Families-LSB Issue 42

Your personal copy to take and keep Contact the editor at 020 8669 5187 or email Editor@Families-LSB.co.uk

Jan-Feb 2012

Issue 42

www.families-LSB.co.uk

Nursery and pre-school special issue Mum time Why you can love chocolate

Including our popular local 'What's On' for families with children aged 0 - 12 in Epsom, Sutton, Croydon and surrounding areas

Picture courtesy of Mamas and Papas

news & views Editor: Izabella Shaw 0208 669 5187 editor@families-LSB.co.uk www.families-LSB.co.uk ‘Families London-Surrey Borders’ is part of a group of magazines headed by ‘Families South West’ established in 1990. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. We take every care preparing this magazine, but the publishers and its agents cannot be held responsible for loss or damage, or for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence. Colour transparencies and any other original materials submitted are sent Printed by Ridgeway Press Limited 01256 at owners risk and, whilst every care is taken, 882131, Bramley, Hampshire. neither Families nor its agents accept liability for © 2011 Families London-Surrey Borders. any loss or damage.

Contents News and views .............................................................................. 2 - 3 Activities, clubs and classes........................................................... 4 - 5 Behind the Scenes with... Stagecoach ................................................6 Mum time - where’s my Off switch? .................................................8 Mums in business ...................................................................................9 What’s in a Nursery ............................................................................10 Local nurseries and Nursery schools ..................................... 11- 14 Finding the right Nursery for your child........................................13 Education news............................................................................16 - 17 Baby health - living with reflux .........................................................18 Health - learning to love Chocolate................................................19 What’s on - dates for families ...........................................................20 What’s on - half term events and activities ...................................21 What’s on - theatres in the area ................................................22-23 What’s on - dates for parents...........................................................23 Classified advertisers...........................................................................24

Shoehouse stocks Start-rite and Geox Shoehouse in Banstead is now stocking Start-rite and Geox shoes. For a professional, friendly and relaxing shoeshopping experience with easy parking nearby, it is worth checking them out.

Shoehouse 127 High Street, Banstead SM7 2NS 01737 377638

Yummy Mummies organise for cancer charity Children’s cancer charity CLIC Sargent is calling on mums in the Epsom, Sutton and Croydon areas to do something yummy to raise money for the UK’s leading cancer charity for children and young people.

National Yummy Mummy Week, which runs from Saturday 10 March to Sunday 18 March (Mothers’ Day), will see a fun-packed fundraising campaign all about mums doing something for children and young people with cancer, whilst spending quality time with their children, family and friends.

To find out more about Yummy Mummy Week 2012 go to www.yummymummy.org.uk or call 08451 206 658 to register for your fundraising pack.

Which? criticism triggers new car seat charter Following the story in last issue of Families that some major retail chains were not fitting car seats properly, and giving poor advice, Which? now says four of the six have signed up to its retailer best-practice charter.

This covers the 10 areas Which? believe are critical for every trained assistant to know before selling a child car seat to the customer.

Of the six major retailers Which? investigated and spoke to, four — Babies R Us, John Lewis, Mamas & Papas and Mothercare — have signed the charter.

Halfords and Tesco did not sign it.

The British Independent Retailers Association (BIRA) has endorsed the charter and plans to promote it to its members.

Join us on Twitter and Facebook Families Magazine regularly Tweets. Join the hundreds of other parents who follow us at @FamiliesLSB. A Tweet goes out whenever we update our site with competitions, news items, and when we update the What’s On section of our site with new venues and things to do.

@FamiliesLSB

We’re also posting updates and stories at Facebook.com/FamiliesLSB. Again, whenever we get late-breaking news or web-only competitions, we can let you know about them. But only if you ‘Like’ our page.

Got a Smartphone?

Scan here! www.Families-LSB.co.uk 2

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January-February 2012

news & views Sir/Madam On behalf of everyone at The Children’s Trust, Tadworth, I would like to thank kind-hearted members of the public who have supported the Trust in some capacity during the last year.

The Children’s Trust provides care, therapy and education for some of the UK’s most severely disabled children, and rehabilitation to children with an acquired brain injury. To help us enhance the lives of these very special children, we need to raise as much money as possible, to provide specialist care and equipment to help them face every day challenges.

Finally, I would like to wish readers and their families a very happy Christmas and a bright and healthy New Year.

Yours faithfully Liz Haigh-Reeve, Fundraising & Communications Director, The Children’s Trust, Tadworth www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk

Over-indulged over Christmas and New Year?

Katie Bridge offers a Forever Living weight management programme, which is a two-step process, combining a nine-day nutritional cleansing plan followed by a long-term weight loss plan. This is designed to take the guesswork out of a lifetime of healthy eating and diet control. The programme, she says, can help you achieve a comprehensive knowledge of how to live your life free of yo-yo dieting, unhealthy eating and other nutritional and fitness misconceptions.

To learn how it works please call Katie 01737 766403 / 07909 681884

Cumnor House Girls school now open Cumnor House School now offers places for both girls and boys in singlesex environments. The school has scheduled open days in early March for parents who want to see their children enjoy their school days in a happy and caring environment .

September saw the official opening of the girls’ school in Purley with over 120 girls benefiting from the same high standard of education that has been offered at the boys’ school for many years.

Pupils are prepared for competitive Grammar and Independent School entry and boast excellent examination results as well as excelling in sport, music and art. The next open mornings will be 3 March for Cumnor Boys and 10 March for Cumnor Girls. See more details are in the Open Days table on p.16 of the magazine.

Alternatively, if you would like a private appointment to view the school please call 020 8660 3445.

Greenacre infant and junior school pupils have learned a Horn Dance from their Ballet teacher, Miss Hipp, together with her dance students from Nescot, who are taking part in a Heritage Lottery Fund project.. The group was joined by author and Project Leader, Jayn Winslade, who uses the dance as the stimulus for the opening of her children’s book, entitled ‘Emily and Jen Dance for Deeron’.

© Copyright © Ali Poulton

Greenacre girls learn Heritage Horn Dance

Fundraisers say ‘thank you’

For the girls, the chance to learn the dance and perform with specially made replica horns was exciting and a just a little frightening. “I enjoyed doing the dance but it was a bit scary, when you think about how people believed it was magic,” said one of the girls.

Greenacre’s Head of Juniors, Mrs Windett, thanked Miss Hipp, Jayn and the Nescot students for a very interesting and enjoyable day. “We all had great fun in the workshops and learnt some interesting facts about the 800-yearold dance.”

Priory prep 24-hour challenge raises £14,000 for charity Priory Preparatory School in Banstead has revealed its amazing fundraising total following a recent 24 Hour Football Challenge.

The School in Bolters Lane raised a massive sum of just over £14,071 for Clic Sargent, the children’s cancer charity, and MPS, which is a genetic disease.

The Football Challenge began at 8am on Friday 14 October 2011 and finished 24 hours later. Staff, local groups, mums, dads, grandparents and friends joined the pupils in taking turns to ‘keep the ball rolling’.

The younger boys had slots of 15 minutes playing football while the older boys played for up to an hour.

Headmaster Graham Malcolm, said, “It was a wonderful atmosphere as everyone got involved – the hardest time was between 3am and 5am as everyone began to wilt but a combination of determined Dads and blearyeyed boys managed to see the event through. I cannot thank everyone enough for raising such a fantastic amount.”

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activities, clubs & classes Monkey Music venue change Monkey Music’s Epsom classes are moving from the David Lloyd centre from January.

‘Britain’s got talent’ star visits local Stagecoach school

Wednesday classes will start from 6 Jan at 9.30am at The Harrier Centre, King George’s Recreational Ground, Poole Road, West Ewell, Surrey, KT19 9RY Friday classes start from 8 Jan at 9.30am. United Reformed Church, London Rd, Ewell, Epsom, Surrey KT17 2BB Proprietor Dinah Nightingale is also adding a new Jiggety Jig class on Thursdays in Banstead. So all the musical 2 year olds out there can come along and join in the fun!

Britain’s Got Talent finalist Tobias Mead recently ran a Street Dancing Master class for the pupils of Stagecoach Worcester Park and Cheam at the David Lloyd Centre, Cheam.

The term is 12 weeks and people are welcome to join at any point in the term.

Lucy commented, “Having experts from the worlds of drama and dance come into our school and demonstrate their knowledge is very exciting for the children. Their subsequent enthusiasm to get on stage and put what they have learnt into practice is fantastic.” Previous master classes have included Take That’s choreographer, X Men’s make-up artist and a leading West End agent.

Contact Dinah Nightingale on 01932 223309 www.monkeymusic.co.uk/ area/banstead-claygate-esher-epsom

Little Fishes opens class in Caterham Dotty Cioroch, proprietor of Little Fishes swim classes, has started one to one lessons for children and adults in The Village Health Club in Caterham.

The new term starts on 6 & 7 January. If you have a child between the ages of 4 and 16 and want more information, contact Lucy Moorby on 0208 224 2442 or visit her websites

Dotty said her group classes are very small which enables teachers to spend much time with each swimmer as an individual. Children benefit from lessons in small groups and learn to swim much quicker. Also, there are other teachers working along side with her who are highly qualified and experienced.

Dandelion Theatre Arts are planning to launch new classes in January. They run after-school performance classes in drama, singing and all styles of dance, including street, musical theatre, tap, freestyle and theatre craft for 4-11 years in Langley Vale, Epsom and in Ashtead.

www.stagecoach.co.uk/worcesterpark www.stagecoach.co.uk/cheam.

Dandelion Arts opens in Epsom and Ashtead

She is offering a special promotional offer for these classes, and all her classes beginning in January. A full term for any child aged 3 upwards will cost £75 for the term.

They also run specialist workshops during the school holidays, run classes in a number of local schools and hold end-of-term shows three times a year and their prices are very competitive.

07834 737 211 www.little-fishes-swim.co.uk

01737 215749 www.dandeliontheatrearts.co.uk

New owner at Theatrebugs Epsom Theatrebugs workshops, parties and clubs in Ashtead, Epsom, Ewell and Leatherhead are now being run by Hannah Mason. “I have been running Theatrebugs Guildford for almost a year now and I am extremely excited about bringing the magic of Theatrebugs to Epsom and surrounds,” said Hannah. “Theatrebugs is all about fun, fun, fun – the interactive story-based sessions put the children right in the middle of the action, so their confidence blossoms, communication increases, they make new friends and the best part is they are having so much fun they don’t even know they are doing it.”

To celebrate the new launch, Hannah and her partners at Theatrebugs HQ are delighted to offer 20% off all parties booked before the end of February.

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For more details, contact Hannah at hannahmason@theatrebugs.co.uk or on 01483 882244 / 0797 100 4134.

For Theatrebugs in Cheam, Croydon, Sutton or any of the other surrounding areas, please call

0800 9755290. www.theatrebugs.co.uk

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January-February 2012

activities, clubs & classes TinyFins offers 15% discount to new sign-ups TinyFins Swim School is now offering Parent & Baby swimming classes in Croydon.

Their classes differ from typical leisure centre splash and play type classes.

TinyFins teaches swimming through the submersion method. This makes use of your baby’s natural reflexes, transforming them into voluntary actions. By the end of the first term, most babies can voluntarily hold their breath underwater, float on their back and enjoy underwater swims.

The Croydon-based class uses songs, toys and word-association to teach your baby vital water-safety skills. But most of all…you’ll enjoy a fun bonding experience with your baby.

TinyFins runs weekday and weekend classes, so working mums and dads can join in the fun as well.

Nine classes per term usually costs £99, but all Level One Baby Beginner bookings received before 20th January get a 15% discount, bringing the cost to just £85. www.tinyfins.co.uk – 07757 689303 - info@tinyfins.co.uk.

Save with Super Camps If you’re an organised parent already thinking ahead to Easter and summer holiday childcare, booking your children into Super Camps can cost less with their early booking rates.

Super Camps is one of the leading activity camps in the UK, offering daylong sports, activities, arts and crafts at over 70 venues in the UK. By booking before 1 March, you can save up to £40 per week or up to £8 per day per child, and even use Childcare Vouchers towards the fees.

Corporate discounts are available to organisations whose staff are looking for holiday childcare.

For more information, call 01235 832222 or visit www.supercamps.co.uk.

Perform invites you to the greatest show on earth!

Perform drama, dance and singing workshops in the Epsom, Sutton and Croydon area have announced their most colourful and lively theme yet: The Circus!

Principal Lucy Quick says, “We are inviting local children (four to eight years) to enter the Big Top with us this term to discover the delights of the circus. Whether building confidence with the dashing Lion Tamer, developing hand-to-eye co-ordination with the Duelling Jugglers or discovering the magic of mime with the Clown with a Frown, our experienced team of actors, singers and dancers will be there to inspire and encourage as your child gets swept up in the excitement of it all.

“They’ll enjoy themselves so much that they won’t notice how much they are improving their communication, concentration and co-ordination skills at the same time.”

Interested four- to eight-year olds can attend a free trial session.

Classes run on Mondays in Purley and Oxshott, Tuesdays in Ashtead and Caterham, Wimbledon and Dulwich, Thursdays in Wimbledon and Oxted, Fridays in Bromley.

Phone: 0845 400 1273 enquiries@perform.org.uk www.perform.org.uk

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5

behind the scenes

Behind the scenes with...

Stagecoach Q A Q A

QWhat is planned for the coming months?

Q A

Q A

What is your name and title?

A

As well as the annual shows for both my senior students (7-16 years) and my Early Stages students (4-6 years) I have plans to take some students to a West End showcase at Her Majesty’s Theatre run by our head office. It’s always a great experience for them to perform in front of a packed house on a major stage.

There are theatre trips too to enhance students’ experience of theatre going and I’ll be maintaining our relationship with the Royal Opera House to give more students the experience of performing there. We’ve had roughly twenty students from my schools perform on one of the biggest opera house stages in the world this year alone.

Stuart Burrows – Principal, Stagecoach Theatre Arts Shirley and Sydenham What does Stagecoach offer to parents (and children)

Stagecoach has been running over twenty years now and we are the biggest part time theatre school in the world. My schools are all well established with great reputations now and we offer dance, drama and singing training to students between the ages of four and sixteen.

The aim is to teach skills for life and boost selfconfidence and self-esteem in our students through the performing arts.

Describe a typical non-classes day ... and a typical classes day

What do you do for lunch?

I’m lucky enough to work from home so I am flexible in my work patterns outside of the school. As anyone who runs a small business knows, though, it can be a 24 hour job and the ultimate responsibility is always yours to make sure everything from marketing to administration to the accounting gets done. On the day I run the school it’s pressured as, again, the student welfare is down to me and there are a hundred and one challenges to solve. However, it’s never less than exciting and varied and fun!

Q A

What is the busiest time for you?

The beginning and end of each term. I’ve been so lucky to have had great loyalty from my current students but there are always enquiries to answer, prospectuses to send out and enrolments to be done and, understandably, new parents and students have lots of questions.

The end of term involves over 200 end of term envelopes with reports, letters, invoices and other information so I do get surrounded by paper! And as for costuming 200 students for our shows, well, that certainly keeps me busy.

Local Stagecoach contacts

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Stuart Burrows of Stagecoach Theatre Arts in Shirley

I’m a terrible cook and live off ready meals despite just having had a new kitchen installed! I do try to eat fruit every lunchtime if possible to keep me going and drink lots of water.

Q A

Q A

Q A

Q A

How can parents get the best from your classes?

It’s very simple in my view. The key factor to a child’s development at Stagecoach is regular attendance and if a parent makes an equal commitment to their child’s in terms of attending every week it can make a huge difference to them realising their potential.

What is your biggest headache/challenge at the moment?

I’m planning next term’s annual show for my students and it is a huge amount of work organising scripts, music, rehearsals, costumes and set. Putting the shows together is enormous fun but you have to be very focussed in order to get the students to a level where they are confident and get the best from their performances.

When the end of term comes, how do you feel?

I’m always really proud of what my staff and students can achieve in a term. We try to do lots of different things with our students so it’s always great to see them perform at our end of term presentations to parents with confidence and enthusiasm. To confess, though, I’m always glad of the break to re-charge my batteries before the new term begins.

What’s your best memory of running a Stagecoach school?

It’s almost impossible to say as there have been so many and I’m sure there’ll be many to come. There are moments when a child who may have been very shy or withdrawn sings or acts or dances in front of their peers solo with confidence for the first time and those moments have made me burst with pride.

Cheam

020 8224 2442 Fridays after school, Saturday mornings and afternoons

If you would like your child to take advantage of the benefits of Stagecoach Theatre Schools, the following contact details will take you on the first step to greater confidence and possible even some live performances.

Coulsdon

0845 078 0805 Fridays after school, Saturday mornings

Croydon

0845 265 7083 Saturday mornings and afternoons

Epsom

01932 784 001 Wed, Thur and Fri after school, Saturday mornings and afternoons.

Merton Park

020 8942 3502 Fridays after school

Mitcham

020 8942 3502 Saturday mornings and afternoons

For details of these and other local Performing Arts schools, visit our website

Shirley

020 8949 1116 Saturday mornings and afternoons

Sutton

020 8660 7753 Wed, Thur and Fri after school, Saturday am and pm, Sunday mornings

www.families-LSB.co.uk/local-directory

Worcester Park 020 8224 2442 Saturday mornings and afternoons

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January-February 2012

activities, clubs & classes

Please mention Families magazine if you contact these companies January-February 2012

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7

mum time

Where’s my

off switch?

I’m not sure mothers ever really switch off. Being a mother is, as they say, a life sentence. Our care-providing services can be called on at any time of the day or night and interrupt every single activity (like important phone conversations) and bodily function.

By Helena Foss

Woah. My whole being reeled on the spot and my mind momentarily shuddered to a halt when I first heard this statement. The gaps are more real – more real even than my thoughts?

Being busy mothering our children does not mean we should forget to mother ourselves too.

All very well, but where, I hear you ask, do I find the time? Life is so busy: there are emails to reply to, piles of laundry, tax forms, scraped knees, runny noses and dirty floors screaming for attention – and that urgent report to submit yesterday.

Mind the Gap There is plenty of scientific evidence today to prove that meditation and mindfulness are effective antidotes for our epidemic levels of anxiety-fuelled binge-thinking, not to mention compulsive perfectionism, beating the clock and triumphing over the panting Things To Do beast. ‘Yes,’ my epitaph might read, ‘she got things done, but did she enjoy any of it?’ It is like using every ounce of energy to scale the world’s highest peak and then keeling over at the top, too exhausted to enjoy the view. What’s the point?

Nourish your soul If, like me, you regularly find yourself overwhelmed with responsibilities and cares, then it is time to prioritise nourishment for your soul. Your rational mind will not think that feeding your Soul is immediately ‘important’ or ‘productive’, but your body and heart will recognise it immediately, by feeling warm and relaxed. It could be half an hour alone under a favourite tree, lunch with a close friend, singing, painting or writing just one paragraph of that novel inside you. These things nurture us – and nurturers need nurturing.

Simple as that.

When I need to get my priorities straight, I use the ‘rocks and sand’ analogy. The really important things are a mix of pressing Things To Do and Soul Food – meeting an article deadline, a spot of tree hugging, my boy’s urgent dental appointment, a dance around the living room, dinner, regular exercise – are the rocks, the rest is gravelly stones or grains of sand.

Pour sand in a metaphorical jar first and only a few rocks fit on top. But pop the rocks in first and all the itty bitty stuff will fit in around it. My sandy items sit on a list and will easily get done once my rocks are in place.

In the West we have become so identified with our minds, that we believe our rabid collection of thoughts is who we actually are.

One of my rocks is regular meditation. I actually cannot function properly without it.

Get out of your mind In the West we have become so identified with our minds, that we believe our rabid collection of thoughts is who we actually are. According to Zen Buddhism, the mind is a great servant but a terrible master. A frightened or stressed mind will hassle you endlessly with judgements, opinions, ‘what if’s’, ‘if only’s’. It was the controversial mystic and meditation master Osho who once held up his hand and said: ‘You see my five fingers? Ordinarily you will not see the gaps [between them], you will see five fingers. But the gaps are more real. Fingers come and go. Gaps will remain.’

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The point of meditation is to become mindful; to simply be aware of your thoughts, to notice them coming and going, moving through like clouds in the sky. This means you can choose whether to believe them or not (you know the kind of thing: I’m too fat; my neighbour hates me; I’ll never be a good enough mother....). Some days, like the British weather, the inner landscape of the mind is overcast, but with regular practice (it is called meditation practice for a reason), you will get moments of dropping out of the mind into the vast, expansive blue sky of nothingness, which, paradoxically, is teeming with life, creativity and potential.

Inspiration is something that arrives out of nowhere, like those light bulb moments that go ‘ping!’ above our heads. The trick is being empty and receptive enough to allow them in. So, doing nothing can actually be incredibly productive. It is during meditation that much of the ‘sand’ of my life quietly settles down and sorts itself out.

Switch yourself back on In fact, once you can switch compulsive thought patterns off – or at least be aware of them enough so that they calm down – you get switched on to the present moment, which – so the sages tell us – is the only thing that truly exists. When I am really present, time itself slows right down; I am able to respond rather than knee-jerk react to situations. The lights are on.

There is someone home. You are able to truly ‘be there’. You become, in the best sense of the word, a rock – both for yourself and your family.

Mummy downtime, therefore, is good for everybody. Scheduling it onto your calendar is no longer a luxury. It is a duty. Just like that darned tax form.

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January-February 2012

mum time Avon lets you be your own boss

Local mum Tina-Louise Wisbey, Independent Avon Sales Leader, became an Independent Avon Representative whilst on maternity leave.

She was looking to earn money but work flexibly around the children. She said, “Now that I also have a nursery run to fit into my day, Avon is perfect as you choose your own hours.”

She added, “When you become an Independent Avon Representative you are your own boss, you set your own goals, and you create unlimited financial rewards fuelled by your own energy and enthusiasm.”

In conclusion, Tina told Families, “You can start a business with a proven path to success enjoyed by millions of women around the globe – all for a nominal start-up fee. Avon offers you the possibility of financial freedom with unlimited earnings potential. There’s no limit to your financial success or personal growth. Avon makes it possible for you to live the life you deserve.”

TinasTeam@hotmail.co.uk 07858 098 804

Get Free Stuff - review When it comes to obtaining freebies I consider myself a bit of a connoisseur.

It was with some excitement, therefore, that I took up Mike Essex’s book, Free Stuff Everyday, which claims to be a handbook for obtaining absolutely anything free of charge.

I’m sure that if you followed his advice the freebies would soon be piling up on your doorstep. It’s just that it seems like such hard work. Mike makes getting free stuff sound like a full time job. If you have the time and the energy, this book is full of useful tips.

ISBN 978--905367-34-4. Available on Amazon and bookshops for around £8.99

Looking for a flexible job?

Workingmums.co.uk LIVE is returning to the Business Design Centre, Islington, London on Tuesday 27th March 2012. The event is free and child friendly - and allows you to meet with family friendly employers, seek out flexible jobs, get CV tips and attend informative seminars on everything from returning to work to starting a business or franchise.

Register for your free ticket today at www.

WorkingmumsLIVE.co.uk/london

My sister is a Monster Croydon mum Lizzie Wallace has written a short book which aims to remind children that they have control over some situations.

Charlie notices that his big sister is going through some changes and that she sometimes looks (and behaves) a bit like a monster.

Since no-one else in the family seems to notice, it is up to him to make the situation better.

And he does.

It’s a simple, gentle little book which carries a powerful message.

ISBN 978-1-4520-9930-9.

Available on Amazon and bookshops for around £6.99

Time for a Spring Clean?

Local mum, Emma Swan has set up a business called Homeclean, which is a domestic cleaning agency. They charge £7/hour in addition to an annual agency fee for providing cleaning and ironing services. Her office is dedicated to serving the Croydon CR and Bromley BR postcodes. She told Families, “Our cleaners are locally based and are happy to travel to our clients’ homes at times/dates to suit the client.”

Emma is offering a 15% discount on the annual agency fee to any reader quoting ‘Families’ in an email or telephone call.

Call Emma on 020 8677 4924 or email emma@homeclean.co.uk Please mention Families magazine if you contact these companies January-February 2012

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9

early years education

What’s in a nursery?

Your little one is growing up and it’s time to start thinking about nurseries. Day nurseries, nursery schools, pre-schools.... Nurseries come in all shapes and sizes and navigating your way through them can be daunting.

By Joanna Parry Studies have shown that children who attend nurseries can be more confident and often go on to do better at school. Most children thrive on the stimulation at nursery, plus a good nursery will prepare your child for those first few nerve-wracking weeks at school. Another advantage is the year-round care they can offer.

You know your child is being looked after by qualified staff who won’t become ill and need time off work – at least not all at the same time.

nursery place does not automatically guarantee a place in reception.

Pre-schools and playgroups Playgroups usually take children from two-and-ahalf years, offering short sessions to ‘ease’ your child out of the home and into a more sociable learning environment where they can play, learn and have fun.

provide intellectual, physical and psychological stimuli, Montessori schools aim to develop the child’s whole personality.

The aim of Steiner schools is to foster imagination and creativity; they don’t introduce formal education before the age of six, concentrating on creative play rather than the ‘three Rs’.

Both these options can be great, but might not prepare a child who is going on to a particularly academic school (with entrance exams perhaps).

Their

Joanna Tobisiewski, director of Laleham Lea said, “Critical to all early years care is the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) programme. This has a great bearing on the way activities are led in Nurseries. Any structuring of activities must be seen in the light of the EYFS.” Free state school nursery places are limited to 15 hours only. Many private nurseries — including Laleham Lea — offer parents the choice to do more without attending full time.

Day nurseries Open usually 8am-6pm, day nurseries are a good option for working parents as many will take babies from three months. The day follows structured activities interspersed with naps, meals and outdoor play. Day nurseries offer continuity of care and your child doesn’t have to stay all day – many day nurseries will do half days or you can collect early.

Nursery schools Nursery schools are often more formal in the way they structure sessions. They usually take children from two-and-a-half to three years and provide a grounding for starting school, teaching letters, shapes, numbers and sometimes even early-stage reading.

Nursery schools give children the opportunity to make friends of the same age as most require children to do either five morning or five afternoon sessions, so the same group of children will be there every day. They are often smaller scale with a personal touch too, but perhaps are not so convenient for working families.

Nursery classes in schools The first step in ‘real’ school life, these can be excellent for children who are ready for school and structured, educational play. They are convenient if you already have siblings at the school, but again sessions are often only three hours long which may not be practical. Nursery classes in independent schools are more likely to offer full school-day sessions but nursery classes attached to state schools are free. A school 10

Playgroups have a varied mix of toys, games, singing, story-time, arts and crafts and usually an outdoor area. Parents are encouraged to be active members of the playgroup and their smallscale settings are less daunting for shy children.

They are also excellent value for money as they tend to be not-for-profit and are sometimes staffed by volunteers, with parents staying to help out.

Montessori and Steiner Montessori teaching is based on a method which fosters and guides children’s in-built curiosity for learning. In a Montessori nursery it is the children themselves who choose from the range of activities offered. Using sensory materials to

selling point is that they offer a more holistic approach to learning. Of course they are not the only nursery schools who do this.

Workplace nurseries Much sought-after, workplace nurseries provide full or part-time childcare, but you may need to think about the location. If you have an hourlong commute, your toddler may not appreciate the trip home at 6pm and a nursery around the corner from home might be a better idea.

SureStart Centres A number of Centres offer affordable, flexible childcare for up to 10 hours a day. Worth considering.

More information and resources • Find out about the Early Years Foundation Stage at www.direct.gov.uk.

• For local nurseries and links to Ofsted reports go to www.findmyschool.co.uk • The National Day Nurseries Association provides information for parents. Search for NDNA member nurseries at www.ndna.org.uk/parents • The Preschool Alliance www.pre-school.org.uk • If you are thinking about independent education look at the Independent Schools Council website for information about their nurseries www.isc.co.uk • SureStart has information about childcare options, tax credits and free nursery places, plus links to the Children’s Information Service www.surestart.gov.uk • www.childcarelink.gov.uk has contact details for registered childcare providers • OFSTED www.ofsted.gov.uk • For more articles on choosing a nursery, early learning, independent nurseries, childminder versus nursery, tree nurseries, Montessori education and more visit www.families-LSB.co.uk PS: Remember if you don’t want to read about nurseries in Scotland then remember to log in: this way you’ll only see results in your area!

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early years education

Local nurseries for childcare Details of some of the many nurseries in the Epsom, Sutton, Croydon and neighbouring areas. For a more extensive list of local nurseries visit www.families-LSB.co.uk/local-directory

Downsend School

Croydon High

(Epsom, Ashtead, Leatherhead) 01372 372311 www.downsend.co.uk

(Croydon) 020 8260 7543 www.croydonhigh.gdst.net

Croydon High School Nursery has developed a proud reputation locally for the way it establishes the very youngest girls into a warm learning environment where they thrive both socially and academically. The caring and supportive environment of the Nursery encourages every girl to grow in confidence and independence.

Downsend School introduces little ones from age two to the important world of learning in a caring and supportive environment at their three nursery/pre-preparatory schools called Lodges.

Each has its own Head Teacher and dedicated team of staff.

Clare Male, Head of Early Years and Key Stage 1 at Croydon High Junior School said, “Girls learn best when they feel secure and this is where we at Croydon High excel. Right from the very earliest days in the Nursery, the school day is full and structured but always fun.”

The Lodges provide two pre-school years to ensure that children are fully prepared for full time education in their Reception classes. Pupil/staff ratios are consistently excellent and a range of subjects are taught. Swimming, dance, drama and music—taught by specialists—enhance the curriculum across all year groups.

Children taking their first steps in education at two years of age will have developed into confident, well-rounded teenagers by the time they leave our Preparatory School at thirteen; ready to take full advantage of the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.

Folly’s End Christian School (Croydon) 020 86499121 juniorschool@follysend.org.

Folly’s End Christian School is a small independent primary school in South Croydon. They have a beautiful Early Years Department that incorporates the nursery and reception class and has its own private outdoor area.

Folly’s End currently has spaces in the Early Years for children aged between three and five. Appointments can be made to visit the school at any time. Please contact Mrs Alison Wilcock (Headteacher).

Hop, Skip & Jump Pre-Schools (Croydon) 07748 107766 www.hopskipandjump.net

Hop, Skip and Jump Preschools are a group of Christian pre-schools in the Croydon borough. They accept children from all faiths and welcome visits and enquiries all year round. They have vacancies for children aged twoand-a-half to four years old starting from January 2012. Contact Lizzie for further information (details above).

Friday, 16th March & Saturday 17th March, 2012 10.00 am to 12.00 noon

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early years education

How to find the right nursery Once you’ve found a nursery, go and have a look. Go back again if you’re still not sure. A good nursery will welcome a visit and might even let your child join in. By watching the other children you’ll get a good idea of whether it’s right for your child.

Start early! “It sounds ridiculous, but I put my bump down for nursery when I was pregnant,” says Camille, mother of one. “OK, I wasted a few registration fees, but at least I got a place at the nursery I really wanted.”

French and ballet? Do they take the older children on outings? How much is your child learning in preparation for school? Do you want them to learn letters and numbers?

Near or far? Think about the time it takes to get to nursery. There’s a lot to be said for a nursery within walking distance.

“I wish someone had told me about nurseries that feed into schools,” reflected Lissy. “I wanted my daughter to go to a school where she needed to pass an assessment, but the nursery I sent her to didn’t prepare her and when she was asked to write her name at the assessment she burst into tears.”

Does the nursery have a welcoming, happy, cheerful atmosphere? Some nurseries offer cosy, home-like environments whereas others have more room to run around. A child-friendly outdoor space can be a real draw when choosing a nursery, especially for lively boys. Also, check basic things like security, cleanliness and equipment “Looks aren’t everything,” says Kate, mother of three. “If a nursery is a bit shabby it could still be fantastic in terms of quality of care. And if the equipment is still perfect and pristine, then it may not be being used.”

The Three to five year olds are taught according best way to choose a to a framework set out by the Government’s Early Years Foundation nursery is gut instinct. Look Stage but some nurseries will go far beyond this academically. Some at whether the children are parents will run a mile from the relaxed, happy, stimulated and latter type of ‘hothouse’ nursery. engaged. “If it clicks, it’s “I wanted a nursery for Annabel where probably right.”

Watch the staff. Look at their ages – the younger staff may have energy but the older ones have experience and usually more patience.

“My preference is always an owner-run nursery,” says Marianna, mum of two. “It’s their own business and they’ll really care about it.” Are the carers interacting with the children or are they just chatting to each other? Look at staff turnover and ask if the nursery ever uses agency staff.

Consider your child’s routine. “My little one sleeps 1-3pm,” says Alice, a first-time mum, “so afternoon nursery is no good for me.” Many parents also want a nursery that provides all meals – but do think about what your child is being fed and where it is cooked.

What does the nursery offer? How are the sessions structured? Look for a mix of fun along with quieter activities. Are there additional classes such as 12

her key worker would chat to me every day and tell me what she had been up to. Some nurseries I looked around seemed too busy to do that,”

says Sarah.

Read the latest OFSTED report - a great way for detailed info on everything from quality of care and education to cleanliness and opportunities for play.

Although all nurseries follow OFSTED guidelines, there’s room for interpretation.

Check how flexible the nursery will be if you need to swap a day or add an afternoon? Even if you think this is not important now, you’ll soon discover how useful this can be.

The best way to choose a nursery is gut instinct. Look at whether the children are relaxed, happy, stimulated and engaged. “If it clicks, it’s probably right,” says Jo.

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early years education Greenacre School (Banstead) 01737 352114 www.greenacre.surrey.sch.uk

Greenacre has a flexible approach to nursery education. Girls can start in the nursery at the beginning of the term in which they are three years old. The school is flexible about the number of sessions girls can attend and they can start with a couple of mornings per week up to five full days. Greenacre benefits from qualified teachers who have a wealth of experience of working with young children.

Homefield School (Sutton) 020 8642 0965 www.homefield.sutton.sch.uk

Homefield School has a Christian ethos and teaches the boys to live and learn in an atmosphere of care and respect.

The Early Years’ Unit is housed in a light and spacious, purpose-built building with its own, secure garden and outside playground. The children also have access to the main school’s facilities and regularly use the school Sports’ Hall, Learning Resources Centre, Music Room and Main Hall for sessions.

Kingswood House School (Epsom) 01372 723 590 www.kingswoodhouse.org

The Pre-Prep Department at Kingswood House School say theirs is a firstclass environment for young children to grow both academically and socially. Children can test new ideas, ask questions, develop practical skills, make friends, learn respect for others and the need to share, and build a love of learning and a desire to achieve.

Full-time or part-time Nursery sessions are available to provide quality education and care at the very beginning of a child’s school experience.

The School’s next Open Mornings are on Thursday 2nd and Saturday 4th February 2012 from 9:30am until 12 noon.

NURSERY GRANTS EXPLAINED Nursery fees vary greatly, depending on location, demand and what is offered. They start at around £100 a week and go up to four times that, but there are ways to get help with the costs: Nursery Education Grant - all three- and four-year olds are entitled to 15 hours of free early-education a week for 38 weeks of the year.

This applies until they reach compulsory school age (the term following their fifth birthday), and can be applied flexibly over a minimum of three days. Free early education places are available at a range of early years settings including nursery schools and classes, children’s centres, day nurseries, play groups and pre-schools and childminders. Your child will be eligible for the Nursery Education Grant from the term after their third birthday. If you choose a nursery which costs more than the funding or use the nursery for more hours you will have to top up to the full amount.

Your employer may provide subsidised on-site childcare, or offer Childcare Vouchers as a portion of your salary. Download a guide at www.childcarevouchers.co.uk or find out more about Childcare Vouchers at www.hmrc.gov.uk/calcs/ccin.htm. Check if your nursery will accept Childcare Vouchers.

You may be able to recoup some of your childcare costs through the tax credit scheme, depending on the number of hours you work and your household income. To find out if you are eligible go to www.payingforchildcare.org.uk or www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/TaxCredits

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early years education Laleham Lea

Selecting a nursery: Cumnor House advises

(Purley) 020 8660 3351 www.lalehamlea.co.uk

The questions you could ask are as follows:-

Laleham Lea Nursery provides a loving and welcoming environment which values and develops the full potential of every child – spiritually, intellectually, morally, emotionally, socially, and physically. In daily planning and practice the school recognises each child as an individual and promotes equality of opportunity with kindness, forgiveness, tolerance and respect.

• Does the Nursery Manager have strong leadership skills and a ‘hands on’ approach?

Together with parents, the school nurtures the children so that they grow into well-balanced individuals with a strong sense of personal identity and an awareness of God’s love. They promote high standards to enable the children to learn and develop skills in preparation for both their school career and their future lives.

• Do they cook food on the premises? What are the menus like? Can dietary needs be catered for? Do they include a good combination of fresh fruit and vegetables?

Old Palace of John Whitgift

• Which schools do the children there tend to go to?

• How is the day structured and what sort of activities are built into the timetable?

• Does the building look well-kept, safe and secure?

• Does it have good quality outdoor play areas?

• Is there a uniform?

• Is the Nursery registered with OFSTED? It is a good idea to read the latest report.

(South Croydon) 020 8688 3863 www.oldpalace.croydon.sch.uk

Always go to visit the nursery before putting your child’s name down.

The atmosphere of the nursery is often the best indication of how it is run. If the children and staff are relaxed and happy, this is often the best sign of a well run nursery you can get.

Expansion at Old Palace Nursery has enabled them to offer additional Preschool places. The school believes building upon every child’s natural curiosity will inspire a love of learning, exploration and creativity.

The nursery enables social and educational development through structured play, following and extending the Early Learning Goals. From the earliest age, each child is encouraged to become an articulate, confident and independent learner.

The school has high expectations of all those in its community and they encourage all individuals to pursue their dreams and aim actively to support them in achieving their goals.

Priory Preparatory School (Banstead) 01737 366 920 www.prioryprep.co.uk

Priory’s well-resourced, lively and colourful nursery provides a nurturing link between home and the world of school. Its learning programme includes plenty of structured play, physical activities, music, drama and group work which all provide a firm foundation for the future. Through these activities the nursery school identifies key abilities such as early reading, writing and number skills, co-ordination, social awareness and independence. In this way, the boys aged two to four years old gain the confidence they need to make a smooth transition to Priory’s pre-preparatory department.

Royal Russell

For more information and advice on selecting schools, nurseries and childcare, as well as listings and articles, visit our website at www.families-LSB.co.uk.

Selecting a nursery: Greenacre advises Mrs Ruth Hart, Head of Nursery and Infants at Greenacre School, has suggested this list of important factors that parents should look for when they are choosing a nursery for their child.

• Children who are stimulated, fully involved in activities and engaged by the staff.

• A structured day which includes class, small group and individual activities with free-flow play facilities.

• Premises which are well-maintained, safe and secure.

• Qualified, experienced staff with relevant qualifications. Is there a qualified teacher and the correct ratio of other qualified staff?

• A good quality outdoor play area to which children have daily access whatever the weather.

(South Croydon) 020 8651 5884 www.royalrussell.co.uk

Choosing the right nursery for your child is an important decision. By the age of three years, some children are ready for a more stimulating environment and thrive on learning new skills.

At Royal Russell School, children’s enthusiasm for learning is encouraged with a broad and enjoyable curriculum of educational play, with a focus on problem solving, reasoning, numeracy, phonics, early reading and developing independence. Small class sizes enable each child to progress at their own pace, in a caring and nurturing environment.

14

• What is the ratio of staff to children and are the staff qualified?

• Indoor and outdoor equipment which is well maintained and is of good quality.

• Lunch cooked on the premises with menus that include a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables.

• A Foundation Stage Manager with strong leadership skills, who is involved with the education of the children and has a ‘hands on’ approach?

• A classroom environment which looks stimulating, with bright displays which reflect the work that the children have been doing.

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education

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education

Single-sex, co-ed, or both?

The debate about the relative merits of single-sex education and co-education continues as hotly as ever. The choice is no longer limited to two options. A new type of school might just mix the best of both worlds.

In a good co-educational school teachers will be aware of the natural differences between girls and boys and they will use a range of ways to help students reach their full potential.

Selecting a school for your child can be one of the most important decisions of your life — and theirs.

Young people behave differently when in single-sex and mixed company. This difference leads to the different character and atmospheres that you find in singlesex and co-educational schools.

There are clear advantages of both approaches and some children will simply thrive in a single-sex school.

A co-ed school will use a range of approaches, with such wide-angle teaching proving to be successful with both boys and girls. On top of this, in a co-educational school both sexes learn to negotiate and debate through communication with each other, giving them an advantage for the future. A huge part of education is about preparing students for life, and life contains both sexes.

Single sex schools Many parents believe that single-sex teaching provides greater focus for their child, as well as allowing them the freedom to grow up at their own rate. Studies have shown that boys’ and girls’ brains are organised differently, and teachers in singlesex schools recognise and work with the way that boys and girls learn best, adapting their approach to suit the needs of their pupils.

Diamond schools

The advantage of single-sex education is that both boys and girls can develop at their own pace without the social pressure that the opposite sex can sometimes impose on them. They also have more opportunity to study subjects that might be considered too feminine for boys (art, music, drama), or too masculine for girls (science, maths).

Finally, a Government-backed review in 2007 recommended that the sexes should be taught differently to get better results, and highlighted that gender stereotyping was actually weaker in the single-sex sector.

Co-educational schools However, it is also true that some children do better in a mixed school.

Boys and girls of school age might be complete opposites, but in a co-educational school this can often work well. They think differently, develop differently and learn in different ways. Either way, an individual approach to learning has to be taken on board.

A Diamond school can be an innovative solution to this conundrum. ‘Diamond School’ is a term that applies to a type of independent school that combines both single-sex and co-educational teaching in the same organisation.

Typically, boys and girls are taught together until the age of 11, then separately from 11-16 (in some schools they are taught separately from age eight), before coming back together again in a joint Sixth Form.

Diamond schools are often the product of the merger of a boys’ and a girls’ school. Thus it is usual that girls and boys can be taught separately on different sites. It is a common feature that boys and girls combine outside the classroom for some co-curricular activities, such as choirs, orchestras and the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme.

A Diamond school can be a good solution if you believe in single-sex education but don’t want your child to be entirely separated from the opposite gender.

Currently there are only a small number of Diamond schools in Britain but they are meeting a need for families.

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL OPEN DAYS

City of London Freeman’s School, Ashtead 01372 822423 - Sat 3 Mar: Open Morning 9.45 for 10.00am start.

Kingswood House, Epsom 01372 723590 Thu 2 & Sat 4 Feb : Open morning 9.30 – 12.00pm.

Chinthurst School, Tadworth 01737 812011- Fri 27 & Sat 28 Jan: Open Morning 9.30 – 12.00pm.

Laleham Lea, Purley 020 8660 3351 Fri 16 & Sat 17 Mar: Open morning 10.00 -12.00pm.

Cumnor House Boys & Tree Tops Nursery (Pampisford Rd), South Croydon 020 8660 3445. Sat 10 Mar: 9.00 - 11.30 for main school & nursery.

Old Palace of John Whitgift, Croydon 020 8688 3863. Sat 14 Jan: Junior school open day 9.00 - 10.00am; Sat 7 Jan, 3 & 17 Mar: Senior school open day 2.00 4.00pm

Cumnor House Girls & Tree Tops Nursery, Purley 020 8660 3445. Sat 10 Mar: 9.00 - 11.30 for main school & nursery.

Downsend School, Main school - Leatherhead 01372 372311. Fri 3 Feb open morning - Headmaster’s Talk 9:30 am.

Downsend School, All Lodges - Ashtead, Epsom & Leatherhead 01372 372311. Sat 10 Mar: 9.30 - 11.30am.

Greenacre School, Banstead 01737 352114. Wed 25 Jan, Mon 27 Feb: Prospective Parents’ Morning 10.30 – 12.30pm. Please telephone the Admissions Registrar for an appointment.

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Priory Preparatory School, Banstead 01737 366 920. Wed 18 Jan, 22 Feb: Pop in morning 9.00 – 11.00am; Sat 17 Mar: Open morning 10.00 - 12.00pm.

Royal Russell, Croydon 020 8651 5884. 21 Mar: Open morning 9.00 – 12.00pm.

Sutton High School 020 8225 3001. Thu 22 Mar: Whole school open morning 10.00am - 12.30pm.

Thames Christian College, SW11 020 7228 393. By appointment by contacting the registrar, Catherine Holsgrove.

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education Chinthurst School to take girls

Ian Thorpe, the headmaster said “The

decision to move to co-education is a natural development, reflecting the realities of today’s world, where our pupils go on to co-educational senior schools, universities and develop careers in an equal opportunities environment. It is a small beginning but we are optimistic and it is very heartening to hear from families with boys and girls that they can join up, for the first time in 50 years, in the School.”

January-February 2012

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Chinthurst School in Tadworth is to begin taking girls from this April.

On Tuesday 6 December, the Board of Governors of Chinthurst School announced the landmark decision to move from being a boys school, to becoming a co-educational school.

A gradual phase will be introduced as follows: Rising 3+ (Nursery) in April 2012; 5+ (Pre-Prep) in September 2012; 7 + (Main School, Years 3–8) in September 2013.

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17

health

Living with REFLUX

Before you have a baby, you’re told to see feeding time as a time of bonding. But for some mums, it’s anything but. Families magazine looks at how living with a baby with reflux can drive you to the very brink of despair. experiencing, and it’s those habits that can remain long after the baby has outgrown the reflux. For babies with ‘silent’ reflux – that’s all the pain and irritability, without the vomiting – diagnosis is more difficult. But Alison says it’s vital parents listen to even the youngest of babies.

Vicki Gilbert is a third time mum. Seeing pictures of her, her husband Sean and her happy smiling children in the early stages of baby Joe’s life, it’s hard to believe what was going on whenever she closed the front door.

“From being a couple of weeks old, Joe would scream and scream,” Vicki remembers. “At one point, the screaming went on for 18 hours a day. He was hysterical when you laid him down for a nappy change. He screamed through every car journey. The only respite we got was a five hours at night when he just passed out from exhaustion. It pushed us to the limit.”

Vicki found support from her local GP and says without that, she’s not sure how she would have coped. He listened, explained and prescribed medication that has, after seven months, eased Joe’s pain. Consultant Paediatric Surgeon Emma Sidebottom says it is important to consult with your health care professionals about treatments – like products to thicken milk which helps baby keep it down, as well as acid blockers.

Reflux is the contents of the stomach coming back up into the gullet. The acid causes a burning sensation which can make baby vomit, arch their back and cry inconsolably. It’s thought about half of all babies have some degree of reflux in the first three months of their lives, with most developing it at about two months. That figure reduces to 5% by the time babies are 10 months old.

“Some parents experiment with the hungry baby milks. These are designed to stay in the stomach for longer. But if you have a baby with reflux, milks like that will make it worse,” said Emma.

Babies get reflux because the stomach valve hasn’t developed properly.

That valve keeps the food, and the acid, in the stomach. When it’s not working properly and baby is full, that food and acid comes back up.

Symptoms vary dependent on the child and the severity of the case, but the inconsolable crying described by Vicki is common.

“Utterly heartbreaking” “Nothing worked. It was utterly heartbreaking. I remember being in my bedroom and shouting to my husband to call an ambulance. We never actually did it, but we were so near on so many occasions.”

Vicki’s story is repeated on forums and in chat rooms across the internet.

There are stories of families who have been driven to the brink by their babies’ suffering. Many turn to Alison Scott-Wright, an expert in reflux also known as The Magic Sleep Fairy.

“New mothers assume that feeding their newborn will be a positive experience,” explains Alison. “Sadly this isn’t true for those whose babies suffer from reflux. Reflux can’t be cured, but it can be controlled. We have to crack the ‘reflux code’ for each baby to find out what helps relieve the individual symptoms.”

Those symptoms vary. For some it’s excessive vomiting, irritability, a white coating on the tongue, excessive mucus, refusal to feed and poor sleep habits. These sleep habits are a product of the pain your child is

18

If you’re not getting the support you need from your GP, Emma says you can ask to be referred to your local hospital’s Paediatric Clinic. The specialists there will be able to see children at much shorter notice than waiting for a GP referral.

“99% of babies will outgrow it” “Remember that 99% of babies with reflux will outgrow it completely without any treatment,” adds Emma. “Reflux is made better by your baby growing. The two milestones are starting on solids – which stay down better than milk – and children becoming more upright. It will get better.”

And it is getting better for Vicki Gilbert and seven-month old Joe. He’s on a cocktail of medication that has brought his symptoms under control. For the past month, life has been a little more normal. Like many children with reflux, he’s developed poor sleep habits but that’s a battle for later. The sleep he does take is in a cot propped up at an angle. Vicki says it’s been incredibly tough, but she hopes other parents of babies with reflux will take strength from her experience.

“If your instinct tells you something is wrong, don’t listen to those who say your baby is ‘unsettled’ or ‘colicky’. Seek help from your GP. If they won’t listen, see another GP in the practice. It is not normal for babies to scream for hours on end.”

Alison Scott-Wright is author of The Sensational Baby Sleep Plan and an expert in infant reflux. www.alisonscott-wright.com

SPOT THE SYMPTOMS

5 TIPS FROM THE SLEEP FAIRY

• • • • • • • • •

• Research, research, research. Go on online forums and chat to other mums. Look at www.livingwithreflux.org or www.littlerefluxers.co.uk • Keep a journal. Include videos of any reflux episodes by your baby and photos. Use these when visiting health care professionals.

• Go to your GP and make them listen. This may mean you returning time and again.

• Get someone to come along to the GP with you. If you are suffering from a lack of sleep and are emotionally charged, you may need support to get your case across.

• Remember, you are your baby’s only voice. That inconsolable cry is trying to tell you something.

Trust your instinct and don’t be fobbed off.

Vomiting Bouts of inconsolable crying Arch their back Frequent hiccups and excess dribble A white coating in their tongue Refuse to feed Poor sleep patterns Excess mucus Pain and irritability

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health

Be Chocolate Aware says BDA With Valentine’s Day around the corner, Dietitian and British Dietetic Association (BDA) Spokesperson, Anna Raymond, gives her views and advice on the number one selling gift for the occasion – Chocolate!

After the over-indulgence of Christmas, we can all just about fit back into the jeans we were wearing last year, and we might even be thinking about the bikini we want to wear for this year’s summer holiday.

However, the next big feeding frenzy is coming upon us – Valentine’s Day. With that comes chocolate in all shapes and forms, and plenty of it.

Five common chocolate myths

1 F

Dark chocolate contains fewer calories than milk chocolate. alse! Both dark and milk chocolate contain roughly the same amount of calories per 100g, which is about 550kcals.

2 F

Chocolate gives you acne.

For most of us, chocolate is a naughty treat that doesn’t usually fit in with our healthy eating regimens.

alse! There is no evidence to support this claim, although some people feel that they are more sensitive to chocolate and this is reflected in their skin health so they prefer to avoid it.

Why could it be good for us?

It is thought that cocoa beans have been considered to have health benefits from as long ago as Aztec times when they used the beans to treat a number of common ailments. In more recent years, analysis of the beans has shown that the cocoa liqueur contained in the bean is rich in polyphenols and thought to have antioxidant effects within the body. The type of polyphenols in the beans are known as flavonoid, and are similar to those found in green tea leaves and red wine. It is the presence of such chemical components that word has been spread, that no longer is chocolate so bad for you after all, but may actually be good for your health.

The fat and total calorie content in all chocolate is high, so we don’t suggest you start eating it every day. But there is no reason why you can’t have a few pieces as a treat on occasion. Remember it’s not just weight issues that we are concerned about, but by consuming large amounts of chocolate you are also taking in large amounts of saturated fat. Saturated fat is a “bad fat” and may increase your risk of heart disease by increasing your levels of cholesterol. Hence if you have already had your usual treat, why not reach for a piece of fruit instead to satisfy your sweet tooth?

Visit the BDA website at www.bda.uk.com

Emla helps you keep track of immunisation dates The Parent Planner iPhone app, available free from the App Store and the company website, is the perfect way to manage your family’s calendar.

It also includes a multi-child, personalised immunisation calendar – once you input your child’s date of birth, their immunisations are automatically added to your calendar, using the NHS official schedule.

The app will also notify you a week prior to a child’s scheduled immunisation, giving you time to prepare and visit your local pharmacy (which the app also indicates) to buy any products you may need, such as Emla, a numbing cream that can help to numb the pain of the needle.

The Emla Parent Planner app saves information for up to eight children and uses simple icons to help you manage their calendar. www.ihateneedles.co.uk

3

Migraines are caused by chocolate.

F

alse! Chocolate does contain small amounts of tyramine and phenylethylamine, amino acids from the protein in chocolate, both of which can trigger a migraine, but there is no evidence to suggest that chocolate alone can cause them, unless perhaps as one of many triggers working in combination.

4 T

Chocolate makes you fat.

rue and False! It all depends on quantity consumed. If you were to eat a large chocolate bar every day on top of your usual daily intake then this could contribute to too many calories and therefore lead to some weight gain. However, as part of a healthy and balanced diet and if you exercise within government recommendations for good health (30 mins moderate intensity five days per week), chocolate as a treat will not make you fat.

5 F

You can’t eat chocolate if you have diabetes.

alse! The myth behind avoiding chocolate if you have diabetes is well out of date. Yes, it contains carbohydrates which when broken down into glucose it will raise your blood glucose levels. However if you have good control of your blood glucose and are not consuming too many carbohydrates in one sitting, there is no reason why you can’t have chocolate as a treat on occasion just like those who don’t have diabetes.”

Report identifies risks of mobile phones A new report by UK charity MobileWise warns that children’s health is being jeopardised by the failure of Government and phone companies to respond to the growing body of evidence linking mobile phone use with health hazards.

The new report Mobile phone health risks: the case for action to protect children brings together more than 200 peer-reviewed studies from a range of research institutions that link mobiles to serious health problems.

Endorsed by a number of eminent doctors and scientists, the report highlights the growing and substantial body of evidence that has been obscured in the debate over these risks.

Find the report here: www.familiesonline.co.uk/EMRresourcepage Simple tips to protect your family: www.familiesonline.co.uk/EMRsafety Please mention Families magazine if you contact these companies

January-February 2012

020 8669 5187

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Families London-Surrey Borders

19

what’s on

Please always phone before setting out in case details have changed since press deadline...

Please send info to our listings editor to be considered: listings@families-LSB.co.uk

DIARY DATES FOR FAMILIES Please always phone before setting out, in case details have changed since press deadline.

Remember to say you saw the event listed in Families London-Surrey Borders!

THURSDAY, 12 JANUARY WHITEHALL, CHEAM 1, Malden Road, Cheam, Surrey. SM3 8QD 020 8643 1236 www.friendsofwhitehallcheam.co.uk Thu 12 Jan - 29 Mar 4.15 - 5.45pm (except half-term week ) AFTER SCHOOL CRAFT CLUB FOR 11-18 YEAR OLDS. Learn new skills like knitting, embroidery, and sewing. £3 per session or £30 for the whole spring term. Ring for more information.

WEEKEND 29/30 JANUARY SUTTON ECOLOGY CENTRE Festival Walk, Carshalton SM5 3NY 020 8770 5820 (enquiries); 020 8770 5822 (bookings) www.sutton.gov.uk, go to E for Ecology Centre Sun 29 Jan 10.00 – 12.00pm BIG GARDEN BIRD WATCH Take part in the Big Garden Bird Watch, with bird i.d. ,gardening for birds & make a bird feeder to take home.

All Welcome Cost: £3.50 per person or £10.00 per family. Booking is essential for this event.

WEEKEND 3/4 FEBRUARY THE GEFFRYE MUSEUM OF THE HOME

14 Jan – 26 Feb 10.00am – 4.00pm BUTTERFLIES IN THE GLASSHOUSE New for 2012 - experience the full lifecycle of these fascinating creatures by visiting the collection of giant caterpillars. Suitable for all ages. A fun day out for all of the family. Last entry into the Garden and Butterflies 3.30pm. Normal garden admission applies: RHS members plus family guest free, non-member adults £10.50, children (5-16 years) £4.50, under-fives go free.

KENLEY OBSERVATORY Waterhouse Lane (off Hayes Lane), Kenley (nearest postcode CR8 5EP) 020 8668 9642 PUBLIC VISITS TO THE OBSERVATORY The Observatory is open to the public on Saturday evenings from September to May from 20.30 to about 23.00 (Clock Time), weather permitting.

Please phone the Observatory on the day to check if it will be open.

On the first Saturday of every month the Geffrye offers a range of fun activities, including quizzes (all ages) and creative crafts (suitable for young people aged 5 - 11).

All children must be accompanied by an adult. Places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis 30 minutes prior to the workshop.

Sat 4 Feb 10.30am - 12.30 and 2.00 - 4.00pm TEA TIME TICK TOCKS Construct a teacup-shaped clock to tell the time.

Sat 4 Feb NATIONAL LIBRARIES DAY see box for more details

SUTTON ECOLOGY CENTRE

16 - 18 Feb Thu & Fri 10.00 – 8.00pm, Sat 10.00 – 4.00pm EPSOM METHODIST CHURCH BOOK FAIR Annual Giant Charity Sale of Secondhand Books, DVDs and Music. Many thousands of books including antiquarian, out-of-print, children’s, fiction and nonfiction.

Also CDs, DVDs, records and sheet music.

Refreshments and light lunches available. Admission: 50p, payable on entry (children and students free). Contact Jacqui Raggett for more details.

FRIDAY, 17 FEBRUARY EPSOM METHODIST CHURCH Ashley Road, Epsom KT18 5AQ 01372 271438 www.emc.org.uk 16 - 18 Feb Thu & Fri 10.00 – 8.00pm, Sat 10.00 – 4.00pm EPSOM METHODIST CHURCH BOOK FAIR Details as for 16 Feb entry

Festival Walk, Carshalton SM5 3NY 020 8770 5820 (enquiries) www.sutton.gov.uk, go to E for Ecology Centre Sat 4 Feb 11.00 – 1.00pm MEET THE SHEEP DAY AT WELLFIELD GRASSLANDS Find out how the LB of Sutton and the Downlands Countryside Management Project are working together to look after our chalk grassland habitat. Meet at Wellfield Grasslands, off Woodmansterne Road, Carshalton Beeches. All Welcome, no need to book, just turn up. Free event.

WEEKEND 11/12 FEBRUARY BOURNE HALL MUSEUM CHILDREN’S CLUB Bourne Hall, Spring Street, Ewell KT17 1UF 020 8394 1734 dbrooks@epsom-ewell.gov.uk Sat 11 Feb 1.00 – 2.30pm NOBLE KNIGHTS AND THE BATTLE OF AGINCOURT Event suitable for ages 8 upwards. £4.00 per child.

20

THURSDAY, 16 FEBRUARY

Ashley Road, Epsom KT18 5AQ 01372 271438 www.emc.org.uk

Bourne Hall, Spring Street, Ewell KT17 1UF 020 8394 1734 dbrooks@epsom-ewell.gov.uk

Woking, GU23 6QB 0845 260 9000 www.rhs.org.uk/wisley

You can get ready for the day by following @NatLibrariesDay on Twitter, attending the event page on Facebook (login required) and bookmarking the National Libraries Day website which will be with us soon.

EPSOM METHODIST CHURCH

BOURNE HALL MUSEUM CHILDREN’S CLUB

RHS GARDEN WISLEY

A nationwide celebration of libraries, library users, librarians and library staff in all sectors.

Kingsland Road, London, E2 8EA 020 7739 9893 www.geffrye-museum.org.uk

WEEKEND 14 /15 JANUARY

Sat 14 Jan 1.00 – 2.30pm MEET THE WITCHFINDER GENERAL Meet Matthew Hopkins, the self-styled Witchfinder General. Learn about his career and life, and the fear of witches during the Civil War. He is believed to be responsible for the death of 3000 women. For ages eight upwards. £4.00 per child.

4 FEB NATIONAL LIBRARIES DAY SAVE THE DATE! National Libraries Day is one day devoted to all libraries - public libraries, school and university libraries, prison, national, law, business and commercial libraries.

WEEKEND 18/19 FEBRUARY EPSOM METHODIST CHURCH Ashley Road, Epsom KT18 5AQ 01372 271438 www.emc.org.uk Sat 18 Feb 10.00 – 4.00pm EPSOM METHODIST CHURCH BOOK FAIR Details as for 16 Feb entry

WEEKEND 3/4 MARCH BOURNE HALL MUSEUM CHILDREN’S CLUB Bourne Hall, Spring Street, Ewell KT17 1UF 020 8394 1734 dbrooks@epsom-ewell.gov.uk 3-4 Mar 1.00 – 2.30pm HERALD OF SPRING Event suitable for ages 8+. £4.00 per child.

For a regularly updated list of local family events visit www.families-LSB.co.uk/what-s-on

Please mention Families magazine if you contact these companies Families London-Surrey Borders

020 8669 5187

www.Families-LSB.co.uk

January-February 2012

what’s on

Please always phone before setting out in case details have changed since press deadline...

Please send info to our listings editor to be considered: listings@families-LSB.co.uk

HALF TERM ACTIVITIES BOCKETTS FARM PARK

MANIC MONSTERS Gardiner Business Park, Little Browns Lane, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 6LH 01732 866115 www.manic-monsters.co.uk

Fetcham, nr. Leatherhead 01372 363764 www.bockettsfarm.co.uk 11 - 19 Feb HALF TERM ACTIVITIES Enjoy a great day out on the farm this February half term with the start of the Spring lambing. There are up to 70 lambs due from 10 Feb - you may even see one being born. Birds of Prey will also be at the farm every day where you can meet them up close and watch the flying demonstrations twice daily. In addition, there will be lots of activities including pony rides, tractor and pig racing taking place every day. The large indoor area with 2 giant playbarns, trampolines and ride-on toys means you can have a great day out whatever the weather.

DRAGON QUEST ADVENTURE GOLF

World of Golf, 175 Long Lane, Addiscombe, Croydon CR0 7TE 020 8656 1690 worldofgolf.co.uk Winter opening times are Mon- Fri 10.00 -7.00pm. Sat, Sun & Public Holidays 9.007.00pm. Dragon Quest Winter Passes are now available. Play unlimited adventure golf from November-March. The cost of a family pass is £60 for two adults and two children or one adult with three children.

SUTTON ECOLOGY CENTRE

Festival Walk, Carshalton SM5 3NY 020 8770 5820 (enquiries); sec@sutton.gov.uk or 020 8770 5822 (bookings) www. sutton.gov.uk, go to E for Ecology Centre Mon 13 Feb 10.30 – 12.00pm HEDGEHOG DAY Have you seen a hedgehog recently? If not, come along and meet a hedgehog expert to find out all about these adorable creatures and how to attract them to your area.

Suitable for 3 years upwards who must be accompanied by an adult. £3.50 per child.

Tue 14 Feb 10.00 - 12.30pm ECO EXPERTS CLUB: BECOME AN ANIMAL TRACKER EXPERT Aged 8 years plus? Crazy about nature? Then join the club and discover how to track animals, make up your own animal trails and find out what the creatures at the centre have had for lunch. Suitable for children aged 8 years upwards only. £5.00 per child

If you are looking for a day out with the family which is outside of London, but not too far away, Manic Monsters offers a kidzfunzone with slides, battle guns, the giant hamster wheel, a spooky cave, maze runs and more. In addition there is a huge playframe, climbing wall, pedal go-karts and a ball games area. There is also a special toddlerfunzone for the under 5s and baby play area.

For parents there is a café with comfy sofas and wi-fi. It is open 10.00 - 6.30pm every day including Bank Holidays. For children from babies to up to 12 years.

Prices vary according to sessions: Mon-Fri (2-hr sessions) - £5.45(4+ years), £4.45 up to 3 years, adults £1. Weekends and school hols: £5.95/£4.95. Babies go free.

Fri 17 Feb 11.00am & 2.00pm TROPICAL RAINFOREST ROAD SHOW See, handle and learn about creatures from all over the globe. Children - £6.50

POLKA THEATRE

240 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB 020 8543 4888 www.polkatheatre.com Wed 15 Feb 10.30am – 3.30pm VISUAL ARTIST FOR THE DAY A workshop for children interested in becoming a visual, scenic artist or prop maker.

They can paint, sculpt, mould and get imaginative as they create art works inspired by Polka productions. The finished works will be exhibited around the building for everyone to see. For 8-13t. £25 Thu 16 Feb 9.30 – 11.00am THE UGLY DUCKLING’S POND PLAY MORNING Discover what’s in Ugly Duckling’s pond in this multi-sensory drama and craft workshop inspired by our production. For 3 - 5 years. £15.

SOUTHERN TUTORS

Held at Rosebery School, Epsom 01372 72 39 47 / 07986 564 651 info@southerntutors.co.uk www.southerntutors.co.uk Mon 13 - Wed 15 Feb INTENSIVE 11-PLUS COURSES Verbal and non-verbal reasoning, Maths and English classes for 9 & 10 year olds.

Contact the tutors (not the school where the courses are held) for further details. www.families-LSB.co.uk/what-s-on is a regularly updated list of local family events

DENBIES WINE ESTATE

London Road, Dorking, Surrey, RH5 6AA events@denbiesvineyard.co.uk 01306 876616 www.denbiesvineyard.co.uk Mon 13 - Fri 17 Feb LEGO EXHIBITION Come and view the public’s Lego creations and Lego expert Craig Stevens’ huge sculptures. Craig will also be around to help you with your building technique. Everyone is welcome. Free admission Mon 13 - Fri 17 Feb 11.00 – 3.00pm DAILY CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES Take part in Craft Activities at the Kitchen Garden Farm Shop. £1.50 - 3.50 per activity Tue 14 Feb 10.00 – 2.00pm BIRDS OF PREY Back due to popular demand. Watch them in a spectacular aerial display at 12.00pm.

Free admission Wed 15 Feb 12.00pm LEGO BUILD - SUSPENSION BRIDGE Children can all help to build a Lego suspension bridge that will support the weight of a person. Free admission

Please mention Families magazine if you contact these companies January-February 2012

020 8669 5187

www.Families-LSB.co.uk

Families London-Surrey Borders

21

what’s on

Please always phone before setting out in case details have changed since press deadline...

Please send info to our listings editor to be considered: listings@families-LSB.co.uk

WHAT’S ON AT THE LOCAL THEATRE Please always phone before setting out, in case details have changed since press deadline.

For a regularly updated list of local family events visit www.families-LSB.co.uk/what-s-on

CHARLES CRYER STUDIO THEATRE

39 High Street, Carshalton, SM5 3BB 020 8770 6990 www.suttontheatres.co.uk 26 – 28 Jan 7.30pm SEUSSICAL Jr The magical world of Dr Seuss comes to life in this musical presented by Spiral Youth Theatre. £8.00/7.00

THE COURTYARD THEATRE

Hazelwood Lane, Chipstead CR5 3QU 01737 737 5555 www.chipsteadplayers.org Thu 12–Sun 15 & Wed 18–Sat 21 Jan 7.30 pm Sat & Sun Matinees at 2.15pm SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN VAN TROPPS Family Panto Tickets £8.00 & £10.00 book by phone or online.

THE COLOUR HOUSE CHILDREN’S THEATRE Merton Abbey Mills, Merantun Way, SW19 2RD 020 8542 5511 www.colourhousetheatre.co.uk

To Sun 29 Jan Sat & Sun 2.00pm and 4.00pm.

PANTOMIME – ALADDIN

Poor Aladdin is tricked by his evil “uncle” to enter a dangerous cave and look for a magic lamp. Soon he is trapped inside. Will poor Aladdin escape, find love and make his fortune? Of course he will!

Adult: £9.00, Child: £7.00 Sat 11 Feb - Sun 15 Apr Sat & Sun 2.00pm and 4.00pm.

Adult: £9.00, Child: £7.00 THE WIZARD OF OZ We’re off to see the wizard again as Dorothy puts on those ruby slippers and follows that Yellow Brick Road all the way to the Emerald City with her good friends.

Both productions are suitable for the whole family with a recommended starting age of 3 years. Online booking available at the website

DENBIES WINE ESTATE

London Road, Dorking, Surrey, RH5 6AA 01306 876616 events@denbiesvineyard.co.uk www.denbiesvineyard.co.uk Thu 16 Feb 11.00am & 2.00pm ALADDIN See this classic theatre production produced by the Bullfrog Youth Theatre Company Children - £6.50. Accompanying Adults - £2.50 22

EPSOM PLAYHOUSE

Sat 11 Feb 11.00am & 2.00pm CHRIS & PUI ROADSHOW Fresh from their hit show ‘Show Me Show Me’ Chris & Pui return to The Harlequin for more songs, games, giggles and a few surprises along the way. £10.00, Family Ticket (4): £36.00

Ashley Avenue, Epsom, KT18 5AL 01372 742555 or 01372 742227 playhouse@epsom-ewell.gov.uk www.epsomplayhouse.co.uk Tue24 Jan 8.00pm BACK TO BROADWAY

Fri 2 Mar 8.00pm BUDDY HOLLY – A LEGEND REBORN The UK’s number one Buddy Holly, Marc Robinson, revives classic hits and ensures Buddy’s incredible legacy of unforgettable hit songs lives on. £19.50

Sun 5 Feb 2.00pm FIREMAN SAM Saturday 11 Feb 7.30pm THE WINNER TAKES IT ALL

Thu 8 Mar 8:00pm A NIGHT OF DIRTY DANCING Have the time of your life and experience the brand new spectacular featuring all the hits from everyone’s favourite dance movie ‘Dirty Dancing’ presented by an all-star cast including West End performers. £19.50

Wed 29 Feb 7.30pm SWAN LAKE Sunday 4 Mar 5.30pm SCOUT AND GUIDE BAND

FAIRFIELD HALLS

Park Lane, Croydon CR9 1DG 020 8688 9291 boxoffice@fairfield.co.uk www.fairfield.co.uk Sat 14 Jan 10.30am & 1.30pm, Sun 15 Jan 3.00pm ONE SNOWY NIGHT A tale from Percy’s Park by Nick Butterworth. One winter’s night it was so cold it began to snow. Great big snowflakes fell past the window of Percy’s hut... Percy the Park Keeper always feeds the animals in the park where he lives. But one cold winter’s night, Percy finds his little friends shivering on the doorstep - they need more than food and he must find a way to help them. A snuggly, heart-warming story, with songs to sing along to, furry friends to meet and blankets to be tucked up in. Suitable for ages 3 upwards. Adults £12.00, Children £10.00, Family Ticket £40.00 (£1.50 booking fee per ticket) Sat 21 Jan 1.00pm & 3.30pm BOB THE BUILDER LIVE! BRAND NEW SHOW Local talent Dickie Olivier needs Bob’s help to fix up the stage for his brand new musical but when Spud decides he wants to be the star of the show, the job doesn’t go exactly to plan. Adults £14.50, Children £12.50 (£1.50 booking fee per ticket) Tue 14 - Sat 18 Feb 2.30 & 7.30pm HORRIBLE HISTORIES: THE TERRIBLE TUDORS/THE VILE VICTORIANS We all want to meet people from history. The trouble is everyone is dead. So it’s time to prepare yourselves for Horrible Histories live on stage. Using actors and ground-breaking 3D special effects, historical figures and events will come alive on stage and hover at your fingertips. Adults £14.50, Children £10.00 (£1.50 booking fee per ticket)

HARLEQUIN THEATRE

Warwick Quadrant, Redhill, Surrey, RH1 1NN 01737 276 500 or www.harlequintheatre.co.uk Fri 27 Jan 8.00pm RE-TAKE THAT The northern hemisphere’s biggest, best and most authentic tribute to one of pop’s greatest bands. Superb sound, dramatic lighting and dynamic dance routines complement breathtaking versions of all the greatest hits including ‘Pray’, ‘Back for Good’, ‘Shine’ and many more. £15.50 Conc: £14.50

NEW WIMBLEDON THEATRE

The Broadway, Wimbledon, London SW19 1QG 0844 871 7646 (booking fee) www.atgtickets.com/wimbledon (booking fee) To Sun 15 Jan. PANTOMIME – DICK WHITTINGTON This is the rags to riches tale of a young man and his cat on an exciting quest for fame and fortune. Tickets: £15.25 - £37.50. Kids go half price at some performances.

Monday 30 Jan 7.30pm LA FILLE MAL GARDÉE The ballet tells the tale of the love between Lise and Colas, and Lise’s efforts to thwart her possessive mother’s plan to marry her off to a rich, unattractive vineyard owner. From £11 - £30 Tue 31 Jan - 1 Feb 7.30pm, Wed mat 2.30pm SLEEPING BEAUTY This ballet is every child’s favourite fairytale. £11 - £30

POLKA THEATRE

240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB 020 8543 4888 boxoffice@polkatheatre.com www.polkatheatre.com To 18 Feb 2012 THE UGLY DUCKLING

This brand new adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale is by the director and designer of Goldilocks and the Three Bears and the composer of Skitterbang Island promises to be a playful and tender production, brought to life with delightful music, movement and puppetry. For ages 1-5 years From £7.00. Usually two performances daily Tue - Sat (either a 3-5 year old performance or a specially adapted performance for 1-2 year olds), please check the website for details.

For a regularly updated list of local family events visit www.families-LSB.co.uk/what-s-on

Please mention Families magazine if you contact these companies Families London-Surrey Borders

020 8669 5187

www.Families-LSB.co.uk

January-February 2012

what’s on

Please always phone before setting out in case details have changed since press deadline...

Please send info to our listings editor to be considered: listings@families-LSB.co.uk To 4 Feb 2012 CHARLOTTE’S WEB Wilbur’s no ordinary farmhouse pig and he’d do anything to avoid ending up on the dinner table.

But help arrives from the most unlikely of places... a spider’s web, in the corner of the barn. As Wilbur grows bigger and plumper, his friendship with the tiny spider Charlotte grows too.

But how far will she go to save her best friend? For ages 5-11. From £8.00.

Usually two performances daily Tue - Sat, please check the website for details.

Autism Friendly Performance Sat 14 Jan 2.30pm Remember to say you saw the event listed in Families London-Surrey Borders.

CENTRAL LONDON SHOWS

SECOMBE THEATRE

42 Cheam Road, Sutton, SM1 2SS 020 8770 6990 www.suttontheatres.co.uk

LYRIC THEATRE

Shaftesbury Avenue, London W1D 7ES 0844 412 4661(bookings) www.nimaxtheatres.com www.gruffalolive.com

Fri 13 – Sat 28 Jan 7.30, Sat Mat 2.30, Sun Mat 2.00 ROBIN HOOD Carshalton Pantomime Company present a traditional rendering of the pantomime and hope to raise much needed funds for local charities, many of which are focussed on children. From £10.50 5,9,11,12 & 18 Feb Sun 2.00pm, Thu & Sat 7.00pm TWINKLING STARS 2012 Performers from the Doris Holford Stage School, aged of 2 to adult, showcase their dancing talents. From £6.00 3 March 1.30 & 4.30 COLOUR MY WORLD A performance showcasing the dance and drama of the pupils from the local JD Dance School. From £8.00 4 & 11 March 12.30 & 5.30 DANCE WITH GRACE Local dancers showcase their talents. £7.50

To Sun 15 Jan THE GRUFFALO A musical adaptation of the award-winning picture book

by Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler. Follow the quick-thinking Mouse into the deep, dark wood in this magical and musical modern classic. Discover what happens when he comes face to face with wheelerdealer Fox, an eccentric old Owl and a maraca-shaking Snake, and, of course the very creature he imagined…..The Gruffalo! Songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged 3+ and their families. £12.50, £15.50 and limited number of premium seats: £20.00

DIARY DATES FOR PARENTS SWISH IN THE CITY Gautama Bar, 25-27 Westow Hill, Crystal Palace, London, SE19 1TQ

CLASSICS WITH MY BABY A CLASSICAL CONCERT SERIES FOR MUMS AND BABIES info@classicswithmybaby.com www.classicswithmybaby.com Dulwich - St Barnabas Church, Calton Avenue, London SE21 7DG

Sun 15th Jan 07960601898 www.backtothefuschia.org

Ne a r ly n ew s a le s

Fri, 6 Jan; 3 Feb; 2 Mar 10.00 for 10.30am Monthly concerts lasting one hour and designed for babies and children of all ages and their carers. The idea is that the babies are allowed to sit and listen or move around. It’s about allowing the babies to do what they need to do, but at the same time, giving them an opportunity to listen to great music. The concerts are also for mums and carers to take a moment for themselves - enjoying top quality music performed by professional concert artists - with their babes in tow. For more details contact Patricia. Tickets available on the door. Adult: £7.00, children: Free.

Giving Yummy Mummies a chance to revamp their fashion collections and de-clutter their wardrobes.

Swish in the City is a clothes swapping event.

Bring along a minimum of four items of clothing, shoes, bags or accessories — all in good condition, please. Items are then graded and you can take home the same number of items you bring plus an additional two. There will be lots of other attractions available on the day, including a raffle, makeover stations, pop up shops.

Tickets £5.00 in advance from the website (above). For more info contact Lauren.

MUM2MUM MARKET Southfields Baptist Church, 225 Wimbledon Park Rd, Southfields, London SW18 5RH www.nearly-newsale.com Sat 4 Feb Nearly-new baby, kids and maternity sale. Buy or sell secondhand baby and kids clothes, toys, books and equipment. Book a stall online and sell your outgrown baby and kids stuff keeping 100% of the proceeds. Entrance: £2.00 on the door; free after 3.30pm.

WALLINGTON FARMERS’ MARKET The Old Town Hall and Library Gardens, Woodcote Road, Wallington SM6 0NB www.wallingtonfarmersmarket.org.uk Sat 14 Jan & 11 Feb 9.00 – 1.00pm Wallington Farmers’ Market offers the best in local produce including free range meat, poultry game and eggs, smoked and fresh fish, baked goods, cheese, locally grown fruit and veg, wine and hand-made preserves.

NCT NEARLY NEW SALE Our Lady’s Catholic Church, 147 Bingham Road, Addiscombe CR0 7EN. 0844 243 6100 nearlynewsellers@nctcroydon.co.uk Sat 4 Feb (10.00 – 12.00pm - NCT members entry from 9.45am) Items for sale will include toys, baby & toddler equipment, Dvds, books, maternity, baby and children’s clothes up to age 11 years . Refreshments available. Phone or email for more details.

Entry by donation to NCT Charity. (£1.00 per adult suggested).

SCOLA SPRING FAIR Sutton Centre , St Nicholas Way, Sutton SM1 1EA 0208 770 5566

www.scola.ac.uk

Sat 25 Feb There will be stalls selling unique and interesting gifts such as prints, handmade Jewellery and cards. Contact Claire Hawkins for more details.

Please mention Families magazine if you contact these companies January-February 2012

020 8669 5187

www.Families-LSB.co.uk

Families London-Surrey Borders

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Southern Tutors 11+ tuition; GCSE; ‘A’ level 11+ courses; 1:1 tuition 01372 723947 07986 564 651 info@southerntutors.co.uk www.southerntutors.co.uk

English and verbal reasoning tutor Cherry Mattey, 0208 669 9794 www.tuitionsutton.com

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Parties

FLOSSIE 020 8647 9967 1 or 2 hour Fun Filled Parties with Magic, Music, Games & Balloons.

07954 564372

Classes

COMPUTER LESSONS Fun & educational weekly lessons for 2-5 yr olds - at a nursery near you!

Phone: 020 8394 9922 www.clickit-kids.co.uk

Families London-Surrey Borders Has a really useful website.

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Join other local parents who visit to see the articles, listings, offers and competitions we run every month.

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