Families West London March-April 2017

ISSUE 113 March-April 2017 www.familiesonline.co.uk

Families West 路 PO Box 32231 路 London W5 1JR 路 Tel: 020 8930 4707 路 Email: familieswest@yahoo.co.uk

NEWS & VIEWS Stunning performances of Amadeus at St Benedict’s

In this issue...

The longer lighter days cannot come soon enough for parents. Finally a chance to spend more time outdoors and we have plenty of hints and tips to encourage the whole family to do just that in this issue.

If your year 2 or year 6 child is about to sit their SATS, find out how you can help keep their anxiety at bay.

We also have a giant What’s On this time too.

So grab a cuppa, put your feet up and enjoy!

We will be back in May with an issue all about planning the perfect party for your little one.

Students at St Benedict’s School in Ealing combined their dramatic and musical talents in a brilliant production of Amadeus, Peter Shaffer’s play about Mozart. The entire cast worked extremely well as an ensemble, combining dramatic intensity with comedy. Matthew Carr’s performance as the jealous Salieri was outstanding for its emotional range and depth, and included excellent piano performances as he agonised over Mozart’s perfect scores. There were also live performances of Mozart’s choral works, while Katie Gibson sang the role of the composers’ beloved pupil, Katarina Cavalieri. Head of Drama Katie Ravenscroft said: "I am immensely proud of all the students. Amadeus is a challenging piece and we have been rehearsing hard to capture the beauty of the play. The cast worked seemingly effortlessly to pull off a compelling performance in every respect. The performances from each of our leads were really quite remarkable and reflect the wealth of acting talent that we have at St Benedict's. It has been an enormous privilege to work with them all."

Contents News & Views

Page 2

Nursery Features

Page 4

Education Features

Page 10

Getting your kids outdoors

Page 14

What’s On and Workshops this Easter

Page 15

What’s On in west London

Page 18

Preparing for SATs continued

Page 23

Classified Section

Page 23

Clubs & Classes

Page 24

‘Families West’ is part of Families Magazines Ltd a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families® is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks, SL8 5TD. The contents of Families West are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of the publisher. We take every care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.’

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Easter Eggstravaganza At Odds Farm Park Bigger and better than ever before, don’t miss the Easter Eggstravaganza at “Farm Attraction of the Year” Odds Farm Park. Daily from 1st to 17th April, follow the Trail to earn a treat, take part in Easter-themed crafts and enjoy the super-fun shows. There are plenty of new babies due including adorable lambs and cheeky kid goats-you may even be lucky enough to see one born!

Plus plenty more furry friends in the undercover animal barns, a daily animal activities programme, tractor and trailer rides and plenty of outdoor play. Odds Farm Park is located just minutes from Junction 2 of the M40, near Beaconsfield. For full details, call 01628 520188 or visit: www.oddsfarm.co.uk

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NEWS & VIEWS Put a Spring in Your Step with Drama, Singing and Dance Spring is in the air, which means a new school term lies just around the corner... the ideal opportunity for your little one to discover drama, singing and dance for the very first time. There was a sense of excitement in the air last term at Jigsaw Arts. Children across London and the Home Counties took part in 11 fun-filled weeks of performing arts classes.

Alongside this, children from Jigsaw’s agency have been involved in exciting work on film and TV, and the Youth Theatre are getting ready for their upcoming performances at the Oxford House Theatre, London.

For more information visit: www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk or call 0208 4474530 to book a two week trial.

Playing outside could reduce the risk of short-sightedness in later life

Emma’s Diary predicts the hot baby names for 2017

Spending time outdoors as a teenager could reduce the chances of becoming short-sighted as an adult, according to a new study. The study, by researchers from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and Kings College London, looked at more than 3,000 people aged 65-plus.

The researchers took blood samples, conducted eye examinations and interviewed participants to gauge their levels of exposure to sunlight since early adolescence. The results found that those with the highest exposure to sunlight in their teenage and young adult years were up to 30% less likely to become myopic or short-sighted. The paper’s senior author, Professor Astrid Fletcher, said: “We know spending time outdoors can protect against myopia but the reasons why are less clear. Our study showed that exposure to sunlight is likely to be the major factor due to stimulation of physiological factors associated with eye growth, rather than through its action on vitamin D production.”

Pregnancy and baby support website Emma’s Diary has published a list of names it thinks will be popular for babies born this year. According to the site, Elsa and Anna have been hugely popular girls’ names following the success of Disney’s Frozen. It’s more than three years since we were introduced to the princesses of Arendelle however and Emma’s Diary thinks a number of new releases will influence new parents in 2017.

First on the list is Belle, inspired by the live action film version of Beauty and the Beast due out in May. Moana, from last year’s Disney film of the same name, is likely to inspire a few parents herself while Dusty Rhodes is the cowgirl from Cowgirl’s Story (as well as a former WWF wrestler, funnily enough). Martha is a character in the new Jumani adventure and with rumours circulating that Disney is planning a reboot of The Princess Diaries franchise for 2017, Mia could be a popular name for 2017. As far as boys’ names go, a new film about Winnie The Pooh author A.A. Milne and his son Christopher Robin is likely to bring Christopher back into vogue. For more information about the most popular baby names visit: www.emmasdiary.co.uk/baby-name-zone

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Preparing for your child’s FIRST DAY of nursery...

You have made your big decision and chosen the nursery that suits your family's needs. So what's next? Your child's first day at nursery can be a daunting experience for both you AND them.

Child playing But be assured there is plenty you can do before and on the ‘big day’ to ensure that the experience is as rewarding and enjoyable as it should be.

Heidi Falconer, Head of Early Years Quality Improvement at Bright Horizons Family Solutions, has the following advice: In the run up 1. Plan in a few short visits to the nursery staying with your child, then plan in to leave them for short periods, building up their trust that you’ll always return. Visits to the nursery prior to their first day will enable you both to establish a

Arabic for Women and Children Families welcome – Goal Oriented • Dynamic • Innovative • Effective • Native Female Teacher (& mother of 3!)

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positive relationship. At Bright Horizons we understand how important it is to reassure both you and your child when taking the first steps into nursery life.

We will assign your child with a Key Person who will be tasked with building a trusted, meaningful and professional relationship with you and your child.

2. Depending on the age of your child, in the weeks prior to the ‘big day’ talk to them about the new experience they are about to embark on in a positive way, mentioning all the new and exciting things they will be doing.

3. Ensure there is two-way communication with the nursery. Our relationship with you is fundamental to the smooth transition. We always request that parents provide us with details of their child’s requirements and preferences prior to their first visit. This means that their Key Person will then be equipped with the knowledge to ensure they can welcome and settle your child into nursery life with all the information you have offered.

Effective communication is key to you and your family settling into nursery life. No question is ever a silly question and we encourage families to take an active role in nursery life. Bright Horizons nurseries have an open door

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policy and should parents wish to come and spend some time in nursery with their little one, they are always welcome.

4. Be assured that if you are mid way through a particular stage with your child, eg: breast feeding, weaning, toilet training, separating from a comforter (dummy or blanket etc). Bright Horizons will respect the approach your family wishes to take during these stages, sensitivity, support and advice will be offered through out this period.

5. Read books regarding ‘the first day’ with your child to prepare them for the experience. ‘My First Day at Nursery’

by Becky Edwards and Anthony Flintoft and ‘Maisy Goes to Playschool’ are two that have been tried and tested by some of our parents.

6. If your child’s first day at nursery will be their first time separated from you for any length of time, help them prepare by spending short periods of time apart in the run up to their first day. Gradually increase the number and length of time, by leaving them with relatives or trusted friends to help improve their comfort level with people other than their immediate family.

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Nursery teacher and baby.

On the day 7. A good nursery should spend quality time getting to know your child on their first day, providing relaxed opportunities for them to choose what they play with, observing what makes them tick, their personality, likes and dislikes. This information is invaluable to your Key Person and informs them what experiences, activities, opportunities and/or games to plan for your child. Understanding the value of one to one interaction ensures all their individual needs

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are met. We believe that these positive interactions enhance and encourage their sense of belonging, independence, selfesteem and confidence during this important time, building fulfilled and happy children.

required. With a smile clearly explain that you will see them later. Aim not to prolong the goodbye, as hard as this maybe, trust us, it is better for your child, they can then focus on getting busy and on with their day!

8. Try not to be too anxious about leaving your child if he or she is crying. Nursery staff are experienced in dealing with these situations and a good nursery will have strategies to help them. We are always happy to arrange extra settlingin sessions at Bright Horizons if

Most of all enjoy and embrace nursery life; these precious days are memories in the making...

If you’d like to find out more about Bright Horizons, call: 0330 333 3787 or visit their website: www.brighthorizons.co.uk

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DOES YOUR CHILD NEED A TUTOR? Children are expected to find their school work challenging, as this drives them forward and helps them to learn.

However, if the challenge is too great and the obstacles to learning seem too high, it can leave a child feeling demoralised and disinterested, and might even result in them falling behind their classmates. The same can happen when a child finds their work is not challenging enough - the lessons can become boring and the child can slip behind through a lack of effort. If you suspect that your child is having problems with school work for any reason, you might be wondering whether extra tuition and support could help.

Understanding when your child may need a tutor Sometimes it can be easy to tell when tuition might help.

If you child has a natural aptitude for a certain subject and performs above their expected level, they might enjoy being challenged by a private tutor who can concentrate on their own

abilities. Similarly, if you know your child has particular educational needs, you may want to address those needs with added support from a personal tutor.

However, it can sometimes be a little harder to tell when tuition would be of benefit to your child - especially if they seem to have coped well with schoolwork up until this point. Some children can become quiet and withdrawn, others can get elusive and defensive, and problems at school can even lead to disruptive and aggressive behaviour.

Signs that your child may be having problems with their schoolwork: A sustained fall in grades or performance Not talking about school and hiding report cards Anxiety and/or behavioural problems at home and at school Trying to avoid going to school or doing homework Showing a lack of interest in school or seeming bored.

· · · · ·

This is not an exhaustive list: every child is different, and you know your own child’s patterns and behaviours better than anyone. If you spot a change in your child and suspect school lessons are the problem, try sitting them down and asking them to open up about their difficulties.

offer support, advice and even arrange for one-to-one classroom support, if it would benefit your child.

The school will also be able to help if you have concerns about a gifted child who is losing interest in their lessons, or who is hoping for extra challenges to push them forward in their skills.

Has your little one spent long periods of time out of school, due to an illness or other reason? Returning to the classroom can be daunting. Even just a few weeks out of lessons can leave a child struggling to catch up. If your child has missed school, they might benefit from extra tuition for a short while.

Once you have established a support network for your child within the school, consider if a tutor would suit you and your family. Private tuition is not as expensive as you might think, and it is proven to help children who typically struggle in a classroom environment to get back on track with their lessons. Your child may just need tuition in one or two subjects, or it could be the whole curriculum that they are having a struggle with.

Either way, you should look for an experienced and qualified teacher who has plenty of references - and who also has been through the CRB check process.

Another reason to choose a tutor for your child is if they use their second language at school. Children who are struggling to understand the teacher may have a hard time communicating this problem to them. Instead, they may simply slip behind.

A tutor who speaks the child's first language may be able to help them keep up with subjects, while a language tutor can help them get to grips with the teacher’s lessons.

Choosing the right tutor for your child If you have identified that your child has special educational needs or if you suspect that this may be the case, enlist the support of your child's school and see if anything can be done to help them during lessons.

Ask at the school and discover who the Special Educational Needs Coordinator is - they can

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You may want to find a tutor who will offer a free trial lesson for your child.

Sometimes students and tutors click, and other times they do not. Your child may respond better to a particular teaching style, while others may simple learn better from someone they are comfortable with. If your child is not happy with their tutor, listen to their reasons why - and involve them in the selection process at all times. The happier your child is about the learning environment, the easier it will be to teach them and to get a positive response from them.

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Lemon Tree and St Matthew’s Montessori schools based in Ealing Broadway offering both full day care (8.00am-6.00pm) and term time (9.15am-3.15am) for children aged from 1 years to 5 years old.

We offer French, Ballet, Yoga, Drama and PE inclusive of fees.

Full and part time sessions available. Qualified and experienced teachers offer a high standard of learning, nurturing and care.

Lemon Tree Montessori: 07495 898 760 (Full Day Care) St Matthew's Montessori: 07564 834 687 (Term Time) Website: www.lemontreemontessori.com

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Preparing kids for SATs Last May Mrs Thom, a primary school teacher in Reading, became unexpectedly famous after the surprising homework she set her Year 6 class – a couple of days before SATs – spread on a spectacular scale, striking a chord with worried parents and students across the country.

The note to her pupils stated “It is vital that you use your time this weekend wisely,” continuing with a to-do list of activities that included “eat Haribo or ice cream”, “laugh until your tummy hurts” and “run until you just can’t any more”.

Former Year 6 teacher Jacqui Bevan agrees that finding the right balance is “the key to child success and adult sanity” when it comes to SATs. The Cheshire-based mum of two, who now works as a tutor and also runs

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SATSisfaction, producing support packs for parents and children preparing for SATs, says: “There is a huge amount of pressure but hours and hours of revision at home in the run-up will only add to that. An hour and a half should be the maximum each week and it is all about giving children the opportunity to see what they’re going to be asked to do, to practice, and to gain confidence.”

So how can you help with that preparation and maximise the chances of

your child’s first real experience of exams being a positive one?

Start early “Practice makes perfect and if a child doesn’t start getting secure with a particular aspect of the curriculum until nearly May, they’re not going to have seen it many times or become familiar with the different ways it can be presented in a SATs paper,” Jacqui points out.

Starting ‘revision’ from September also avoids an unsettling sense of urgency as SATs get closer.

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But if they’re already looming fast, don’t panic – there is still plenty you can do.

Get to grips with current methods Most parents have been there, trying to assist with homework only to be told: “We don’t do it like that at school!”

The methods for the likes of long division are completely different to how they were taught in the past - but there are companies like SATSisfaction and online resources

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If they have more energy at weekends, make the most of that - but 40 minutes on Saturday and then on Sunday is enough.

specifically aiming to bridge that gap.

Some schools also offer information sessions for parents, or speak to the teachers directly.

Practise the easier bits too It’s tempting to concentrate on the areas your child struggles most

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with but Jacqui advises always alternating with their stronger points to give them a boost.

“With numeracy, start with place value,” she recommends. “It’s the cornerstone so they have to know it to be able to build on it, but also the chances are they are

already confident with it, and will feel far happier going forward if they’ve mastered their first sample questions.”

Short and sweet Teachers will be gearing up for SATs so children will have been challenged in school and will be tired.

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“If your child is very reluctant to sit down and engage with it, the last thing you want to do is force them,” Jacqui says.

“Approach it like you did when they were 5 - find ways to weave the questions into a real-life context, turn them into a game or a competition.”

PREPARING KIDS FOR SATs ARTICLE CONTINUES ON PAGE 23

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Music Lessons: Many parents encourage their children to play a musical instrument and the younger they begin, the more they can benefit. This guide aims to assist parents unsure of why their children should begin learning an instrument and what skills are required.

Firstly, and most importantly, learning a musical instrument is hugely beneficial to your child's development.

Whether they wish to be the next Chopin or Joe Satriani, the art of music can only be positive for your son or daughter as they navigate the choppy waters of adolescence.

All you need to know before your child starts to play a musical instrument‌ When should your child begin lessons?

Although some parents start their children at three, most teachers would agree that seven is ideal for several reasons; they must be able to hold the instrument, be able to grasp simple music notation and have the attention span required.

What skills are important?

Notes in music range from A to G. As long as your children know this, forwards and backwards, they can start to read and learn music!

Obviously, an idea of co-ordination is useful.

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Your child will need to have an idea whether they want to play lefthanded or right-handed.

This will most often be the way that feels most natural to them, but as the adult it is important to know that left-handed equipment is often not as easy to find.

What is needed?

Purchasing the instrument is the easiest way to ensure your child is going to progress as quickly as possible, however, this is not the cheapest option! It may be worth talking to local schools and clubs about hiring the equipment in the first instance, but if the student has the instrument at home, they will be far more likely to practise.

You can buy music books including grade books, however, most music can now be found for free or at a small cost online.

How often should they practise?

One lesson a week is ideal, so as not to overburden the youngster.

Practice really is up to the individual, but research would suggest if your

child practices at least once more a week, they will improve far faster.

How does learning music benefit a young person?

Academic studies Learning a musical instrument is proven to help your child in schoolrelated activities. If they are learning about beat, rhythm and rhyme, in essence, they are also learning how to divide, create fractions and recognise patterns. The art of studying music and lyrics will also help to improve a child's shortterm memory and, if

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continued, their longterm memory too.

It is also widely believed that the scientific principles of strumming a guitar or playing a violin can aid the basic understanding of subjects such as physics. Cool, huh?

Physicality Learning instruments such as the drums, percussion or even the double bass can help youngsters develop physically too. Co-ordination and motor skills benefit most specifically, yet in addition, a lot of instruments are high energy, helping your child enjoy and feel the creative flow of the March-April 2017

Why your child should start right away! activity, while letting off excess energy!

Also, learning to cope with uncomfortable positions for short periods of time helps increase ambidexterity and timing.

Patience Your child will also learn the key components of patience and delayed gratification. Learning to play with others at different levels is one of the key elements of contemporary music and helps increase acceptance levels in the young. In addition, some tricky instruments like the violin or piano, have a steep learning curve, so it teaches young people adult traits at an earlier age, giving them an advantage as they move

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through into adulthood.

Self-esteem Self-esteem will be boosted as your child is likely to meet new people, as well as master an art form that is tricky to say the least!

Thinking about cost A music lesson can vary quite considerably in price, ranging from ÂŁ15 up to ÂŁ40. This will depend on the quality of the teacher or location. Make sure you shop around and get the teacher that you want. In essence, you need to know what it is you want your child to gain from the experience and make sure the teacher you choose is the sort of individual your child can learn from and

grow a special bond with. There would be nothing worse than spending money only for it to fail, but if you choose your instrument carefully and the teacher, the craft of learning an instrument is a gift you can give your little one that will last forever!

So hopefully it is clear to see the benefits of learning to play a music instrument. Whether an African drum or the simple recorder, the benefits of learning could be limitless!

To find more information on music classes please visit: www.familiesonline.co.uk/ activities

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Six super tips to get your child outdoors this spring Spring is a beautiful time of year. The air is heavy with the scent of flowering currents and daffodils and snowdrops sway gently back and forth on every verge. The sky provides a crisp blue background and the fields are green with new growth.

It’s the perfect time for children! With lambs frolicking in the fields and insects buzzing in the air, there is so much to see and do and it’s important to get them outside to experience it, for both their physical health and their psychological wellbeing.

Numerous studies have shown the benefits of fresh air and good, old-fashioned outdoor fun. Proven to increase children’s activity levels, alertness and general health, it’s also a great way to get their minds and their imaginations working.

The trick is not to make it feel forced, but rather fun.

Although there may still be a bit of a nip in the air, here are six super tips to get your little ones scrambling for the nearest door and their next adventure…

1. Take them camping Studies have shown that the average child spends far too much time indoors using electronics and less and less time outside. This can constrain their natural creativity and gives them an inability to cope without constant stimulation. One great way to turn this on its head is to grab a tent and take them camping. Internet service should be naturally limited in more remote locations, but if it’s not, encourage your kids to leave their tablets and smartphones behind. Fill their days with hiking, campfires, and outdoor games and they’ll barely even notice the absence of 24/7 technology.

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2. Do some wildlife watching According to research by the Kaiser Family Foundation, children spend more than seven hours a day on electronic media.

Luckily, the best antidote for gamer’s eye and texter’s thumb is a simple one: a different kind of mental and visual stimulation in the form of wildlife watching.

Helping children to better appreciate the birds and beasts around them is a great way to engage their senses and educate them on the environment. If you want to make the day extra exciting, turn it into a photo safari and have them snap pictures of any animals they spot.

3. Turn detective for the day Woodland walks are one way to get your children moving, but to make sure that they don’t get bored and try to avoid going out again in the future, turn the day into a game. Compile a list of things to find in the forest, from certain types of flowers to feathers, leaves, and even animal droppings.

Get them to tick these off their list as they locate them. The more they find, the more points they get, with a small prize at the end for the victor. Such games are guaranteed to not only be fun, but also to get all of their senses switched on and their attention focused on the task at hand.

4. Collect and craft Another idea for woodland walks is to get your children

to collect items that they can later use to make crafts.

Encourage them to search around for the most beautiful bits and bobs that they can find, whether these are flowers, feathers, or even pretty rocks. Once you’re at home, let them showcase their findings, and spend some time teaching them about the things they’ve discovered, such as which birds their feathers came from. Then, get out the glue and the glitter and get to work. Their imaginations should soon be working overtime.

5. Take them pony trekking Horse riding can be an expensive hobby, but as a one-off treat, it’s a really pleasant experience for children. Helping to hone their hand-eye co-ordination, it's almost like enjoying a Great British safari.

Most centres will take you out into the wilderness, with beautiful sights to be seen and enjoyed.

Depending on where you trek, you could cross everything from woods to beaches to mountains, each of them offering a unique insight into the wonders of

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the great outdoors. Your little ones will probably love it so much that they’ll be talking about it for weeks to come, their minds filled with the fun and the excitement that being outdoors can bring.

6. Encourage them to cloud gaze As free as the air you breathe, cloud gazing has always been associated with daydreamers and there are worse things that your child could be. Encouraging them to pick out shapes in the sky will get their imaginations working overtime and is a truly fantastic catalyst for creativity. Afterwards, have them make stories from the images they imagined, or else paint their own cloudy pictures. As long as it gets them thinking, the day will have been a superb success.

How will you get your little ones out of the house and into the wilder world this spring?

For more awesome activity ideas with the kids visit: www.familiesonline.co.uk

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Alice in Wonderland at the PERFORM DRAMA WORKSHOP

CRAFT ACTIVITY SESSION IN W3 FUN WITH FIMO CLAY Fun and creative session, fully supervised and non messy!

Recommended for age 6+. Workshops take place in private home in West London. All classes run from 10.15am4.15pm.

6 Apr FABERGE STYLE EGG WITH SPRING FLOWERS. 12 Apr HANGING EASTER GARLAND. 18 Apr WINNIE THE POOH AND HIS HONEY POT TOO. Call Clare McKnight on: 020 8992 3767. fimofun@tiscali.co.uk www.funwithfimoclay.co.uk

DRAMA, DANCE AND SINGING WORKSHOP IN W4, W8, W11 AND SW7

WORKSHOPS FOR CHILDREN ACTIVITY DAY CAMPS IN BUCKINGHAMSHIRE 3-13 Apr Leave the kids at Odds Farm Park for great holiday adventures every day.

Action-packed Activity Day Camps taking place during the Easter holidays with early and late clubs available including meals and refreshments. 01628 520188. www.oddsfarm.co.uk

PERFORMING ARTS IN W3 3-13 Apr ArtsEd EXTRA ArtsEd’s fantastic range of Easter Courses offers fun and creative performing arts activities for children as well as professional training for aspiring young performers. Children can have great fun learning songs from their favourite films and shows, creating a new play or musical, learning to act for film or making a comedy sketch show. All courses are taught by experienced ArtsEd tutors and industry professionals, encouraging confidence, creativity and performance skills.

For ages 4-16.

020 8987 6692. ptc@artsed.co.uk · www.artsed.co.uk

ARTY DAYS AT THE NATIONAL GALLERY 3-4 Apr START STUDIOS HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS Join them for a day visit to the National Gallery where you will learn about the artists, their work and how you can apply that knowledge to your creative work. For children aged 6 to 11. Small groups so apply early. For booking and information: info@startstudios.co.uk http:// startstudios.co.uk/holiday-workshops.html

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PERFORM ALICE IN WONDERLAND HOLIDAY WORKSHOP Children will be tumbling down the rabbit hole into the magical and topsy-turvy world of Wonderland this Easter. Perform’s friendly team of actors, singers and dancers will be with your child every step of the way as they enjoy a thrilling singing, dancing and drama adventure, The course ends with a mini-musical, complete with costumes, for family and friends to enjoy. Ages 4-7, 10am-3pm.

10-12 Apr at at Kensington Baden Powell House, SW7 5JS, 3-5 Apr at St Michael’s Hall, W4 and Kensington URC, W8 6BL. 3 and 10 Apr-One day courses at St.Peter’s Hall, 59a Portobello Rd, W11 020 7255 9120. enquiries@perform.org.uk www.perform.org.uk/wonderland

WONDERFUL ANIMALS IN SW3 4 Apr CHOCOLATE TUESDAY Create your own unique blend and taste unusual flavours- plus learn about the history, geography and science of chocolate.

10.30am-3pm. 5 Apr UNWOVEN HISTORY Explore the history of silk through story-telling, exploration and practical activities. Ages 7-16, 10.30am-3pm. 6 Apr THE WIGGLY WILD SHOW Discover the wonderful world of animals - such as a pygmy hedgehog, giant snails, millipedes and much more. Ages 4+, 10.30am12pm or 1pm-2.30pm.

11 Apr PASSION FOR PLANTS Gardening tips and some new ideas. 10.30am2.30pm for age 6+ 12 Apr ART OF THE GARDEN Create art and craft inspired by the garden. 10.30am-12pm and 1-2.30pm for age 4+ 13 Apr LOTIONS AND POTIONS The history of medicine and make your own natural remedies.

10.30am-2,30pm for age 7+ Advanced booking required. Workshops at Chelsea Physic Garden, SW3 4HS. www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk

NATURE WORKSHOPS IN W2 11 Apr NATURE EXPLORERS - SPRING AWAKENINGS A fun, outdoor day of discovery with nature inspired activities for ages 8-11, 10am-3pm.

5, 6 Apr DISCOVERY DAY - HEDGEHOG HEROES Try out some of the scientific equipment to survey hedgehogs, craft a paper hedgehog, become a hedgehog architect and design a friendly habitat and a clay creature to live inside it while learning all about our spiny friends.

12, 13 Apr DISCOVERY DAY-SPRING SURPRISES Pond dipping, create a clay bird and eggs, explore the wildlife garden while doing the spring nature trail and get creative with nature based arts and crafts.

Drop-in, 11am-3pm. At ISIS Education Centre, Hyde Park W2. 020 7036 8040. www.supporttheroyalparks.org/events

MUSIC WORKSHOPS IN W12 11 Apr JUNGLE BOOK MUSICAL SHOW Enter in the jungle and delve into the delightful story of a friendship loved by many. Expect all your favourite song and maybe even a jungle snack! 11am for ages 2-6.

11 Apr INSTRUMENTAL EXTRAVAGANZA Try a range of instruments and enjoy a truly wonderul musical adventure.

Available instruments include Trumpet, Violin, Piano, Keyboards, Percussion, Guitar, Ukulele, Flute, Clarinet.

2-3pm for ages 4-11.

12 Apr MUSICAL THEATRE- OLIVER Come along with Oliver on his adventure through the old cobble streets of London with songs, drama and design. A showcase will be shown to family and friends at 3pm 10am-3pm for ages 5-11.

The Music House for Children. www.musichouseforchildren.co.uk

COOKERY WORKSHOPS IN W3 3-13 Apr Cookery classes and workshops for children aged 3-14+ in specially designed children friendly kitchens.

The Kids Cookery School.

020 8992 8882. www.thekidscookeryschool.co.uk

ENVIRONMENTAL WORKSHOPS IN W8 24, 31 Mar CHILDREN’S NIGHT SAFARI A fun filled evening to search for the Park’s nocturnal inhabitants and explore the woods at night.

3-13 Apr Outdoor and creative activities in Holland Park and the Ecology Centre wooded Wildlife Area. A fun-packed programme for five to ten year olds includes sessions on dragonflies, mammals, spiders, animal homes, trees, and animal-themed craft sessions on animal tracks and birds. 10am-12 noon and 2-4pm, booking essential.

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

6, 13 Apr WILD THURSDAYS Outdoor nature-themed activities for all children up to the age of 10. Drop-in, 12-4pm.

12 Apr EASTER EGG-STRAVAGANZA Learn about animal eggs and nests and decorate your own, and take part in the Easter Nature Trail. Drop-in, 10am-4pm.

29 Apr FAMILY BIRD SONG WALK Can you tell a robin from a blackbird from just their songs? Join David Darrell-Lambert, a bird expert, on a walk through Holland Park for a beginner’s introduction to birds and their calls. Booking essential.

All at Holland Park Ecology Centre, Holland Park, Ilchester Place W8.

020 7938 8186. www.rbkc.gov.uk/ecology

FRENCH IMMERSION HOLIDAY CLUB IN NW8 AND SW3 3-7 Apr Creative activities and projects such as arts and crafts, cooking, singing, dancing, sporty games (indoor & outdoor according to venue and weather), theatre and language games all help to develop your child’s communication skills in French as well as developing their creativity, critical thinking and imagination. 9am-3pm with half day sessions available, for ages 3-5 and 6-8. http://clubpetitpierrot.co.uk

THAMES DISCOVERY WORKSHOP IN W4 11 Apr RIVER THAMES DISCOVERY FAMILY WORKSHOP Pull on your wellies and get digging, dipping and spotting by the Thames with experts at Chiswick Pier.

Discover how clean and healthy the Thames is, learn about tides and the river geography, as well as the speicies of fish and inverterbartes that live in the river, pollution and flooding. 10am-12 noon.

For ages 5+ 020 8742 2713. www.chiswickpier.org.uk

CHICKS’ GREAT EGGSCAPE AT THE BANK OF ENGLAND Museum 3-13 Apr from 10am-4.30pm, free. Keep on the hunt to find the hidden chicks and golden egg by following the trail and then decorate an Easter animal mask or finger puppet to take home. There’s a chocolate egg for every child.

EALING 135 SATURDAY...

MAKING EASTER SPECIAL 19 Mar 3.30-5pm at St Paul’s Church Hall, Ridley Ave W13. Join in the Easter fun making cute chick pictures, bunny ears and Easter egg cards.

For ages 2-5, no need to book. shaw_lucinda@yahoo.co.uk

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CRAFTS FOR KIDS Easter Egg Bunny Use this simple step by step guide to make a super cute Easter egg bunny with your little munchkins.

What you will need: • 1 hard-boiled egg • Yellow and white felt • PVA glue • Felt tip pens

Allsorts drama for children will be running their popular Easter drama workshops for ages 4-6 & 7-11 The children will have fun with games, prop making and working towards a show that they will perform to family and friends on the last day.

Allsorts drama for children’s term time classes for ages 4-16 are held in SW1, W11 and NW3.

To book your free trial class for the summer term please call: 020 8767 5298 or 020 8969 3249 or visit: www.allsortsdrama.com

Step 1 Begin your craft by taking a freshly cooked and cooled hard-boiled egg.

Step 2 Cut shapes for the bunny’s feet and hands out of the yellow felt; then cut larger ear shapes out of yellow felt and smaller ones from the white.

Step 3 Stick the felt feet onto the base of the egg, making sure the egg stands upright on them.

Step 4 Stick the white ears onto the yellow. Once they have dried a little, stick them on to the rear of where the face will be.

Step 5 Finally, draw a rabbit’s face on the front of the egg with the pens and decorate with patterns as your child likes. You could even stick a cute little bow on the top of the eggs by their ears, if you’re feeling really creative!

Easter Bunny Ears Make sure your kids get into the Easter spirit with these simple to make homemade bunny ears.

What you will need: • White cardboard • Scissors • Grey and pink paint • PVA glue • An Alice band Step 1 Get the kids to paint two sheets of white cardboard grey and then another two sheets pink.

Step 2 Using child-safe scissors help them to cut out larger ear shapes from the grey cardboard and then slightly smaller ear shapes from the pink cardboard.

Step 3 Using glue stick the smaller pink shapes onto the larger grey ears.

Step 4 Finally, attach the shapes to the Alice band with the glue and leave to dry.

For more arts and craft ideas visit: www.familiesonline.co.uk

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Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

March-April 2017

From Baby to Ballerina

Classes for Boys and Girls aged 21/2 to 16 years old Ballet, Pointe Work, Jazz, Tap, Annual Performances

Classes held in: Bayswater, Notting Hill Gate, Oxford Street, Shepherds Bush and South Kensington

From everyone at Families West London magazine.

To advertise please email us at: adverts@familieswest.co.uk or phone us on: 020 8930 4707

March-April 2017

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

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WHAT’S ON MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES BRITISH MUSEUM WC1B 3DG www.britishmuseum.org DIGITAL WORKSHOPS Takes place at weekends and school holidays on a variety of themes. Free, 11am-4pm, for ages 7+ (unless stated). Special events include 10 Mar DIGITAL WORKSHOP: CODING IN R Learn coding skills with your friends! Bring a friend to this workshop in the Samsung Digital Discovery Centre on Friday after school to use the Museum’s Big Data and learn new skills in data analysis and visualisation.

To book, please email: learning@britishmuseum.org 4-5.30pm for ages 13-18.

26 Mar DIGITAL WORKSHOP: LET’S GET QUIZZICAL Compete against your family by playing Kahoot quizzes about the Museum and its objects, then explore and create your own. 11am-4pm for age 7+ 1 Apr DIGITAL WORKSHOP: CODE THE COLLECTION: FROM HIEROGLYPHS TO EMOJIS Code symbols from history using a BBC micro:bit and a mobile phone, and then invent your own. For ages 13-15.

30 Apr DIGITAL WORKSHOP: MAKE A MANGA COMIC Create your own comic inspired by the Museum’s collection of Japanese manga. Learn the secrets of manga comic artists, develop digital design skills to tell a story with characters from the Museum, then print and take your creation home.11am and 2pm for age 7+

FOUNDLING MUSEUM WC1N 1AZ www.foundlingmuseum.org.uk 16 Mar, 6 Apr BACH TO BABY An innovative classical babies’ concert created by mum and pianist, Miaomiao Yu, inspired by Handel. 10.30-11.30am, adults £10, children free.

4 Apr PLAY PHOTOGRAPHY Work collaboratively with photographer Marysa Dowling to build a play area out of recycled household materials. For age 5+, free, sessions at 10.30am, 1 and 3pm.

7 Apr KNOTS & ROPES Learn how to tie a variety of knots using different materials and make your own skipping rope in this free family workshop. For age 5+ at 10.30am, 1 and 3pm.

IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM SE1 6HZ www.iwm.org.uk EXHIBITIONS: HOLOCAUST Film, photographs and a large number of rare artefacts document the history of the Nazi persecution of the Jews and other groups before and during the Second World War. For ages 14+ A FAMILY IN WARTIME Explores the lives of William and Alice Allpress and their ten children and what life in London was like during the war.

SECRET WAR The clandestine world of espionage, covert operations and the work of Britain’s Special Forces.

FIRST WORLD WAR Discover the story of the war - Over 1,300 objects including weapons, uniforms, diaries, letters and souvenirs, will be on display as well as a recreated trench with periscopes and a dug-out, along with a soundscape and projection will evoke what daily life was like for the troops.

Every Sat and Sun OBJECT CONVERSATIONS New immersive object handling sessions where families can explore objects from the collectionsfeel the weight of a shrapnel piece from the First World War and come to grips with real objects. Drop-in, free, for all ages. 11am - 12.30pm and 2 - 4pm.

NATIONAL GALLERY WC2N 5DN www.nationalgallery.org.uk Every Sun FAMILY SUNDAYS Activities designed for families to enjoy and learn together, 11am and 3pm.

MAGIC CARPET STORYTELLING For children aged 2-5. Sundays 10.30-11am and 11.30am–12pm. Fly away on the magic carpet, coming to land in front of a different painting each day.

DRAWING SUNDAY Explore gallery paintings as inspiration for your art. For ages 5-11. Sundays 11am and 2pm.

Drop-in.

5 Mar, 2 Apr OUTRAGEOUS OUTFITS Explore the amazing clothes painted in Van Dyck’s portraits and sculpt your own style sensation.

12 Mar, 9 Apr REAL ROYAL SILVER Explore the amazing clothes painted in Van Dyck’s portraits and sculpt your own style sensation.

19 Mar, 23 Apr A BRIEF GLIMPSE Learn how the Impressionists painted people and places quickly to create incredible impressions.

16 Apr WALKING ON CLOUDS Fly high with Tiepolo and create your own ceiling masterpiece..

Every Weds WELCOME WEDNESDAYS Bring paintings to life through interactive music, storytelling, art and messy play activities.

Every Wednesday, 10.30 and 11.30am for walkers under age five, 1pm for sitting babies to walkers.

HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS: 3, 10 Apr MESSY MONDAYS: EXPLORING THE STUDIO Drop-in session for children under 5 years. Become a mini artist by exploring materials and mark making in a tactile environment inspired by a painting. 10.30am-1pm and 1.30-3pm.

4-6, 11-13 Apr HATCHING OUT Become a botanical explorer and create your own mini-environments inspired by the natural worlds and symbols in paintings. For age 2+, 11am-1pm and 2-4pm.

4, 11 Apr TALKING TUESDAYS INVESTIGATING PAINTINGS Bringing a painting to life through singing, talking and playing. For under 5s. 10.30am-1pm and 1.30-3pm.

National Trust Image

by Arnhel de Serra

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Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

Easter giant duck hunt at THE WETLANDS CENTRE

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM SW7 5BD www.nhm.ac.uk Every weekend INVESTIGATE FOR FAMILIES Get a feel for how scientists work by having a go yourself. Come and explore hundreds of real nature specimens that form the evidence Museum scientists use in their daily work. Drop-in.

11am-5pm.

31 Mar-17 Sept EXHIBITION: SENSATIONAL BUTTERFLIES Escape to the tropical butterfly house and see the crawling caterpillar transform into the beautiful butterfly. Marvel at the behaviour and sheer diversity of these incredible organisms, usually found in the tropical forests of Central and South America, Africa and Asia.

4, 11 Mar, 1, 8 Apr DINO SNORES Ever wondered what goes on at the Natural History Museum at night? 7 - 11 years. 7pm till morning, torchlit trails through the museum, live animal shows and more. For ages 7-11.

SCIENCE MUSEUM SW7 2DD www.sciencemuseum.org.uk 4 Feb SCIENCE NIGHT A special overnight event for 7-13 year olds featuring exciting hands-on workshops, science shows, and a sleepover at the museum.

VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM SW7 2RL www.vam.ac.uk WONDERLAB: THE STATOIL GALLERY The UK's biggest interactive science gallery is filled with specially-commissioned exhibits and artworks, live science shows, explosive demonstrations and immersive experiences led by the museum’s talent team of science communicators. Day pass £8 adult, £6 child, £22.50 families OUR LIVES IN DATA Information about our lives is increasingly being captured, analysed and used, transforming the world around us. From toys that can understand a child’s personality and smarter public transport planning to new genomic tech-

WHAT’S ON LISTINGS CONTINUE ON PAGE 20

March-April 2017

Easter giant duck hunt at THE WETLANDS CENTRE

March-April 2017

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

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WHAT’S ON nology that is helping uncover the causes of rare diseases and cancer, big data's invisible revolution has begun. Ages 8 to adult, free.

18 Mar SCIENCE NIGHT A special overnight event for 7-13 year olds featuring exciting hands-on workshops, science shows, and a sleepover at the museum.

VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM SW7 2RL www.vam.ac.uk Every Sat POP UP PERFORMANCES Storytelling, interactive plays and dance.

For all ages at 11am, 1 and 3pm. Free, drop in Every Sun DROP-IN DESIGN Pick up a design challenge, hunt for ideas in the galleries, then create your own.

10.30am-5pm, for age 5+ 11-19 Feb POP-UP PERFORMANCE Gaming jumps out of your screen and onto the stage in this interactive performance. BSL interpretation on 16 Feb. 11am, 1 and 3pm. Free, drop in.

11-19 Feb THE IMAGINATION STATION Play with space and simple materials on a large scale and create your own monumental environments, 10.30am - 5pm. Free, drop-in, for age 3+ FREE ART FUN-BACK-PACKS, ACTIVITY CART AND ANIMAL BAGS: Families can pick up an activity Back-Pack, get creative at Drop-in-Design or go on a gallery adventure trail. Free, drop-in.

Suitable for children aged 4 to 11 Activity Cart: Fantastic hands-on art fun for children to create collages and pictures to take home.

Agent Animal bag: A sensory activity bag that has been developed especially for under 5s. Each bag contains an audio map and fabric cubes.

WALLACE COLLECTION W1U 3BN www.wallacecollection.org 5 Mar, 2 Apr THE LITTLE DRAW Free drop-in drawing workshop for all ages and abilities with artist Luisa Rivera, whose work draws on folk culture, history, and storytelling to create narratives.

1:30 - 4:30pm, all ages.

5-7, 10-12 Apr DROP-IN ART WORKSHOP: PERFECT PORTRAITS Explore the portraits, learn about traditional techniques for painting people and then use the artworks in the collection to inspire your own creations. From Portrait Miniature badges to traditional silhouette drawing and mix-and-match body books; you will be taking a fun and playful look at portraiture through the ages and creating our own masterpieces to take home. Free, drop-in, 12.30 and 2pm.

DAYS OUT

SPECIAL EVENTS: 4, 5 Mar WOMEN MAKING WAVES AT CUTTY SARK Be inspired this Women’s History Month by Cutty Sark’s figureheads of trailblazing women. Join a craft workshop celebrating the marvellous deeds of Florence Nightingale, Elizabeth Fry and Boudicca. 11.30am and 2pm.

25 Mar SEA SIGNS Family fun day for deaf and hearing audiences with BSL-led or supported family activities. Families can enjoy craft activities, storytelling, Cutty Sark character performances and guided tours for deaf and hearing families.11.30am-4pm.

13-16 Apr TALL SHIPS FAMILY FUN: LET’S SAIL AWAY BIG BUILD Bring along your little sailors for nautical themed arts and crafts underneath the ship to make and take home.Help to create a textile sculpture inspired by the multitude of sails gathered together on the River Thames. There will be the opportunity to add welcome messages to the artwork and learn about the language of maritime flags.11.30am and 2pm.

BRITISH LIBRARY NW1 2DB www.bl.u 25 Mar PLAY ON WORDS Join artists Meera Chauda and Helen Rousseau to play with words and performance in this creative family workshop. Free, suitable for age 5+, 10.30am and 1pm.

CUTTY SARK SE10 9NF www.rmg.co.uk/cuttysark Every weekend: CUTTY SARK CHARACTERS Come aboard to hear Cutty Sark’s incredible stories brought to life by characters from the ship’s past. Suitable for ages 3+ TODDLER TIME Bring your little sailors along for songs, stories and playtime on board. 10-11.30am for ages 4 and under.

FULHAM PALACE SW6 6EA www.fulhampalace.org every Mon and Tues THE PALACE EXPLORERS A weekly parent/carer and toddler sessions for children aged 2-4. £3 per child, which includes a drink and healthy snack.

19 Mar HANDS-ON ARCHAEOLOGY A rare opportunity to examine archaeological finds and learn more about the rich and varied history of this ancient site. Free, no booking necessary. All ages, 1-3pm.

8 Apr LITTLE GREEN FINGERS GARDENING SESSION Sow seeds in the specially prepared Little Green Fingers bed and explore how vegetables and flowers grow during this hands-on gardening workshop. 10.30am-12pm for age 3+ Booking essential.

16 Apr SPRINGTIME AT THE PALACE Celebrate all things Springtime, activities include whimsical storytelling, an Easter trail, Georgian chocolate making workshops and a whole host of fun art and craft activities. Two chocolate making workshops will be held at 11.30am and 1.30pm- book in advance for these.

11am-3pm for all ages.

HAMPTON COURT PALACE

Play On Words at THE BRITISH LIBRARY

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KT8 9AU www.hrp.org.uk selected Thurs and Sats TINY EXPLORERS Discover the fascinating stories of Hampton Court Palace in a multi-sensory workshop which includes music, movement and messy play

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

Tiny Explorers at HAMPTON COURT PALACE for 0-4yrs. Booking essential.

1-17 Apr THE LINDT EASTER BUNNY HUNT Discover the story of royal chocolate! Find out how kings and queens enjoyed their chocolate as you hunt for golden Lindt bunnies around the palace, and receive your own delicious Lindt chocolate bunny prize. For ages 5-11, 11am-4pm.

HOLLAND PARK ECOLOGY CENTRE W8 6LUSW13 9WT www.rbkc.gov.uk/ecologyevents 18 Mar SEEDS OF SPRING: ECOLOGY CENTRE OPEN DAY Learn more about the Edible Forest Teaching Garden and the Wildlife Garden.

Sow some seeds and take part in craft activities. Drop-in 12-4pm, free, all ages.

KENSINGTON PALACE W8 4PX www.hrp.org.uk/kensingtonpalace Weds and Sats TINY EXPLORERS Discover fascinating stories about Kensington Palace in these multi-sensory workshops. Music, movement, messy play and more for 0-4yrs.

To book, call 020 3166 6646.

25 Mar MAKE HISTORY WORKSHOP Be inspired by a new palace story each month, and make a piece of the past by taking part in a range of exciting activities, from gardening and painting to chocolate making. 11.30am, 1.15 and 2.45pm.

25 Mar TIME EXPLORER STATION Explore the palace and discover its stories using the palace’s themed activity bags, games, trails and make and takes. Pick up your choice of story adventure from the Time Explorer Station inside the palace.

11am-4pm for ages 5-11.

March-April 2017

her real-life journey as a refugee.

For ages 3-11.

MUSIC HOUSE FOR CHILDREN W12 7LJ www.musichouseforchildren.co.uk 11 Apr JUNGLE BOOK MUSICAL SHOW Enter the jungle and delve into the delightful story of a friendship loved by many. Expect all your favourite song and maybe even a jungle snack!

For ages 2-6.

PEACOCK THEATRE WC2A 2HT www.sadlerswells.com 11-22 Apr CINDERELLA Enjoy everyone’s favourite rags-to-riches story, in a beautifully adapted ballet version for children aged 3+ With a narrator to help the young audience follow the story, and a shortened version of Prokofiev’s ravishing score, this is the perfect introduction to the magic of ballet.

PUPPET THEATRE BARGE The Velveteen Rabbit at UNICORN THEATRE

ODDS FARM PARK

WETLANDS CENTRE

HP10 0LX www.oddsfarm.co.uk A fabulous day out at the farm!

Meet the farmers and get close to the animals in the hands-on area and in the large undercover animal barns. There is a massive adventure play area with a four lane astra slide, two drop slides, a netted area with zig zag chicanes and tunnels, swinging ropes and much more. Also a special Toddler and Under 5’s areas.

Weekends in Mar CRAZY ENTERTAINERS Join in with the madness and mayhem of Odds Farm Park’s Crazy Entertainers. With several shows daily, all the extra fun is included in entry.

1-17 Apr EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA Meet the Easter Bunny, follow the trail to earn a delicious treat, take part in Easter-themed crafts and enjoy daily shows.

SW13 9WT www.wwt.org.uk 1-19 Mar and 22 Apr onwards WEEKEND FAMILY ACTIVITIES Spot the first signs of spring and see which birds have returned from their winter ‘holiday’ in warmer climates. Pond dipping, nature walks and nature crafts for children.

26 Mar MUM GOES FREE FOR MOTHER’S DAY 1-17 Apr EASTER GIANT DUCK HUNT & DUSTY DUCK TRAIL Find the missing ducklings by following the Easter giant duck trail and win a tasty treat. See the 14 celebrity Dusty Duck characters, made with the help of Aardman studios and join in Easter arts and crafts sessions.

OSTERLEY PARK TW7 4RB www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ osterley-park-and-house 26 Mar MOTHER’S DAY Treat the most important person this Mother’s Day. Enjoy a visit to the House and Gardens and there’s free entry for all mums.

11am-5pm.

1-17 Apr EASTER HOLIDAY FAMILY FUN Enjoy family time this Easter with trails around the gardens and Bunny ‘hide and seek’ in the house. 11am-4pm 14-17 Apr CADBURY EGG HUNT Hunt for clues around the garden and see if you can find the secret location to receive your prize bunny. 10am-4pm.

March-April 2017

FAMILY THEATRE BECK THEATRE UB3 2UE www.becktheatre.org.uk 15, 16 Apr ROBIN HOOD An Easter pantomime! Join the heroes Robin Hood and Maid Marian in this swashbuckling, arrow-slinging, tights-wearing comedy adventure. Lots of comedy, dance, songs and audience participation.

9 Apr CIRQUE DU HILARIOUS Clive and Danny -a father and son duo with the rest of the team have audiences in tears of laughter from start to finish. For all ages.

13 Apr CINDERELLA Vienna Festival Ballet present the classic tale of Cinderella, one of the best-known rags-to-riches fairy tales of all time. A mistreated young girl, a glass slipper, two comical ugly step-sisters and a handsome prince combine to make the perfect piece of story-telling.

22, 23 Apr BEN & HOLLY’S LITTLE KINGDOM Join Ben the Elf and Holly the Fairy Princess, and their friends on this exciting, enchanting and magical musical adventure packed full of games, songs and laughter..

LYRIC HAMMERSMITH W6 0QL www.lyric.co.uk 4 Mar CHESTER TUFFNUT Chester is a treemole who likes wearing jumpers and sitting in his armchair, but most of all he loves adventure. His story is full of humour, thrills, spills, laughter and fun for ages 2-5.

11 Mar A REAL ALIEN ADVENTURE On an intergalactic adventure to prove that aliens really do exist, the investigator of all things unseen and mysterious, sets off with her trusty cat Tibbles to find out if aliens are friend or foe? Why are they stealing all the fluffy things? And how you drink tea in space. For ages 3-9.

18 Mar THE CURIOUS ADVENTURES OF PINOCCHIO Crickets, cats, foxes and, of course, the world-famous puppet, will spring out of our collection of dusty, old, magic books, while Patrick Lynch from CBeebies pulls all the strings and turns all the pages. For ages 5-11.

25 Mar GOLDILOCKS Feisty ragdoll Goldilocks enters the Raggedy Woods and you can follow her hilarious journey to the three bears' house. Expect hurdy-gurdy music, naughty goblins, helpful spiders, porridge, and sing-a-long fun! For ages 38.

22 Apr A STRANGE NEW SPACE The life changing adventure of a spaceobsessed young girl. Amira must leave her home and her imagination catapults her into an intergalactic voyage that mirrors

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

W9 2PF www.puppetbarge.com Until 19 Mar THE RED BALLOON The story of a small boy’s friendship with a balloon and the poignancy of a child’s imagination. Performed using long string wood-carved marionettes, and accompanied by specially commissioned music.

Suitable for age 3+ 25 Mar-14 BABUSCHA BABOON May The story of a baboon who wanted to fly to the moon in a hot air balloon. On the way, she meets an elephant who is threatened by ivory hunters. Will Babuscha save the elephant and reach the moon? String marionettes, shadow puppets, music lighting and moving poetry for ages 3+

Babuscha Baboon at THE PUPPET BARGE THEATRE

WHAT’S ON LISTINGS CONTINUE ON PAGE 22

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WHAT’S ON QUESTORS THEATRE W5 5BQ www.questors.org.uk 1-4 Mar EMIL AND THE DETECTIVES Emil is all alone in the big city, and someone has stolen his money. There are no grown-ups to help, so Emil sets about tracking down the thief by himself. But he soon discovers he is not on his own after all. His unlikely triumph over both sinister thief and the entire adult world forms the climax of this energetic and fast-moving adaptation of Erich Kastler’s timeless classic. Performed by the Questors Youth Theatre.

RICHMOND THEATRE TW9 1QJ www.atgtickets.com/Richmond 21-23 Apr DINOSAUR WORLD A brand new dino-mite adventure! Dare to experience the dangers and delights of Dinosaur World in this interactive new for show all the family (ages 3+). Grab your compass and join the intrepid explorer across unchartered territories to discover a pre-historic world of astonishing dinosaurs.

SADLER’S WELLS EC1R www.sadlerswells.com 14, 15 Apr FAMILY WEEKEND: ARACALADANZA - VUELOS Choreographer Enrique Cabrera uses Aracaladanza’s trademark joyful style to make dancers canter like horses, make a mess at the dinner table, play with fluttering birds and grow wings of their own, to create a magical show which will make your imagination soar.

SOUTHBANK CENTRE SE1 8PX www.southbankcentre.co.uk 25 Nov, 2, 9, 16 Dec RUG RHYMES FOR THE UNDER FIVES A short session of nursery rhymes, poems and rhyming stories, and the opportunity to look at and borrow books. Free but booking essential.

Until 23 Apr ADVENTURES IN MOOMINLAND Clamber through forests, huddle in caves or set sail on the high seas to try and find the Moomin family. Along the way you can learn how Tove Jansson created these unique landscapes, characters and stories, while uncovering some special original drawings.

6, 13, 20 Mar DRAGON BABIES Bring your little ones to shake, rattle and gong.

Gamelan for ages 3-5.

26 Mar THE JUNGLE BOOK IN CONCERT Be swept away by the whimsical fun of The Jungle Book movie, accompanied by a live orchestra, choir and guest singers.

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2 Apr FUN DMC Get partying with child-friendly hip-hop, funk and disco anthems.

3 Apr URBAN DANCE SCHOOL Young aspiring dancers are invited to a four-day urban dance workshop, to learn hip-hop dance skills and develop a piece for performance. For ages 7-12.

5, 12 Apr PRAM JAM Kick off your day by moving and grooving with your child aged 5 and under, with a session influenced by urban music and movement, as part of Urban festival. 10.30am - 11.15am 9 Apr TONGUE FU FOR KIDS A lively show where poems, songs, stories, games and improvisation meet. In this special kids version of one of the UK’s leading spoken word shows, your little ones become poets and musicians in an hour of fun, dreaming, games and spoken word musical mayhem.

THEATRE ROYAL DRURY LANE WC2B 5JF www.reallyuseful.com/ theatres/theatre-royal-drury-lane Ongoing: CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY Roald Dahl's deliciously dark tale of young Charlie Bucket and the mysterious confectioner Willy Wonka in a musical directed by Sam Mendes. 2.30pm and 7.30pm.

UNICORN THEATRE SE1 2HZ www.unicorntheatre.com 12 Mar-10 Apr JERAMEE, HARTLEBY AND OOOGLEMORE Revelling in delightful innocence and glorious stupidity, Jeramee, Hartleby and Oooglemore is a surprising and surreal encounter with three people who have a lot to say but only three words with which to say it.

For age 3-7.

17 Mar-17 Apr THE VELVETEEN RABBIT A heart-warming story about a very shy toy rabbit who longs for nothing more than to become real. This is a deaffriendly show. Relaxed performance on 29 Mar and 2 Apr, Touch tours for visually impaired visitors on 21 and 26 Mar. Plus, Cream tea on the stage with rabbit themed crafts on 5, 7 and 15 Apr. For age 5+

Please check before you head out to make sure that your Days Out event has not changed after publication of your Families West magazine...

Chester Tuffnut at THE LYRIC HAMMERSMITH

CONCERTS AND MUSIC WORKSHOPS BACH TO BABY www.bachtobaby.com/londonnorth All concerts at 10.30am.

29 Mar, 26 Apr in Kensington (Christ Church, Victoria Road, W8) 14 Mar, 11 Apr in Notting Hill (St. John's Church, Lansdowne Crescent, W11) 31 Mar, 28 Apr in Chiswick (St. Michael and All Angels, Bath Road, W4)

CADOGAN HALL SW1X 9DQ www.cadoganhall.com 2 Apr BILLY'S BAND FAMILY CONCERT An exciting mix of classical repertoire presented by Dan Newell, the Tippett Quartet and friends. 11.30am with pre-concert activities from 10:45am.

Based on the Billy’s Band books by Dan Newell. This concert is intended for families so there will be a more relaxed approach to noise and movement during the performance.

ROYAL ALBERT HALL SW7 2AP www.royalalberthall.com 4 Mar CLASSICAL FOR KIDS:

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

SPECTACULAR STRINGS Join expert classical guitarist Tom Ellis and cellist Eun Cho for a relaxed one-hour concert of incredible string classics for kids, featuring exciting works by Schubert, Albeniz, Bach and Piazzolla. Buggies, babies and budding musicians all welcome.

10.30am and 1.30pm.

19 Mar IGNITE & EXPLORERS WORKSHOP: ORCHESTRA-IN-A-DAY Join inspirational musicians from the RCM and Albert’s Band to be part of a miniorchestra for a day exploring some popular classical showstoppers. Then, experience the thrill of a symphony orchestra live on stage at the Royal Albert Hall in a concert with dazzling light effects, fireworks and cannons! 10.45am.

WIGMORE HALL W1U 2PB www.wigmore-hall.org.uk 15 Mar CHAMBER TOTS: IN SPACE Music-making workshop for children aged 1 - 2. 10.15 and 11.45am.

18 Mar CAVATINA FAMILY CONCERT: PIATTI QUARTET Interactive concert for families with children aged 5 plus. 11am.

28 Mar FOR CRYING OUT LOUD! Relaxed concerts for parents or carers and their babies up to 1 year old. 11am and 12.30pm.

March-April 2017

Preparing kids for SATs Don’t sacrifice the fun stuff Keep going to Cubs,or swimming - whatever extra-curricular activities your child enjoys. “The only reason your child should have to give something up is if they’re doing too much and are exhausted,” Jacqui states. “You don’t want them to hate SATs revision because it’s making them miss the things they love.”

Use real SATs material You might be amazed at some of the terminology used in SATs - Year 6 children are expected to identify modal verbs and auxiliary verbs, and some numeracy questions are presented as written problems, so they have to

work out the maths that needs to be done before actually attempting it. The more exposed they are to these kind of questions, the more comfortable they will be with what is being asked.

“It’s also about getting them used to a test situation,” Jacqui explains.

“They need the confidence to skip a tough question and return to it if it’s going to use up too much time, and to understand that they can pick up marks for showing their working even if they don’t reach the answer.”

Mind the teacher’s toes!

With major curriculum changes in recent years, there are only two previous papers to attempt as relevant practice papers.

The chances are that schools will want to use those as blind tests, which are very valuable to teachers. To avoid skewing those results, look for practice questions distributed as samples or independently created by schools or educational organisations.

When SATs week arrives School will inevitably tell you to ensure your child has a decent breakfast and a good night’s sleep ahead of the tests. The latter can be easier said than done, particularly if they are nervous about what is to come. Fall back on all the tips you tried and tested when they were toddlers plenty of fresh air and exercise, but not right before bed, a bath and

book (not revision notes!) and no screens on in the bedroom. If your child is likely to get very anxious, invest time early in some basic breathing exercises (inhale slowly through your nose - pause - exhale through your mouth) or look at some of the many mindfulness tools available for children, from books and CDs to apps.

And don’t forget...

Keep it all in perspective!

In the words of Mrs Irvine of Rotherham, another teacher whose encouraging advice to SATs pupils went viral last year: “When you were born, no one said; ‘What I want most is for my child to reach Age Related Expectation in Maths when they hit Year 6!”

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CLUBS & CLASSES DANCE DANCE GALLERY Dance Gallery is Ealing’s leading dance school and specialises in modern, jazz, tap and musical theatre productions for children aged 4-18 years old.

0208 566 9672 jill@dancegallery.co.uk www.dancegallery.co.uk FRANCES LUNDY SCHOOL OF DANCE Classes in: RAD Ballet ISTD Tap & Modern Gymnastic Aerobics Theatre Performances From 2 years of age to adult.

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WEST LONDON SCHOOL OF DANCE 21/2 - 16 years.

020 8743 3856 westlondondance@aol.com www.westlondonschoolofdance.co.uk

DR AMA ArtsEd EXTRA Saturday Skills Academy.

Weekly Musical Theatre, Drama and Dance classes in Chiswick - creative fun for children of all ages and abilities. For ages 4-16.

020 8987 6692 ptc@artsed.co.uk www.artsed.co.uk PERFORM Perform weekly drama, dance and singing.

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FOOTBALL KIDDIKICKS Football (W2,W4,W8,W10,W11,TW8) Available for boys and girls from 18 months to age 7.

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SWIMMING WATER BABIES Maida Vale, Bayswater, Great Ormond Street, Fulham.

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L ANGUAGES ARABIC for Women and Children.

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TUTORS AND LEARNING SUPPORT EXPLORE LEARNING Maths & English Tuition Centres. 5-14 years.

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Ealing 020 8090 8710 Hayes 020 8561 8530 Westfield London 020 809 01216 www.explorelearning.co.uk FLEET TUTORS Private home tutoring.

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ARTS & CR AF TS FUN WITH FILMO Creative Craft Sessions for ages 6+ in Acton. www.funwithfimoclay.co.uk START STUDIOS Art Classes, Ealing.

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