Families London SW Issue 225 April 2013

Families SW – useful information for parents of 0-12 year olds in SW London.

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April 2013

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LILY’S KIDS KLUB Quality Childcare & Pre-School Education in a Caring & Friendly, Stimulating Atmosphere • • • •

Ofsted registered & Qualified staff Caring for Children aged 0-5 years Full & Part-Time places available Opens 50 weeks a year

Self contained BABY UNIT. PRE-SCHOOL We also provide - BREAKFAST CLUB, AFTER-SCHOOL CLUB & HOLIDAY PLAY SCHEME

TEL: 020 8674 8678 OR 07958 346 058

Cover picture credit: Robbies Photographics www.robbiesphotographics.com

BRIXTON HILL METHODIST CHURCH ELM PARK, SW2 2TX

131 REAR OF BRIXTON HILL ELM PARK, SW2 1AF

•Baby feature •Easter activities

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aven is already here Everyth in he ing th on ear at is supposed to be th

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Cover picture credit: Robbies Photographics www.robbiesphotographics.com

SouthWest

April 2013

Contents 04-05

Local news & information

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Ten best pieces of advice you’ve ever been given

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Ten rainy day activities to boost creativity and build memories

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All content ©Families 2013 www.FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk Tel: 020 8696 9680

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Health Wireless technology: can you feel the force?

Editorial: editor@familiesmagazine.co.uk News: news@familiesmagazine.co.uk Adverts/artwork: adverts@familiesmagazine.co.uk Events, diary dates, what’s on info: whatson@familiesmagazine.co.uk Next issue: May 2013 Deadline: early April

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Politics is putting education in danger

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• MOVING? Families® magazines can be be franchised in new areas. Read initial franchise information on the website or call.

BABY FEATURE

EASTER listings art 2

23-25

Arts and crafts, languages, music & drama, sports, museums and galleries.

• Printed by Ridgeway Press Ltd, Basingstoke, Hants.

• We take every care preparing this magazine, but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.

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• Towards a better birthing experience • Real nappies, real change • Films to watch • I’ll have what she’s having!

•“Families® South West” heads a group of magazines. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence.

•There are around 40 UK local editions with a print run of more than 700,000 copies in all, in which you can advertise too. Oh, and we have a very useful website… familiesonline.co.uk

Education

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What’s On • • • • •

• Paper used to print Families is from fully-managed sustainable sources — meaning trees which are felled are continuously replaced. Inks are soya-based, which can be re-cycled.

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Drama Competitions Events Exhibitions & Museums Diary dates & events

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April 2013

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Inspired by Pinksie

A group of SW mums have created children’s book Pinksie The Whale, with all profits going to the Louis Dundas Centre at Great Ormond Street Hospital and three local schools. Pinksie has had readings in Southside Shopping Centre, Peter Jones and Whiteleys, and events including an exhibition and auction at the Royal Academy of Arts are planned for 2013. This delightful tale of the blue whale who overcomes her fears of being different when her skin turns pink, is available at Amazon and in Daunt and Nomad bookshops, so buy yourself a copy for a great cause. www.pinksie.com, www.gosh.org/gen/louisdundas-centre

Hynotherapy for change Struggling to keep your resolutions? Feel that now is the right time to make changes but seek motivation? All the help you need is at The Westfield Practice, a new clinic in Barnes specialising in the use of hypnotherapy to treat a variety of different issues.

So whether you want to lose weight, stop smoking, sort out a longstanding phobia or just destress and deal better with anxiety, hypnosis can help. For more information on treatments available, as well as birth and fertility programmes, go to www.thewestfieldpractice.com 2A Elm Bank Gardens, Barnes, SW13 0NT.

Get racing Sign up for the 5k RBC Race for the Kids and help raise vital funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity. The race takes place on Sunday 9 June in Battersea Park and promises to be as fun and successful as last year’s. Ideal for families, friends and colleagues, the race is suitable for all ages and abilities and participants can run, walk or jog individually or in teams. Everyone can get involved, from kids to grandparents, and fundraisers are invited to make a day of it with post-race activities and entertainment for all. www.raceforthekids.co.uk, www.gosh.org

Renew your energy Green Square, the UK’s first dedicated renewable energy store, opens in London this spring. Located on Kingston Road, Raynes Park, the store offers homeowners a place to learn about renewable energy and how their property can create extra income thanks to the Government’s Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) Scheme. With some experts projecting that traditional fossil fuels could run out between 2050 and 2080, Green Square is urging homeowners to look towards renewable sources in order to provide a new local, clean, cheaper and inexhaustible energy supply. “We are delighted to be opening the UK’s first renewable energy store,” said Richard Hiblen, Director of Green Square.

“Our goal is to show every homeowner how to make their home sustainable for the future whilst providing thousands of pounds in extra income.” www.greensquare.co.uk

Ego Biomass

News

ALL my students come by word of mouth or from Families over all these years … I love Families :) Angelina of Vacani Dance ‘I always advertise in FSW and it really does work!’

Emma Hammett First Aid for Life, First Aid Training

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No other parenting magazine prints as many copies in the SW postcodes.

30,000 copies printed A circulation of over 60,000 people UK-wide: there are 40 local Families® magazines in the UK

www.familiesonline.co.uk

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Mums-to-be Social Claphammums.com are co-hosting a social event especially for mums-to-be on 17 April at 7pm at The Babydrop on Webbs Road. The second in a series of free local meets, it is designed to help mums-to-be meet one another in an informal setting. “We're hosting these events because it's great for new mums to know what's going on for them in the local area,” says Alicia Stewart of claphammums.com. “We hope the mums-to-be who meet one another at our events will form friendships which will be of great support when their little ones arrive." Book by emailing Eilish at info@thebabycarecompany.co.uk or call 020 7228 1041.

News from The Babydrop Help your pre-schooler get ahead with a new Maths and Science course at The Babydrop Creche. With activity books and experiments for pre-schoolers aged 2-4, it aims to give your little one a head start before school. Sessions run on Wednesdays and Fridays at 3-4pm, taught by The Babydrop’s very own scientist Charlotte. Call to book as places are limited 020 7738 0019. www.thebabydrop.co.uk 32B Webbs Road, London, SW11 6SF

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

Inclusion in these pages is always FREE: send to news@familiesmagazine.co.uk

News

Thanks from Mange Tout Lucy Thomas, founder of the popular Mange Tout classes, thanks all her members for their support and commitment over the last 7 years, as Mange Tout goes on hold until September whilst Lucy adjusts to being a new Mum. "I have been overwhelmed by the support and success of our classes and the feedback from members who have had such success in helping their children enjoy a healthy diet,” says Lucy. “I will be sad to take a break and will miss our weekly fruit and vegetable fun, but will see you all again soon!" Lucy continues to run her one-to-one private practice for those with feeding or eating problems and will offer telephone coaching as well. www.mangetoutkids.com

Young authors Fifteen girls at Streatham & Clapham High School celebrate this spring as their work is included in the Young Writers’ anthology Winter Wonders – Festive Frolics. Year 9 pupils’ entries included pieces imaginatively entitled “A Lonesome Bauble” and “Santa Stranded”, with the work praised by judges for its perception, expression and creative use of language. “We were delighted with the response from our pupils, many of whom produced excellent pieces for the competition,” said English teacher Jessica Morrell. “We shall be extremely proud to hold an anthology in our own school library as a lasting record of their achievement.” The anthology is sent out to the British Library and other libraries across the UK. www.schs.gdst.net

Work while they play Treehouse Work and Play is a fresh new solution for parents with young children. Above the hustle and bustle of central Brixton, Treehouse offers a beautifully designed creche plus workspaces for parents. The Treehouse concept was developed in response to local families and gives children the space to play, explore and learn in a vibrant multiactivity indoor play centre while giving parents time to work, go to the gym or go shopping. With as little as two hours’ notice, Treehouse can accommodate parents and children at an affordable rate. 373 Brixton Road (opposite Mothercare), SW9 7DE, treehouseworkandplay.com

Jae Jae Male Sumatran Tiger (c) ZSL

It’s true – phonics works!

English schools climb the international league table in reading thanks to phonics. PIRLS, the international comparison of reading teaching achievement, has published results which show that figures for reading in England have improved significantly, with the country moving up 8 places to number 11th. “It’s incredibly good news to see England rising up the table,” said Chris Jolly, Publisher of Jolly Learning, the synthetic phonics programme of choice for many primary schools. “There is still work to be done though; we need to work harder in reducing the widespread range of achievement in England, and the huge difference between girls and boys which is unreasonably high. Synthetic phonics has shown over the years what a fantastic difference it makes for helping children to learn to read and write. I see no reason why we shouldn’t be challenging for the number 1 position currently held by Hong Kong and Russia.”

Year of the Tiger

Fathers get their hands dirty New research finds that hands-on fathers enable mothers to get ahead in the workplace, revealing that UK working mothers whose spouses take on all or part of the childcare are more likely to progress in their career than those who use any other kind of childcare. The research also shows that UK fathers are more career-enabling than their international counterparts - in the U.S., Brazil, China and Japan, fathers who stay at home for all or part of the time were not rated as highly when linked to a mother’s promotion prospects.

“Our research reveals that women whose partners are involved in childcare are more likely to receive promotions and progress in their career than those who use a combination of any other childcare arrangement,” said Dr Wichert, who was involved in the study. “The hours after school are particularly tricky to get resourced in terms of childcare, so if a spouse helps out there then that is a big bonus.”

April 2013

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Tone up that booty!

Blast away cellulite, firm your bottom and tone your tummy with Bootybarre, the hottest new fitness class in town. Combining Pilates, yoga and dance, Bootybarre raises your heart rate to get a good cardio workout, whilst stretching the body.

Classes are held at Fybregym on Northcote Road, St Barnabus Southfields and Maloca, Putney. Free trial classes available. Contact Eliza on elizadoalot@hotmail.com. thebootybarre.com

While 2013 may be the Year of the Snake on the Chinese calendar, at ZSL London Zoo it’s definitely the Year of the Tiger. Tiger Territory, a brand-new £3.6m flagship exhibit is now home to the Zoo’s latest arrivals, Jae Jae and Melati. Visitors to Tiger Territory will see these Sumatran tigers in their stunning Indonesian-inspired habitat, designed to meet every sensory need of the endangered animals. Tiger Territory will also enable ZSL to breed the critically-endangered tigers and learn more about these elusive animals, which it can apply to its international field conservation projects to try to reverse the bleak fate of the Sumatran tiger. zsl.org/tigers

Need maths tuition?

Then try Rob Carter, who offers Maths Tuition for ages 13+ in small weekend classes. Classes are held at The Hurlingham School. Contact Rob on 07702 864723 or robjbcarter@gmail.com

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© iQoncept - Fotolia.com

Ten best pieces of advice you’ve ever been given We’ve asked Families friends near and far to tell us the best pieces of advice they’ve been given when it comes to being a mum. Take one a day as needed.

Share yours on www.facebook.com/FamiliesSW for a future publication!

My eldest son was born without a left hand.

After the initial shock had worn off, all I could think about was, how will he crawl, how will he develop, how will he cope?

After meeting with a specialist surgeon he gave us the best advice ever – Don’t mollycoddle him. So from the earliest age, we encouraged him to get out there and have a “can do” attitude. It paid off – he was (and still is) a lot more capable physically than a lot of his peers, much to everyone’s amazement. So instead of being pitied, he found he was admired instead.

Happy mum = Happy kids. Simple!

Allison Thomas, Editor Families Chiltern

Take help when it is offered - even if you might not be able to repay the favour. You will get the chance later to help someone else and a beautiful chain of helping hands will be created. I was given this advice when my son was born and both he and I had fairly bad time. I stoically carried on because I thought if someone did me a favour I would be expected to repay it and I did not have the energy. Another mum sat me down and told me to take her help and from that was born a friendship of 10 years.

Slow down. Don’t rush everywhere. Stop and appreciate the precious time that can be spent with our children. It might be walking at their pace and chatting, or allowing them to tie their own shoes without diving in first. Time is precious, but time with your kids is even more precious.

Vicki Hoarty, Editor Families Sussex Coast

Nothing lasts forever. When you are in the middle of 'that time' it seems never ending.

Maybe it’s sleepless night, teething, weaning, potty training, tantrums, sulks, illness – whatever. Just remember that the time will pass. But beware. The 'thing' waiting around the corner could be better or worse!

Children need boundaries. If you don't tell them how far they can go, how will they know?

Pick your battles. I think this is a piece of advice that gets more valuable the older my children get, although was given to me when my eldest was reaching the terrible twos.

Then it was about nap times and refusing meals. Now it's about what to wear to a party and homework. By picking your battles you let your children know that there are some things that aren't up for debate. If you nag about everything, the important things get lost among the things that really don't matter.

Elizabeth Hawkhead, Rhythm Time Leeds

Sarah Adair, Families Edinburgh

Sarah Butters, Editor Families Leeds

Caryl Hall, Editor Families Cheshire

Have a bedtime that you stick to each night. Start winding down an hour before with TV, bath, story and milk so the children start to calm down and prepare for sleep. It works not only for children, but for parents too. It means that on those long days, you can see light at the end of the tunnel and count the minutes down to bedtime when you can put your feet up and have a glass of wine!

Rachel Bentley, Editor Families Pennines

My mum passed away last year. She gave me a wonderful journal compiled full of photographs, memories, letters and advice.

Under the section 'important extras' she wrote this: Make the most of now. It passes so quickly. Now when you are still your children's world, now when they put that trusting small hand in yours, when they know you will keep them safe.

Make the most of every opportunity to play with and listen to your children.

Give them your full attention and show genuine interest. The time when they want to tell you everything is so short - before you know it they are teenagers and everything is a secret. You become the most embarrassing person on the planet!

Helli Roberts, Families® SW London

Vicki Gilbert, Babies Can Sign Yorkshire Katie Fraser-Smith, Richmond House

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Just for a day , ignore the m ess and have fun !

Ten rainy day activities to boost creativity and build memories

With an unprecedented amount of rain over the winter, most children started to feel bored having played most of their computer games and completed their puzzles. So in collaboration with mums and dads across the country, Galt Toys put together ten creative ideas to cheer up the whole family and spur the imagination...

1 Cooking –

6 Pasta Jewellery –

.com wers - Fotolia

Children love cooking and eating pizza, from kneading the dough to making creative faces with the topping! It is also a great opportunity for children to practise counting, measuring and weighing.

There is nearly always some left over pasta in the cupboard so why not put it to good use by making some pretty pasta jewellery.

All you need is some string, glitter and glue and penne pasta – beautiful bracelets for everybody.

2 Cardboard boxes –

© darko6 4 - Fotolia .com

© Glenda Po

Great for the imagination, they can provide hours of entertainment for creative minds. They make dens, cars and castles, which can be decorated in all sorts of fantastic ways. Small boxes can become spooky disguises - cutting out holes for eyes and mouth and painting on a scary face! mymakedo.com provide clips to attach bits together.

3 Indoor picnic – You don’t have to be outdoors to have a picnic. Gather the dolls and teddies for a creative mock outdoor picnic with a blanket, hamper packed with food, paper plates and plastic utensils. You could even get the children making a giant paper sun to hang from the ceiling.

7 Treasure Hunt – Agree on the treasures you are going to hide around the house, small toys, wrapped sweets, stickers etc. Create a series of clues leading to the treasure - older children often enjoy doing these and the younger ones finding it.

8 Board Games – Everyone loves traditional board games, which are great fun and also help to develop important social skills, such as communicating, sharing, and taking turns.

9 Make Slime

– Yuk! But children will love it. Fill a bowl with water, add a few drops of food colouring (green if possible) and then gradually stir in cornflour until the slime is the right thickness.

Children under six should be supervised at all times

4 Reading – Spend some quality time together snuggled up on the sofa with your child’s favourite book taking it in turns to read aloud, adding silly voices and actions for the characters in the story to keep it fun and exciting. .

5 Indoor Disco –

© Nadezhda Sun

If you’re up for something a little more energetic, raid the fancy dress box for your best dancing queen outfits and have a dance-off in the living room. See who can make the wackiest shapes!

dikova - Fotolia.co

April 2013

10 Singing in the rain – Pull on your wellies and waterproofs and go splashing through the puddles singing as you go! Then come inside and warm up with some hot chocolate and mars.

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Health

Wireless technology: can you feel the force?

By Helena Foss

Can you remember a life before mobiles and texting? I often let my five-year-old son play games on my mobile. That’s normal, isn’t it? There is wifi in most schools and there are phone masts on top of the tower block where my son’s school friend lives.

In the past, community activists campaigned against such things. Today, they are simply part of the landscape...

This technology wouldn’t be allowed if it wasn’t proven to be safe, would it?

As the more powerful G4 network is being rolled out across the nation, I think it’s wise to at least question the safety of wireless technology.

Especially in light of the recent roll call of unethical activity in once trusted institutions: banking (once a paragon of respectability); Sir Jimmy Savile (OBE no less); BBC management; abuse in care homes; corporate tax avoidance (one rule for the rich, another for the poor); Rupert Murdoch’s News International debacle; and prestigious medical journals losing credibility due to industry funding that skews research in drug corporations’ favour – an ex-editor of a reputable medical journal has estimated this accounts for at least two thirds of trials published in major journals. http://bit.ly/QuPaRg Blimey! Is nothing sacred anymore?

OK, so here is a little basic info Electromagnetic radiation (EMR) is basically microwave radiation. Small doses, of course, will not kill you. (In fact, I would say microwave ovens are lifesaving at stress o’clock when the kids are famished and you resort to heating up a frozen ready meal!) But do we want this kind of invisible energy in our homes all the time? WiFi and cordless phones, we often forget, are all EMRemitting devices too.

The fact is that telecommunications industry-funded research says that EMR poses less danger than independent scientists say it does.

(Read controversies in current EMR research: see Further Info below).

Plus, the effects of EMR on children, whose skulls are thinner and whose brains are still developing, is still not fully researched or understood. In 2011, the World Health Organisation classified EMR from mobile phones as “possibly carcinogenic” and, according to a Daily Telegraph report in October 2012, a link between heavy mobile use (up to six hours a working day over 12 years) and brain tumours, was upheld in an Italian court (an employee was suing his employer). The Telegraph has also reported a link found with hyperactivity and poor memory in adult offspring of pregnant mice exposed to cellphone radiation by researchers at Yale University.

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Simple tips to keep your family safe (just in case it isn’t)

© Tatyana Gladskih - Fotolia.com

Always turn your wifi router off at night (just a switch).

OK, so let’s not panic – but let’s not ignore the issue either. Whilst the scientific debate continues, when it comes to erring on the side of precaution, I’m with Edmund Burke who said: “Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little.” It’s like insurance, you don’t need it till you find it’s too late.

Never put your mobile close to your baby’s head, nor let them use it as a toy.

Think twice about whether your cordless baby monitor is necessary or place it as far as possible from baby. These devices also emit EMR, they work with Wifi after all.

Carry your phone in your bag, not your bra, your pocket, not in your baby’s pram!

Manufacturer’s small print warns users to keep mobiles away from the body, even though advertising campaigns show the opposite.

The NHS advises children and teenagers to text or make short, essential calls only.

The further away from the body/ears the better. (Read the NHS leaflet on familiesonline.co.uk/radiation).

Do not let your teenager sleep next to their phone at night (and especially not keep it under their pillow for secret texting). Do not use your phone as an alarm clock next to your head.

Go back to a corded phone. No re-wiring is required, simply buy two Ethernet boxes to plug in computers and laptops to your regular electricity socket. Radiation from cordless (DECT) phones is intense, and in some cases higher than a mobile phone (models/devices vary in intensity, check SAR levels). We’ve rewired all office phones and computers at Families offices.

Unexplainable headaches all gone, hmm...

Further Information Get informed.

Better be safe than sorry.

• We’ve collated lots of useful websites, articles, reports, short and easy to understand videos etc. www.familiesonline.co.uk/ radiation • A comprehensive report on controversies in current EMR research: http://archive.radiation research.org/pdfs/15reasons.asp

Focused, intelligent, consistent childcare for children on the pre-school journey with affordable, practical in-house ‘Training for Nannies’ from child development to nutrition and cookery.

We encourage our families to nurture and grow their nanny to meet their child’s needs at every stage.

0-5 Nannies—with you, with your children, with your nanny— every step of the way.

0208 871 2211 0-5@afterschoolnannies.com afterschoolnannies.com

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

Education

Politics is putting education in danger says Michael Bassey, an emeritus professor of education of Nottingham Trent University and former president of the British Educational Research Association.

Schools are very different from thirty years ago, teachers and children work much harder and the expectations on them are high. Government has put more money into education and schools are better equipped. But the price is that politicians not teachers control schools.

Secretary of state for education Michael Gove came into office in 2010 and as well as cutting budgets his aim was to raise standards. To this end he is taking schools away from the local authorities, calling them academies and giving them monies that the councils would have used for support of schools. How renaming schools will improve education is not clear. Mr Gove has also introduced another national curriculum for primary schools in order ‘to restore rigour’. Three of four academic advisers resigned when it was published, one saying it ‘is too narrowly prescriptive for the real world of classrooms.’ However, recently he abandoned plans to abolish GCSE and introduce baccalaureate examinations that would have excluded all of the creative disciplines.

Danger 2

Unemployment looms The school leaving age was raised from 16 to 18, but what future awaits youngsters at 18 in a country that does not seem to value apprenticeship schemes? Our Government’s vocational education schemes are short and feeble compared to those elsewhere. In Germany there are 342 trades where an apprenticeship can be completed and two-thirds of young people start on this route.

Danger 3

Children are overtested, year after year

I want to alert parents to some of the dangers that lie ahead for their children. I believe passionately that school education should be funded by the state and that decisions about how it is conducted should be in the hands of teachers. Teachers are the professionals who by experience, commitment and training understand best the educational needs of children.

Some children take exams in their stride but others find them very stressful. Examinations start at six with a test on phonics. At seven and 11yrs there are key stage tests in literacy and numeracy, at 15 GCSEs. Because of published league tables there is great pressure on schools to achieve resulting in ‘teaching to the test’. The Independent in January 2012 reported former director for the national curriculum Mick Waters saying: “One of my main worries is that many youngsters aren’t experiencing the richness, depth and joy of learning because schools feel they need to achieve some imposed and questionable targets.”

Danger 1

Danger 4

The goalposts have been moved

School sports fields are being sold

Without warning, in July 2012 the boundary between C and D in English GCSE was raised. As a result thousands of candidates had their hopes for higher education dashed. The move was a reaction to fears that standards were slipping as too many people were gaining good grades. Joan McVittie, president of the Association of School and College Leaders said: “The whole thing is so unfair on pupils whose lives will be affected by these results.”

Last summer, 30 playing fields were approved for sale. This seems incredible at a time when Olympic successes inspired many young athletes.

In the Daily Mail, novelist JoJo Moyes said: “There is no policy that more defies common sense than the sale of school playing fields. Because with each playing field sold, it’s not just potential sporting prowess we lose, but children’s mental and physical health itself.”

Maths, English and 11+

Too many children are weak readers Mr Gove’s insisting on young children learning to ‘decode’ writing by synthetic phonics is utterly misguided, say many teachers. Experts say it should be one of several methods used in a balanced approach to reading. In July the Guardian’s arts correspondent Mark Brown said: “More than 90 of Britain’s best-known children’s authors and illustrators have called on the government to abandon its plans to introduce early-year reading tests, warning that they pose a threat to reading for pleasure in primary schools.”

Danger 6

‘Raising standards’ weakens all-round education The major political parties claim they want to ‘raise standards’, but only in terms of examination results. Yes, good results are important, but they are not everything. All-round education is about learning cognitive skills, developing worthwhile values, learning how to relate emotionally, learning how to communicate effectively, creative talents, experiencing our heritage, and ultimately, learning how to make a living. All-round education embraces every aspect of learning how to lead worthwhile lives. Most of this cannot be tested in examinations.

What can be done?

If you find yourself worried about these issues then exercise your democratic right to contact your MP. Go to www.writetothem.com and send a message.

You might want to suggest a major enquiry into state education that asks what worthwhile allround education should look like in the 21st century.

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April 2013

Danger 5

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We come to you anywhere in London and Greater London.

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Baby feature

Towards a better birthing experience • Nausea

Points for a healthy pregnancy Acupuncture is an ideal treatment for women who are unwilling to take medications during pregnancy. As well as dealing with specific problems, most women find it very relaxing and restoring.

Acupuncture treatment has been used in China for over 3,000 years to help minimise any potential problems in pregnancy, birth and post-partum recovery. With its increasing popularity in the West, specialised acupuncture treatments have been developed, supported by modern research.

See www.acupuncture.org.uk According to Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, health and well-being are dependent on the smooth flow of ‘Qi’ or life force in the Channels and Organs. During pregnancy, the ‘Qi’ is more prone to ‘stagnation’ and ‘deficiency’ which lie at the root of many problems encountered in pregnancy and delivery. More detailed diagnosis identifies specific ‘patterns of disharmony’ in the ‘Qi’ flow and points are selected to restore balance.

Many women find acupuncture helpful in reducing the severity and frequency of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. Australian research showed increased relief by women who were treated with individually prescribed points, according to diagnosis, rather than routine protocols.

• Musculo-skeletal pain Low back pain, sciatica and symphysis pubis pain, all common in pregnancy, are very effectively treated by acupuncture.

• Hypertension An increasing number of research studies show that acupuncture is effective in reducing high blood pressure especially if treatment begins early. It is essential to continue close monitoring by midwife or GP.

• Breech babies An Italian study of 260 primagravidae women with breech presentations at 33 weeks, treated with moxibustion to an acupuncture point on the little toe, showed that 75.4% of babies turned compared with 47.7% in the control group.

• Pre-birth preparation The use of acupuncture as a routine pre-birth preparation is becoming increasingly popular.

Typically started at about 37 weeks, treatment aims to help women prepare themselves for the most efficient birth possible. Points are chosen to assist cervical ripening and help the body switch from the predominantly ‘Yin’ state of pregnancy to a more ‘Yang’ state, ready for delivery. This is a good opportunity for women to learn some self-help acupressure points for labour and delivery. Any other niggling discomforts and anxieties can also be treated at this time.

• Induction Acupuncture can stimulate a gentle induction of labour if your baby is overdue. A protocol of the most effective points is used, together with specific points according to diagnosed patterns.

•Ruth Reffell runs an acupuncture practice, based in Putney, specialising in pregnancy and fertility. She also offers pregnancy massage in combination with acupuncture.

For further information and appointments please call 07817 791530 or go to www.essentialacupuncture.co.uk

“Fear and tension is responsible for 95 percent of labour pain..”

Dr Dick-Read

HypnoBirthing

by Ashley Parker With all sorts of unexpected changes occurring and the anticipation of labour and birth, fear and anxiety is often evoked. Ideally women would be able to approach their labour and birth with excitement and optimism and the experience would not include the discomfort and pain that some experience. This is often not quite the case with images of women lying on their backs with feet in stirrups, screaming and panting and pushing until they have nothing left to give.

With increasing choices for where and how a woman chooses to give birth, this doesn’t have to be everyone’s experience. HypnoBirthing is an approach to antenatal education, based on logic, which aims to give couples all of the information and tools to approach the birth of their baby with confidence and empowerment and the ability to achieve a calm, natural and comfortable birth experience.

There is occasional scepticism and worries about what hypnosis is and the simple answer is, it is

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simply a way of releasing some of the un-helpful and debilitating beliefs and assumptions that we acquire on our journey through life. It can actually control pain but there is no magic to achieving success with self-hypnosis; almost anyone who chooses to, can reach deep relaxation and redirected focus.

Dr Dick-Read, the author of Childbirth without Fear postulated that the fear experienced by women in childbirth caused the blood to be diverted away from her uterus, in order to be used by other muscles to enable her to escape from danger. The result of this was to starve the uterus of oxygen, therefore preventing it from carrying out its intended function without pain. This phenomenon he called "the fear-tension-pain syndrome of childbirth". Dr Dick-Read believed that if a woman was able to eliminate the fear, her uterus would return to its normal function, thus eliminating the pain. He concluded that fear and tension was responsible for 95 percent of labour pain, which could be eliminated through relaxation techniques. By learning specific breathing techniques, visualisation and self hypnosis, it is possible to reach a deep state of relaxation, giving the body the best chance to do as nature intended.

The NHS is currently running a trial about

hypnobirthing (the SHIP trial), with the aim of demonstrating its effectiveness and how the unnecessary medicalisation of normal births can be avoided. HypnoBirthing is regularly being offered now within maternity units and hospitals across the UK. Hypnosis is recognised in the UK by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) and has been approved by the British Medical Association (BMA) for over 40 years.

HypnoBirthing is not a magic solution, nor is it a guarantee for the ‘perfect birth’, but most importantly, if the birth is calm, gentle and drug free for you, it's also calm, gentle and drug free for your baby. Hypnobabies are often described as calm and serene and adjust well to sleeping and eating patterns.

Further Information •For more information about Ashley Parker visit: www.miracleinthemakinghypnobirthingyork.co.uk •For further general information about HypnoBirthing visit www.thehypnobirthingassociation.com •Hypnobirthing at The Putney Clinic with MG Hypnosis, DCH, DHP, H-CBT, CNHC, NGH, GHR Reg 07931 547414 mghypnosis@aol.com www.mghypnosis.co.uk

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

Real nappies… real CHANGE This year’s Real Nappy Week takes place 15 to 21 April, with the theme of 'Real Nappies...Real Change!' to inspire a new generation of parents to make the change. The week is shaping up to be very exciting, with each day allocated a theme such as Real Choice, Real Easy and Real £change looking at the benefits of Real Nappies.

This year you can get stuck in by taking part in The Great Cloth Diaper Change on 20 April at 11am local time, and be part of a world record breaking attempt for the most Real Nappies changed simultaneously. On 21 April join in Real Clean and hang a chain of washing up in your garden, as others will do up and down the land. Here in SW London, don’t miss the Wandsworth Nappy Event on 17 April at 3.30pm, venue TBC, where you can find out about the benefits of Real Nappies. Contact Wandsworth Green Team on 020 8871 6233 or greenpledge@wandsworth.gov.uk for details. There are loads of events taking place across the country during Real Nappy Week, where you can meet people who use Real Nappies, get great advice as well as get your hands on nappies to see how they work. Find out about the latest events in your area at www.goreal.org.uk Or you can hold your own event - it can be as simple as inviting friends around for a quick demo, or organising a fashion show to show off the latest Real Nappy trends.

Email info@goreal.org.uk for support packs and advice.

Don’t forget to check out the website for details of the new Chooser Tool to help you choose which nappy is right for you, plus you can watch online fashion shows where you can see a range of showstopping nappies! You can also apply for trial kits online, speak to advisors and take advantage of the special offers and prizes during Real Nappy Week. And don’t miss the online webinars for demonstrations of how to use Real Nappies. Plus, if you have never used them before don’t miss The Great Real Nappy Giveaway. Check www.goreal.org.uk/real-nappy-week for details of how to enter. www.realnappiesforlondon.org.uk gives a comprehensive list of shops in London that sell nappies and nearly new nappies, plus up-to-the minute details of local groups and events during Real Nappy Week and beyond.

NOW OPEN! New nursery in SW19 (3 months to 5 years) CONTACT: 07415 894 289 www.work-n-play.co.uk

Brixton

Movies with babies Enthral your tot with new Toddler Time Film Club, offered by Filmbank at your local Picturehouse cinema. The Ritzy in Brixton and Clapham Picture House are both offering these new 30-minute toddler screenings, kicking off this spring with Peppa Pig. Check website for details of days and times, tickets £3 for children and accompanying adults. www.picturehouses.co.uk/toddlertime ODEON Newbies is exclusively for parents and guardians with new babies.

You can watch current film releases with your little ones and sit back and enjoy the latest blockbusters - without worrying about them making noise. The volume in Newbies screenings will be slightly quieter and the lights will be raised more than usual, creating a more calming environment for you and your baby.

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Big Scream at Ritzy Picturehouse, Coldharbour Lane, SW2 1JG (020 7733 2229) Tuesday 11am, Adult £3, babies free

Clapham Big Scream at Clapham Picturehouse, Venn Street, SW4 0AT (0871 902 5747 ) Wednesday 11am, Adult £3, babies free

Putney Newbies at Odeon Putney, 26 Putney High St, SW15 1SN (0871 22 44 007) Check showing times.

Streatham Newbies at Odeon Streatham, High Rd, 47-49 SW16 1PW (0871 22 44 007) Wed 12.40pm, babies free

Wimbledon Newbies at Odeon Wimbledon, The Piazza, The Broadway, SW19 1QB (0871 22 44 007) Wed 13.50pm, babies free

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Baby feature You don’t have to suffer in silence

A film to watch Freedom for Birth is based around the story of Hungarian midwife Agnes Gereb, who was jailed for supporting women during their home births, and the subsequent European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruling that stated all women within the ECHR jurisdiction should have the right to choose where they give birth. As well as Gereb’s story, the film includes comments from some of the most prominent birth experts in the world, all united in one thing: that the situation around birth around the world and the way women are treated is substandard – and it’s not getting any better.

The filmmakers, couple Toni Harman and Alex Wakeford, felt was vital to get people starting a conversation about the problem. “In terms of our human rights about birth, there is a sliding scale, with forced caesarean sections in countries like the Netherlands and America at one end and uninformed consent at the other”, Toni said.

“Women are not being given choices, they are not being told the full implications of what is being done to them. If women are not fully informed, I would call that assault”.

Across the UK, women are spoiled for choice, with everything from traditional hospital maternity wards with obstetric-led delivery suites to midwife-led natural birthing units. Home births are also often well supported, and many of the birthing facilities available are new or recently re-furbished. But one of Toni’s main concerns is that we are going the way of America, where the caesarean rate is high, and rising – up to 45%. In this country, the rates are lower but still unacceptably high at 25%.

What is your feeling? www.oneworldbirth.net Watch a 15 mins film for free online. www.freedomforbirth.com Buy the film for £19.99.

Would your life benefit from a greater control of your bodily functions? The Pelfix technique is a system you can learn in your own home, either on a one to one basis or with a small group course based in Clapham. A weak pelvic floor is unable to fulfil its supportive function, which can lead to organ descent and prolapse, varicose veins (e.g. haemorrhoids), stress and rectal incontinence and lack of sexual pleasure.

Contact Livia Nemeth MSc on 07708 942001or livia@pelfixtechnique.co.uk http://pelfixtechnique.co.uk

Gifts to treasure a life time With Philippa Herbert create beautifully crafted, high quality casts of baby feet and hands in bronze, silver, glass or gold. They also do truly stunning engraved fingerprint jewellery including cufflinks, necklaces and bracelets in silver and gold, perfect for gifts! They can come to your home to take the casts or prints or you can visit 37 Riggindale Road, SW16 1QH. Call 020 8769 4757 or by email enquiries@philippaherbert.co.uk to arrange an appointment or to discuss a commission. £5 from all foot casts will go to Tommy's the Baby Charity. www.philippaherbert.co.uk

Pregnant? happy? nervous?

Doula Susanna Scott-Flegg explains how she can help: “As a Doula I’ll be your friend, a ‘birthcompanion’ to share your precious experience. Much more than that I offer continuity of care. I enable confidence, courage and choice during this once-in-alifetime experience… the birth of your baby as well as the birthing of you as a mother! After the birth (P/N) I will continue supporting you, promoting breast-feeding and bonding, protecting the initiation into the ‘new’ family life.” Doulas offer 1-1 quality of care, individual attention to your needs throughout the entire labour, birth and afterwards, initiating and facilitating skin-to-skin contact with mum (and dad, as appropriate). They also assist with breast-feeding with effective techniques and for ease and comfort.

Call experienced Doula, Susanna Scott-Flegg for a chat and any further question you’ll naturally have on 07869 216303 susieflegg@yahoo.co.uk info@doula.org.uk www.doula.org.uk

Childcare breakdown?

Normal childcare arrangements break down 9 times a year on average. If you’ve been in that situation, you’ll know how stressful it can be. Emergency Childcare is a service that lets parents plan ahead for such situations, and then when things go wrong, book an emergency nanny, nursery or childminder anywhere in the UK with as little as 2 hours’ notice. Visit www.emergencychildcare.co.uk to find out more. They’re currently offering a 3 month free trial so you can check out the service for yourself. It really is as easy as A, B, C...

ROBIN FARQUHAR-THOMSON Wonderful Pictures of Children

robinft.co.uk 020 7350 0312 info@robinft.co.uk

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Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

Baby feature

I’ll have what she’s having!

By Helena Foss

The bible tells us it is women’s lot to suffer pain in childbirth. Midwives in ante-natal classes talk about ‘labour’ and pain relief. In the movies birthing women scream for drugs. The belief that childbirth is agony is not only firmly imprinted in our collective psyche, it’s a fact, right?

My idea of a pleasurable childbirth was lounging in the hospital birthing pool getting high on the gas and air. (The reality was an emergency caesarean section. Oh, well.) But for some women, childbirth goes way beyond pleasure. Because some women – and come closer because I’m going to tell you a secret here – actually have an orgasm. Are you choking on your coffee? I know. Outrageous, isn’t it? How on earth does that happen?

of [a woman’s] body is designed to give birth with ease and grace,” says birth educator Elena Vladimirova in the film ‘Birth as We Know It’, which has become an international word-of-mouth phenomenon. It shows footage of women giving birth in the sea.

Their faces appear trancelike; their bodies relaxed, not a trace of agony in sight.

The producer of Orgasmic Birth, childbirth educator Debra Pascali Bonaro, says that the same organs involved in orgasm get stimulated during childbirth. According to Dr Christine Northrup, author of ‘Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom’, it is the expectation of pain that causes women to tense up and release stress hormones, disrupting the surging hormonal changes that accompany labour. The mix of prolactin, oxytocin and betaendorphins are nature’s painkillers. Or, as Northrup describes them, “the molecules of ecstacy”.

Not that Amber Hartnell didn’t feel any pain in her hot tub. She did. But she was relaxed enough to be able to transform it into what she called “sensations” by squatting and moving her hips in a spiralling motion, leading to an orgasmic birth experience that overwhelmed her with both tears and laughter. Rather than having contractions, she felt like she was being expanded. When the

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© Olga Khoroshunova - Fotolia.com

It seems that being a professional dancer, practicing yoga, having few expectations, a loving husband and a hot tub under a tree in a home in Hawaii to give birth in, most certainly help. According to an American news feature on the documentary ‘Orgasmic Birth’, it was a simple kiss from her husband, which helped turn Amber Hartnell’s labour into unexpected rolling waves of ecstasy.

(See: www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5bm9-B6Ec4 or search ‘Birth as we know it’, the most moving thing you'll ever see!)

There are so many factors in having a pleasurable birth; feeling safe, supported, being able to trust one’s own body – and even with the best will in the world, it doesn’t happen for every women. But isn’t it great to know it actually exists? We might not have been so lucky, but at least we can educate our daughters about the awesome power lying dormant right inside them.

•www.orgasmicbirth.com •www.sheilakitzinger.com •http://birthintobeing.com

documentary aired in America in 2009 it caused a mixture of fascination, shock and horror, not least at the perceived ‘indecency’ of equating birth with sex. But hang on, wasn’t that how conception happened a mere nine months previously?

The British birthing guru Sheila Kitzinger, who had three orgasmic births herself and says she has met hundreds of women during her career who have too, wrote her book ‘Birth and Sex’ to illustrate the connection hardwired deep in our biology. When a woman is free to follow her instincts and give birth naturally she says, “birth and sex mingle to become one in the thrilling, sweet, intense and overwhelming experience of creation.”

Nature really is extraordinary, isn’t it? And we forget that our bodies are nature itself. “The genius

Clapham Family Osteopath Cranial specialist Julia Finlay B.Ost M.Sc (Paed Ost), Registered Osteopath

Babies Children (inc special needs) Mothers pre and post natal All the family Contact: juliafinlayosteopath@gmail.com Tel: 07779 017965 www.claphamfamilyosteopath.co.uk

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Baby feature

CLASSES FOR BABIES From baby signing to baby yoga and baby ballet to baby massage, there are a whole host of classes out there, especially designed for you to enjoy with your baby.

Meet other mums and enjoy getting to know your baby in a fun, safe environment.

BABY SIGNING LITTLE SIGNERS CLUB Battersea, Clapham, Wandsworth 07702 184534 / 07823 336487 louiseandnikki@littlesignersclub.co.uk www.littlesignersclub.co.uk Baby Signing Basics or Sing, Sign and Rhyme courses to engage your baby. £75 for 10 week course. From 6 months.

SING AND SIGN Balham, Clapham 0203 609 3244, lauraleighhill@singandsign.co.uk Earlsfield, Southfields, Wimbledon 020 8241 8275, vicki@singandsignswlondon.co.uk www.singandsign.com Meet other parents and help your baby communicate before they can talk. From 6 months SUNNY SIGNERS Putney Arts Theatre, Ravenna Road SW15 6AW 07811 278542 paula@sunnysigners.co.uk www.sunnysigners.co.uk Open up a new world of communication for you and your little one with classes based on the SIGN with your BABY programme created by Dr Joseph Garcia.

TINY TALK Across SW London 07906 303995 esmareldap@tinytalk.co.uk www.tinytalk.co.uk/esmareldap Help your baby communicate their basic needs using nursery rhymes, props and British Sign Language.

From 6 months

BABY MASSAGE ANNABEL HARGRAVE YOGABIRTH Wimbledon and Merton 07817 931571 info@annabel-yogabirth.com www.annabel-yogabirth.com 4- and 6-week courses in Postnatal Yoga and Baby Massage. Sessions cover introduction to Baby Massage, followed by tea and chat, then an hour’s yoga focusing on core strength recovery, gentle stretches and relaxation.

ASPIRE CENTRE 337 Merton Road, SW18 5JU 020 8875 2603 info@aspirecentre.com www.aspirecentre.com This popular course teaches full baby

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massage, including techniques to help improve baby-related problems such as digestion issues, teething and sleeping. For parents and carers with babies 5 weeks-10 months old.

Classes at Albemarle Primary School, SW19 and Chesterton Primary School, SW11.

BABY STEPS 07796 942771 info@baby-steps.co.uk www.baby-steps.co.uk Full baby massage course in the comfort of your own home, aiding colic, teething pains, constipation, relaxation and sleep, as well as bonding with your baby. They also offer baby weaning classes.

BARNES BABY MASSAGE Barnes, Putney, Sheen, Mortlake 01932 859 836 www.barnesbabymassage.co.uk Enjoy special time with your baby at friendly classes for babies aged 8 weeks to 8 months.

THE LITTLE PARENTING COMPANY Barnes, Fulham, Wimbledon 07547 356524 info@thelittleparentingcompany.com www.thelittleparentingcompany.com Baby massage courses in SW London. Classes are small and friendly and include some singing so you and your baby can have fun together.

NEW BABY COMPANY Cupcake Fulham and SW London 0208 785 3528 www.newbabycompany.com Baby massage classes enhancing parent/baby communication, aiding sleep and digestion and developing baby muscle tone and coordination.

5-week courses.

NORTHCOTE BABY MASSAGE 07890 100261 www.northcotebabymassage.co.uk Sandra@northcotebabymassage.co.uk Combining elements of baby yoga with massage to help enhance the benefits to your baby even further.

Classes held at The Plough on St John’s Hill, Mondays to Wednesdays PRECIOUS CARE Wimbledon, Raynes Park, Streatham 07961 733 846 info@preciouscare.co.uk www.preciouscare.co.uk Baby massage in various children centres in Merton or private sessions for NCT groups. Classes on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

They also run First Aid sessions.

SHAPE 2 FIT Ground Floor, Baltimore House, Griffiths Road, Wimbledon SW19 1SR 07777 698581 lauren@shape2fit.co.uk www.shape2fit.co.uk Baby massage classes to create the ultimate bond between you and your baby.

THE ESSENTIAL TOUCH Baby massage Pickets Street, Balham and surrounding area 07766 224 135 naomi@theessentialtouch.co.uk www.theessentialtouch.co.uk Aromatherapy, pregnancy and post natal massage, private one to one and group baby massage. Home visits.

Yogabellies Baby Massage YOGABELLIES BABY MASSAGE Wheatsheaf Hall, Wheatsheaf Lane SW8 2UP 07528 666768 maryfrances@yogabellies.co.uk www.yogabellies.co.uk Baby massage classes from newborn to mobile, in groups or one-to-one sessions. Also mum and baby yoga classes and Yogabellies Little Angels for babies who are on the move, incorporating elements of yoga, massage, movement and music.

BABY YOGA BATTERSEA YOGA Battersea Arts Centre, Chatham Hall and St Vincents Hall 020 7978 7995 / 07771 687 128 www.batterseayoga.com nadia@batterseayoga.com Hatha Yoga classes, Pre & Post Natal Yoga, Mum and Baby Yoga, Meditation classes, Yoga holidays, Weekend Yoga retreats, Therapy for individuals and Doula services. Free mindfulness taster. Drop-in classes and discounts for whole course bookings. The philosophy behind their work is simple—teach what you know, live what you teach and do it all with love. Battersea Yoga classes take place across Battersea, Clapham and SW London. The five teaching venues are close to Clapham Junction, Clapham Common and Northcote Road.

Great videos to watch on their site.

BEND IT LIKE LISA Sure Start, South Thames College, Roehampton Centre, 166 Roehampton Lane SW15 4HR www.benditlikelisa.co.uk

Mum and baby yoga classes for babies up to crawling age.

FAIRLEE WELLBEING CENTRE 26 Queenstown Road SW8 3RX 0800 098 8867 / 020 7720 7933 Reception@fairleewell.co.uk www.fairleewell.co.uk/motherbaby-yoga Pure baby yoga, using rhymes and rhythmic movement to encourage baby development, followed by time to swap tips and share experiences with other mums.

SITARAM YOGA Brockwell Lido, SE24 0PA 07595 219759 sitaramyoga@googlemail.com www.sitaram.org Mother and baby yoga classes providing a warmly supportive environment in which to enjoy getting to know your baby, Wednesday 11.45 and 1pm, from £13 per class. As the babies grow into toddlers another class offers challenges and yogic fun for all.

SOUTH WEST LONDON YOGA The Studio, Wimbledon Village SW19 5ES 07977 298648 southwestlondonyoga@gmail.com www.southwestlondonyoga.co.uk Mum and baby yoga classes in a tranquil studio in Wimbledon Village.

Tone your body while bonding with your baby as well as getting to know other mums. For babies from 8 weeks to crawling, Wednesday 10.45am and 2pm YOGA WITH JOSIE St Faiths Church Hall, 15 Ebner Street SW18 1BY 07909 965 989 info@yogawithjosie.co.uk www.yogawithjosie.co.uk Baby yoga classes using touch, movement and rhythm to help your baby’s emotional and physical development. Meet other mum's and have lots of fun! From 6 weeks YOGABIRTH Across SW London jillactivebirth@aol.com www.yogabirth.org Baby yoga classes using simplified yoga poses to support your baby and help them develop through soothing movements. Also baby massage courses to calm and relax your baby YOGABUGS Fulham, Putney 0845 899 7164 info@yogabugs.com www.yogabugs.com MiniBug classes are for babies on the move up to 2 years, bringing stories to life through specially developed moves inspired by yoga.

YOGA MAMA Putney 020 8789 3881 info@yogamama.co.uk www.yogamama.co.uk Classes for Mums and babies as

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

Baby feature

CLASSES FOR BABIES counting songs, traditional nursery rhymes, finger puppet songs and instrument playing. From 9 months.

MONKEY MUSIC Across SW London 020 8764 5185 wandsworth.tooting@ monkeymusic.co.uk 020 8767 9827 jayne.harris@monkeymusic.co.uk www.monkeymusic.co.uk Award-winning music classes for babies from 3 months, using absorbing activities in a musical and sensory environment.

First class is free!

MUSICAL EXPRESS Earlsfield, Southfields, Wimbledon 07808 587606 alison@musicalexpress.co.uk www.musicalexpress.co.uk Tailor-made, interactive musicmaking for tiny ones, building selfesteem and confidence.

SMILEY TIME Earlsfield and Wandsworth Common 07540 990133 katerickman@hotmail.com www.smileytime.co.uk Songs, stories, dancing, instruments, puppets and bubbles. Mondays and Thursdays at 10am.

Amanda’s Action Club young as 6 weeks, incorporating elements of Hatha yoga through yoga stories, rhymes and songs. They also do baby massage

MUSIC CLASSES AMANDA’S ACTION CLUB Battersea, Parson’s Green, Wandsworth, Southfields and Putney 01895 623999 info@amandasactionkids.co.uk www.amandasactionclub.co.uk Fun sensory extravaganzas for babies aged 4 months and above, supporting early years development in a way babies love.

BLUEBERRY PLAYSONGS Barnes, Chelsea, Clapham, Wandsworth and Wimbledon 020 8677 6871 info@blueberryplaysongs.co.uk www.blueberryplaysongs.co.uk Guitar-accompanied nursery rhymes, action songs, instruments, games and dancing - lots of fun for little ones!

From 6 months CATERPILLAR MUSIC Battersea, Clapham, Fulham, Tooting, Wandsworth and Wimbledon 0870 1999090 info@caterpillarmusic.com www.caterpillarmusic.com Fun, music, action songs, puppets, instruments and exciting activities.

For babies from birth onwards.

EDDIE CATZ Putney and Wimbledon 0845 201 1268 maria.johnson@eddiecatz.com www.eddiecatz.com A range of baby classes including Monkey Music and Amanda’s Action Club, from 3 months.

FRUITY TUNES Battersea, Clapham, Southfields and Streatham 07970 488437 john@fruitytunes.net www.fruitytunes.net The best kept secret in Wandsworth!

Guitar-led music activity sessions containing lots of instruments, streamers and puppets. Free trial class.

MINI CROTCHETS Balham and Battersea 020 8675 1052 joya@minicrotchets.co.uk www.minicrotchets.co.uk Have fun through music, action,

April 2013

THE LITTLE LONDON MUSIC SCHOOL 07530 459468 info@thelittlelondonmusicschool.com www.thelittlelondonmusicschool.com Thursday Mornings: Upper Hall of St Columba’s Church, Pont Street, SW1X 0BD. Friday Mornings: St George’s Campden Hill Aubrey Walk, W8 7JG

Introducing your child to the joy of music. Comprehensive, structured and stimulating music classes tailored for children 6 mths to 3 yrs. Live music taught by professional musicians.

Free trial session for every child.

TIN PAN ANNIE Across SW London 020 8670 0644 tinpanannie@btinternet.com www.tinpanannie.co.uk Stimulating, vibrant programme run by real musicians with sparkle and passion. Songs, rhymes, puppets, story box, instruments, bubbles and fun. From 4 months, free trial.

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Monkey Music

CHILDCARE ABBEVILLE NANNIES 020 76273352 www.abbevillenannies.co.uk Nanny agency based in Clapham and Putney run by two local mothers, established 10 years.

We offer permanent and temporary daily nannies with extensive baby experience as well as maternity nurses, night nannies and mothers helps. Part time and full time nannies are available, hours tailored to suit your needs. Abbeville Nannies was established in 2001 and offers a professional and friendly service for families based in the South West and South East London areas.

Mum and Baby postnatal dance workout where mums wear their babies in a carrier whilst dancing to pulsating Latin America tempo.

Socialise with other new mums and bond with your baby.

DANCE CLASSES BABY BALLET Wimbledon and Putney 01737 227039 wimbledonandputney@babyballet.co.uk www.babyballet.co.uk Educational movement-to-music programme for babies from 6 months. Designed to encourage babies and young children to enjoy the benefits and joys of song and dance from a young age.

BABY LOVES DISCO Chelsea and various venues across SW London lesley@babylovesdisco.co.uk www.babylovesdisco.co.uk Baby and toddler afternoon dance parties featuring real music spun and mixed by real djs blending classic disco tunes from the 70s, & 80s.

DIDDI DANCE Clapham, Fulham, Southfields, Wimbledon 07877 664809 clair.bradley@diddidance.com, info@diddidance.com www.diddidance.com Fun filled dance classes for older babies and toddlers. Dance themes change every 6 weeks and include pop, hip hop, tap, reggae, salsa and ballroom, using props like ribbons, hoops, bells and castenets to help develop co-ordination.

LATINO BAMBINO Wandsworth, Wimbledon, South Kensington, Chelsea, Battersea 07961 838349 info@latinobambino.co.uk www.latinobambino.co.uk

Latino Bambino

SWIMMING BLUE WAVE SWIM SCHOOL Tooting and Wimbledon 07764 615 047 info@bluewaveswim.co.uk www.bluewaveswim.co.uk A progressive learn-to-swim programme designed for babies to have fun and feel confident in the water. From 16 weeks.

DOLPHIN SWIM SCHOOL Mitcham and Wimbledon 020 8640 4488 dolphins_swim@btconnect.com www.dolphinswimschools.co.uk Parent and baby classes aiming to provide fun and enjoyment of the water through games and play, combined with simple instructions, enabling your baby to gain confidence in water. From 3 months SW SWIM SCHOOL Balham, Battersea, Clapham, Tooting 020 8767 2723 info@swswimschool.co.uk www.swswimschool.co.uk Adult and baby swim classes with songs, games and key words used to incorporate the swimming actions and introduce water safety skills.

Promoting muscle tone and coordination for babies from 5 months.

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Baby feature

How to stop your child waking in the night

By Kathryn Mewes

Do you walk around in a daze, feeling you are in a permanent cloud? Rest assured you are not alone. Deprivation of sleep is something that every parent experiences, but when it starts to become part of your everyday life then it is time to stop and ask “Is this how I want it to stay?”

First of all, it is important to understand children’s sleep cycles. Children tend to be awake for a 12–13 hour day before they reach their ‘window of tiredness’. If a child wakes at 6–7am they will need to be in their nursery by 6.50pm with lights out by 7pm if they’re to get to sleep easily. If you miss this window of tiredness your child will get their ‘second wind’, lasting for one sleep cycle (90 minutes). This means that they will not settle again until 8.30pm.

Secondly, it is good to remember that all of us, even adults, wake on average 6 times a night. The difference is we know how to settle ourselves and return to sleep. Babies are not born with this skill of self-settling and need to be taught. You can’t make your baby sleep, but you can teach them how to put themselves to sleep. A top tip to help your baby settle themselves is to keep their room dark. If your child comes into a light sleep and can see things around them they won’t be encouraged to go back to sleep. Sprinkle water over the window panes in the nursery and press sheets of foil to the windows. Cut the foil close to the frame and this will block out 100% of the light.

Samantha’s story: Enough is enough – I need someone to help me!

I called on Kathryn Mewes, author of The 3 Day Nanny, to help with my 5 year old’s sleep problems. We had got ourselves into a situation where we sat with him for up to 45 minutes each night until he fell asleep. It didn’t stop there. If he woke in the night he would come into our bed, and I would be breastfeeding my daughter while losing precious sleep space to my son. I had got to a stage of thinking my son would never sleep in his own bed. Kathryn claimed that she could solve any challenge in 3 days, but she hadn’t met my son!

Kathryn Mewes

Night 1 When it came to bedtime the message was simple.

A relaxing routine followed by saying ‘Goodnight.

I’ll see you at breakfast time.’ Kathryn walked out of the bedroom with ease and confidence … only to be followed by my son! She returned him to his room with an air of calm even though he was protesting, and every step of the way she explained what she was doing.

After 30 minutes my son realised that this was the way it was going to be. This may sound a long time but it was taking longer when sitting on his carpet waiting for him to fall asleep.

He did wake that night, but instead of allowing him into my room Kathryn guided him back to bed. In the morning I found Kathryn and my son working on their reward system. I could see a change in him instantly - he had someone believing in him.

He could sleep through the night.

Remain consistent with the 3 B’s – Bath, Book/Bottle, Bed Get your children to bed at the right time – aim to be leaving their bedroom at 7pm Have your own little routine in the bedroom that should last no longer than 20 minutes. The longer you stay the harder it is to leave Ensure the room is dark when you leave Have the door closed or pulled to. The door only opens when it is breakfast time

Night 2 As you can imagine, my son gave me a quite a run for my money, but the most important thing Kathryn taught me was how a child can sense your emotions. If I wanted to get him to stay in his bed he had to believe that I was serious and that I was not going to back down. I had to remain calm yet in control, and 20 minutes later he stayed in his bed. That night he slept through until morning.

Night 3 However, Kathryn soon devised a reward system, giving my son incentives.

Kathryn’s Top Tips for Solid Sleep

Don’t react to your child’s requests.

No more talking after ‘See you at breakfast time’ Create a reward system for an older child to encourage them to remain in their bed A silent night can be achieved. Believe in yourself and your child, remain consistent and it only need take 3 nights. I promise!

By night 3 my son knew the routine. He let me put him to bed and leave the room. It was all so straightforward. Why hadn’t I done this sooner?

By Kathryn Mewes, author of ‘The 3 Day Nanny’ published by Vermillion, £12.99.

Kathryn also provides a bespoke service. Call 07787 821525 or go to www.bespokenanny.com

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Easter Holiday listings part 2 Read part1 www.familiessouthwest.co.uk

Wild Learning

Paint Pots House Pottery Café • 735 Fulham Road, SW6 5UL, 020 7736 2157 • 332 Richmond Road, TW1 2DU, 020 8744 3000 • 153 Northcote Road, SW11 6QB, 020 7223 3388 Throughout April.

Baby Wednesdays Enjoy a complimentary cappuccino while you print your baby’s feet on pottery. www.pottery-cafe.com

COOKERY Cookie Crumbles Putney April dates TBC. Cooking Workshops Exciting cooking classes for toddlers and children 18 months – 8 years.

020 8876 9912, info@cookiecrumbles.co.uk www.cookiecrumbles.net Just Yummy Cookery School St Michael's Hall, Cobham Close, SW11 6SP April dates TBC. Easter Workshops Cookery workshops for children 210yrs. 3 hours of exploring, creating and most importantly having fun with food. The children will learn basic cookery skills as well as more about where our food comes from.

07930 563 116, justine@just-yummy.co.uk www.just-yummy.co.uk

MUSIC AND DRAMA Allsorts Drama More House School, 22-24 Pont Street, SW1X 0AA 8-11 April. Easter Workshops Be inspired by dynamic and experienced teachers. Write a script, use music, props, costumes and your imagination to create a sensational end-of-course show. Ages 4-6 and 7–11, 9.30am–12.30pm, £120 with 20% sibling discount.

020 8767 5298, info@allsortsdrama.com www.allsortsdrama.com

ARTS AND CRAFTS Little Hands Design 67 Belsize Lane, NW3 5AU 2-5 and 8-12 April.

Easter Fashion Fun Make your own spring couture.

Learn how to use a sewing machine to create your own unique clothes.

Two 3-hour sessions daily, 9-12pm and 1-4pm. Week 1 £180 full days/£96 half days, Week 2 £225 full days/£120 half days. 6-16yrs. info@littlehandsdesign.com, 07739 535684 www.littlehandsdesign.co.uk

Artpeggios Music and Art School Academy 198-200 Earl’s Court Road, SW5 9QF 8-12 and 15-19 April.

Easter Holiday Camps Band camps, plus art and drama courses, as well as intensive tuition on a variety of instruments.

020 7244 4570 or info@artpeggios.com www.artpeggios.com

Paint Pots House St Mary the Boltons Church Hall, The Boltons, SW10 9TB 8-12 April.

The Boltons Easter School Creative art, cooking, music, story time and games. Make creative treats plus cooking, music and art activities.

3-6yrs – 9.30am-12.30pm, £35 or 9.30am-3.30pm, £55. 2-3yrs (accompanied) – 3-4.30pm, £25.

To book call 08456 434442, admin@paintpotshouse.com. www.paintpotshouse.com

April 2013

Caterpillar Music Battersea, Fulham, Southfields and Tooting Throughout April.

Music Classes Fun, stimulating classes using puppets, nursery rhymes, action songs and instruments.

020 8540 1762, 07968764301, info@caterpillarmusic.com www.caterpillarmusic.com ®

Hansel and Gretel—Perform drama Chickenshed Kensington and Chelsea Chelsea Academy, Lots Road SW10 0AB 8-12 April.

Spring Performance Workshop A great opportunity for young people to develop their performance skills in drama, music, dance and singing using Chickenshed’s proven teaching methods and unique performance style. Create an original show for family and friends. 7-14 yrs, 10am4pm, £130, 50% discount for siblings. 020 8292 9222, lucyd@chickenshed.org.uk www.chickenshed.org.uk/kc First Steps Academy 234 Lillie Road, Fulham SW6 7QA 10 April. Sleeping Beauty Day 3 hours of fun in a ballet workshop.

A ballet class followed by the story of the ballet and dances from the ballet.

Dress in tutus and apply make up and perform on the stage. 4-8yrs, 14pm, £15. Email Camilla@firststepsacademy.co.uk.

020 7381 5224, Info@firststepsacademy.co.uk www.firststepsacademy.co.uk Funky Moves Kids Club The Exhibit, 12 Balham Station Road SW12 9SG 2, 4, 9 and 11 April. Kids Club Eat a packed lunch provided by The Exhibit in a private cinema, watch a film and learn a cool dance. Films include Brave, Rio, Alvin and The Chipmunks: Chipwrecked and Despicable Me. 1-4pm, 5-12yrs, £15 020 8772 6556, exhibit@exhibitbars.com funkymovesdance.com / theexhibit.co.uk Kensington Imaging Lancaster Gate, near Kensington Gardens To 18 April, dates vary. Easter Young Film Makers Club Film making discovery workshops for 8 to 18's. A hands on experience learning about the different stages of film making, write a script, act, film, edit, and get your 1st production on

DVD. 2- or 3-day workshops, £125.

Plus photography workshops to discover digital photography, learn how to use your own camera, basics about composition, lighting and settings and overview of photo editing. £90. 020 7993 6527, info@kensingtonimaging.co.uk www.kensingtonimaging.co.uk Monkey Music Balham, Earlsfield, Streatham, Tooting and Wandsworth April dates tbc. Easter Musical Workshops Popular 60-minute workshops for ages 3 months – 7 years. £11.50.

Dates and times vary according to venue. All little monkeys welcome!

020 8764 5185, bronwen.jones@monkeymusic.co.uk www.monkeymusic.co.uk The Music House for Children 306 Uxbridge Road, Shepherd's Bush W12 7LJ 8 April. Music and Movement – All About Hop Along Molly Rabbit is late for a very important date! An Easter-themed musical adventure for 0-4yrs with lots of singing, dancing and instruments. 10am-10.45am, £10 8 April. Singing and Recording Workshop – Easter Themed Pop Songs 11.30-1pm, 5yrs+, £15. Includes a CD to take home of your recordings Book on 020 8932 2652 or notes@musichouseforchildren.co.uk www.musichouseforchildren.co.uk Perform Fulham, Notting Hill, Kensington, Putney and Wimbledon 3-10 April. Hansel and Gretel Come on a magical adventure and meet characters including the Poor Woodcutter and the Gingerbread Witch. A three day exciting experience. Age 4-8, dates and times dependent on venue, £93. 0845 400 1278 enquiries@perform.org.uk. www.perform.org.uk

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Wimbledon Village Stables Theatrebugs Balham, Barnes, Battersea, Clapham, Earlsfield and Fulham 2-12 April. Caterpillar’s Voice Drama workshop for 3.5-6 year olds.

A little caterpillar wanders into a cave and discovers how big and loud his voice becomes. He decides to play a trick on his friends the hare, the elephant, and the lion. Three fun filled days of acting, dancing, singing, arts and crafts and dressing up. £78, 10% sibling discount. Dates and times vary depending on venue 0800 975 5290, enquiries@theatrebugs.co.uk www.theatrebugs.co.uk Theatre Tribe Streatham & Clapham High School, 42 Abbotswood Road SW16 1AW 8-12 April. Matilda Join a journey of magical powers and school time madness, sing the songs and dance the routines from the West End hit. Age 7-15, days 1-4 10am-3.30pm, day 5 12-7pm. 020 3239 3149, contactus@theatretribe.co.uk www.theatretribe.co.uk

SPORTS Amanda’s Action Club Battersea, Chiswick, Ealing, Fulham, Putney and Wandsworth Throughout April.

Fun With Music Classes over Easter at various venues across SW London. For details call 01895 623999, info@amandasactionclub.co.uk www.amandasactionclub.co.uk Battersea Sports Centre Hope Street, SW11 2DA 2-5 April and 8-12 April. Easter Holiday Fun Enjoy a variety of sports, games, arts and crafts, dance, trampolining, martial arts and more. £10.00 per day or £36/£45 per week, 10% sibling discount. 10am-3pm, registration from 9.30am, 7–13yrs.

020 8871 8629 or bsc@wandsworth.gov.uk

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Chelsea FC Soccer School • Battersea Park, Prince of Wales Drive SW11 4NU • Chestnut Grove School, Chestnut Grove, Balham SW12 9JZ 2-12 April. London Soccer School For boys and girls aged 3-13. Times vary according to course, from £28.

Call 020 7957 8220, londondevelopment@chelseafc.com or soccerschools@chelseafc.com. www.chelseafc.com/soccerschools Fit For Sport • Barnes Primary School, Cross Street, SW13 0QQ • Bishop Gilpin CofE Primary School, Lake Road, Wimbledon, SW19 7EP • Ethos Sports Imperial College, 7 Princes Gardens, South Kensington, SW7 2BB • St Joseph RC Primary School, Cadogan Street, Chelsea, SW3 2QT • Belmont Primary School, Belmont Road, Chiswick W4 5UL 2-12 April.

Holiday Activity Camps Keep active, have fun and make new friends with a wide range of sports and activities. Ages 3-12, call for details of times and prices 0845 456 3233. www.fitforsport.co.uk Inspire Life and Leisure Wandsworth Common SW18 2-4 and 9-11 April.

Easter Holiday Camp Join the Inspire coaches for a funfilled 3 days of football fun and games. Boys and girls of all ability welcome. 3.5-11yrs, 10am-2pm, £20 per day or £50 for 3 days, sibling discount available. 07977 311478, inspirelifeandleisure@live.com www.inspirelifeandleisure.com Kiddikicks Across South West London Dates TBC. Easter Holiday Sessions Kiddikicks (football 18m to 5 years) Kiddisports (multi-sport 18m to 5 years) and Ligasoccer (football Under 8’s) sessions run throughout half-

KiddiKicks term. Or arrange a bespoke session (1 to 3 hours) for your player and their friends: pick your sport and they’ll provide the coach, equipment and place. 020 7937 7965, email sarah@kiddikicks.co.uk. www.kiddikicks.couk Menace Football • Barn Elms Sports Centre SW13 0DG • Kensington Prep School, Fulham SW6 5PA April dates TBC. Easter Football Courses Football coaching courses. Age 7-14, 10am-4pm, £25 per day. 07788 486469, info@menacefootball.co.uk. www.menacefootball.co.uk Merton Active Morden, Mitcham, Wimbledon April dates TBC. Holiday courses For 8-16 year olds across the borough, including tennis, watersports, golf, hockey and more.

Dates vary according to course. Call 020 8545 3663, www.merton.gov.uk/activeplus.

Playball • Tennis Courts of Battersea Park • Oak Lodge School, 101 Nightingale Lane, SW12 8NA • Latchmere Leisure Centre, Burns Road, Battersea SW11 5AD April dates TBC. Easter Holiday Camp Water balloons, treasure hunts, Playball skills, tennis, hockey, cricket, golf, football, rugby, basketball, football, volleyball and more! Ages 39. 07738 375317 / 020 8123 2217, gavin@playball-London.com www.playball-London.com The Spencer Club Fieldview, Earlsfield, SW18 3HF 25 March to 12 April except Bank Holidays. Easter Tennis Drop-in tennis camp, 9.30am12.30pm, £8 members, £12 nonmembers, £10 siblings.

Tournaments on Tuesdays and Thursdays 1.30-4.30pm 2-5 and 8-12 April. Easter

Hockey 9.30am-12.30pm for Year 6 and below, 1.30pm-4.30pm for Year 7 and up. 4 day course - £96 nonmembers, £76 members, 5 day course - £120 non-members, £95 members 2-5 and 8-12 April.

Easter Cricket 10am-4pm for Years 3-6. 4 day course - £130 non-members, £105 members, 5 day course - £160 nonmembers, £130 members Contact Sophie for booking forms and more details on membership@spencerclub.org or call 020 8874 2717. www.spencerclub.org SW Sports Camp Clapham Common Tennis Centre, Clapham Common West Side, Wandsworth SW4 9AN April dates TBC. Easter Holiday Camp Sports camp including football, tennis and mini-volleyball. Ages 3-12, 10am3pm. 07802 851453, julian@tennisteaching.com. www.tennis-teaching.com SwimWay East Sheen, Knightsbridge, Putney and Streatham 2-12 April. Easter Swimming Courses One-week intensive courses to improve your child’s swimming technique. 3-9yrs, 020 8871 3972, info@swimway.co.uk. www.swimway.co.uk Wimbledon Village Stables 24 a/b High Street, SW19 5DX April dates TBC. Children’s Holiday Courses Aimed at children under 10, including complete beginners. Enjoy a riding lesson every day and play fun pony games and quizzes. The 3-day courses run from Wednesday to Friday 1.45-4.15pm, £170. Dress for the weather and bring a drink and snack. 020 8946 8579, admin@wvstables.com. www.wvstables.com

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

These are great listings, don’t you agree? Please make sure you tell them where you saw them—in Families.

All Activities can now be searched in our brand new Interactive Local Calendar on www.familiessouthwest.co.uk

Wild Learning

Wimbledon children set for a wild adventure

“They came back like something out of Swallows and Amazons!” said one delighted mother.

Deep in the woods on Wimbledon Common in a hidden woodland camp, something rather remarkable is happening. Groups of children are busily engaged in mud sculpting, den building and making bridges between fallen trunks; in the distance excited shouting shows that the shrimping expedition has had some success, while the muffled sounds of a stalking game filter through the trees. Wild Learning staff move watchfully through the site to help, suggest activities and safeguard the children, but they let the children find their own way without interference.

Wild Learning run holiday clubs and parties with a real difference: the children are free to have adventures outdoors, in the woods, using their imagination and energy, supervised by trained and understanding staff. “This is what childhood used to be like,” says Jon Millington, co-founder of the company. “Staying out all day with your mates, coming back dirty and tired and exhausted, already planning what you were going to do tomorrow.”

Wild Learning on Wimbledon Common this Easter, 2-12 April. 10.15am4pm, extended day available. Ages 5-12. £40/day. jon@wild-learning.net See www.wild-learning.net or call 01483 424 400 for more details.

Supercamp • Putney High School, 35 Putney Hill SW15 6BH • Wimbledon High School, Mansel Road SW19 4AB • Streatham and Clapham High School Junior School, Wavertree Road, Streatham Hill SW2 3SR 1-12 April. Multi-Activity Camps Over 40 different activities including motor quads, trampolining, archery, climbing walls and much more. 9am5pm, from £40 per day.

01235 832222. www.supercamps.co.uk

ALL-DAY CAMPS Activ Camps • Emanuel School, Battersea Rise SW11 1HS • Wimbledon College SW19 4NS • Barnes Sports Club SW13 9QL 2–12 April. Multi-activity Camps Non-stop, fun-filled and actionpacked. The best day camp in town!

Age 4-14, from £35 per day, discounts for siblings. Dates dependant on venue. 07896 546067, info@activcamps.com www.activcamps.com

Youth Music Theatre UK Priorsfield School, Godalming, Surrey 2-7 April. Easter Holiday Courses An action-packed 6-day residential musical theatre skills courses. Act, sign and dance, meet like-minded friends and perform, while creating a brand new musical exploring the theme 'Sensational'. Ages 11-21, fully residential course, £465. 0844 415 4858, richardcross@ymtuk.org, mail@ymtuk.org www.youthmusictheatreuk.org

Camp Beaumont Daycamps • Christ’s School, Queens Road • Richmond Claremont Fan Court School, Portsmouth Road, Esher 2-12 April. Easter Camps – Multi-activity day camps for 4-16yrs, 8.30am to 5.30pm Try your hand at over 40 different activities from acting, archery and arts and crafts to cheerleading, circus workshops and zorbing! Age 4-16, 8.30am to 5.30pm, from £47 per day.

01263 823000. www.campbeaumont.co.uk/dayca mps

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What’s On Compiled by Joanna Parry Please always phone before setting out in case details have changed since press deadline or we got it wrong...

DRAMA ADELPHI THEATRE WC2R 0NS reallyuseful.com/theatres/adelphitheatre To 27 April. THE BODYGUARD Another West End adaptation of a big Hollywood blockbuster…

AMBASSADORS THEATRE WC2H 9ND theambassadorstheatre.co.uk To 21 December. STOMP Celebrating its 10th sensational year, Stomp is fresher, faster and funnier than ever before. £26£52.50

ARTSDEPOT 5 Nether Street N12 0GA artsdepot.co.uk 7 April. SALLY AND THE SUNFLOWER Once upon a time Sally was given some seeds in exchange for her cow, and was taken on an adventure up into the clouds where she encountered a giant! Age 3-7, £7, 12pm and 3pm 9, 10 and 12 April. 13 – THE MUSICAL Evan Goldman's parents are divorcing, he is forced to move home and he's also approaching his 13th birthday. Will he figure out where he belongs in the world? £12-£15, times vary 14 April. EACH PEACH PEAR PLUM Adapted from the book by Janet and Allan Ahlberg, Each Peach Pear Plum is a game of I-spy for little ones and their families. £7, age 3-7, 12pm and 3pm

BROADWAY THEATRE SE6 4RU broadwaytheatre.org.uk 10 April. POP FACTOR An afternoon of interactive family fun featuring live performances of the biggest and best chart hits.

2.30pm, £10/£12

CHICKEN SHED THEATRE N14 4PE chickenshed.org.uk 20-21 April. TALES BIG DAY OUT A mini festival with routines from Tales from the Shed, plus stalls where children can watch or take part in fun and creative activities. £8, age 0-7, 2.30pm

26 April – 6 July. TALES FROM THE SHED An interactive theatre show perfect for young children. £6, age 0-7

COLOUR HOUSE THEATRE SW19 2RD colourhouse theatre.co.uk Every Sat and Sun to 14 April.

SLEEPING BEAUTY The Green Fairy casts an evil spell on baby Princess Aurora because she wasn’t invited to her christening. Will a handsome Prince find her and wake her up?

2pm and 4pm, £8/£10, age 3+

JUSTIN AND FRIENDS EASTER TOUR Wembley Arena cbeebieslive.com 6-7 April. Starring the one and only Justin Fletcher from CBeebies. Times vary, from £13

LITTLE ANGEL THEATRE N1 2DN littleangeltheatre.com 3-7 April. THE TINDERBOX A roguish soldier finds himself in possession of a tinderbox which gives him the power to summon three extraordinary dogs to do his bidding. Age 4+, £8/£10 17 April. THE GINGERBREAD MAN Using puppetry and live cooking, The Gingerbread Man is brought to life in a brand new way. Age 3+, £8/£10, times vary 20 April. HULLABA LULU An eccentric couple travel in a quirky land-boat until their lives are turned upside down by a new arrival. Age 5+, 11am and 2pm, £8-£10 21 April. CLOUD CHILD It’s a windy day, perfect for hanging out the washing. But there’s a surprise on the clothes line a child from the sky is caught up with the sheets!

Age 2-5, 11am and 2pm, £8-£10 23-25 April. THE GIRL WITH THE IRON CLAWS Growing up isn’t easy, especially when you’re in love with a bear. Age 8+, 8pm, £10-£12

LONDON PALLADIUM W1F 7TF reallyuseful.com From 13 Feb. A CHORUS LINE A new production from the London Palladium. £18.50-£87.50, age 10+

LYRIC HAMMERSMITH W6 0QL lyric.co.uk 6 April. DON’T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS! Keep an eye on a very cheeky pigeon in this adventure full of fun and feathers. 11am and 1pm, age 3-7 13 April. PIED PIPER A family favourite is brilliantly brought to life as the rats run and the children dance. 11am and 1pm, age 3-7 20 April. THE TINDERBOX. As he sets off on an epic adventure, find out if the brave soldier will manage to save the beautiful princess. 11am and 1pm, age 4-10 27-28 April. THE HARE AND THE TORTOISE The race is on and it’s slow, steady tortoise versus speedy, greedy hare. But who will triumph? 11am and 1pm, age 3-7

NEW WIMBLEDON THEATRE SW19 1QG atgtickets.com/venues/newwimbledon-theatre 30 April – 1 May. GHOST THE MUSICAL Based on the Oscar-winning movie that captured the hearts of a generation

PEACOCK THEATRE WC2A 2HT sadlerswells.com/page/peacocktheatre To 7 April. MY FIRST BALLET: CINDERELLA Introduce your little ones to the magic of classical ballet with this performance of the fairy story. Age 3+, £10-£25

POLKA THEATRE SW19 1SB polkatheatre.com 3–13 April. EGG Magic, music and an egg! Join these madcap birds on an adventure of a lifetime as they grapple with growing up. Age 4-7, £8-£12 27 April – 17 August. CHARLIE AND LOLA’S EXTREMELY NEW PLAY Enter a magical journey through the seasons, as Charlie and Lola discover that everything is different and not the same. Age 4-7, £11-£16

Green Shoots Day Nursery, SW8 1AR Open for 0 to 5yr olds 8am to 6pm 0207 582 3133 www.greenshootsday nursery.coop

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Please say you booked as you saw them in Families! Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

There's no room to list more but use our unique Local Searchable Calendar on www.familiessouthwest.co.uk NEW!

PUPPET THEATRE BARGE W9 2PF puppetbarge.com To 28 April.

THE HARE AND THE TORTOISE And other tales from Aesop…3yrs+, £8.50-£10

THE TINDERBOX A roguish soldier finds himself in possession of a tinderbox, which gives him the power to summon three dogs to his bidding. 10.30am and 1.30pm, £8-£10

UNICORN THEATRE

ROYAL ALBERT HALL SW7 2AP royalalberthall.com 14 April.

NATIONAL YOUTH CHOIRS OF GREAT BRITAIN Over 700 of the country's most talented young singers come together, marking the 30th anniversary of the National Youth Choirs of Great Britain. 6pm, £10-£15

SE1 2HZ unicorntheatre.com To 28 April. MISTER HOLGADO Conrad tells his parents that there’s a tiger living on top of his wardrobe. When Conrad’s parents suddenly welcome a mysterious stranger into their home, Conrad suspects he’s more of a threat than any tiger ever could be. Age 8+

ROYAL OPERA HOUSE WC2E 9DD roh.org.uk To 13 April.

ALICE’S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND Follow Alice down the rabbit hole into the fantastical world of Wonderland

TARA THEATRE ARTS SW18 4ES tara-arts.com 19 April.

Unicorn Theatre 9-28 April. CARNIVAL Italy’s Compagnia Rodisio bring their own vibrant and anarchic fun to London with Carnival, created through a series of workshops with school children in Southwark. Age 4-7

MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES

Tara Theatre Arts

BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM EC2R 8AH www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum 2-5 and 8-12 April. EASTER EGGCITEMENT Follow the treasure trail to find the chicks and eggs hidden in the Museum, then decorate your own Easter basket to take home. 10am–4.30pm To 10 May. THE HUGEONOT LEGACY The first Governor of the Bank of England, Sir John Houblon, was the grandson of a Huguenot refugee. This exhibition celebrates the achievements of the Huguenots and their early connection with the Bank

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BRITISH LIBRARY NW1 2DB www.bl.uk/whatson/events EASTER HOLIDAY FAMILY WORKSHOPS 2-4 April – Who Done It? Become a famous detective in a hands-on workshop for all the family.

11-12.30pm and 3-4.30pm 9-11 April – Stamp! Join artist Sara Haq in this creative workshop to make your own stamps.

11am and 3pm

BRITISH MUSEUM WC1B 3DG britishmuseum.org 28 March – 29 Sep. LIFE AND DEATH IN POMPEII AND HERCULANEUM Be transported to the life and times of the people of Pompeii and Herculaneum - from the bustling street to the intimate spaces of a Roman home To 26 May. ICE AGE ART: ARRIVAL OF THE MODERN MIND Masterpieces of Ice Age sculpture, ceramics, drawing and personal ornament from across Europe

CUMING MUSUEM

SOHO THEATRE W1D 3NE sohotheatre.com 20 April. COMEDY CLUB 4 KIDS Family-friendly comedy club that promises no clowns, just a great line-up of proper comedians.

Age 6+, £10, 1pm

What’s On

SE17 1RY southwark.gov.uk/cumingmuseum To 31 August. BIRDS, BEASTS AND BEYOND Showcasing a rarely seen group of ceramics made by the renowned Martin brothers

DESIGN MUSEUM SE1 2YD designmuseum.org From 30 Jan. EXTRAORDINARY STORIES ABOUT ORDINARY THINGS Six design stories offering a diverse look at design 20 March - 7 July. DESIGNS OF THE YEAR 2013 Showcasing the most innovative and imaginative designs from around the world, spanning Architecture, Digital, Fashion, Furniture, Graphics, Transport and Product

FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE MUSEUM SE1 7EW www.florence-nightingale.co.uk 3, 10, 17, 34 April. MISS NIGHTINGALE SAID... An illustrated talk examining the incredible life and achievements of Florence Nightingale. 3pm

FOUNDLING MUSEUM WC1N 1AZ foundlingmuseum.org.uk 6 April. POCKET PIECES STORYTELLING Storytelling workshop inspired by objects found in your pocket. Age 5+, see website for times 20 April. TEXTILE WORKSHOP: TOKENS

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What’s on Drop in at a workshop led by East Anglian Stitch Textile group, and create your very own token. 11am-1pm To 19 May. FATE, HOPE AND CHARITY Discover the untold stories of the Foundling Hospital tokens, small everyday objects left by mothers with their babies at the Hospital between c.1741-1760.

GEFFRYE MUSEUM E2 8EA geffrye-museum.org.uk 6 April. EASTER TREASURE HUNT Explore the gardens, answer clues and collect your treasure from the Quiz Desk, 12.30–4.30pm 9-12 April. SPRING IN THE AIR Bake herbal biscuits, create seasonal headwear and take part in a treasure hunt around the gardens, 10.30am-12.30pm and 2-4pm, 5-16yrs 9-12 April. SPRING IN YOUR STEP Explore spring in homes and gardens through stories, songs and craft activities, 10.30-11.30am and 12-1pm, 2-5yrs

HORNIMAN MUSEUM SE23 3PQ horniman.ac.uk From 16 Feb. AMAZON ADVENTURE Take a trip along the Amazon, the world’s largest and most biologically diverse river. Explore the tummy of a giant catfish and feel the simulated zap of an electric eel, meet a stingray and tank of tetras 1-4 and 8-11 April. HANDS-ON BASE How sharp are sharks teeth? Have you ever stroked a badger? Explore the Hands-on Base and thousands of objects from around the world.

2pm–3.30pm, 3yrs+, free 1-2 and 4-12 April. FAMILY ART FUN Crafty fun for all the family. Be inspired by Amazon Adventure exhibition and make a fish or butterfly sun catcher. 11am-3.30pm, 3yrs+, free 2, 4, 8 and 10 April. NATURE EXPLORERS: SPRING IS IN THE AIR Follow a spring trail, lean about lifecycles and plant a spring seed to take home. £2, 11.30am, 1.45pm, 3.15pm 3 April. FOOD AND FEASTING: ACROSS THE GENERATIONS Find out how what we cook and eat has changed over decades through art workshops and stories.

11am-3pm 10 April. NATURE TRAIL DISCOVERY Discover the Horniman’s Nature trail with Jim Murphy from the Trust for Urban Ecology. 2.30pm, 3yrs+, free 11 April. FABULOUS FABLES PRESENTS

‘CHICKIE LICKIE AND THE LITTLE RED HEN’ A lively and interactive storytelling show using puppets and a whopping big ostrich egg.

12pm and 2pm, 3yrs+

LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM WC2E 7BB ltmuseum.co.uk From 15 Feb. POSTER ART 150 – LONDON UNDERGROUND’S GREATEST DESIGNS Since its first graphic poster commission in 1908, London Underground has developed a reputation for commissioning outstanding poster designs 1-12 April. TIME TRAVELLING TUBE FAMILY FUN Arts and crafts workshops inspired by the 150th Anniversary of the London Underground. Hear about some of the characters that appear in the exhibition and become an artist of the Underground. Storytime 11am and 2pm, 37yrs, Make and Take Craft Workshop 11.30am and 2.30pm, 4-12yrs

MUSEUM OF LONDON EC2Y 5HN museumoflondon.org.uk To 14 April. EASTER HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES Including Pearly King and Queen, Roman Weaving, London Make Do and Mend, Musical London, Sculptastic and The roaring lions of Trafalgar.

Dates. Ages, dates and times vary

MUSEUM OF LONDON DOCKLANDS E14 4AL museumoflondon.org.uk/docklands To 13 April. EASTER HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES Including Billy Jenkins: a pirate's life for me, Musical London, Lighting up the River, The Hat Makers of Southwark and Thomas Coram and the Foundling Children. Dates, ages and times vary

NATIONAL ARMY MUSEUM SW3 4HT nam.ac.uk 1-12 April. Easter Workshops 11am and 2pm, ages 5-11 6-7 April. Pick-a-Fight!

Bring your budding generals and would-be commanders along and help re-write history.

10.30am-4.30pm, age 7+, free From 20 April, every Saturday. A SOLDIER’S LIFE IN…WORKSHOPS Explore a soldier’s life from the English Civil Wars to the present day in these afternoon workshops, 2-3.30pm To 2 June. BRITAIN’S GREATEST GENERALS Exploring over 400 years of Britain’s battles, this exhibition examines the key facts, impact and legacies of the 20 top British battles chosen by

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Day Nurs on er k Yu Visit 345 Nursery where “The Nursery offers an exceptionally welcoming and inclusive environment” (Ofsted November 2011).

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their curators VICTORIAN SOLDIERS ACTION ZONE Quizzes, games and hands-on activities help you learn about life as a Victorian Soldier and the part they played in the shaping of Britain’s Empire.

KID’S ZONE A new children’s play area exploring aspects of army life from camping to clothing, with a dedicated soft play space for babies, art and crafts and dressing-up costumes. Small fee applies

NATIONAL GALLERY WC2N 5DN nationalgallery.org.uk 7, 8, 9 and 14 April. FAMILY WORKSHOPS Drama Box - work with painter Noel Paine to explore mood, atmosphere and drama in paintings.

Using light, colour and your imagination create your own 3D shoebox stage set. 5-11yrs 8 April. TALK AND PLAY Talk, play, sing and create, 10.30am-12pm, 2-5yrs 9 April. DRAWING STORIES Tell a story through art-making and play, 10.30am11.30am, 2-5yrs 6, 13, 20, 27 April. FAMILY SUNDAYS Activities designed for families to enjoy and learn together, 11am and 3pm MAGIC CARPET STORYTELLING for children aged 2-5. Sundays 10.30-11am and 11.30am–12pm. Fly away on the magic carpet, coming to land in front of a different painting each day

NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM SE10 9NF rmg.co.uk 1-12 April. SCHOOL HOLIDAY EVENTS Workshops including The Great Map, Somewhere Special To Me…, On Top of the World and Secrets of the Sea. Times, ages and dates vary 6, 13, 20, 27 April. EXPLORE SATURDAYS Meet a character from the past and take part in a performance bringing maritime history to life.

12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm, 6yrs+, free 7, 14, 21, 28 April. DISCOVER SUNDAYS Be inspired by our maritime past and explore your personal connections to the sea. 11.30-1.30pm and 2-4pm, free 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 April. PLAY TUESDAYS Make music, dance and drama. Under 5s, 10.30am, 11.30am, 1pm and 2pm, free To 28 April. ANSEL ADAMS: PHOTOGRAPHY FROM THE MOUNTAINS TO THE SEA Explore the exhibition with a free activity trail to find out more about Ansel Adams and landscape photography.

Ramsden Hall, 21 Ramsden Road, London SW12 8QX

‘The unique needs of the children are promoted exceptionally well and staff are committed to meeting children’s learning and welfare needs' (Ofsted Outstanding – December 2011) Please come and see us in action and capture the excitement of learning at Oaktree Nursery School Incorporating art, music, yoga, sport, cooking and drama and all aspects of the Early Curriculum.

Contact: Annabel Dixon Phone: 020 8870 8441 email: dixonannab@aol.com www.oaktreenurseryschool.co.uk

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

What’s on

Please send info for consideration to: whatson@familiesmagazine.co.uk

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM

SW7 5BD nhm.ac.uk To 15 Sep. SENSATIONAL BUTTERFLIES Dive into the tropical butterfly house to take on butterfly challenges, try out fun games and exciting activities as you discover one of the planet’s most amazing life cycles. £4-£16 Until 8 Sep. EXTINCTION: NOT THE END OF THE WORLD? Giant deer, bizarre insects and super-sized birds – millions of species that once roamed the planet are no longer around 8 April. Night Safari with MasterCard Discover some of nature’s most fascinating specimens in the mysterious setting of the Museum at night in this exclusive after-hours event. See some of the Museum’s most famous exhibits and learn about their fascinating background through one-on-one chats with the Museum’s scientists. 16yrs+, 7-10pm, £28

SW7 2RL vam.ac.uk 1-5 April. MAKE-IT: ARMOUR Create a unique piece of Armour with fashion designer Juliana Sissons. 10.30am and 2.30pm 30 March – 14 April. THE IMAGINATION STATION Invent your coat of arms on a flag or shield using symbols from across the Museum and your imagination. 10.30am To 7 April. LIGHT FROM THE MIDDLE EAST: NEW PHOTOGRAPHY The first major museum exhibition of contemporary photography from and about the Middle East.

To 14 July. TREASURES OF THE ROYAL COURTS The majesty of the courts of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I to Ivan the Terrible and the early Romanovs in a major exhibition celebrating 500 years of exchange between Britain and Russia.

ORLEANS HOUSE GALLERY

THE WALLACE COLLECTION

TW1 3DJ www.richmond.gov.uk/arts To 28 April. NOAH’S ART: ANIMALS OPEN Meet the animals of the earth, water, air and imagination in Noah’s Art where contemporary artworks of wild and domestic animals and hung alongside historical works

SW1P 4RG tate.org.uk/britain Every Saturday and Sunday in April. Liminal – Engage with sculpture through touch, interaction and collaboration. All ages, 11am-3pm

W1U 3BN wallacecollection.org 5 April. Easter Egg Treasures Create your own painted Easter egg with a secret compartment for hidden treasures, 10.30am and 2pm, £7, age 7+ 7 April. The Little Draw Free drop-in drawing workshop for all ages, taking inspiration from some of the fantastic beasts and monsters you’ll find hiding in the Collection, 1.304.30pm. Find out more at www.drawingpower.org.uk 10 April. Comic Book Illustration Join award-winning comic artist and illustrator Tom Humberstone and learn everything you need to know about comic art in just one day, 11am-4pm, £14, age 13+ 11 April. Musical Stories Join musician Luke Crookes and artist Marc Woodhead for an interactive storytelling session in the galleries, 11am, 1pm and 3pm. Free, age 5+

V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD

WANDSWORTH MUSEUM

E2 9PA museumofchildhood.org.uk 1 to 7 April. ORANGES AND LEMONS Take part in an art workshop to invent the best ice cream in the universe. 11am-4pm, drop in, all ages To 14 April 2013. MODERN BRITISH CHILDHOOD A major new exhibition at the Museum exploring how childhood has transformed in Britain during the period between the London Olympic Games of 1948 and 2012

SW18 1RX wandsworthmuseum.co.uk 10 and 11 April.

Printing Techniques Try your hand at a range of printing techniques from block printing to collagraphs, 1.30pm-3.30pm 27 April.

Trains, Planes and Automobiles Learn how Wandsworth has been at the forefront of advancements in transport and create your own trains, planes and automobiles. 1.30pm-3.30pm

SIR JOHN SOANE’S MUSEUM WC2A 3BP www.soane.org 3, 4, 10 and 11 April. Easter Workshops Make your own amulets, badges and jewellery inspired by Egyptian, Greek and Roman objects in the Museum. Age 7+, times vary, from £12, booking essential

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April 2013

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What’s on HAMPTON COURT PALACE KT8 9AU hrp.org.uk To 30 September. SECRETS OF THE ROYAL BEDCHAMBER A new exhibition exploring the bedchamber of the 17th and 18th century royal court. These are beds but not as you know them!

HMS BELFAST

Syon House and Gardens

DAYS OUT BATTERSEA PARK CHILDREN’S ZOO SW11 4NJ batterseaparkzoo.co.uk 2-14 April. COUNT THE GOLDEN RABBITS As you go around the zoo keep your eye out for lots of golden rabbits. £1 plus entry fee 2 and 4 April. RABBIT DAYS Help the keeper feed the rabbits, plus rabbit story time 11.45am and 2.45pm, free. Rabbit badge making, 11am and 1.30pm, £1 9 and 11 April. GUINEA PIG DAYS Help the keeper feed the guinea pigs, plus guinea pig story time 11.45am and 2.45pm, free. Guinea pig picture making, 11am and 1.30pm, £1

CHELSEA PHYSIC GARDEN SW3 4HS chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk 3 April. CREEPY CRAWLING Discover the diverse world of animals with a marvellous menagerie including a hissing cockroach, giant millipede, corn snake and Mr. Jelly Belly the tree frog. Age 4+, 10.30am-12pm or 1pm-2.30pm 4 and 9 April. GARDEN SAFARI AND MICROSCOPIC MARVELS A chance to explore the hidden secrets of the Garden including the jungle room and the creatures living in the pond. Ages and times vary

10 April. GARDEN PHOTOGRAPHY Bring your camera along to capture the Garden in striking and unusual ways. Age 8+, 10.30am2.30pm 11 April. LOTIONS AND POTIONS – AN INTRODUCTION TO HERBAL MEDECINE Try your hand at making some of your own ointments, syrups and scented bags. Age 7+, 10.30am-2.30pm

CUTTY SARK SE10 9NF rmg.co.uk/cuttysark 1-11 April. SCHOOL HOLIDAY EVENTS A plethora of ship-shape activities for all the family including Ahoy, Captain!, Racing Puppets, Fantasy Figureheads and Story Ship. Ages, dates and times vary

ELTHAM PALACE SE9 5QE elthampalace.org.uk To 3 April. EASTER FAMILY FUN TRAIL Can you crack the clues to complete this ‘eggciting’ trail? Find the missing eggs around the grounds to be rewarded with a yummy Easter prize

SE1 2JH iwm.org.uk 20-21 April. HISTORY IN YOUR HANDS Discover the stories hidden within HMS Belfast and find out about the men who lived and worked on board. 11am and 2pm 1-7 April. DARNING AND YARNING A fun way to learn how sailors repaired their own clothes in this communal art sewing activity. 11am & 2pm

KENSINGTON PALACE W6 4PX hrp.org.uk/kensingtonpalace 1-7 April. SPRING PALACE TAPESTRY Easter holiday activities for families. Make a big felt and textile spring tapestry for Kensington Palace inspired by the collection and palace gardens.

KEW GARDENS TW9 3AB kew.org To 14 April. EASTER ACTIVITIES Take a journey through time and discover the history of chocolate. Get stuck into chocolate workshops with arts and crafts activities, or join the traditional Easter Egg Hunt

MORDEN HALL PARK SM4 5JD nationaltrust.org.uk/morden-hall-park Explorer Packs and Trails Explorer packs are available from the second-hand bookshop (a deposit is required), containing themed activities around the park. Follow trails around the park with activities to complete.

OSTERLEY PARK AND HOUSE

GOLDEN HINDE SE1 9DG www.goldenhinde.com 1-13 April. EASTER HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES Events and activities for al the family including Easter Fun Days, Pirate Fun Days and Tudor Fun Days

TW7 4RB nationaltrust.org.uk/osterley-park 4 and 11 April.

CRAFT CART Fun craft activities for families.

Dates and times vary

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32

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

Please send info for consideration to: whatson@familiesmagazine.co.uk

PUMP HOUSE GALLERY

TOWER OF LONDON

SW11 4NJ pumphousegallery.org.uk 7 April. FAMILY WORKSHOP Create a series of chemical drawings and sunprints, 11am-3pm, free, all ages

EC3 hrp.org.uk To 7 April. COLONEL BLOOD AND THE GREAT CROWN JEWELS ROBBERY Join the dastardly Colonel Blood and his gang of desperados in the greatest heist of all time – stealing the new Crown Jewels!

ROYAL OBSERVATORY GREENWICH SE10 9NF rmg.co.uk To August.

ALIEN REVOLUTION Are we alone in this Universe? If aliens exist, would they be friendly or hostile? Explore the subject in an exhibition which takes an intimate look at the history of our relationship with extraterrestrial life Throughout April.

THE UNIVERSE EXPOSED: PHOTOGRAPHING THE COSMOS Showcasing how anyone with a digital camera can capture spectacular images of the night-sky. 5yrs+, £6.50/£4.50 Throughout April.

MEET THE NEIGHBOURS Meet our neighbours in space in this entertaining interactive show, where you decide which planets to visit. 5yrs+, £6.50/£4.50 Throughout April. SOLAR SYSTEM, GALAXY, UNIVERSE Exploring the scale of the Solar System, Galaxy and Universe and how we measure it. 5yrs+, £6.50/£4.50 Throughout April. SPACE SAFARI Join Ted the teddy bear for live music and rhyme as he journeys throughout the solar system looking for the Great Bear in the sky in this show designed especially for younger children. Age 7 and under, £6.50/£4.50 Throughout April. SKY TONIGHT LIVE A live show presented by a Royal Observatory Astronomer takes visitors on a tour of what can be seen in the night sky on the day of their visit and the months ahead. 12.30, 2 and 3.30pm, 5yrs+, £6.50/£4.50

SYON HOUSE AND GARDENS TW8 8JG syonpark.co.uk Bank holiday weekends April – October.

CHILDREN GO FREE

Every Accomplishment Starts With The Decision To Try

WWT WETLANDS CENTRE SW13 9WT wwt.org.uk/visit-us/london 1-14 April. EASTER ACTIVITIES Fun Easter egg-tivities including an egg hunt, "scrap cheep challenge", egg painting and egg games.

ZSL LONDON ZOO NW1 4RY zsl.org 20 April. FRIENDLY SPIDER PROGRAMME Do you have a spider phobia? Then it's time you joined the Friendly Spider Programme to help you overcome your fears.

OUT OF TOWN BODIAM CASTLE TN32 5UA nationaltrust.org.uk/bodiamcastle To 5 April. EASTER TRAIL Join the hunt for the Easter Bunny around the castle and grounds to claim your prize, £2

KENT & EAST SUSSEX RAILWAY TN30 6HE kesr.org.uk 2-12 April. KIDS FOR A QUID 13-14 April. GRANDPARENTS WEEKEND

NATIONAL MOTOR MUSEUM SO42 7ZN beaulieuevents.co.uk To 14 April. EASTER EGG-STRAVAGANZA Join in a Hare-Brained Easter Trail. Look for the hares, find the answers to the clues and collect a sweet treat at the end of the trail

PAINSHILL PARK Cobham, Surrey painshill.co.uk 2-5 and 9-12 April. THE GREAT EASTER EGG AND SPOON CHALLENGE Balance the egg on the spoon and weave, jump, duck and run through the obstacles. Age 2-13, 12-4pm

What’s on 2-5 and 9-12 April. WILD EASTER CAMP Have a wild adventure with bushwhacking, bivouac building, archery and mud sculptures. Age 8-13, 9am-4.30pm, £35 a day or £115 for 4 days 27 April. FAMILY FUN: WILDLIFE Learn about the wonderful wildlife at Painshill and discover what lies hidden in the undergrowth. Go on a minibeast safari, try pond dipping and make a fat ball for the birds in your garden. 10am-1pm, £12/£8, 5-13yrs

RHS GARDEN WISLEY Surrey www.rhs.org.uk/wisley To 14 April. ORCHIDS IN THE GLASSHOUSE Hundreds of orchids transform the iconic Glasshouse at Wisley into a tropical paradise 15-21 April. NATIONAL GARDENING WEEK Get growing at all RHS Gardens this spring with events, advice and celebrations around starting a career in horticulture

DIARY DATES AND EVENTS It only costs £25 to secure a listing here.

Simply go to www.familiesonline.co.uk/listings •CLAPHAM COMMON EASTER FUNFAIR SW4 9AS 29 March – 14 April. Dodgems, waltzers, carousels, white-knuckle rides and rides for kids. Wristbands £7.99 for riders over 1m tall, £5.99 for under 1m •PROFESSOR QUANTUM’S MAGNIFICENT TIME TOUR Meet at the bus stop, 6 Northumberland Ave WC2N 5BY timetour.co.uk 1-14, 20, 21, 27 and 28 April. Combining theatre and technical trickery with an insightful look at London's rich past, aboard the Professor's 'Incredible Time Bus'. All ages, 2.45pm, £22 •KIDS CLUB AT THE EXHIBIT The Exhibit, 12 Balham Station Road SW12 9SG funkymovesdance.com / theexhibit.co.uk 2, 4, 9, 11 April. FUNKY MOVES KIDS CLUB Each Kids Club has a different theme, pairing a film with a dance class by Funky Moves. Ages 5-12, 8 £15, 1-4pm page 38

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from p.33

Diary dates and events •BENJAMIN FRANKLIN HOUSE WC2N 5NG benjaminfranklinhouse.org 2-9 April. EASTER WEEK CHILDREN’S DAYS: GEORGIAN GAMES Take part in 18th century games that delighted young people on Craven Street in years past, including quoits, marbles, stringed cat’s cradles, and cup-and-ball. 5-11 yrs, £5 •EDDIE CATZ PUTNEY SW15 1SF eddiecatz.com 3-12 April. HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS Including The Animal Man experience, cooking with Cookie Crumbles, Make a Bunny Easter workshop and Got to Dance! with Dynamic Dance. Times and ages vary •EDDIE CATZ WIMBLEDON SW19 2LP eddiecatz.com 3-11 April. HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS Including The Animal Man experience, Crazy Science workshop, Make a Bunny Easter workshop, The Creation Station, Easter Fun morning and Puppetry workshop.

Times and ages vary •NCT MEETINGS www.nct.org.uk 3 April. NCT PUTNEY AND FULHAM MONTHLY COFFEE MORNING 10am-12pm at Cafe at the Cottage, Fulham FC, Stevenage Road SW6 6HH 29 April. NCT HOME BIRTH SUPPORT GROUP 8-10pm in Earlsfield, SW18. Contact Marianna homebirth@clapham.co.uk Every Thursday in April. PUTNEY AND FULHAM TODDLER GROUP 10-11.30am at Maloca, 10 Point Pleasant SW18 1GG •BARBICAN CENTRE EC2Y 8DS barbican.org.uk 6 and 11 April. FRAMED FILM CLUB Screenings including The Great Muppet Caper, The Neverending Story, James and the Giant Peach and Kooky. 11am 27 April. PUPPETS OF CHANCE WORKSHOP Create your own hand puppets inspired by Geoffrey Farmer’s installation in The Curve.

12.30pm •INSTITUT FRANCAIS SW7 2DT institut-francais.org.uk 6, 13, 20, 27 April. BABY AND KIDS TALES Prepare your little ears for some musical delight.

Listen to the melodic sounds of Chopin's music and travel back in time to the places which inspired his lyrical pieces. French tales with a professional story-teller with interactive fun and games. £5/£7, 11am

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•DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY SE21 7AD dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk 7 and 28 April. ARTPLAY Make everything from bunting to block prints and all things in between. 2–3.45pm, £3 per child 10-11 April. BIRDS OF A FEATHER Create colourful printed bird sculptures for display in your own garden. 6–8yrs 10.30am-12.3opm, 9–11yrs 2–4pm. With artist Erica Parrett, £18 •FULHAM PALACE SW6 6EA fulhampalace.org 7 April. ARCHAEOLOGY OF THE PALACE Local archaeologist Keith Whitehouse leads a walk to learn about the archaeology of the Fulham Palace site and the digs that have been carried out here. £5/£4 14 April. FAMILY DROP-IN DISCOVERY AFTERNOON Try on Roman costumes, handle artefacts and learn about the history of the Palace.

2-3.30pm, free, all ages •STREATHAM GREEN ARTISAN MARKET Outside The Manor Arms SW16 6LQ www.londonartisansmarkets.co.uk 7 and 21 April.

Including Astons Bakery, Brambletyre Fruit Farm, Fish Tale, The Flour Station, The Giggly Pig and The Honest Carrot. 10am-3pm •WILDLIFE WATCH CLUB Wimbledon Common, Windmill Road SW19 5NR www.wpcc.org.uk 7 April. Meet at the Information Centre near the Windmill. 10am-12pm. 8-14yrs. £1 registration fee and £2 per session.

•THE DÉCOR CAFÉ SW15 6NW thedecorcafe.com 11 April. KIDS GARDEN WORKSHOP: VEGETABLES AND BUG HOUSE! Fun, creative and educational workshop for children who want to get growing. Get started with vegetables, learn what to grow and when to grow it, and design and build a bespoke bug house.

10.30am-12pm, £20, 7-10yrs •RHS LONDON ORCHID AND BOTANICAL ART SHOW RHS Lawrence Hall, Westminster www.rhs.org.uk/flowershows 12-13 April.

A rare chance to see beautiful botanical portraits set alongside the sculptural form and exotic colour of orchids from some of the world's finest growers •THE PAPERED PARLOUR 7 Prescott Place, Clapham SW4 thepaperedparlour.co.uk 14 April. MASTERCLASS: MAKE A JUMPSUIT Make a jumpsuit or playsuit with DIYcouture. 12-5pm, £77.50 28 April. MASTERCLASS: HAND PRINTED WALLPAPER Join bespoke wallpaper artist

Jemma Ooi of CUSTHOM Design to explore the wondrous world of block printing. 12-5pm, £133 •THE DÉCOR CAFÉ LIVE Kings College School, Southside, Wimbledon Common thedecorcafe.com 14 April – Open to all the family, thedecorcafe LIVE! provides the ideal platform to gather home ideas as well as ask experts for advice on designing, creating and customising your home.

•REDI TRAINING PAEDIATRIC FIRST AID COURSES redi-training.co.uk 17 April.

Covers all essential topics on first aid for babies & children, with paediatric A&E nurses. At Maggie and Rose, see website for details •LANDMARK ARTS CENTRE TW11 9NN landmarkartscentre.org 20 April. KIDS ART CLUB Fun workshops supervised by professional art educators including drawing, painting, relief making, printing and collage. 10am-12pm, £12, 5-11yrs •ST MARGARET’S CENTENARY 20 April TABLE TOP SALE in support of St Margaret’s Centenary Appeal.

1.30-3.30pm St Margaret’s Church, Putney Park Lane, SW15 •FIRST AID FOR LIFE Balham and Westminster firstaidforlife.org.uk 24 April and 7 May. THE EMERGENCY COURSE A 3-hour course covering care of the unconscious baby and child as well as most commonly occurring injuries and illnesses such as choking, bleeding, breaks, bleeds, burns, head injury and febrile convulsions. 9.30am-12.30pm, £60/£65.

•MUMPRENEUR MARKETING Décor Cafe, Putney SW18 1GG mumpreneurmarketing.com 26 April.

MARKETING YOUR BUSINESS ON A SHOESTRING Training workshop giving business mums the skills to effectively promote their businesses. 10am1pm, £40 •MUM2MUM MARKET Wimbledon YMCA, 200 Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 8JG mum2mummarket.co.uk 27 April.

BABY AND CHILDREN’S NEARLY NEW SALE •THE PARENT PRACTICE Chelsea, Clapham, Fulham, Putney, South Kensington, Wandsworth and Wimbledon theparentpractice.com 2 May. WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR CHILD SAYS NO 7.30-10pm in Clapham, £50 8 May. THE TEENAGE YEARS: FOR TWEENS AND TEENS 7.30-10pm in Clapham, £50 •POP-UP EMPORIUM Venue TBC facebook.com/thepopupemporium 28 April. A great event to find those not-on-thehigh-street goodies. 12-5pm •SOUTHBANK CENTRE SE1 8PX southbankcentre.co.uk To 28 April. LIGHT SHOW Exploring the experiential and phenomenal aspects of light by bringing together sculptures and installations that use light to sculpt and shape space. £11/£7.50, Hayward Gallery

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Consultancy and tuition also available.

Phone Danny on

8944 0681 or 07961 428 596 E-mail: acs@amitygrove.com

Silly Millie the Clown THEO THE MAGICIAN

Parties for 3-9 year olds Funny Magic Show, Puppet’s, Party Games, Silly Songs and Balloon Animals Call 020 7823 8329 - 07939 239397 www.sillymillietheclown.co.uk

“The Magic Circle, Equity & CRB” Fun Magic for Children & Adults Free Magic Wand & Certificate for Birthday Child 07711 724129

www.magictheo.com

www.charlietheclown.co.uk

Reliable Handyman • Garden maintenance and building work (fences, patios, sheds, etc..)

• Jobs around the house (carpentry, painting, fitting furniture, etc…)

• Computer maintenance (repair, teaching) £20/hour or packages possible.

Call Brian: 0774 513 6424

Private French tuition Patient, well qualifed, experienced tutor Tel: 020 8769 2853 or 07984 998 032

MUSIC PIANO TUITION

Friendly, experienced and qualified teacher of children 6+ and adults.

Take exams or learn purely for pleasure.

Different styles covered.

Home visits possible.

Mark Lester MA, CT ABRSM

020 8870 7830 www.marklester.biz

HEALTH

TUITION

07808 732 390 clown pirate story-teller wizard

Public Speaking, Elocution, Comprehension, Drama Confidence Building, Speech & Interview Technique

SERVICES Professional Painting & Decorating

PAINTING & DECORATING

Interior & Exterior Redecorating Full Refurbishment Kitchens & Bathrooms Refurbishment www.solodecorating.co.uk solodecorating@yahoo.co.uk 07763 690805

Interior / Exterior Experienced, Reliable, Clean Fully Guaranteed / Insured FREE ADVICE & QUOTE John:- James & Lamont

020 8462 4646 - 07802 535695

Interior & Exterior decorators, Floor Sanding, Murals, Staining, Varnishing, Maintenance work undertaken Email: rh_painter@yahoo.co.uk

07427 276649 020 8675 5270 Established 20 years

Individual Tuition

Commercial or Private

Clare Price. LGSM, ALAM, SRD.

(020) 7735 3156

CHILDCARE

www.speechspecialists.co.uk Larah Au Pairs 01932 341704

Au pairs, mother’s helps and couples with refs and police checked.

Discount for Personal, friendly service. Families readers All areas. www.larahaupairs.co.uk

HOLIDAYS 2 cottages in Cornwall - including sports facilities and indoor & outdoor pools.

Please phone for details 01483 282471 or e-mail nancyshafee@tiscali.co.uk.

Cots, highchairs etc can be arranged too!

April 2013

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THE WILLOW NURSERY 823-825 Wandsworth Road, Clapham, SW8 3JL Tel: 020 7498 0319 Est.1981 E-mail: admin@thewillownursery.co.uk Joint Heads: Caroline Henson & Virginia Bisset.

Opening hours: 8.15am to 12.15pm Sessions: Mornings only Weeks open a year: Termtime Ages: Two and half to 5 years Max no. of pupils: 40. Pupil/teacher ratio: Under 3yrs: 4:1, 3-5yrs 8:1 Curriculum: Montessori and traditional methods.

Activities: Art, craft, cooking, Spanish, gardening, home corner, ICT, messy play, computer club.

Four specialist teachers for singing, dance, gym and cooking.

Facilities: Large, bright, spacious hall and a smaller reception room.

Contact: Please contact Amanda for Prospectus and to arrange a visit.

The Willow is renowned for its creativity. Our aim is to create a stimulating, happy and fun environment so that the children love coming to school. We develop confidence and a keen interest to learn both independently and with individual attention.

www.thewillownursery.co.uk Dawmouse Montessori Nursery Schools WWW.DAWMOUSE.COM There are now two established Montessori Nursery schools in Fulham bearing the Dawmouse name. The original Dawmouse Brunswick in Haldane Road, SW6 7EU and Dawmouse St Peter’s at St Peter’s Terrace, SW6 7JS. Both schools offer a wide range of Montessori equipment and have outdoor play areas. They will offer a safe, stimulating and active environment in which children can have fun and achieve.

The broad curriculum covers all areas of the Early Learning Goals and includes science, drama, cookery and music lessons.

Project work will give the children scope for creative development as well as an increased understanding of their world.

We insist on our staff being Montessori trained teachers.

For a prospectus and a visit to view the schools please contact :

Designed by Shirley Trimmer

www.dawmouse.com or speak with Miss Emma 020 7381 9385

36 40

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk