Families North London Issue 152 Jan Feb 2022

FREE ®

North London

IN THIS ISSUE Health Education Clubs and Classes

Familiesonline.co.uk Issue 152 January/February 2022 familiesonline.co.uk

January/February 1 familiesonline.co.uk 1

www.razzamataz.co.uk

As well as performing arts lessons for ages 2-18, we’re a great place to make friends, boost confidence and have fun!

Razzamataz Barnet

Razzamataz Belsize Park

Contact Michael on: 07788 592171 barnet@razzamataz.co.uk www.barnet.razzamataz.co.uk

Contact Victoria on: 07425 918328 belsizepark@razzamataz.co.uk www.belsizepark.razzamataz.co.uk

Razzamataz Hackney

Razzamataz Queens Park

The Petchey Academy, E8 2EY

St Mary Magdalen Catholic Junior School, NW2 5BB

Contact Marc on: 07456 868266 hackney@razzamataz.co.uk www.hackney.razzamataz.co.uk

Contact Victoria on: 07425 918328 queenspark@razzamataz.co.uk www.queenspark.razzamataz.co.uk

Wren Academy, N12 9HB

Fleet Primary School, NW3 2QT

North Bridge House

New 4+ n Receptio entry to NBH Prep 2022

Individually tailored co-education, first-class outcomes North Bridge House is on a constant journey of getting to know and understand every child as an individual, realising their true academic and personal potential through specialist provision at every school stage.

NURSERY & PRE-PREP WEST HAMPSTEAD 2 - 7 YEARS

NURSERY & PRE-PREP HAMPSTEAD 2 - 7 YEARS

PREP SCHOOL REGENT’S PARK 4 - 13 YEARS

SENIOR HAMPSTEAD 11 - 16 YEARS

SENIOR CANONBURY 11 - 18 YEARS

Book a visit at northbridgehouse.com or call 020 7428 1520 for occasional 2022 vacancies.

Welcome

In this issue: 5 Education 14 Tween 17 Health 21 Early Years 23 Family Life 28 Clubs and Classes 30 What’s On 31 Activities

Welcome to our January / February issue!

Happy new year! We are very much hoping that 2022 brings is going to be a healthy, peaceful and fun year for everyone. If you’ve made a decision to prioritise your health and others this year, then you may be looking for a new piece of equipment to help you.

Check out our top 10 on page 10 for some ideas.

CONTACT US: Families North London Magazine

As always, our children’s health, education and well-being are top of the agenda and we’ve advice and information on all of this throughout the magazine. Read on now!

Editor:

Amanda T: 07359 133 954 E: editor@familiesnorthlondon.co.uk HADLEY WOOD HIGH BARNET

EAST BARNET

ARKLEY MILL HILL

TOTTERIDGE WHETSTONE

BRENT CROSS BRENT CROSS

WINCHMORE HILL SOUTHGATE LOWER EDMONTON

A406

MUSWELL HILL WOOD GREEN CRICKLEWOOD

Happy reading!

CLAY HILL ENFIELD PONDERS END

ARNOS GROVE

FINCHLEY HENDON

M25

TRENT PARK

COCKFOSTERS

M1

CROUCH END

Danielle and Helen

TOTTENHAM

FINSBURY PARK STOKE NEWINGTON HIGHGATE HIGHBURY HAMPSTEAD KENTISH TOWN ISLINGTON WEST HAMPSTEAD CAMDEN CHALK FARM KING'S CROSS GOLDERS GREEN

SWISS COTTAGE

ST JOHN'S WOOD

Don’t forget, that you can collect our print magazine from a location in your community. To find out your nearest location or for more information on being a distributor (it’s FREE!), email us at editor@familiesnorthlondon.co.uk

REGENT'S PARK

HOXTON

Our School Open Days are now listed and updated online.

Visit bit.ly/FNLschoolopendays to view or scan the QR code.

Paper used to print Families North London is from fully-managed sustainable sources and is recyclable.

Follow us on social media and stay up to date, informed and entertained.

Tweet us on Find us on @familiesnorthlondon @FamiliesNthLon

Include us on @familiesnorthlondon

Families North London is part of Families print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence.

Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The content of Famileis North London are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photogrpahic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent from Families North London.

Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families North London, our distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd and Lifecycle Marketing can not be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

Achieve Arts is a performance centre teaching Drama, Speech and Singing to children and young adults.

Young performers work towards their LAMDA examinations in Acting, Verse & Prose, Public Speaking and Musical Theatre whilst learning key life skills.

BOOK YOUR CHILD’S FREE TRIAL TODAY! CROUCH END, HAMPSTEAD GARDEN SUBURB, MUSWELL HILL, PINNER, TUFNELL PARK AND ONLINE www.achievearts.co.uk www.achieveartsagency.co.uk

Familiesonline.co.uk

Calling all young Scientists!

Help us discover how babies & kids learn!

We’re recruiting infants from birth to school age to take part in fun studies at Birkbeck’s Babylab & ToddlerLab in central London. Our prime locations are easy to reach and we refund travel expenses. We also have online studies you can do from the comfort of home www.cbcd.bbk.ac.uk/online-studies

020 3926 1207 babylab@bbk.ac.uk www.cbcd.bbk.ac.uk January/February 4

EDUCATION

Ground, Grass and Sky Handwriting Guide

Help your child practise their handwriting and learn to make their letters the correct size with this activity from PlanBee. Download the instructions and practice sheets to get started.

Handwriting practice sheets Use the example on the previous page to show your child how each letter should look in relation to the ground, the grass and the sky.

Get your child to write the letters of the alphabet using the dots below.

Handwriting practice sheets Use these sheets for your child to practise their handwriting and learn to make their letters the correct size.

Below you can see an example of how each letter should look in relation to the ground, the grass and the sky.

Handwriting practice sheets Once your child has joined the dotted letters on the previous sheet, let them have a go at writing their own on the ground, grass and sky lines below. Give them the example letters on the first sheet to help.

Using this example as a guide, get your child to trace the dotted letters on the next sheet and then move on to writing the letters themselves on the final sheet.

DOWNLOAD FOR YOUR KIDS HERE!

5 January/February

Familiesonline.co.uk

FAMILY NEWS

Help fund vital research by joining Wear A Hat Day! Join thousands of children, parents and teachers on Friday 25th March for Wear A Hat Day – a great way to bring people together and raise vital funds for leading charity Brain Tumour Research.

Register your school, community or family event today: www. wearahatday.org and we’ll send you a free fundraising pack!

Coming at the end of March, Brain Tumour Awareness Month, several celebrities are supporting this hattastic campaign.

The latest set of collectable Wear A Hat Day pin badges have a regal theme in celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee year. Order your box of badges to sell during registration!

Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer. This is unacceptable and Brain Tumour Research is determined to change this. Funds raised from Wear A Hat Day will help towards establishing a new Research Centre of Excellence.

Familiesonline.co.uk

January/February 6

Advertise with us!

Call or email to find out more.

07359 133 954 editor@familiesnorthlondon.co.uk FREE

TAKE ME HOM

E

FREE

®

TAKE

n rth Londo

No

ISSUE IN THIS ! ristmassy

Ch All things

Issue 152 January/Feb

ruary 2022

ME

®

North London

familiesonline.co.uk

ME HO

IN THIS ISSUE All things Christma ssy!

ne.co.uk

familiesonli

1

familiesonline.co.uk 1

bruary 2022

ary/Fe ue 152 Janu

Iss

.uk esonline.co

famili

BOOK YOUR 2 WEEK TRIAL NOW!

Danny Clarke

STREET DANCE IS HERE!

Dame Sheila Hancock DBE

Caprice Bourretlike Jason Ever wish you could DANCE

Sarah Beeny

Derulo, BOP like Beyoncé or GROOVE like Bruno Mars? Well your wish may have just come true!

Ages 5-18

www.wearahatday.org

0800 0236 236 STREETDANCEACADEMY.CO.UK

#WearAHatDay

MARCH 2022

BOOK YOUR 2 WEEK TRIAL NOW!

SPORTS ACADEMY Sports Academy UK coach a multi sports program that promotes athleticism, balance, speed and agaility. With less opportunity for emotional burn out, the children focus on a variety of sports which enables them to also improve their skill development.

7 January/February

BOOK YOUR 2 WEEK TRIAL NOW!

STREET DANCE IS HERE! Ever wish you could DANCE like Jason Derulo, BOP like Beyoncé or GROOVE like Bruno Mars? Well your wish may have just come true!

Ages 4-16 All equipment supplied

0800 0236 236 SPORTSACADEMYUK.COM

Registered charity number 1153487 (England and Wales) SC046840 (Scotland)

Ages 5-18

18 SPORTS A YEAR!

0800 0236 236 STREETDANCEACADEMY.CO.UK

BOOK YOUR 2 WEEK TRIAL NOW!

Familiesonline.co.uk

EMPOWER LEARN READ EXCEL SUCCESS CONFIDENCE EXCELLENCE MASTERY

SATURDAY SCHOOL Private Tuition for ages 3½ to 13 Years Old ONLINE | CENTRE | HOMESCHOOL

SATURDAYS 9AM &11:30AM

SATU RDAY SC HO OL AVAIL ABL ONLIN E E

Accelerated Reading for children 3½ onwards Maths and English from Reception to Year 8 Exam Preparation for 4+, 5+, 7+ & 11+ GL, CEM and Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning Coding

VISIT ON OPEN DAYS St Andrew’s Southgate Primary School, 297 Chase Road, London N14 6JA Book a trial and FREE assessment on Saturday 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th January and 5th, 12th & 26th February | 9:30AM & 11:30AM Childcare Vouchers Accepted

Tax-free Childcare

CALL NOW ON 020 3991 6110 CLARSSROOM.CO.UK/SATURDAYSCHOOL

International bilingual school in London from Nursery to Year 10

@CLARSSROOM

Never t o o young t o be bi l i ngual!

From Nursery to Year 10, CFBL welcomes children from all over the world in an international environment only 15 minutes from St-Pancras, London.

US CONTACT ER T IS G E R and T X E N for the S Y A D N OPE Familiesonline.co.uk

www.cfbl.org.uk | 87 Holmes Road - London NW5 3AX info@cfbl.org.uk | +44 (0)20 7993 7400 January/February 8

EDUCATION

Mr Donal Brennan St Anthony’s School for Girls Families North London were invited to visit St Anthony’s School for Girls and meet with Headteacher, Donal Brennan, who has led St Anthony’s for three years now. We received a warm welcome into the school from staff and pupils alike and throughout our tour and interview, Donal’s passion and pride for the school and his love for his job was evident and admirable. Read on to find out more.

I ntroduce us to St Anthony’s School for Girls We are an Independent Catholic school established in 2016 as a sister school to St Anthony’s Boys.

Situated in Ivy House, the school has grown to 75 pupils over 5 years and has, this September also opened a co-educational nursery which is a foundation nursery for both schools. hat makes St Anthony’s Girls W Unique?

The culture of care and commitment to individual learning is truly unique with class sizes capped at 15 girls. Mutual respect and trust I believe leads to a drive to succeed. A home away from home, we create a family atmosphere where I the Headteacher know all the children, am involved in their learning journey and meet every child daily in the dining hall. hat can families expect when they W visit St Anthony’s?

An environment that is warm and welcoming with an open-door policy.

Each child’s educational journey is tailor made and we are selective only in that we hope children will feel like it is a good fit for them. We are an inclusive and diverse school. Assessments are individualised meetings with families and 4+ assessments are playdates in the classroom. ell us about the ethos of St Anthony’s.

T The St Anthony’s Values are what guide us in everything we do. We model ourselves on values that emphasise not just success but consideration, kindness and care in all we do and in how we relate to each other.

What advice would you give to families when choosing a school?

To go with their heart and what they feel. Think about what you as parents value and see if the school emulates those values. Ask other parents at the school what it is like. Take your child for a taster day if it is allowed and see how they react and whether they get a good response. Think about the parent community and above all think about whether you feel your child will be happy there.

What was your journey to Headship?

I taught at a very successful school for 25 years where strong values, care of the individual and academic challenge motivated me in my work. I was headteacher of the senior prep school there for over 10 years. Following this I became the headteacher of another child centred school for 5 years. These roles have really shaped me into the leader that I am today inspiring me to encourage all children to find their talents and achieve success.

How does St Anthony’s prepare students for the future?

We ensure they become confident, responsible young women who believe in themselves and what they can achieve. They choose charities to raise money for and are involved in fund raising initiatives from start to finish. The girls explore topics they like to learn about in addition to the curriculum and plan themed days.

How are you supported in your role?

The school is part of the APG group of schools, where a comprehensive network of professional expertise supports the growth and development of the school. Also, my senior management team are highly committed ensuring that we continue to deliver excellent teaching and fulfilling pastoral care.

What attracted you to St Anthony’s?

I was presented with an opportunity to head a school that was truly committed to a values-based education. I was really struck by the honesty and directness of the children. The day I came, chickens had just hatched, there was an excitement in the school. The directness and confidence with which the children communicated with me was inspiring.

If you weren’t a Headteacher what would you be?

I would be an Alpaca farmer in Ireland, I grew up on a farm so I know the farming culture, I would have the first Alpaca Farm in Kerry. Alpacas are calm, patient, beautiful creatures.

What does being a Headteacher mean to you?

It’s modelling the best in how to engage with others. If I model the best, then our children bear witness to that, and they learn how to do the same.

To find out more about the school and to book a visit please contact 020 3869 3070 or admissions@stanthonysgirls.co.uk 9 January/February

Familiesonline.co.uk

EDUCATION

Show your child how to hold a pencil Watch video!

Developing handwriting skills

By Catherine Lynch

More activities near you...

IT’s FREE

The three main skills in learning to write are the physical ability to make marks on paper, knowing that print conveys meaning and knowing what to write. Before children start making marks on paper and learning to write, they need to strengthen their gross and fine motor skills. But how?

READ MORE Familiesonline.co.uk

Find your local print magazine

FRE E

TAKE

ME HOM

E

West Kent

Ask us where IN THIS ISSUE

Magazine

January/February 2022

What’s Ons & Days Out Guide to play centres Beat the January Blues email: editor@familieswe

stkent.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

January/February 10

EDUCATION

New children’s books for 2022 Winter’s a great time of year to enjoy some fantastic children’s fiction.

Here are our recommendations.

Also

by E B Goodale Ages: 4-7

Invented by Animals

by Christiane Dorion Ages: 7-12

Rita Wants a Ninja

by Maire Zepf Ages: 3+

11 January/February

Little Horror

Crocodile Hungry

Big Wig

Atlas of Amazing Migrations

by Daniel Peak Ages: 8-12

by Jonathan Hillman Ages: 4-8

The Smeds and the Smoos Board Book

by Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler Ages: 0-2

by Eija Sumner Ages: 3-7

by Matt Sewell Ages: 7-10

Aaron Slater, Illustrator

by Andrea Beaty Ages: 5-7

Familiesonline.co.uk

Familiesonline.co.uk

January/February 12

EDUCATION

Is your child ready for SATs?

By Jemma Zoe Smith SATs have been cancelled for the last two years but this year they’ll be going ahead.

If you’re a parent of a child who will be sitting SATs this year or even next, you might be concerned about how the disruption to their education during the pandemic may affect their exam performance - a worry which is doubled for those If the situation is causing you stress, parents whose children are also it’s important not to transmit that sitting the 11+. to your child, whose performance won’t be improved by exam nerves.

The good news is that if you’re addressing these concerns now, So what are the next steps? you’re doing so in good time.

There’s plenty of opportunity for READ MORE your child to make up any gaps in their learning before the exams roll around.

The first thing to do as a parent is not to worry too much! While your child’s schooling has been disrupted, so has that of all their peers.

It’s likely results will be poorer across the board, which is reassuring if you’re considering a selective school for your child’s secondary education.

What’s more, any teacher looking at your child’s exam results in the future will consider the extraordinary situation in which their studies took place.

Win a Gingersnap Balance Bike Ages worth 2 to 4 years £119!

Perfect to get little adventurers started!

APPLY HERE

Magazine 13 January/February

T&Cs apply

Familiesonline.co.uk

TWEEN

Best skincare products for tweens We asked our friends at wearetwixt for their round up of some of the best, tween-friendly zit-zapping cleansers that avoid chemicals that can be abrasive on young, delicate skin.

TROPIC Pure Lagoon Blemish Prevention Serum (£42) A gentle serum with pre-biotics builds the skin’s defences and fights acne.

Olivia (12) says: ‘I put this on twice a day. It cleared my spots completely.

Absolutely amazing!’

Olivia’s mum says: ‘Pricey but a little goes a long way.’

Pixi Glow Tonic (£10) Lightweight, gentle exfoliating serum which hydrates and boosts radiance. 100% chemical-free and beautifully gentle for young skin.

Olivia (12) says: ‘I use this every evening and it makes my skin feel completely clean.’

Olivia’s mum says: ‘‘This has been brilliant for Olivia’s skin.’

Familiesonline.co.uk

LUSH Tea Tree Water (£6) and LUSH Grease Lightning (£8) Tea tree water cleanses and helps banish spots.

Grease Lightning cleanses and helps combat infection and further redness.

Olivia (12) says: ‘I love how fresh these products are and how clean they feel.’

TROPIC Clear Skin BlemishFighting Mask (£20)

Designed to control the levels of sebum in the skin, preventing spots forming. Kills bacteria, draws out toxins, closes pores and soothes sore skin.

Olivia (12) says: ‘My skin is sensitive and can get dry and this is so gentle and soothing. It lasts for ages too.’

January/February 14

TWEEN

Why Aiyven and Kirsten are Happier Every Chapter Sisters Aiyven (12) and Kirsten (13) love writing stories and both published debut novels in 2020.

Families talks to them to find out more.

What made you start writing stories?

Our parents read stories to us every night when we were young, which opened up whole new worlds to us. From around the age of 4 or 5, we were folding pieces of paper into cards and writing stories inside them - and just never stopped!

What do you like best about writing stories?

The best thing is how in a few hours, a new universe can sprout out of thin air.

How many stories have you written?

Many of our early stories were on laptops we don’t have any more but every month we write short stories for our book subscription box, Happier Every Chapter. Over time, we’ve written at least thirty stories each. That’s excluding our books.

Do you make a plan for your stories?

When we were younger, we often just typed whatever came to mind, which can result in an unusual plot and a storyline that doesn’t flow very well. Now, we plan 15 January/February

the beginning, build-up, climax, resolution and ending. Once you have those five factors planned, it’s just a matter of connecting the dots.

Interested in Aiyven and Kirsten’s advice on story-writing?

READ MORE

FREE Mental Health Activity Pack from Storytime for your child* 14 pages of fun activities

ESS is...

HAPPIN Y PACK! IT IV T C A

parents, faced by about llenges dren to talk est cha ted this chil we crea , and the bigg rs is helping is why One of first . That and care . read it r feelings teachers that you with your kids it l with thei mmend vities in and dea pack! We reco and acti activity re the ideas then sha

.

Be cool .

Be kind Be you!

pack: ........ 2 e this tions ................................. 4 Insidgnis ....... ing Emo bows 5

Reco .............

Like Rain s Are ..............

6 Feeling .........

Box ....... e Tool .............. .7 ..............

Resilienc ..............

Framing! ..............

8 y .......

Fun with .......... ness Diar akes .............. .. 9 Grateful of Mist .............. cake s! .......

10 The Pan Emotion ............. ve with .............. ... 11 lings Get Acti d!

Fee Goo l About to Fee 13 Talking Can Do .............. gs You ..............

Thin . 14 .......

30 ....... .............. e You! ..............

Awesom piness of Hap ....... 15 Your Jar Pack... ..............

Use This ..............

How to n-Ups! ....... for Grow

cial a spe p re is hel can 0, the e 17-2 how you and get ce With On pag about otions! resilien section build their em kids e with your fortabl m 2021 com agazine.co storytimem © www.

APPLY HERE

*while stocks last.

T&C’s apply.

Familiesonline.co.uk

FOOD

Winter warmers Get your big bowls and mugs out and make some of these fabulous, hearty seasonal soups and hot drinks with the kids.

Real tomato soup

Hot butter beer (no alcohol!)

Alphabet soup

Green pea and ham soup

Mini cob loaf sweet potato soup

White hot chocolate

Hot chocolate snowmen

Kids’ minestrone soup

Child-friendly hot toddy

Familiesonline.co.uk

January/February 16

HEALTH

Just one healthy thing

At this time of the year, we are bombarded with unrealistic health advice. So how about setting yourself an easy target of changing just one thing this New Year? © Bruce Mars from Unsplash

Consider cold water swimming

Get a fitness buddy

Take time to meditate

Start with cold water showers and build up with the Wim Hof method.

Accountability works.

Find out more.

10 minutes a day can make a huge difference.

Find hundreds of free meditations.

Take Vitamin D

Try forest bathing

Get quality sleep

10mg daily for adults in autumn and winter compensate for lack of UK sunshine.

Time in forest/woodland boosts your mood, health and wellbeing. Find options here.

Photo: Spirited Euphoria

If your nights are disrupted, try going to bed earlier. Discover the benefits.

Photo: Gabrielle Henderson from Unsplash

Photo by Ella Olsson from Pexels

Go veggie

For one day a week, skip meat. Follow MeatFreeMondays.

17 January/February

Give up alcohol

Practise gratitude

Try mindful drinking with Keeping a daily gratitude Spirited Euphoria! 100% diary can make you feel more optimistic. natural, non-alcoholic, endorphin-releasing alternative.

Familiesonline.co.uk

HEALTH

How CBT can help children with anxiety

By Lilly Sabir As both a clinical therapist and a mother, I know from personal and professional experience how important it is to help our children understand, identify and support their own mental wellbeing.

Studies suggest that the earlier children are empowered with the resources needed to improve the way they think, the earlier positive foundations are laid that they can build on throughout their lives.

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is identified as the most effective therapeutic intervention in managing anxiety.

When your child expresses feeling tiredness or pain, this can be one of the most demonstrative signs they are anxious - somebody or something has triggered an emotional response within them.

Children don’t know how to express and articulate emotional language in the early years but this improves with age.

Tummy aches, headaches and ‘something is hurting’ is often a child’s way of saying whatever is going on around them has caused them stress.

They need to calmly be helped to cope with that pain, using fun ways that can help them tap into the sensations occurring in their bodies and minds.

Familiesonline.co.uk

It’s important to recognise when a child needs therapeutic intervention, rather than masking their emotional problems and hoping they will grow out of them; the earlier the intervention, the more effectively treatments can work.

If you have a child who is suffering with anxiety-related issues, find out more about some child-friendly CBT techniques that you can use to help them.

READ MORE

The Grove

Nursery and Preschool Space to Explore and Grow

Specialist providers of education and childcare for 0-5 year olds The Grove 91 Shepperton Road Islington London N1 3DF Tel: 02072264037 www.thegrovenursery.co.uk January/February 18

HEALTH

Top health and fitness products for parents

Getting fit when you are a busy parent can be a challenge.

Here are some great products to get your health and fitness mojo back in 2022.

Beachbody Cordless Jump Rope, £29.95 Focus on speed and fitness with this weighted, cordless skipping rope. Super practical and clever, it is designed so you can jump around the house or garden with no tripping, no whipping and no smashing of photo frames! www.teambeachbody.com

The Leg Master®, £89.95 Use your own body weight to improve pelvic floor health through classic strength training. The Leg Master delivers a full body workout and improves posture. Pelvic floor health is essential not only for women who have had babies but for everyone (men included!) www.legmaster.co.uk

Groov-e SportBuds, £39.99 True Wireless Earphones are the perfect fitness training partner, designed with a snug ear hook fit and sweat-resistance. They feature True Wireless Stereo (TWS) technology for the perfect sound, hands-free microphone, voice assistance, and a multi-device charging case.

Claude Legging, Pocket Sport, £55 Claude leggings are designed with maximum comfort in mind. The high-waisted fit flatters, while the fabric is breathable, squat proof and quick drying. It has a hidden key/card pocket in the waistband. These leggings will see you from your workout to chasing the kids around, to putting your feet up at the end of the day. www.pocket-sport.com

www.groov-e. co.uk/sport-buds

Twelve South ActionSleeve 2, £34.99 The ActionSleeve 2 is a fabric armband that can be worn on the upper arm or bicep. Workout with Apple Watch by wearing this device wherever it’s most comfortable and keep track of your stats and progress.

It is ideal for sports like kickboxing, weightlifting and cross-fit training where protective sports gear and full wrist mobility is often needed, protecting your Apple Watch from nicks and dings while keeping its digital crown fully accessible.

Amazon.

19 January/February

Eco-friendly Yoga Mats, from £40 Female-owned independent yoga brand Wuufly create inspiring, colourful, and uplifting sustainable yoga mats. Each non-slip mat goes on an ethical journey from start to finish beginning with production from earth and animal-friendly materials, wrapped in completely recyclable acid-free tissue paper, right through to delivery

by CO2 neutral means.

www.wuufly.com/shop Familiesonline.co.uk

HEALTH The Zeno Running Pushchair, from £819.95 PUMA and CYBEX have created a stroller aimed at active parents who enjoy taking their little ones along for the ride when they exercise. The ZENO is a 4-in-1 multisport stroller which can be used for push or pull running, while the AVI is a lightweight sport stroller, ideal for running. It features innovative ‘hands free’ technology designed to give parents a natural running experience and can even be attached to a bike or skis. www.cybexonline.com/en-gb/puma

The Avaris 2.3 Road eBike, £1,599.99 This sleek, stylish and powerful electric bike is not cheap but it could make you fall in love with cycling.

The Avaris 2.3 Road eBike is built for everyone, from families and beginners to commuters and adventurers. With nine levels of pedal-assisted power and innovative technology, getting fit has never been easier. www.avarisebikes.com

The Little Shed of Calm... ...is a tiny therapeutic space that can offer BIG opportunities for supporting children and young people to work through their emotions, trauma and anxieties, using Drawing and Talking Therapy.

Drawing and Talking is a safe and gentle therapeutic intervention.

When a child is given the freedom to draw this frees the right side of the brain allowing emotions and worries to be expressed.

Talking about their drawings in a safe and secure environment can help the child to make sense of what is going on in their internal world.

Drawing and Talking Therapy consists of 12 weekly sessions of 30 minutes. It is a very simple but highly effective tool, that has the power to make the child feel emotionally better, more resilient and boost their wellbeing.

(Therapeutic Sand Play is available as an appropriate alternative) For more information email: thelittleshedofcalm@gmail.com Visit www.thelittleshedofcalm.com

Breathe Deep, Seek Peace Flower Essences, £12 This wonderful blend of flower essences offers natural support when life feels particularly taxing or stressful.

The carefully blended plant ingredients can be taken as a few drops under the tongue, added to bath water or mixed with face cream. Awarded ‘best better sleep’ product, this is especially beneficial when taken in the evenings. www. saskiasfloweressences. com

Grounded Protein Shakes, pack of six, £19.95 All natural, dairy free, plant-based protein shakes, perfect for after a workout. Made with no nasties, and no artificial nonsense. Just real ingredients and twenty grams of plant protein that’s smooth and creamy like dairy but without the cows. Sustainably made and packaged in a one hundred percent recyclable carton.

Amazon.

Children’s Mental Health Week 2022 From 7 to 13 February, families across the UK are encouraged to take part in Children’s Mental Health Week with the theme Growing Together.

Growing Together is about growing emotionally and finding ways to help each other do the same. Challenges and setbacks can help us to grow and adapt and trying new things can help us to move beyond our comfort zone into a new realm of possibility and potential.

Run by the children’s mental health charity Place2Be, children (and adults) are being asked to consider how they’ve grown, what they need to help them grow and how they can help others to grow too.

Around five children in every classroom have a mental health problem and many more struggle with challenges from bullying to bereavement.

Help raise funds to enable Place2Be to reach more people by organising a Dress to Express fundraiser.

Find FREE resources for parents and carers and more information at www.childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk

Familiesonline.co.uk

January/February 20

EARLY YEARS

Sensible safety supplies It’s a great time of year to check that you have all the right protection to keep your children safe at home.

Carbon Monoxide Alarm Essential if you use gas, LPG, oil or wood at home. £14

Cable Tidy Unit

The easiest way to keep cables away from children. Click-lock lid. £17.90

Bath & Room Thermometer

Flashes/beeps when water is too hot/cold for your child. Floats in bath. £11.49 21 January/February

St John Ambulance Travel First Aid Kit Important at home and when away. £18.60

Stove & Hob Guard

Protects from stove-top dangers. Adjustable.

Suitable for gas and electric. £37.99

Magnetic Child Locks

Corner Protectors

Oven Door Guard

Door Slam Protector

No DIY skills required.

Fit lock and catch simultaneously. £19.95

Prevents little hands from opening the oven and getting injured or burned. £6.49

Easy to install. Larger than others. Soft protection from sharp corners. £6.99

Protects fingers from door slamming and children from getting locked in. From £6.99 Familiesonline.co.uk

EARLY YEARS

Getting more involved with your child’s development Volunteering at your child’s childcare setting is a great way to become more involved with your child’s learning and development.

If you’ve previously worked with children or in childcare, that’s invaluable but you don’t actually need any experience.

You may be interested in formal roles like a nursery assistant where you will receive lots of support including an induction or special training. Other roles may be more informal with flexible arrangements such as joining outings to the park, helping with a fundraising activity or running a toy library. Your child’s setting is likely to be open to ideas.

Volunteering at your child’s setting can help you: Increase your enjoyment and understanding of the way your child learns; Learn new skills, gain confidence and practical experience; Make new friends and meet other parents; Develop and become part of a parent forum; Take up free training opportunities to help you progress into paid work; Get to know your child’s friends better; Explore new career opportunities in childcare; Give something back to your local community.

Familiesonline.co.uk

Children learn a huge amount while in quality childcare but parents remain their most important educators.

Find out how to continue developing your child’s learning at home.

READ MORE

Protect your child online!

Get a free and complete guide to parental controls*

APPLY HERE * while stocks last T&Cs apply

Magazine

January/February 22

FAMILY LIFE

Top car seat suggestions Need a new car seat this year? Kickstart your research with these nine top ADAC safety-approved models.

Joie Spin 360 Group 0+1

Cosy N Safe Merlin 360 Group 0+/1 0 to 18kg. Birth to 4yrs. £200

Up to 18kg. 3mths to 4yrs. £325

Maxi Cosi Axiss Swivelling

Graco Milestone All-in-One Group 0+/1/2/3

Nuna Myti Group 1/2/3

Cosatto Judo Group 1/2/3

Halfords Essential Group 1/2/3

Birth to 18kg. Birth to 4yrs. From £199.

9 to 18kg. 9mths to 4yrs. £139

Joie Baby Bold Group 1/2/3 9 to 36kg. 9mths to 12yrs. £179.99

23 January/February

Birth to 36kg. Birth to 12 yrs. £210

9 to 36kg. 9mths to 12 yrs. £180

Britax Romer Dualfix M i-Size

9 to 36kg. 15mths to 12 yrs. £325

9 to 36kg. 9mths to 12yrs. £40 Familiesonline.co.uk

FAMILY LIFE

Family tech ideas The latest in technological innovation – maybe you can find a bargain in the January sales?

Symfonisk Picture Frame with WiFi Speaker Your favourite sounds from your favourite picture! £179

Bonaok Wireless Bluetooth Karaoke Microphone Enjoy family karaoke at home. £29.99

Oculus Quest 2 Virtual Reality Headset

Use headset and app to jump into VR. £299.

Facebook Portal - da Vinci miniMaker Illuminator Light Up Smart Video Calling Drone 3D Printer Video call others on their devices with WhatsApp/ Messenger, even if they don’t have Portal. £60.

First-time users 3D printer. Great for young minds and STEM learning. £284.40

Philips NeoPix Easy Heated Throw Perfect for snuggling up Home Projector

For cosy winter nights in. £99.99 Familiesonline.co.uk

with the family. £53

Delivers an amazing light show. USB and batteryoperated remote control. £29.99

Nanit Smart Baby Monitor

Peace of mind. A crystalclear overhead view of your baby’s cot. From £199 January/February 24

FAMILY LIFE

Protect your child online

Try Storytime, the world’s best story magazine!

The internet is a fantastic place to learn, play and contact friends and family. However, just like the real world, it’s not safe for children to navigate alone.

Special Full of fairy tales, adventures, myths Reader Offer and legends, tales from other cultures, real life stories and awesome animals, Storytime is the world’s best story magazine.

Save 15% on complete guide to parental controls (E-book/PB) Welcome to the new book, which aims to make it easier to protect our children online!

Leading children’s charities and parent groups agree that parents need more help to understand potential online dangers and understand how best to react when our children are upset or disturbed by something they have seen online.

Protecting children of the digital age contains over 130 pages of information, advice, tips and step by step guides to setting parental controls on the most popular devices, Apps, platforms and games.

Use code FAM15 at check out here to obtain the e-book for Special just £5.94 or the Reader paperback for just Offer £13.59.

Save 50% off your first 4 issues - just £9.99!

It’s packed with wonderful stories for children and parents to read, love and share, as well as puzzles, activities and games.

All 52 pages are beautifully illustrated and printed on quality paper so they can be treasured, read and re-read.

No adverts, plastic toys or packaging and each copy arrives in a specially illustrated envelope, so your child has all the excitement of receiving their own mail.

Plus, each month, there are free home learning resources and fun activities to bring the stories to life.

More info and apply for offer.

Follow on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

25 January/February

Familiesonline.co.uk

FAMILY LIFE

Moving on after separation and divorce

By Adele Ballantyne At Only Mums and Only Dads, we get many emails expressing concern at the way an ex-partner has introduced their new partner to the children. Often these emails report that the children have become upset as a result. So we asked Adele Ballantyne for her advice on getting this right.

Separating when you have children isn’t easy but as a new ‘normal’ begins to emerge, you may find yourself or your ex-partner starting to think about moving on with the ‘adult’ part of life.

So, what happens when you want to start socialising and even dating again?

Before dating, I would say that it’s important to take time to heal, to reflect and think about who you are and what you want going forward.

But, of course, you will want to socialise.

Many parents use the time whilst their children are with their other parent to start socialising, keeping it separate from their parenting role initially. Of course, it’s okay to tell your children, especially older ones, offering reassurance if you meet resistance.

When you do feel ready to start dating, to avoid disputes, it is Familiesonline.co.uk

definitely worth discussing and agreeing a plan with your ex-partner about how you would manage the introduction of any new, long-term partner to your children.

READ MORE

www.bilingualnurseries.com

Mars Montessori in Angel

Ages 18 months – 4 years

Les Trois Oursons in Paddington

Ages 10 months – 4 years

4 Collins Yard, (off Islington Green), LONDON N1 2XU

Lower Ground Floor, 170 Gloucester Terrace, LONDON W2 6HS

Advertise with us!

Call or email to find out more.

07359 133 954 editor@familiesnorthlondon.co.uk January/February 26

CLUBS & CLASSES

Unusual class and club ideas Kids looking for something a bit different to try in 2022? Check out our ideas.

Chess

Rock climbing

Fencing

Trampolining

Parkour

Archery

Table tennis

Sailing

Skating

27 January/February

Familiesonline.co.uk

CLUBS & CLASSES

Happy Confident New Year from Perform Perform, the UK’s biggest centrally-run drama school, is getting 2022 off to a flying start with a new term of classes focusing on building confidence and social skills.

How have your children adjusted after the pandemic?

Many have struggled to reconnect and re-establish their old friendships and confidence. Child Psychologist and author, Linda Blair, says that classes like these “can help children recover from social isolation as they encourage communication and effective social interactions. Drama helps a child’s ability to understand and interpret things like eye contact and can help in countless other ways both socially and cognitively.”

Fortunately, Perform classes are packed with confidenceboosting drama-based games and activities, allowing every child to shine as we explore two exciting termly themes.

4-7s will trek off on a Jungle adventure while 7-12s enjoy a thrilling adaptation of Romeo and Juliet. What’s more, Perform’s jungle theme becomes a West End musical during February half-term; featuring a professional adult cast, stunning costumes and fabulous music. Visit junglerumble. show To book a no-obligation FREE trial at EN2, EN5, N1, N2, N4, N5, N7, N8, N10, N14, N16, N19, N20, N21, N22, NW1, NW3, NW5, NW6, NW7, NW8, NW11. *New Classes* at NW1, NW11, NW3 and N5, N14 and EN2 Visit www.perform.org.uk/try using (LN70222) for a £40 discount when you book by 7th February.

Looking for amazing childcare during the school holidays?

Over the pandemic, multi award-winning The Strings Club inspired thousands of children through their Ofstedregistered Holiday Camps.

With over a hundred 5* reviews in 2021, each day at The Strings Club is wonderfully different!

Every morning starts with fun-filled guitar, violin and ukulele sessions, led by the UK’s best teachers. Free hire of an instrument to take home!

Afternoons include their carefully-created workshops ranging from sport to art to drama.

Axis Tuition Centres...

For more information including venues and ways to book - visit www.thestringsclub.org or call their Head Office on 0121 296 9204.

...are offering affordable supplementary education to primary and secondary school pupils in Hendon, North Finchley, Southgate, Ponders End and Walthamstow Centres. Their small group sessions proved to make a significant improvement in school attainment and exam results.

Their focus is on literacy and numeracy for Primary pupils.

They teach English, Maths, Verbal and Non-verbal reasoning on 11+ Courses. They also offer English, Maths and Science tuition in KS3 and GCSE classes.

Their experienced and DBS checked teachers teach live lessons using unique resources. The students’ progress is checked regularly, and necessary interventions put in place to ensure that every child performs their best.

A new centre in Southgate School is open between 1-4pm on Saturdays. Online lessons are also available. Spring term starts on the week commencing 4th January 2022.

Claim your free trial lesson and 5% discount for new enrolment. Call 020 7607 9330 or visit www.tuitioncentres.org

Familiesonline.co.uk

January/February 28

PURPLE PAGES Music & Movement

Achieve Arts

The Grove Nursery and Preschool

Sue Walder – Naming Celebrant

Colourstrings

Joyous, bespoke naming ceremonies to celebrate new arrivals to your family. I create unique, memorable celebrations that can include poems, parental promises, the appointment of guideparents, and much more.

Perfect for babies, first birthdays, and to welcome adopted children.

Colourstrings – for a brilliant start and longterm success in music!

Develop your child’s musical talent in Kodaly-based music kindergartens and instrumental programmes from six months – 19 years. Call 020 8444 9435 for a trial of 3 discounted lessons or email admin@nlcolourstrings.co.uk www.nlcolourstrings.co.uk

BOOK YOUR CHILD’S FREE TRIAL TODAY! CROUCH END, HAMPSTEAD GARDEN SUBURB, MUSWELL HILL AND TUFNELL PARK

The Grove Nursery and Preschool offers space to explore and grow.

Children’s Parties

Call me to find out more on 0796 9272235. www.sue.walder@ humanistceremonies.org.uk

Coffee and Crayons Café Coffee and Crayons Café (Ballards Lane, Finchley, N3) is a fantastic café with soft play area available. The café is also available to hire for birthday parties, special occasions and clubs/ classes. www.coffeeandcrayonscafe. com tel 0208 343 1333 info@ coffeeandcrayonscafe.com

Zebra Ceramics (N10) Pottery painting studio, loved by all ages!! Whether it’ s a mug, plate or bowl being painted, we will help all party goers to create something they will treasure forever. Our parties are designed for ages 5 and above. You may also visit us if you are not organising a party, we are open 7 days a week. Tel 0208 442 1314 or visit our website www.zebraceramics.co.uk

After Sch Club / Education Clarssroom Highly sought after and recommended professional tutoring, experienced in developing and preparing children to learn, lead and succeed all around.

Reading, English, Maths, verbal

and non-verbal reasoning, ages 3 ½ -13. Book a trial and free assessment today 0203 991 6110 www.clarssroom. co.uk

Vincent & Frida Art History Lessons for children. Art history lessons for children.

Our engaging fun hands-on interactive lessons will run in small groups online and face-to-face. We provide learning experiences that are inspiring and meaningful.

Email office@

vincentandfrida to register your interest for the academic year 2020/2021. www. vincentandfrida. com

Axis Education Focusing on literacy, numeracy and exam preparation.

Holiday booster courses. All classes delivered by qualified and experienced teachers. Proven teaching resources, online tools and fantastic app for reporting and communication.

has inspired thousands of children aged 4-11 through a range of multi awardwinning music programmes.

We offer Ofstedregistered Holiday Camps, Online Lessons plus School Music Support. Our wish is that each and every child who joins us, develops a lifelong love of music-making –

Weekdays After School, Saturday and Sunday courses at Axis, North Finchley, Ponders End, Hendon and Walthamstow S

Street Dance Academy

social interaction, listening, spatial awareness and improved physical health. All taught in a fun and safe environment. www. streetdance academy.co.uk 0800 0236 236

29 January/February

Singing to children and young adults.

https://www. thestringsclub.org/

Sports Academy UK Sports Academy UK Have provided years of fun for children every weekend during school term time. Your child will grow in confidence, improve their communication and leadership skills, engage in a healthier, more active life style, and make new friends. Delivering 18 different sports a year, our classes are suitable for girls and boys aged 4-16 yrs, training in age related squads. Family discounts are available. www.sportsacademyuk.com 0800 0248 842

Theatre & Performing Arts Little Supernovas Little Supernovas is an award winning drama and storytelling company. Providing unique, fun and engaging storytelling and drama sessions for children aged 4-9. Our 50-60 minute classes include drama games for warm up, followed by an Interactive Action Adventure, and through this they develop dance and drama skills.

www.achievearts. co.uk www. achieveartsagency. co.uk

Stage Academy is your local independent after school and weekend performing arts school for ages 4 to 18. Building self-confidence, teamwork, ambition and responsibility.

We unlock the potential inside every young person giving them the chance to be the stars of tomorrow.

On-stage or off.

Book a free trial in one of our venues across North London to secure your space for September! stageacademy.co.uk 0800 808 5327 contact@ stageacademy.co.uk

The Artz Kidz The Artz Kidz is a Creative School focusing on ‘The Arts’ as a whole including: Drama, Dance, Art and Singing, for ages 2-12 yrs. Saturday Schools, AfterSchool Clubs, Parties and Holiday Camps. LAUNCH OFFER: 25% off in January for 8-12s 9.15-12am at The Raglan Schools Enfield. Fully

qualified Drama & Primary School Teachers. DBS checked, First Aid Trained & COVID Secure. Contact Helen 07925 581 057. Info@ theartzkidz.com www.theartzkidz. com

Baby, Toddler & Nurseries and performance skills. Our classes incorporate action storytelling, music, props, drama, movement and plenty of giggles.

Classes are lead by Hannah and Brooke.

Venue: Archway Methodist Church.

Every Thursday 4pm-5pm Contact us: 07791235247 or hello@ littlesupernovas.com Book now: www. littlesupernovas.com

Razzamataz Razzamataz Welcome to Razzamataz Theatre Schools the home of Drama, Music, Pop Singing, Musical Theatre and Street dance for kids aged 4-18yrs. Classes aim to build your child’s confidence, maintain their health and fitness, improve their wellbeing, have fun and make new friends. If you would like to book your child/children for a FREE Taster Session and for

towards their LAMDA examinations in Acting, Verse & Prose, Public Speaking and Musical Theatre whilst learning key life skills.

Stage Academy and we believe that journey starts with us. Locations in Hampstead, Hackney, Islington and Muswell Hill.

Sport & Excercise

Big Supernovas 6-9 year olds will learn all about acting, devising

Dance

Offer 1 hr classes for children aged 6-16yrs, in age related squads.

Your child will stimulate their imagination through creative movement, expressing themselves through dance and music. Our classes are great for

The Strings Club

Achieve Arts Speech & Drama School and Young Performers Agency is now offering free trials for their Autumn term.

Achieve Arts is a performance centre teaching Drama, Speech and

Their young performers work

Mars Montessori Mars Montessori Bilingual Nursery Nursery (N1) Mars Montessori in Angel is a small bilingual FrenchEnglish Montessori nursery. We aim to provide very highquality childcare in a nurturing environment in two languages. In September 2018, we also introduced an Introduction to Mandarin program, and we are proud of the brilliant

take up. In April 2018, we were given the highest possible rating of OUTSTANDING

by Ofsted in every single category.

020 7099 0452 www. bilingualnurseries. com

Tiny Talk more information, please contact the following principals: Queens Park/ Victoria: queenspark@ razzamataz.co.uk Belsize Park/ Victoria: belsizepark@ razzamataz.co.uk Barnet/Michael: barnet@razzamataz. co.uk Hackney/Marc: hackney@ razzamtaz.co.uk

Learn to communicate with your baby before they can speak, at an award-winning TinyTalk baby signing class.Each class includes: Weekly themes giving you the signs you need to share baby’s world, using British Sign Language (BSL).

An interactive music class with hands-on sensory activities developing all-round

communication skills and stimulating your baby’s senses, Time to relax with a cuppa making new friends whilst your baby enjoys playtime More information at www.TinyTalk. co.uk/zahrak

The Grove Organic home cooked food Quality Specialist providers Assured, HEY (healthy of education and early years) nursery childcare for 0-5 with good and year olds. Offering outstanding Ofsted flexible childcare reports. Based in options; Forest school Islington, N1 3DF. sessions; Yoga, music, drama, French 02072264037 and Spanish. Open www.thegrovenursery.

8-6.30pm Monday to co.uk Friday all year round

Humpty Dumpty Singalong Come and sing with your little one at The Humpty Dumpty Singalong!

With live ukulele music, puppets, bubbles and much more! Sessions for under 5s and under 1s, in Islington and Tufnell Park, advanced booking only, via Happity, at www.happity. co.uk/the-humptydumpty-singalong.

Contact Debs via

Happity or email thehumptydumpty singalong@hotmail. co.uk for more information.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @thehumpty dumptysingalong.

Happy singing!

The Maria Montessori School The Maria Montessori School offers authentic Montessori education for 2-12-year-olds in 5 locations: Abbey Road, Hampstead, Bayswater, Notting Hill and Hornsey Rise. Join a school open day event to learn about the Montessori approach and watch demonstrations of Montessori materials. You will

also meet teachers and be able to ask questions.

To register for an event please go to - https://www. mariamontessori. org/mymontessori/ my-school/ register-fora-parentinformationsession/

Languages Club Petit Pierrot Fun French lessons & tuition taught In Person and Online where children flourish and learn French naturally!

The specially devised immersion programme offers children the opportunity to learn effortlessly

with teachers who are fun, dynamic and caring. From age 1 year +. Hampstead and Primrose Hill.

More information at www. clubpetitpierrot. co.uk

Half Term Clubs Perform Perform are joining Hansel & Gretel this February Half-Term Join Perform for an unforgettable three days in a fairytale forest this half-term and see your child make friends with the woodland creatures, discover the tempting Gingerbread House and outwit the evil Wicked Witch. With sweet songs and delicious dance

routines, visit www. perform. org.uk/ hansel.

4-10 years. 14th – 16th Feb from 10am to 3pm each day. The Union Church, N8; St John’s Highbury, N5; The Boiler House, N16; Mansbergh Club, NW8 020 7255 9120 enquiries@perform. org.uk

Health The Little Shed Of Calm The Little Shed Of Calm is a tiny therapeutic space that offers BIG opportunities for supporting children to work through their emotions, trauma and anxieties through Drawing and Talking Therapy, a safe and gentle therapeutic intervention. 12 weekly sessions of 30 minutes. Get in touch at thelittleshedofcalm@gmail.com. www.thelittleshedofcalm.com

Familiesonline.co.uk

WHAT’S ON

WHAT’S ON!

To have your event listed on these pages email the details to listings@familiesnorthlondon.co.uk Disclaimer: We aim to be as accurate as possible, but these listings are compiled several weeks before hand and may be subject to change. Please check before setting out.

Eco friendly craft classes for Kids Turn your recycling into art, ages 1-4, Tickets £7, 13:00-14:00 https://www. dugdalecentre.co.uk/events/the-junk-club

Every Wednesday The Secret Garden Pop-up Café (N9) Meet friends over coffee &homemade cake while your little ones enjoy playing in the enclosed garden or taking part in exciting activities including Busybricks Duplo playroom, Tales & Trails storytelling & garden trail & The Positive Bean’s upbeat nursery rhyme sing-alongs. Free entry but advanced booking for children’s sessions advised. www. thesecretgardenpopup.com

Fri 14 Jan – Sun 5 Feb London International Mime Festival 2022 @ Jacksons Lane (N6) A series of performances and workshops by some of the leading artists in the world.

Tickets £18 https://www.jacksonslane.org.uk/events/ london-international-mime-festival-2022/

Now until Sun 31 Oct Paddington: The Story of a Bear Exhibition @ British Library (NW1) Follow his trail of marmalade splats to explore his tales of muddles and mishaps from his arrival in London, to home life with the Browns – but be careful to avoid Paddington’s toppling pots of paint, visit website for prices and to book https://www.bl.uk/ events/paddington-the-story-of-a-bear

Sundays – 16 Jan – 27 Mar Sunday Shed @ Chickeshed (N14) Drop-in workshop sessions for all ages, £8-£12 per session, check website for times & to book https://www.chickenshed. org.uk/Event/sunday-shed-spring22 Sun 16 Jan Bernard Puckett Live Acoustic @ Dugdale Centre (EN2) Bernard Puckeyy performs his own poems & songs on the ukulele, 13:00 & 14:00, suitable for the whole family, FREE https://www.dugdalecentre.co.uk/events/ bernard-puckett-acoustic

Thursdays – 6 Jan – 31 Mar Sensory Stretch & Grow @ JW3 (NW3) Join Chloe for a sensory adventure through the seasons of the year, ages 0-2, 10.30am, £7 & £2 per extra sibling, £30 for 5 sessions https://www.jw3.org.uk/whats-on/sensorystretch-and-grow-thursdays-0

Thu 20 Jan – Sun 23 Jan Beauty & The Beast @ Millfield Theatre (N18) the best of traditional pantomime, modern music, great gags and stunning choreography this tale as old as time promises to entertain children & adults alike. Tickets from £13 https://www.millfieldtheatre.co.uk/whats-on/beautyand-the-beast/

Sundays – 9 Jan – 27 Mar Crafternoon @ JW3 (NW3) Free themed activities for children and their families on Sunday afternoon. Drop in any time each Sunday between 2-4pm for an afternoon of creativity in the outdoor piazza or one of the large indoor spaces. For families to undertake together, ages 3-8.

Free entry, donations welcome https://www.jw3.org.uk/ whats-on/crafternoon-2

Fridays – 21 Jan – 25th Mar Planet Play Spring Season @ Chickeshed (N14) Magical world of sensory learning, wonder & exploration, these 45 minute sessions will encourage young children to develop & explore the world around them through song,

Wed 12 & 26 January The Junk Club @ The Dugdale Theatre (EN2)

Hendon Highgate Islington Muswell Hill Stoke Newington

Music Kindergartens ... … for babies, toddlers and children!

Rolling bookings... apply now to start soon!

music, movement & a truly sensory experience, ages 0-3, 10:00 & 11:30, Adults £8 children/babies Free https:// www.chickenshed.org.uk/Event/planet-play-spring-22

friendly craft classes for Kids Turn your recycling into art, ages 1-4, Tickets £7, 13:00-14:00 https://www. dugdalecentre.co.uk/events/the-junk-club

Sundays – 23 Jan – 27 Mar Jump Jive & Jiggle Family Disco @ JW3 Boogie the morning away with the perfect bop for you and your little ones. This is an activity for families to undertake together, suitable for children aged 0-5, 10:00 £3 adults, £7 per child, siblings under 6 months free https://www. jw3.org.uk/whats-on/jump-jive-and-jiggle-family-disco

Sat 12 Feb – Sun 8 Jan Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature @ V&A Museum (SW7) This family friendly exhibition will take visitors on a journey to discover Potter’s life as a scientist & conservationist, exploring the places & animals that inspired her most beloved characters, tickets £14 https:// www.vam.ac.uk/exhibitions/beatrix-potter-drawn-tonature

Sun 30 Jan Comedy Club 4 Kids @ Arts Depot (N12) The best stand-ups and sketch acts from the international circuit to do their thing for an audience of children (aged 6+) and their families… but without the rude bits, Studio Theatre, 12:00 & 14:30, Tickets from £9 https://www.artsdepot. co.uk/family/comedy-club-4-kids-1 Sat 5 Feb The Itch! Youth Theatre Taster Day @ Chickeshed (N14) Young people aged 12-17 who are interested in performing arts are invited to spend an afternoon creating innovative theatre in a unique and inclusive environment, 13:00-17:00, £20 https://www. chickenshed.org.uk/Event/the-itch-feb22 Sat 5 Feb Mum2Mum Nearly New Market @ St Stephens Church Hall (EN1) Buy top quality baby and children’s secondhand goods at our award winning, pop-up baby and children’s market nearly new sales.

10:00-12:00, £2 on the door, children free. https://www. mum2mummarket.co.uk/enfield-nearly-new-sales.html Sun 6 Feb The Hug @ Arts Depot (N12) A brand new show

by Long Nose Puppets, based on the heart-warming & funny book by Eoin McLaughlin & Polly Dunbar. Set to Tom Gray’s beautiful & witty music, the audience are invited on a journey full of fun, laughter and love...and at the end, a very special hug from our puppets. Ages 2-8, 11:00 & 14:00 Tickets from £9 https://www.artsdepot. co.uk/family/hug Wed 9 & 23 February The Junk Club @ Dugdale Centre (EN2) Eco

Sat 12 Feb Family Barn Dances @ Cecil Sharp House (NW1) Bring all the family and take part in lively dances from Britain and beyond in a supportive and fun environment, no unaccompanied children or adults, 15:00-17:00, £8, £6 child, £2 under 2 https://www.efdss.org/whats-on/56family/10611-fbd-feb22 Sun 13 Feb Make a Pump @ Markfield Beam Engine & Museum Open Day (N15) Explore Tottenham’s hidden heritage & find out more about our remarkable 150 year old engine, free monthly open day with guided tours a free kids activity exploring the science behind sewage, 11:00-16:00, FREE https://www.mbeam.org Mon 14 Feb – Tue 15 Feb February Days @ Chickeshed (N14) workshops that will explore different theatrical themes through drama, music & dance. Each day will be different so you can either attend just one day or come to both, ages 5-11, 09:30-15:30, £35 per day https://www.chickenshed.org. uk/Event/february-days-spring22 Sun 27 Feb Smiley Faces – Spring Awakening @ Arts Depot (N12) Big Beat Playground comes bursting back with their latest Family Friendly Boutique Festival. Get ready for a fun-filled party with plenty of action for all to enjoy.

An exciting new area awaits. Smile, dance, create, relax and socialise, all within a family-friendly environment, 14:00, tickets Adult £10.50, Child £8.25 (must be at least one child in party) https://www.artsdepot.co.uk/family/ smiley-faces-–-spring-awakening

‘A must-see for fans of the book’ whatsgoodtodo.co.uk

· Enjoyable, active, fun musical learning based on traditional and classical music · Fosters social interaction, language development and self-esteem in small age-related year groups · High quality music education—broad, structured, proven methodology · Foundation for our hugely successful instrumental programme · Professional musicians, specialists in Colourstrings/ Kodaly/child development · Long-term success on instruments 5-6yrs to 19yrs

Call Yvonne 020 8444 9435

www.nlcolourstrings.co.uk

Colourstrings … a wonderfully imaginative musical journey...

This dramatisation of DEAR ZOO is based on the book DEAR ZOO text and illustrations © Rod Campbell 1982, 2007, published by Macmillan Children’s Books.

Helping children to long-term musical success since 1995

FUN FRENCH LESSONS Est. 1993

Innovative immersion programme



Unique method with fantastic results



Suitable for all levels of French



In person & online lessons

Featured in BBC, ITV, Daily Telegraph, Daily Express and The Huffington Post

020 3969 2642

Familiesonline.co.uk

www.clubpetitpierrot.co.uk

12 - 17 Feb artsdepot.co.uk

The perfect Half Term treat!

January/February 30

ACTIVITIES

Winter boredom busters Virtual fun

Take a ride on a virtual roller coaster. Check out 10 of the best virtual rides.

Go on a virtual tour of a zoo, aquarium or science centre.

Here’s some of the world’s best.

Explore breath-taking scenery with a virtual visit to America’s greatest national parks.

Drop in on London - visit a museum, Brick Lane, Houses of Parliament and more.

Take a plunge and swim with wild dolphins.

Marvel at the magic of nature’s beauty by gazing at the Northern Lights.

Kitchen capers

Try a new cookie recipe, suggestions here. Bonus idea: Set up a camera or smart phone and film a cooking show!

Make ice cream in a bag, recipe here. No need for a fancy ice cream maker!

Make slime, instructions here.

Make some DIY play-dough, recipe here.

Have a pizza party, DIY pizza recipes here.

Throw an afternoon tea party for the family, see children’s tea party ideas.

Game time

Educational

Learn and play a new card game, here are 12 classic card games.

Conduct a science experiment, find 31 easy science experiments using common household items.

Play family charades. Choose from 100s of ideas with this online random charade’s generator.

Put on a family magic show, here are 13 easy tricks to learn.

Dice games teach maths and other skills. Here are some great options.

Two truths and a lie. Play two truths and a lie, See some childfriendly examples.

Have a bingo tournament. Try this online Bingo Card Generator.

31 January/February

Check out the National Literacy Trust’s list of podcasts here.

Have an extra Amazon box laying around? 32 fun, creative, and educational things to do with a cardboard box.

Create a message for the present and the future with a Sustainable Development Time Capsule.

Practise a new life skill with your kids, here are 19 life skills you can teach your child at home.

Familiesonline.co.uk

ACTIVITIES

DIY board games from overseas Fed up with the board games in the cupboard? Make and try these fascinating alternatives curated from overseas by www.whatdowedoallday.com

Watermelon Chess Country of origin: China

Kaooa Country of origin: India

Nine holes Country of origin: England

Fighting Serpents Country of origin: New Mexico

Lu Lu Dice Country of origin: Hawaii

Picaria

Country of origin: American South West

Fox & Geese Country of origin: Scandinavia

Shisima Country of origin: Kenya

Tapatan Country of origin: Philippines

Familiesonline.co.uk

January/February 32

ACTIVITIES

Chinese New Year crafts Chinese New Year falls on 1 February this year and offers the perfect inspiration for kids to get crafty!

Year of the Tiger paper bag puppet

Chinese lantern

Chinese New Year candle holders

Tangram puzzle

Mr Panda craft

Fortune Cookies

Chinese New Year’s pinwheel

Rattle drum

Paper plate Chinese dragon

33 January/February

Familiesonline.co.uk

ACTIVITIES

Wild winter activities Playing outside is important for kids, even in winter. Here are some great outdoor activity ideas to keep them busy.

Build teeny tiny twig rafts

Rain paint

Make a muddy water filter

Make a mini pond in a pot

Do some wild weaving

Make a magic potion

Make a wormery

Create frozen sun catchers

Build a bird box

Familiesonline.co.uk

January/February 34

Happiness is…..a happy child!

Receive a FREE Mental Health Activity Pack from Storytime for your child*

HAPPINESS i s ACTIVITY PAC ...

K!

One of the big gest challen teachers and ges faced by carers is hel parents, and deal wit ping childre h their feeling n to talk abo ut s. That is wh activity pac y we create k! We recom d this me nd that you then share the read it first, ideas and act and ivities in it wit h your kids.

Be cool.

Be kind.

Be you!

Inside this pack:

Recognising Emoti ons .............................

2 Feelings Are Like Rainb ows ................... 4 Resilience Tool Box ..................................

5 Fun with Framing! .....................................

6 Gratefulness Diary ....................................

7 The Pancake of Mistak es ........................ 8 Get Active with Emoti ons! ....................... 9 Talking About Feelin gs ...........................

10 30 Things You Can Do to Feel Good! ...

11 Awesome You! ........... ............................... 13 Your Jar of Happiness ............................. 14 How to Use This Pack.. . for Grown-Ups! ........... ............................... 15

On page 17-20, there is a special section about how you can help your kids build resilience and get comfortable with their emotions!

© www.stor

With

ytimemagazi

ne.com 2021

14 pages of fun activities

Read first and then share with your child….

APPLY HERE

*while stocks last.

T&C’s apply.