19 October Delight your little ones with a sing-along, sensory storytelling class designed to boost their development and nurture a love of books.

Bach to Baby

36 Families South West • October 2021

Science Museum, London Transport Museum and Postal Museum.

30 October and 11 December, London Transport Museum 21 November, Natural History Museum

Baby Halloween Party My Gym Battersea, SW11 4NB www.mygym.com/battersea 31 October Boo! A party for babies filled with cute scares, monster cuddles and Halloween stories plus a little gift for visitors. 10-11am, ages 2 months - 3 years.

Bring Your Own Baby Comedy Various venues including Clapham and Wimbledon www.byobcomedy.com A funny, friendly afternoon of top comedy, where baby can come too and join in with the rumpus. Shows feature a new line up of comedians each month with two acts plus a compere, lasting around 75 minutes. Buggy parking, bottle warming and baby changing available. Check the BYOB website for dates and details.

Various venues www.bachtobaby.com Critically-acclaimed classical concerts for baby and you.

Outstanding musicians perform exhilarating concerts where babies can ‘join in’ with as much noise as they like!

16 October, Victoria & Pimlico 21 October, Paddington and Putney 22 October, Clapham 6 November, Balham & Streatham

Euston Road NW1 2DB www.bl.uk/events Until 31 October Paddington: The Story of a Bear Join Paddington as he sets off on a new adventure at the British Library. Whether tidying the attic, going to the laundrette or enjoying a birthday party, Paddington is forever making a mess. Follow his trail of marmalade splats to explore his tales of muddles and mishaps

from his arrival in London, to home life with the Browns - but be careful to avoid Paddington’s toppling pots of paint!

Fulham Palace Bishop's Avenue SW6 6EA www.fulhampalace.org Mondays and Tuesdays Palace Explorers: Mouse in the Museum Creative, hands-on sessions for 2 to 4 year-olds and their adults.

Each week introduces an exciting new theme to explore.

The British Museum Great Russell Street WC1B 3GD www.britishmuseum.org Until 24 October Nero, The Man Behind the Myth Follow the young emperor’s rise and fall and make up your own mind about Nero through some 200 spectacular objects and displays, from the imperial palace in Rome to the streets of Pompeii. Was he a young, inexperienced ruler trying his best in a divided society, or the merciless, matricidal megalomaniac history has painted him to be?

Until 30 January Hokusai: The Great Picture Book of Everything Discover a collection of rare drawings

by Katsushika Hokusai one of Japan's most celebrated artists, best known for his iconic print,

‘Under the Wave off Kanagawa’, popularly called ‘The Great Wave’.

Depicting scenes from Buddhist India, ancient China and the natural world, the brush drawings not only showcase Hokusai's inimitable style and skill, but also reveal a version of 19th-century Japan much more intrigued by the wider world than previously thought.

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What’s On October 2021 Science Museum

MUSEUMS continued

Natural History Museum Cromwell Road SW7 5BD www.nhm.ac.uk Until 3 January Fantastic Beasts: The Wonder of Nature Discover where the real world and the

Wizarding World intertwine, and how the wonders of the natural world have inspired myths, legends and magical creatures for generations.

Until April Our Broken Planet: How We Got Here and Ways to Fix It Explore the extraordinary

The Postal Museum Phoenix Place WC1X 0DA www.postalmuseum.org

Museum of London Docklands West India Quay E14 4AL www.museumoflondon.org.uk/do cklands Once upon a time, London was

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impact humans have had on the planet through what we grow and eat, from bees threatened by the loss of wildflower meadows to birds of prey poisoned by pesticides. NHM’s free display highlights some fantastic species and how our actions are affecting them. From a humongous 3m long black marlin skeleton to the wild and now-extinct ancestor of cows; visitors can get up close and personal to a variety of creatures from the museum’s world-leading collection. An exploration of the power of humans and the resilience of nature, Our Broken Planet asks visitors to reflect on their personal consumption, question how our actions have led to these drastic examples - and learn what we can do to protect the natural world.

Ride through hidden tunnels and discover stories of Britain’s postal heritage. Inspiring exhibitions are packed with incredible objects, exciting stories and fun-filled interactive displays. The Postal Play Space has sackloads of indoor play fun for under 8s.

Until January Wish You Were Here An exhibition exploring the iconic role the postcard has played in connecting people for more than a century and a half.

the hub of the world’s largest empire, and this museum tells its tales of trade, slavery, life through Victorian times and the wars, through to the present day.

22 October - 8 May London: Port City Unpack more than 200 years of extraordinary experiences and intense activity on a river whose continued importance in the 21st century may come as a surprise to the millions of people who live and work alongside it.

The exhibition includes an interactive timeline, dockers’ accounts, artworks, gathered materials and even distinctive port scents.

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Exhibition Road SW7 2DD www.sciencemuseum.org.uk Wednesdays to Sundays Wonderlab: The Equinor Gallery This unmissable, family-friendly interactive experience ignites curiosity, fuels imagination, and inspires visitors to see the world in new and exciting ways. Enjoy live science shows and demonstrations, meet skilled science Explainers, and discover the beauty of the science and maths that shape our everyday lives.

Wednesdays to Fridays, weekends and holidays Pattern Pod An amazing multi-sensory space where children can explore water ripples without getting their feet wet, create symmetrical images on touch screens, follow robot trails and much more. Fun, interactive exhibits encourage them to recognise and copy patterns - or create entirely new ones of their own. It’s a fun and stimulating place where children learn through play to develop their science skills.

Ages under 8, book a free time slot first.

Until 2022 Our Future Planet Alongside global efforts to urgently reduce greenhouse gas emissions, scientists are racing to develop different technologies to remove and store excess carbon dioxide the most significant cause of climate change. Discover the cutting-edge technology and nature-based solutions under development. These include preserving ancient woodlands, adding dust to agricultural fields, capturing carbon dioxide from the air or installing systems that prevent it leaving power stations and factories.

V&A Museum Cromwell Road SW7 2RL www.vam.ac.uk/families Families can enjoy free activities and events at the museum every day. The ever-changing programme is designed for all ages and encourages play and learning through the diverse V&A collection and temporary exhibitions.

Until 31 December Alice: Curiouser and Curiouser Take a mind-bending journey into Wonderland, exploring its origins, adaptations and reinventions over

157 years. This immersive and theatrical show charts the evolution of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland from manuscript to a global phenomenon beloved by all ages.

London Transport Museum Covent Garden Piazza WC2E 7BB www.ltmuseum.co.uk Explore the heritage of London and its transport system, and the stories of the people who have travelled and worked in the city over the last 200 years, before taking a peek into how future technologies might impact London as we know it.

23 - 31 October STEM Week Take part in interactive STEM inspired activities and meet real-world engineers as they explore the technology powering London’s new ‘green’ buses, and drop into a hands-on display about cycling in the city. Little ones can enjoy daily storytelling sessions, and the whole family can take part in a collaborative art installation celebrating London wildlife.

30 October, 11 December Family SEND Explorer Event Explore the museum at a quieter time, free from the general public, and with many of the gallery sounds turned off. For families with Special Educational Needs (SEND), including Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). 8.30-10am.

London Transport Museum Acton Depot Gunnersbury Lane W3 9BQ www.ltmuseum.co.uk/whatson/depot-open-weekends 29 + 30 October Learn about the history of London transport as you take a tour round the Depot to see highlights from the museum’s collection, from historic vehicles, signs and maps to some unusual and unexpected items!

Museum of London 150 London Wall EC2Y 5HN www.museumoflondon.org.uk Discover the greatest stories from the greatest city, from prehistoric to modern times. Explore Roman London, Medieval life, the Great Fire of London, the plague, Victorian life and more. There are word games to play during your visit, and free activity sheets to print off before your visit. Admission free.

October 2021 • Families South West 37

What’s On October 2021

Compiled by Robina Cowan

Cutty Sark

MUSEUMS continued Horniman Museum London Road SE23 3PQ www.horniman.ac.uk Until 3 January Monkey Business From the tiny mouse lemur to the mighty gorilla, primates have evolved and adapted over time.

Immerse yourself in the heart of the forest to discover how primates live, move, eat, play and interact. With models, photography, film and over 60 spectacular taxidermy specimens, discover what we can do to help

National Maritime Museum Romney Road, Greenwich SE10 9NF www.rmg.co.uk/nationalmaritime-museum Daily Family Trails Pick up a family trail from the Play and Explore trolley to discover exciting objects in the museum’s galleries. Choose from seven different trails across a range of galleries, with activities suited to any age.

Sundays Discover Sundays Each week a different artist takes families on a journey into the museum’s collection. Discover objects that introduce you to different people, histories and cultures. Participate in different creative activities inspired by these objects before heading into the galleries to see what else you discover. All ages.

Until 31 October Tudors to Windsors: British Royal Portraits

Museum of the Home Kingsland Road E2 8EA www.museumofthehome.org.uk Travel through the centuries to see how people lived from 1600 to the present day, through room displays packed with historical furnishings and fascinating stories.

Daily Rhymes Through Time A multi-artwork installation for younger visitors. Created by children’s poet Valerie Bloom MBE and illustrator-as-historian Kremena Dimigtrov, the installation combines poetry and interactive design, exploring the role of children in the home throughout history.

protect them in this captivating, family-friendly exhibition.

King William Walk SE10 9HT www.rmg.co.uk/cuttysark Daily Family Trails Pick up a family trail from the front desk to discover exciting themes throughout the ship. Choose from two different trails with activities suited to any age.

Weekends and school holidays Cutty Sark Characters Cutty Sark’s incredible stories are brought to life by characters from the ship’s past.

Meet Captain Woodget, the ship’s most daring master, Nannie the ship’s figurehead, James Robson, the ship’s cook, or a new dockworker character, who all have special stories to tell. Ages 3+.

ART GALLERIES Somerset House

Come face-to-face with the kings, queens and their heirs who shaped British history and were so central to Greenwich. In collaboration with London’s National Portrait Gallery, this major exhibition of royal portraiture features some of the most important artists to have worked in Britain, from Sir Peter Lely and Sir Godfrey Kneller to Cecil Beaton and Annie Leibovitz.

Strand WC2R 1LA www.somersethouse.org.uk 21 October - 6 March Beano: The Art of Breaking the Rules Calling all mayhem-makers and rulebreakers - the Beano is taking over Somerset House! Take a trip into Beanotown, join Dennis and Gnasher, Minnie the Minx and more, and explore how this brilliant and beloved icon of British comics has fired up successive generations to break the rules, while also discovering the artists who push the

Barbican Centre

Royal Observatory Greenwich Blackheath Avenue SE10 8XJ www.rmg.co.uk/royal-observatory Selected dates The Sky Tonight Presented by a Royal Observatory Astronomer, the live show takes visitors on a tour of what can be seen in the night sky. See the stars, constellations, planets and moons, including a fly-out to the edge of the visible universe. Ages 7+.

Selected dates Ted’s Space Adventure Explore the solar system with a bear named Ted, learning about the things we find there and how they affect us.

Ages 3-7.

Silk Street EC2Y 8DS www.barbican.org.uk 7 October - 6 February Shilpa Gupta The first major London solo exhibition by Mumbai-based artist Shilpa Gupta comes to The Curve. One of South Asia’s most critically acclaimed artists working today, Gupta’s multidisciplinary practice encompasses a wide range of media and processes, from text, sculpture, video, photography, and sound which poetically explores physical and ideological boundaries and how, as individuals, we come to feel a sense of isolation or belonging.

Admission free.

Until 31 October The Secret Life of the Conservatory Enter the magical world of creatures, flora and fauna by embarking on a free family audio trail inside the

Tate Modern Bankside SE1 9TG www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-modern Until 17 October Sophie TaeuberArp One of the most innovative artists and designers of the 20thcentury avant-garde, Sophie Taeuber-Arp (1889-1943)

boundaries in their own original and wonderful ways.

Barbican Conservatory. Explore the koi carp in the fish pond, see new plants and learn about the secret creatures that hide amongst the leaves. As you walk around the space discover the stories through headphones and be transported as the plants are brought to life in a new way. An illustrated activity sheet provides space to draw and collect your thoughts throughout your adventure. Ages 7+.

challenged the borders between abstract art, design and craft. Tate Modern’s major exhibition is the first in the UK to trace TaeuberArp’s accomplished career as a painter, architect, teacher, writer, and designer of textiles, marionette puppets and interiors.

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What’s On October 2021 Kew Royal Botanic Gardens

THE GREAT OUTDOORS South Ken Green Trail

RHS Garden Wisley

Various venues www.discoversouthken.com Until mid-October South Kensington is alive with exciting installations and a green trail for visitors. Pop-up nature hubs and installations created by architects, artists and garden designers will leave you buzzing with new ideas and inspiring visions for a greener future.

Woking GU23 6QB www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley Half term Autumn Carnival Find out how the autumn season is celebrated around the world with hands-on activities for all ages, including a garden trail. On 23 and 24 October the Autumn circus weekend has a big top marquee and enthralling performances.

Included in admission.

Parkrun

Godstone Farm

Various venues including Clapham Common, Fulham Palace, Wimbledon and Tooting Common www.parkrun.org.uk Saturdays and Sundays Head to the fresh air for a sociable run, jog or walk with family and new friends.

Parkrun is a positive, welcoming and inclusive experience - there is no time limit and no one finishes last! Saturday morning events are 5k, while on Sundays, there are 2k Junior Park Runs for children aged four to 14. Find a local event and sign up to join in; volunteers welcome too. Free.

Tilburstow Hill Road RH9 8LX www.godstonefarm.co.uk 29 + 30 October Low Bangs Fireworks Children of all ages can enjoy the bright colours and sparkles without the usual noise.

Evening tickets include access to the outdoor play area from 5pm, a fun filled pre-show followed by the main event. There’s food, drink and a great atmosphere promised! Day tickets to the farm are also on sale with lots of Halloween themed activities and savings to be had when buying a combi ticket for day + evening.

Kew TW9 3AE www.kew.org 2-31 October The Japan Festival Immerse yourself in the art, plants and culture of Japan with a brand-new autumn festival in Kew’s majestic Temperate House, the world’s largest surviving Victorian glasshouse. A largescale artistic installation by Japanese artist Chiharu Shiota forms a magnificent centrepiece, set among native Japanese grasses, shrubs and trees, and with a soundscape by sound artist

Marble Arch Mound Cumberland Gate, Marble Arch W1H 7EJ www.themarblearchmound.com Various dates until Jan 2022 If you’ve ever wanted to clamber up

Yosi Horikawa.

16-31 October The Gruffalo’s Child Intrepid explorers of all ages are invited to enjoy a trail across the Gardens, following hazelnuts, acorns and clues to discover more about the wonderful world of the Gruffalo’s Child. The journey features much-loved characters from author Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler’s book, including, Fox, Owl, Snake, The Gruffalo, The Gruffalo’s Child and of course, the Big Bad Mouse.

a man-made, controversial £6m hill, here’s the place to do it. The landscaped mound offers a 25metre high, panoramic viewpoint over Hyde Park, Oxford Street and beyond. Free.

To advertise in

Call: 0208 696 9680 Hever Castle & Gardens Edenbridge, Kent TN8 7NG www.hevercastle.co.uk 23-31 October Halloween Half Term Sport your spookiest costume and follow the Ghoul School audio trail, encountering a spooky array of teachers who will impart their delights, frights and a few vampire bites. Take part in a garlic bulb planting workshop to try and ward off vampires and spot spooky decorations around the grounds. For older and braver visitors (age 14+), Halloween Scream also takes place in half term week with a two-part interactive experience in both the Castle and the cellars underneath after dark....

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October 2021 • Families South West 39