Families South East London May/June 2023 Print

South East

Contact us

Editor Linda Stone

editor@familiesselondon.co.uk

020 8241 0423

Sales Patricia Holloway

patricia.holloway@familiespublishing.co.uk 07980 556813

Design Rebecca Carr

rebecca@familiesmagazine.co.uk 07789 882467

Next issue: July/August

Booking deadline: 5 June

Welcome

Enjoy some early summer fun! Explore more than 50 family activities and events highlighted in our What’s On section!

It’s also the perfect time to think about booking your child into a summer day camp or workshop – the long summer holidays will be here before you know it.

Swimming is the only sport your child can undertake that might save their life. But how can you best support them while they are learning to swim? Find out in our article from Swim England and check out some local swimming class providers.

Look out for our Orchard Toy game giveaway – we have loads of Little Shopping Lotto games on offer. Apply inside and you’ll also ensure you receive our digital magazine with lots more content and goodies on offer.

Linda

Editor, Families South East

January/February competition winners

Congratulations to all our winners. You can find a list at https://bit.ly/JFrecipients

This product is made of material from well-managed, FSC®-certified forests and other controlled sources.

Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of this magazine are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Print Ltd. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine but Families Print Ltd, its distributors, franchisees and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequences thereof.

Our girls are encouraged to be brave, ambitious and curious through our Mighty Girls Challenge programme.

What is the CPA approach in maths?

By Jemma Z Smith

CPA (concrete, pictorial, abstract) is a maths teaching approach that has grown in popularity in recent years. It involves using tangible objects for children to add, subtract, multiply or divide. They then progress to using pictorial representations of the objects and ultimately, abstract symbols. This way of learning is one of the foundations of Singaporean maths, now being adopted in the UK.

Concrete

The tangible, ‘handling’ stage uses physical objects to solve problems. For example:

There are four buttons in the pot. Stanley has two buttons in his hand. How many buttons are there altogether?

In this problem, the children might first count out actual buttons before moving on to non-related objects such as counters to represent the buttons. Of course, almost anything can be used to help a child master this stage from pencils to plastic pots, to counting beans and coins. You don’t need to spend money on concrete resources to support learning at home.

Pictorial

Next, learners move on to making their own representations. Returning to the example in the paragraph above, the buttons could be drawn as four circles on one part of the paper and two more on another part, representing the pot and the hand. Children can then count each small circle and get the same answer as they would have done with the buttons.

Building or drawing a model makes it easier for children to grasp

more difficult concepts, particularly when working with fractions. It enables learners to see how much of a ‘whole one’ has been shaded in and visualise the problem more clearly.

Abstract

This is where children use abstract symbols to solve maths problems.

Brooke has ten sweets and Millie has twelve sweets. How many sweets do they have altogether?

Children at the abstract stage would be able to solve the problem by writing it out as 10 + 12 = 22.

Before moving onto this stage, children need a secure understanding of mathematical vocabulary; eg ‘altogether’, ‘add’ and ‘plus’ all mean that the numbers are increasing.

Although CPA has three distinct stages, it is always useful to revisit the previous stages to ensure that learners have a full grasp of each concept.

Jemma Z Smith is Director of The Education Hotel (www.educationhotel.co.uk)

Why is CPA maths helpful for children?

Education methods have changed a lot since we were at school. For many adults today, classroom teaching involved having methods drummed into us that we didn’t necessarily understand and which were promptly forgotten. Could you explain why we ‘put a zero’ in the ones column when multiplying by a tens number? Why we ‘knock on the next number’s door and borrow a 1’ when exchanging in column subtraction? How long division really works?

Using physical ‘concrete’ counters show us the mechanics behind these methods and gives children an understanding of what maths is, rather than rote learning for an exam and forgetting the learning when moving on to the next concept. The learning will stick for longer and be more beneficial to them as they progress to the next stage of their education.

With CPA, maths is seen by teachers as a house or a pyramid. Without a strong understanding of the foundations, more complex topics such as algebra or percentages will be a struggle.

What if my Year 6 child still uses props for maths?

Should you be concerned? The answer is that the use of concrete and pictorial resources is not only for very young children or children who find new concepts tricky.

While running a SATs booster class, I used the bar model, a way of visualising addition, subtraction, multiplication and division using blocks, with a group of Year 6 children. They had to work out how much of one type of liquid was used in a ratio word problem. The lightbulb moments started to happen: what a privilege to witness!

Once learners understand the mechanics of problems, they can apply their knowledge from the concrete and pictorial stages into the abstract final answer and, if they are really secure, even teach it to someone else as well, demonstrating true mastery of the concept.

So no, parents shouldn’t be concerned if their children are still using props. They are using them to their advantage and building a solid base of understanding that will see them through into later years.

Is it time to rethink school attendance?

By Catherine Lynch

During the pandemic, school absence was understandably high with some parents and children anxious about going to school and others absent with Covid 19. However, throughout the past year, problems with school attendance remain ongoing.

Historically, good attendance has been extremely important to schools – and to their Ofsted rating. Of course, attendance is also important in a child’s overall attainment and achievement. However, a lot has changed since the post-war schooling system.

Parents may remember the days of attendance awards being given out to those who managed an impressive one hundred percent attendance across the school year. Tough for those whose attendance suffered because of circumstances out of their control. Not to mention children who had a chronic illness or disability and required absences for doctor and hospital appointments. These children would have never had the chance at receiving a one hundred percent attendance award.

These problems are still very much part of school life but now children’s mental health is very much at the forefront of nonattendance at school. In a survey conducted in summer term 2021, the most common reasons reported by the DfE for absence were that:

• pupils were anxious;

• pupils or parents had specific health needs, including those identified at that time as clinically vulnerable or extremely clinically vulnerable;

• pupils had disengaged from education during the pandemic.

The DfE reported that children’s anxieties are often unrelated to school, relating instead to factors such as family members being ill, seeing parents under more stress than usual, domestic violence and financial hardship.

Many employees are entitled to time off due to their mental health but a child needing time off from school because they are suffering from anxiety isn’t always met with the same level of understanding as a physical ailment. To add to the pressure felt by families, if a child is off for a prolonged period of unauthorised time, this can result in a fine.

The School Attendance: Schools Bill Factsheet (http://bit.ly/schoolattend) published by the government last year addresses problems regarding attendance, with a focus on school being the ‘best place for children’s attainment and wellbeing.’ However, it could be argued that the guidance falls short of considering individual circumstances and applies pressure to parents to make sure children, no matter how they are feeling, are attending school.

Catherine is a former UK primary school teacher, now writing for PlanBee (www.planbee.com) about issues affecting teachers, schools and pupils.

The perfect setting to shape your child’s future

} Focusing exclusively on cutting edge Early Childhood Education (age 2+ to 7+), the most crucial period in a child’s life.

} Embedding key values and developing ‘the whole child’ through a unique, continuous fiveyear curriculum.

} Transitioning seamlessly from play-based to more structured learning, preparing the children to move on at 7+ into Year 3 at independent or state schools – with that special Herne Hill School spark.

} Unique Reception Cycle for 3+ year-olds with a bespoke and ambitious curriculum that is fun, fun, fun.

} Expert staff operating under the ethos of Love · Care · Excellence in which children excel and learn with fun and enthusiasm.

} Extensive wrap-around care from 7.45am to 4.45/6pm depending on the year group.

–Kindergarten parent

“Unrivalled. So very impressed.”

Meet the Head

How do you feel to be appointed as the new Head Teacher of Blackheath High School?

It honestly feels like a dream come true!

To lead any school is a privilege but Blackheath High School holds a special place in my heart. Since joining in 2015, I have looked forward to coming into work every day.

The community is wonderful and each student so inspiring that I feel constantly motivated to lead the school to the most ambitious standards possible and my plans are to lead it on an incredibly exciting journey.

I’m looking forward to playing my part in consolidating it as a place of creativity, vivacity and inspiration.

What made you apply for the position of Head?

Working under the brilliant former Head, Carol Chandler-Thomson for the previous seven years, I’ve grown to love the school and truly feel part of its community.

I enjoyed contributing to Blackheath High School as a teacher but in my role as Assistant Head I truly saw the school shine.

It has the most respectful, friendly and lively atmosphere of any school I’ve ever worked in and working with Carol to instill that culture has been an honour.

I’m now perfectly positioned to make further, immediate advances in many areas that will quickly have an impact –this really appeals to me.

Ultimately, I am fully behind the ethos and values of the school and its community and I have a passion for girls’ only

education. I also feel very grateful to be part of the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) and the instant family it provides.

What is your vision for Blackheath High School?

I have great ambitions for Blackheath High School and a clear plan of where its focus needs to be.

Ultimately, this plan focuses on helping students achieve incredible academic success by supporting them with opportunities, offering challenges that help shape them mentally and prepare them for later life and encouraging them with a proactive approach to wellbeing.

The school team is expert in girls’ only education. Through a series of research tools, we are looking at how we can continually develop our teaching, monitoring how our girls learn so that we can adapt and ensure the school offers a cutting-edge learning experience.

The school’s Sixth Form offering will also be expanding. Building on the great community that already exists and cementing all of the skills our girls have developed through their academic endeavours, we will also ensure they have the tools for the next stages of their lives and leave Blackheath ready to make their mark on the world.

What is the most important quality you look for in a teacher?

A passion for their subject is a must.

Teachers with such passion tend to be those who want to find ways to engage students and share their love of the subject. Those who will provide opportunities and challenge the girls in their learning.

Diversity is also very important to me. Whether in ethnicity, teaching styles, what they can contribute to our co-curricular programme or in their neurodiversity.

I want our teachers to be representative of the girls we teach; no two students are the same so it is important they see themselves reflected in our teaching staff – they are role models after all.

What is your proudest achievement?

Professionally speaking, having the confidence to go for my dream job, despite knowing how difficult it would be if I was unsuccessful.

I have a piece of writing on my wall at home from when I was 9 years old, that said my dream job was to be a teacher – I am so delighted to say that I have achieved that.

Outside of work, I’m very proud of my two children. Predictable as this sounds, it’s absolutely true - they are lovely and it is a great achievement to see different parts of the world through their eyes.

Netflix or Kindle?

I feel that I should say Kindle but actually I’m much more of an Audible fan. I tend to listen to books more and this fits into my life more easily.

Alternatively, I can mostly be found listening to Spotify. Listening to music helps me to focus on work and unwind more than anything else. I have hugely varied tastes – anything from Sam Smith to Mahler, the Foo Fighters to Faithless!

Blackheath High School is an independent GDST school educating girls since 1872. For more information, visit www.blackheathhighschool.gdst. net

Families chats with Natalie Argile, the new Head of Blackheath High School in South East London.

Developing independent learning

By Zuzu Jordan

It’s time for celebration when our children display independence, right from when they take their first steps on their own or ride a bike without stabilisers. These are big family moments; the child delights in their achievements and parents are proud to be part of these milestone developments.

So what is independence?

Being independent means not needing support and becoming self-sufficient. A certain amount of independence comes naturally with age and experience; however, as adults there is plenty we can do to facilitate this growth along the way.

Returning to the example of babies taking their first steps, we tend to support them by holding their hand first and then a finger, before they try a few steps on their own. Clearing any potential dangerous items out of their way first, of course! We celebrate when they manage to walk alone and give them bundles of praise.

Helping your child to be independent with learning isn’t dissimilar to helping them walk unaided. We need to offer support, gently reduce that support and praise them for going it alone. This doesn’t mean stopping helping your child; instead it’s about nurturing an independent attitude and growth mindset. Our input will be age dependent and will need to be adapted accordingly.

Try some of these tips to help your child approach their learning with an independent attitude:

Establish a routine for starting homework. For example, for the first five minutes, your child works on their own or, in reverse, you work with them just for the first five minutes to get them started. Depending on the homework and age of the child, you could also consider helping out with every other question or section, then slowly building up the time between support periods.

Give them three tokens. They can use each token to ask for help. Once they have used up their tokens, they then have to continue working alone, trying to work things out themselves.

For written assignments, put a tiny mark on the page and ask your child to write up to that target before you read through it.

Use the BBBB approach - ask your Brain, Book, Buddy before you ask the Boss (you!)

For online homework, make sure that any websites or apps are saved with your child’s passwords so they can go straight to what they need without your input.

When the homework involves questions, suggest your child start with whichever one they can tackle independently, then come back to the questions they need help with.

Encourage independent thinking so children feel comfortable expressing their own thoughts and opinions about their homework assignments. Talk with them about what they think worked well and what didn’t. Keep the dialogue about independence transparent. Maybe ask your child what they would like to be independent in and what support they will need to achieve this.

A growth mindset is probably the most important ingredient in achieving independence. A fixed mindset (eg ‘I can’t spell well’) can prevent growth while a growth mindset (‘I can’t spell well yet’) embraces the learning journey; at the same time encouraging other traits including resilience and persistence.

Zuzu Jordan is a Mastery for Maths specialist who has taught primary aged children for sixteen years and is interested in early years and home learning. For free homework and home learning resources, find the Facebook page Edumateuk.

Growth mindset

Historically, intelligence was seen as something we were gifted from birth and our levels were finite. Nowadays, research shows that mindset significantly influences how we learn and achieve. A fixed mindset person may use phrases like ‘I was never good at maths’ whereas a growth mindset person says ‘I can’t do this problem YET’ and bans the word ‘can’t’ from their vocabulary altogether.

Helping your child change their inner dialogue around facing challenges can make their learning more positive and successful.

Support your child with swimming

According to Swim England, nearly two thirds of parents and guardians of children ages 7 to 11 haven’t been swimming with their children in more than a month. They’re missing out: regular family swims can be enjoyed whatever the weather and help children develop their swimming ability more quickly.

If you’re booking your child in for swimming lessons, here’s how Swim England recommends supporting them:

Lessons are fun. Learning how to swim should be fun, so check with the lesson provider that games and activities are regularly included within their programme of teaching.

Timing is key. Book lessons for a time that is easy to fit around your family commitments.

Pay attention. If you are poolside during lessons, be ready to give your child a wave and lots of encouragement. Putting away your mobile will help your child understand that these lessons are important.

Celebrate their swimming milestones. Rewarding children keeps them motivated to improve in their lessons. Swim England’s Learn to Swim Awards and app give children regular celebrations of their swimming milestones.

Regular reports. Parents should expect regular updates either through reports or verbal feedback. If your child is struggling in lessons, talk to the swimming teacher and ask what you can do to help encourage them. If they haven’t started swimming lessons yet, visit the pool before lessons to get your child used to the environment.

Don’t end lessons too early. Water competency is often misinterpreted by parents and guardians as child being able to jump into a swimming pool and being able to put their face in the water. The reality is very different.

Learning to jump into a swimming pool is an important safety skill that is often achieved in the early stages of your child’s learning to swim journey. It is a skill which mimics the motion of falling into water and teaches swimmers to get themselves safely to the side without panicking.

However, there are many other water safety and survival skills that a child needs to learn before they are safe in water, such as floating and treading water.

So don’t be tempted to stop your child’s lessons before they are competent swimmers and have achieved Swim England’s minimum water competency standards.

For further information, visit www.swimming.org

Learning to swim with Water Babies

As a parent, few things are more important than teaching your child how to swim. Not only could it save their life but it is also a great way to develop strength, flexibility and co-ordination. They learn skills that will stay with them forever, whilst socialising with other children their age.

Water Babies teaches parents and their babies essential safety skills from the outset in a supportive, stress-free environment. Just knowing that your child has the knowledge and ability to keep themselves safe around water is priceless.

With classes for babies from birth, Water Babies leading swim programme has been developed to build water confidence throughout your child’s first five years, as they move from fun floating, kicking and splashing to swimming independently.

With the best training in the world, teachers are dedicated, warm, passionate and understanding. They’ll support you through every step of your baby swimming journey.

For more information, call 020 8858 5242, email divein@ waterbabies.co.uk or visit www.waterbabies.co.uk to find local classes in SE London.

When is my child water competent?

Swim England’s minimum water competency standards offer a clear set of skills that should be achieved before a child stops swimming lessons. The four competencies are:

• Perform a star float for at least sixty seconds;

• Tread water for at least thirty seconds;

• Have experience of swimming in clothing;

• Swim at least one hundred metres with ease and without stopping.

Research in September 2021 highlighted that more than three million 7 to 11 year old children were not achieving this standard, with just four percent of the age group being classed as ‘water competent.’ Swim England strongly recommends that where possible, parents and carers keep children in swimming lessons until they have completed Learn to Swim Stages 1 to 7 as a minimum. By this point children will have achieved all four of the minimum standards for water competency and will be much safer if they get into trouble.

See more at https://bit.ly/SwimPathway

Bonding builds in your arms

Teaching your little one to swim is one of the most important skills they can learn in life.

We have classes available in South East London and Bromley, taught by the highest qualified teachers in the country. We teach 0 – 5 year olds all about water safety, whilst building their confidence and encouraging independent swimming. Our lessons are structured and progressive and we teach based on the age and ability of little ones in the class.

Contact us now to enjoy a great bonding experience in a lovely warm pool with your little one. We take all our cues from them. When they’re ready, we’re ready.

Quote SEMAG for a free Happy Nappy Duo when you book!

0208 858 5242

divein@waterbabies.co.uk

Classes Held:

• Charlton Park Academy, SE7 8HX

• Darwin Court, SE17 1AD

• Novotel Blackfriars, SEE1 8NZ

• Nuffield Health, BR2 9EF

• Cherry Garden School, SE15 5BB

• Tuke School, SE15 6ER

Book a FREE summer term class with Perform

Summer term is here and there’s no better time for your child to try Perform. Packed with self-esteem boosting activities, Perform weekly classes round off the academic year with a fun and relaxed focus on developing confidence, communication, coordination and concentration. Using a mix of drama, dance and singing, these high-energy classes for all abilities are designed to allow even the most reticent children to shine.

This term, ages 4 to 7 will be setting sail on the Jammy Dodger for an adventure with the Mermaids & Pirates. Meanwhile, ages 7 to 12 will enjoy a laugh-out-loud adaptation of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream in The Dream. The curriculum has an emphasis on fun with free apps and videos to watch at home.

Classes are for all abilities and every child is welcome to try a free class in Beckenham, Bermondsey, Bexley, Blackheath, Brockley, Bromley, Camberwell, Chislehurst, Dulwich, Eltham, Forest Hill, Greenwich, Herne Hill, Hither Green, Kiddibrooke, Lee, Petts Wood, Orpington, Surrey Quays, Woolwich.

Book a FREE class at www.perform.org.uk/try

More about Perform’s weekly classes

Confidence building weekly drama, dance and singing classes for 4-7s and 7-12s. Classes are designed to boost confidence, communication, concentration and coordination. Visit www.perform.org.uk/try, email enquiries@perform.org.uk or call 020 7255 9120 to book a FREE trial class in one of the following venues.

Orchard Toys Giveaway

Beckenham: St George’s Church Hall

Bexley: St John Fisher Catholic Church Hall

Bermondsey: Bermondsey Village Hall

Blackheath: St Michael and All Angels Church Hall

Brockley: St Andrew’s Centre

Bromley: St John The Evangelist Church

Camberwell: Longfield Hall

Chislehurst: Chislehurst Methodist Church

East Dulwich & Dulwich: St Stephen’s Millenium Hall, St Barnabas’ Church Hall, Francis Peek Community Room, Goose Green Centre, St Barnabas’ Parish Hall

Eltham: Christ Church Community Centre

Forest Hill: St William of York Catholic Church Hall

Greenwich: The Forum

Herne Hill: The Prince Regent, Carnegie Community Hub

Hither Green: Lochaber Hall

Kidibrooke: St James Rectory

Lee: Church of the Good Shepherd

Orpington: Orpington Methodist Church

Petts Wood: Lakes Wood Hall

Surrey Quays: Time and Talents, Surrey Quays Shopping

Centre

Woolwich: Under 1 Roof

The benefits of summer camps

By Andrew Campbell

Summer day camps provide fun, safe and nurturing spaces for children. Not just useful childcare for working parents, there are many benefits for children too. Consider these:

Learning new skills

Summer camps offer a variety of activities that allow children to explore new interests and develop talents they didn’t know they had or take an existing talent to a new level.

Promoting physical activity

Many day camps provide a wide range of physical activities including sports, outdoor activities and games. This helps to promote a healthy lifestyle and develop a lifelong love of physical activity.

Developing independence and self-confidence

Being in a setting that isn’t home or school and where there are no parents can give children a sense of independence. They learn how to take care of themselves, make their own decisions and solve problems on their own.

Taking on new challenges and trying new things gives them confidence in their abilities.

Fostering creativity

Creative juices flow when children experience theatre arts, dance, music, writing, arts and crafts. These all help to stimulate their imagination and expressive thinking.

Leaving technology behind

As fantastic as the online world can be, it is always great to expose children to the joys of a good old-fashioned kick about

and team games in the fresh air. Who knows, they may even enjoy it MORE than gazing at a screen!

Building social skills

In a whole new supervised peer group, children learn to work together, communicate effectively and develop a sense of community.

There’s much to be gained too if they are learning and playing alongside children from different backgrounds, cultures or abilities from their usual circles, as this is an opportunity to appreciate difference. Kids will also build friendships outside their established school network.

Enjoying the outdoors

Climbing trees, changing a bike wheel or building an outdoor camp can give your child a whole new set of skills while enjoying adventures they might not otherwise experience.

Nurturing leadership and teamwork

By encouraging teamwork, co-operation, empathy and selfconfidence, summer day camps will help your child develop emotional intelligence.

Mrs Doubtfire arrives in the West End!

It’s official dearies! Mrs Doubtfire has been given the full West End treatment. Following a sensational, sell-out run in Manchester, Mrs Doubtfire opens at the Shaftesbury Theatre on 12 May.

Prepare to experience the heart warming and hilarious story of Mrs Doubtfire like never before. This musical adaptation of the beloved story takes the best parts of the 1993 film and adds layer upon layer of fresh and exciting elements that will leave audiences wanting more.

With original songs like Make Me a Woman and As Long as There Is Love, the show brings the Mrs Doubtfire story to life with an emotional punch by expanding the roles for supporting characters, updating references and jokes and including innovative staging and choreography. Critics and audiences alike have praised the combination of the show’s faithfulness to the original story and the new take it offers on the classic tale.

This new musical adaptation has been created by John O’Farrell, Karey Kirkpatrick and Wayne Kirkpatrick, the award-winning team behind Broadway's Something Rotten.

Win a family ticket to see Mrs Doubtfire in the West End!

This is a chance for one lucky family (maximum four people with minimum one and maximum two adults) to see the show Mrs Doubtfire, which opens at the Shaftesbury Theatre on 12 May.

Following a sensational, sell-out run in Manchester, Mrs Doubtfire has been given the full West End treatment. This musical adaptation of the heart warming, hilarious and beloved story takes the best parts of the 1993 film and adds layer upon layer of fresh and exciting elements that will leave audiences wanting more.

To win a family top price ticket (t&cs apply) simply answer the following question:

Who famously played Robin Williams rival in the film of Mrs Doubtfire?

a) Pierce Brosnan

b) Roger Moore

c) Sean Connery

To enter: send an email with the subject ‘Doubtfire’ that includes YOUR NAME and ANSWER to the above question to editor@familiesuponthames.co.uk no later than midnight on 30 June.

T&Cs at https://bit.ly/FamMrsD

Mrs Doubtfire tells the story of Daniel Hillard who is struggling to cope with his divorce and the loss of custody over his children. A voice actor, Daniel is spending his days searching for a job and a place to live when one day he sees that his ex-wife has posted a classified ad for a housekeeper and babysitter. Thus, the elderly Scottish nanny Mrs Euphegenia Doubtfire is born.

With the help of his brother Frank, Daniel transforms himself into the perfect ‘old lady,’ complete with a prosthetic mask and gradually becomes an integral part of the family. But as the show unfolds, Daniel's ruse becomes harder and harder to maintain, especially as he falls deeper in love with his ex-wife all over again …

Don’t miss the chance to see this fabulous show. Book your tickets for Mrs Doubtfire at The Shaftesbury Theatre today and meet the world’s favourite nanny!

And enter our competition below for your chance to win a family ticket and be one of the first to see the show!

For more information and booking, visit www.mrsdoubtfiremusical.co.uk

Children’s theatre festival Perform in the Park

Children’s drama school Perform is embarking on its first ever children’s theatre festival this summer in Coram’s Fields, Bloomsbury (WC1N). The six week festival includes four musicals, two of which are original productions, with shows running daily from 22 July to 28 August.

The line-up includes The Three Billy Goats Gruff, a smash hit musical adventure for 2 to 6 year olds and, based on Mo Willems’ wonderful book, Elephant and Piggie’s We are in a Play! for children ages 3 to 8. Perform’s brand-new Caribbean adventure, Mermaids & Pirates, will be presented for ages 4 to 11 whilst, for ages 7 to 14, another original show from Perform, The Dream, inspired by Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, rebooted for a new generation.

As well as these four fantastic musicals for children ages 2 to 14, there are evening events for teens, plus a charming all-day café and, of course, all the usual child-centred delights of Coram's Fields.

Visit

What’s on

Compiled by Robina Cowan

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

SPECIAL EVENTS

Big Fish Little Fish Family Rave

The Fox & Firkin SE13 6JZ

www.bigfishlittlefishevents.com

14 May

A DJ-led, al fresco family rave filled with bubbles, balloons and a parachute dance. Crafts, facepainting and a baby chill cabin add to the fun, plus there’s the chance to win a family ticket to Camp Bestival.

Dulwich Festival

Around Dulwich SE21 www.dulwichfestival.co.uk

12-21 May

Dulwich Festival is back with a full programme of live events celebrating the arts, culture, history and community of Dulwich. Family highlights include children’s art exhibitions, craft activities and picnics. The festival finishes with a wonderful family day on Goose Green.

West Dulwich Spring Fair

Croxted, Park Hall and Rosendale Roads SE21 www.dulwichfestival.co.uk

20 May

A family-friendly street fair filled with arts and crafts, music, entertainment, children’s activities, maypole dancing and fantastic food stalls run by and for locals - all welcome!

Bring Your Own Baby Comedy

Various venues

www.byobcomedy.com

23 May & 27 June Crystal Palace

5 June & 3 July Bromley

Top stand-up comedians plus a compere, where baby can come too and join in with the rumpus. Ages: grownups plus 0-12 months.

Brockley Max Festival

In and around Brockley SE4

www.brockleymax.co.uk

2-10 June

A nine-day community arts festival celebrating local talent, with live music, crafts, poetry readings, art installations, film nights and more, culminating in a family day in Hilly Fields.

Mum2mum Market

Various venues

www.mum2mummarket.co.uk

20 May in Bromley

3 June in Bexley

Nearly new baby and children’s clothes, toys, books and baby equipment.

Independent Bookshop Week

Nationwide

www.booksaremybag.com

17-24 June

Independent bookshops are staffed with experts who are wildly passionate about reading and getting the right book into the right hands. During this year’s celebration week, hundreds of indie bookshops across the country will feature author events, bookshop crawls, guest bookselling and much more.

HOLIDAY CAMPS

Funky Monkey Keyboard Classes

Various venues www.funkymonkey.info

29-31 May

Make music the fun way in with fun beginner workshops. Children learn how to write and play notes C-G and try some famous tunes using electronic keyboards. All equipment and take home workbook provided. Ages 4-9.

Global Camps

Kelvin Grove School SE26 6BB www.globalcamps.co.uk

30 May-2 June

A unique mixture of language learning, sports coaching, art & craft and outdoor adventure to keep your young ones active and engaged. Ages 4-12.

& SHOWS

Woolwich Works

The Fireworks Factory SE18 6HD www.woolwich.works

20 May

Before the Firebird

A relaxed, small-scale LPO performance for families, inspired by Igor Stravinsky’s original masterpiece The Firebird. Ages 7+.

The Broadway Theatre, SE6 4RU www.broadwaytheatre.org.uk

20 May

Montage Theatre Showcase

Lewisham based charity, Montage Theatre Arts turns 25 this year and to celebrate, the talented young students are putting on a show of classics and modern hits from stage and screen.

Theatre Peckham, SE5 7SB www.theatrepeckham.co.uk

5 May-4 June

Peckham Fringe

A festival of dynamic stories and culture, bringing new voices to the stage with engaging stories of family and growing up. For children, farmyard musical Pigs Might Fly is based on the book by Michael Morpurgo.

Blackheath Halls, SE3 9RQ www.blackheathhalls.com

27 & 28 May

Twirlywoos Live!

Great BigHoo, Toodloo, Chickedy, Chick and their friends discover the wonderful world around us. Expect mischief, music and plenty of surprises as they set sail in their big red boat.

Shakespeare’s Globe New Globe Walk SE1 9DT www.shakespearesglobe.com

30 & 31 May

Twelfth Night with CBeebies

CBeebies give Shakespeare’s comedy a unique twist on the Globe stage. With plenty of songs and dancing, this is the perfect

introduction to Shakespeare for younger audiences.

Family Workshops

The Globe’s family workshops feature a range of activities and games based on Shakespeare’s best-loved plays:

27 May-2 June

Romeo & Juliet, ages 5-8 and 9-12. Until 26 August

A Midsummer Night’s Dream, ages 5-8 and 9-12.

Unicorn Theatre, SE1 2HZ www.unicorntheatre.com

27 May-2 July

Squirrel

This is a story of new growth and new beginnings with a favourite acorn, a sprinkling of magic and puppetry mayhem thrown in. Ages 6 months-4 years.

28 May-18 June

The Invisible Man

Imagine how much fun you can have when no one can see you! Take a seat and watch The Invisible Man in this surreal and hilarious show. Ages 5-11.

Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX www.southbankcentre.co.uk

13 May

Before the Firebird

A live, LPO FUNharmonics concert for the whole family, inspired by Stravinsky’s masterpiece. Ages 7+.

14 May

Divergent Sounds

Amble Skuse’s soundscapes, played by City of London Sinfonia, build on conversations with neurodivergent people to explore

their experience and identity. Ages 7+.

3 June

Dennis & Gnasher: Unleashed at the Orchestra

The Beano’s Dennis and Gnasher invite you along for some musical mischief-making in a family concert.

The London Palladium, W1F 7TF

www.wizardofozmusical.com

23 June-3 September

The Wizard of Oz

A spectacular production featuring the iconic original film score, and starring Gary Wilmot, Jason Manford and Ashley Banjo.

Sadler’s Wells Theatre

Rosebery Avenue EC1R 4TN

www.sadlerswells.com

Last Friday of each month

Family Fridays

Dance workshops for accompanied children, facilitated by a freelance lead and supporting artist and managed by the Learning & Engagement Department. Ages 2-4, all abilities.

Shaftesbury Theatre, London, WC2H 8DP

www.mrsdoubtfiremusical.co.uk

From Fri 12 May

Mrs Doubtfire

This musical adaptation of the heart warming, hilarious and beloved story takes the best parts of the 1993 film and adds layer upon layer of fresh and exciting elements that will leave audiences wanting more.

THEATRE

Bromley Churchill Theatre, BR1 1HA

www.churchilltheatre.co.uk

12 May

Baby Broadway

A fun interactive family concert featuring West End singers, songs from hit musicals and films, bubbles, puppets, actions and dance moves. Ages 0-7.

Bach to Baby

www.bachtobaby.com

Critically-acclaimed classical concerts for babies and their grownups. Outstanding musicians put on exhilarating performances where babies can ‘join in’ with as much noise as they like!

22 May in Dulwich Village

28 May in London Bridge & Borough

29 May in Bromley

30 May in East Dulwich

MUSEUMS & GALLERIES

Horniman Museum

London Road SE23 3PQ www.horniman.ac.uk

Until 29 October

Brick Dinos

Some of the largest beasts to ever walk the earth have been recreated with Lego bricks by artist Warren Elsmore and his team. Hands-on children’s activities include build your own dinosaur and digging for fossils.

Brunel Museum

Railway Avenue SE16 4LF www.thebrunelmuseum.com

Housed in the Grade II listed Thames Tunnel Engine House, the museum celebrates the extraordinary tunnel, viaduct and bridge-building engineering of Sir Marc Isambard Brunel and his son Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

Until July

The Wild Escape Pictures and stories created by children, based on their favourite animals and brought together in a collective work of art.

National Maritime Museum, Greenwich SE10 9NF www.rmg.co.uk/nationalmaritime-museum

Until 24 September

The Tempest and The Thames

Discover the connections between Shakespeare, the sea and Britain’s maritime history. This special exhibition includes an edition of the first printed edition of Shakespeare’s First Folio, on loan from Dulwich College.

27 May-4 June

Navigating Oceans

Family activities centring on how seafarers have drawn maps and used the stars to explore.

10 June

World Oceans Day

A day of workshops, talks and opportunities to talk to ocean and climate experts. Free.

Queen’s House, Greenwich SE10 9NF www.rmg.co.uk/queens-house

3 June

Families Drawn Together

Take inspiration from the Van

de Veldes and work together to create your own collaborative masterpiece. All ages.

27 May - 4 June

Character Actors

Discover different characters from history with their own fascinating stories to tell about life in the royal residence. Ages 5+.

Cutty Sark

King William Walk SE10 9HT www.rmg.co.uk/cuttysark

Half term week and weekends

Cutty Sark Characters

Climb aboard to hear Cutty Sark’s incredible stories brought to life by characters from the ship’s past. Ages 3+.

Various dates

Rig Climb Experience

Cutty Sark’s famous masts offer views of the Thames and London like no other. Buckle up and scale the rigging of a true London icon. Ages 12+.

Dulwich Picture Gallery, SE21 7AD www.dulwichpicturegallery. org.uk

Until 10 September

Berthe Morisot: Shaping Impressionism

A founding member of the Impressionist group, Berthe Morisot (1841-1895) was known for her swiftly painted glimpses of contemporary life and intimate domestic scenes. Her work is shown alongside artwork by greats including Reynolds, Gainsborough and Fragonard.

Art Sundays

Be inspired to make art together as a family in these free creative workshops at the Gallery.

Family Fridays Free, expressive art-inspired activities for families.

Natural History Museum

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

From 1 May

Titanosaur: Life as the Biggest Dinosaur

Step into the world of one of the largest creatures to have ever walked the earth. You’ll learn how Patagotitan mayorum stayed safe, found food and kept cool as you follow its journey from tiny egg to towering head and shoulders above other Cretaceous critters.

Home Park SE26 5SE www.spontaneousproductions. co.uk

27 May - 4 June

Hare v Tortoise

A spectacular reimagining of the classic tale with other Aesop’s fables mixed in for good nature, performed outdoors in Home Park.

Kent Life, Maidstone, ME14 3AU www.kentlife.org.uk

27 May - 4 June

The Great Outdoors

Pop on your wellies and join the farm’s resident bug hunter for a weekend of creepy crawly fun. Guests will be able to take part in scavenger hunts, brave critter corner, attend Forest School, listen to campfire stories and much more.

Brockell Park, SE24 0NG www.city-splash.com

29 May City Splash

A one-day festival bringing the hottest carnival vibes to South London with the biggest artists in reggae, dancehall, Afro-beats and more.

Dulwich Park SE21 7EB www.pubintheparkuk.com

9-11 June

Pub in the Park

The brainchild of Tom Kerridge, Pub in the Park is a celebration of food, world-class chefs and iconic music with friends and family. A dedicated Kids Area has crafts, games and more.

Summer in the Park

Greenwich Park SE10 and Thamesmead SE28 www.greenwichdance.org.uk

16 June-12 August

Greenwich Dance and Arts

Trust Productions are back with a series of free performances, dance experiences and big weekend picnics in parks and outdoor spaces across Greenwich and Bexley throughout the summer.

Regents Park Open Air Theatre

Regents Park NW1 4NU

17 June - 22 July

Robin Hood. The Legend. Rewritten. Prepare for a thrilling new take on the classic tale which promises humour, heart and a forest full of secrets. Expect the arrows to fly in a bold new direction as trickery and truth collide with fiery results.

Ages 8+.

COMING SOON

Perform Summer Workshops

East Dulwich, Greenwich, Blackheath, Dulwich and Beckenham www.perform.org.uk/wizard

24-28 July East Dulwich/Greenwich

31 July-4 August Blackheath

7-11 August Beckenham

21-25 August Dulwih

Perform are off to see the wizard this July and August, as they sing and dance their way down the yellow brick road in their Wizard of Oz holiday courses. With colourful costumes, uplifting songs and dazzling dancing, your child will have the best fun of the summer as they bring this story to life.

Ages 4-10.

Perform in the Park Coram’s Fields WC1N 1DN www.perform.org.uk

22 July-28 August

A magical festival of children’s theatre in the heart of London. There will be four fantastic musicals for children ages 2-14 plus evening events for teens. Set in a pop-up tent and also enjoy the park with wide lawns and wonderful play areas. Bring a picnic or enjoy the charming all-day cafe.

DIRECTORY

Calling all young Scientists!

Help us discover how babies & kids learn! We’re recruiting infants from birth through 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 3926 1207 babylab @ bbk.ac.uk www.cbcd.bbk.ac.uk

CONFIDENCE BUILDING FUN

Try

Dulwich Park Fair Dulwich Park SE21 7EB www.dulwichparkfriends.org. uk

14 May

Dulwich Park Fair

A family-friendly afternoon with a fun fair, Punch and Judy, animals from Vauxhall City Farm, interactive performances, a dog show, live music and stalls galore.

30 June - 22 July

The Tempest

When the sorcerer Prospero conjures up a storm to shipwreck his enemies, he sets the scene for an enchanting tale of spells, monsters, revenge and romance. Shakespeare’s text is re-imagined and brought thrillingly to life for younger audiences. Age 6+.

Book

www.perform.org.uk/try

Ofsted registered Holiday Camp for ages 4-12