Families London SW Nov-Dec 2017 Issue no.271-2 medium res

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IN THIS ISSUE It’s all about Christmas!

Where is Santa?

The best local pantos The Top 5 things to do Christmas activities Gift guide

Children’s health Treat cold and flu naturally Why baby walkers should be avoided

It’s party time How to have the best party ever!

Issue 271 November/December 2017

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2 Families South West • November/December 2017

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Contents 4-5

Local news

6

Families Top Five activities this month

10

School Open Days listings

12

Making the most of school/parents meetings and Examinations: Maximum Results, Minimum Stress

15 & 17

SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS Technology in Learning Touch Typing What to do if your child is “different”

18

Christmas offers and events

19

FAMILIES BIG DRAW! Join us on Facebook for a chance to win £1,000 worth of goodies!

20

Our local Gift Guide

21

Hamleys Gift Guide

TEL: 020 8696 9680

22 -25

EDITORIAL: editor@FamiliesSW.co.uk NEWS: news@FamiliesSW.co.uk ADVERTS/ARTWORK: adverts@FamiliesSW.co.uk EVENTS, DIARY DATES, WHAT’S ON: whatson@FamiliesSW.co.uk NEXT ISSUE: Jan/Feb 2018 DEADLINE: Early December 2017 ISSN 1354-9553 All content ©Families SW 2017

IT’S PARTY TIME Ten tips to a stress free magical party How to make the most of your entertainer Great local party ideas

27 -31

CHILDREN’S HEALTH Is it a common cold or bad bout of the flu?

Natural Oils for cold and flu Newborns and the hepatitis-B vaccine Avoid baby walkers and prefer floor play time The Power of kindness

34-36

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY LISTINGS Arts & craft, sports, music, dance, drama and more

39

But where is Father Christmas?

41-47

What’s On Diary dates Babies and toddlers Theatre Pantomimes Museums & Exhibitions

Don't forget to take your children outside this winter.

RHS Garden Wisley is holding a fantastic programme of events.

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Nov/Dec 2017

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NEWS SPECIALIST POP-UP BABY CARRIER BOUTIQUE OPENS

SCANDINAVIAN-INSPIRED BEN & LOLA

Choosing a sling is a bit like choosing shoes or pair of jeans: different types and sizes suit different people. You really need to try on a few before you buy. This is now possible at the new specialist Wear My Baby Boutique which has just opened in Furzedown, between Tooting and Streatham.

Christmas has come early as Ben & Lola offers 10% off exclusively for Families SW readers from 1st November - December 15th at their store in the Putney Exchange, Putney High Street.

Go and have a browse, buy and hire their bestselling baby carriers, slings and accessories: over 20 top brands, from leading international names including Ergobaby, Close Caboo, Boba and Beco, along with new British-made carriers. You can hire slings at the Boutique for up to 2 weeks, so you can be confident you are buying the right ones. They'll have three carrying workshops every day, so you get expert help in choosing the right carrier, and learn how to get the most out of your current sling. Open on Thursdays only, 10am-6pm 19 Thrale Road, London, SW16 1NS. www.wearmybaby.co.uk/boutique

DON’T MISS TIN PAN ANNIE’S FAMILY CHRISTMAS SHOWS If you are looking for a gentle family Christmas show, you’ll love Tin Pan Annie’s family shows, which are aimed at under fives and their families.

Tin Pan Annie’s Band and her fabulous dancing snowflakes, reindeer, and elves will perform the best festive favourites from Frosty to Rudolph.

There will be three shows at 11am, 2.30pm and 4pm on Saturday 16th December at St Barnabas' Church, Clapham Common Northside, London SW4 9SW. Adults £10, children £5, babes on laps free. Show duration 45 minutes.

Tickets available from www.tinpanannie.co.uk

TOYS, GIFTS AND NOW CLASSES AT PANDEMONIUM Toy emporium Pandemonium has just opened a new space for classes, clubs and children’s parties. It has a buggy parking and a separate entrance in the back, toilet with baby changing, a small kitchen, a speaker system for music, as well as TV and DVD player. Check out their party packages including catering and entertainment on their Facebook page (facebook.com/pandemoniumldn), and keep an eye out for a timetable of classes starting soon!

Pandemonium will of course continue to be the fabulous toy emporium it has been since 2005!

They are now ready for Christmas with lots of exciting present ideas in store for children of all ages. Do go and check it out: it is stocked floor to ceiling with traditional and top quality toys, games and books for all ages.

125 Sheen Lane, East Sheen, London, SW14 8AE 020 8878 0866. www.pandemoniumlondon.com

NEW THEATRE IN BARON’S COURT Impressive drama is being staged on our doorstep, with half-price tickets for H&F residents and a chance to spot the stars of tomorrow. The London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art has unveiled its autumn season with five productions between now and Christmas. LAMDA – the UK’s oldest drama school – is financially supported by H&F Council, with residents benefiting from £7 tickets in their new Sainsbury Theatre, created as part of a recent £28.2million investment. The season is a showcase for graduating actors and technicians who put on 20 professionally directed and designed productions each year. The new season includes The Children’s Hour, Measure for Measure and The Taming of the Shrew. www.lamda.org.uk

4 Families South West • November/December 2017

Ben & Lola offers a sweet selection of Scandinavian-inspired clothing and toys from 0-10 years of age. They offer a range of stylish brands, including WHEAT, Christina Rhode, Name It, Verity Jones to name a few. This season, girls will love pretty print dresses and sequin skirts, whilst boys can look just like dad with smart chinos and cool tops. Alongside clothing Ben & Lola also stocks a delightful range of traditional toys. From classic wooden toys to practical clothing, keep little hands busy with their gorgeous arts and crafts collection, the perfect gift idea for stocking fillers.

Mention Families at the Ben & Lola shop to get your discount.

NEW AWARD FOR OLIVER HOUSE Oliver House School is the first independent school in the Clapham area to launch The Prince William Award. The award, backed by HRH The Duke of Cambridge, is designed to help develop confidence, resilience and inner strength so that children can ‘dare to be their best self’. In fact, it complements and reinforces the school’s unique Character Development Programme in a very practical way. ‘We are proud to be taking part in the explorer level of the PWA Award,’ said Deputy Headteacher Miss Pleasants. ‘This will enhance the wellbeing and lifelong happiness of our children.’ Good news all round, we say.

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NEWS BABY TO TODDLER SHOW AT EXCEL Good news as Baby to Toddler, the shopping event for modern parents of children aged 0 to 4, is returning for a second year. Coming to the London ExCeL from 18th to 19th November, the two day shopping event will partner with Peppermint where visitors will have access to exclusive offers and deals from some of the biggest brands and names you know and trust.

LADY MARGARET’S CENTENARY

This is a natural progression from the hugely popular Baby Show with a greater focus on toddlers and preschool children (but not forgetting babies too!). A Kids Zone, MAM Feeding area including bottle warmers, microwaves, bibs and more! Standard advance is £8 and on the door is £12.

Tickets are on sale now via http://bit.ly/2z1ce2d For more information on visiting Baby to Toddler please visit www.babytotoddlerevents.co.uk

STILL TIME TO BOOK GREAT MUSIC CLASSES NOW!

GREAT STOCKIN G FILLER!

David Fisher has been running Little Acorn Baby & Toddler Music classes at St Mary’s Church in Putney for an amazing 20 years. He is such a pro: more than 1,800 local families have been to his sessions! He is an accomplished musician, producer and singer/songwriter who also does regular work composing music for Oxford University Press’ international educational projects.

Classes last half an hour and feature live guitar, puppets, fun costumes, weekly themes, instruments, traditional nursery rhymes and classic kids’ songs. Everyone is welcome to have a free trial. You can start at any time in the term.

David has also recorded two highly entertaining and thoroughly silly albums downloadable from iTunes and amazon under the title LITTLE ACORNS 40 CLASSIC KIDS’ SONGS guaranteed to shorten any car journey!

020 8408 0322 david@littleacorns.co.uk www.littleacorns.co.uk

SCIENTISTS AND DOCTORS DEMAND MORATORIUM ON 5G Increased radiation from cell towers poses potential risks, say scientists from around the world, as fears over the detrimental impact microwave radiation can have on human life expectancy grow.

Over 180 scientists and doctors from 35 countries have sent a declaration to officials of the European Commission demanding a moratorium on the increase of cell antennas for planned 5G expansion. Concerns over health effects from higher radiation exposure include potential neurological impacts, infertility, and cancer. ‘The wireless industry is trying to deploy technology that may have some very real unintended harmful consequences,’ explains one of the signatories.

‘Scientific studies from years ago along with many new studies are consistently identifying harmful human health impacts when wireless products are tested properly using conditions that reflect actual exposures. With hazards at those exposures, we are very concerned that the added exposure to 5G radiation could result in tragic, irreversible harm.’ 5G expansion will require the construction of cell towers every 10-20 houses in urban areas. If you are as concerned as we are, find out more at www.saferemr.com Remember to avoid placing phones and WIFI routers next to your children and turn them off at night!

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Lady Margaret School in Fulham will be visited by its oldest living pupil to launch its centenary celebrations this autumn. Ninetyfive-year-old Peggy Mitchell will cut the birthday cake with the help of Amina Khelfaoui, 11, the school’s youngest pupil. Lady Margaret School opened with 86 girls and 11 boys in September 1917 and after the Second World War reopened in Parsons Green in 1943 with reduced numbers. In September 2012 with 725 pupils, the school was awarded academy status.

During this centenary year, the school will be raising funds for the new Centenary Garden and this year’s charity chosen by the pupils, SACCA Rwanda, which works to help street children in Rwanda. www.ladymargaret.lbhf.sch.uk/centenary

CHARITY CHRISTMAS CARDS Pioneering charity Brain Tumour Research has taken an innovative approach to their range of Christmas cards this year, signing up supporter and artist, Caroline Copland, to design a new card for 2017.

Caroline, who sadly lost her mother Janet to a brain tumour three years ago, was inspired by the Christmas Hope Trees which decorate the charity’s Research Centres of Excellence across the UK each year.

The Hope Tree cards will join other festive favourites in the charity’s range. All cards are priced at £4 per pack of ten, with at least 60% of the proceeds going towards supporting vital brain tumour research. Brain Tumour Research is the only national charity in the UK focused on funding sustainable research to find a cure for brain tumours, which kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer.

Order via: www.braintumourresearch.org/ fundraise/christmas-cards

Families South West 5

FAMILIES TOP FIVE...

Our top picks of the best days out for the whole family this November and December…

SNOW WHITE & ROSE RED Battersea Arts Centre, Lavender Hill, London SW11 5TN www.bac.org.uk 020 7223 2223

29 Nov - 30 Dec This is it, one of the best pantos! This festive season Battersea Arts Centre has teamed up with acclaimed theatre company RashDash for the perfect Christmas treat for the whole family.

Experience the fun with live music, songs and plenty of festive touches based on the original fairy-tale by the Brothers Grimm. It really is a magical show, as Christmas treats should be!

Commissioned and co-produced by Cambridge Junction. Running Time 1hr & 45mins, age recommendation: 5+ Tickets £12.50 - £22 Family Tickets from £50 (4 people, min 2 child tickets) All tickets inc. a family programme worth £4 Relaxed & BSL performances also available, see website.

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK

Fam

LOVEilies S!

Lyric Hammersmith W6 0QL www.lyric.co.uk 18 Nov – 06 Jan Plenty of magic beans, a huge loveable cow, an enormous beanstalk, a gigantic giant and a massive adventure. This year's panto looks set to be the biggest ever and what’s better than a great panto!?

This one will not disappoint.

Join Jack and the Beanstalk to get the full Lyric treatment with some crazy characters, live music, dancing, singing and loads of laughs.

Tickets from £15 Age 6+

CHRISTMAS GLOW AT RHS GARDEN WISLEY Woking, Surrey GU23 6QB www.rhs.org.uk/wisley 1 December – 3 January 2018

Christmas Glow was amazing last year, did you go? This year will apparently be bigger, brighter and better than ever. Take your family to see the captivating light installation with giant, botanically inspired blooms– This event offers the ideal opportunity to enjoy the atmosphere of the festive season in a beautiful garden setting. Children can see Father Christmas while you are there too!

Open until 8pm throughout December, last entry at 7pm (5pm close on 24 Dec and close all day on 25 Dec). Make the most of your visit by purchasing a special ticket, as they offer discounted entry from 3pm.

HAMLEYS CHRISTMAS TOY PARADE

MEET SANTA ON A CITY CRUISE! For information or to book call 020 77 400 400 or visit www.citycruises.com Sail with Santa cruises run on Saturday & Sunday 2, 3, 9, 10 December and daily from 16 – 23 December 2017.

What about this for something a little unusual: This year why don’t you book a cruise on the Thames and meet Santa as he swaps his sleigh for a boat on the Thames. The fun starts from the moment you set off from Tower Pier, and leave the impressive Tower of London behind us, heading off on a great adventure. Santa will welcome children and grown ups with festive treats and tell a Christmas story (or two). Children can get into colouring, while the adults take in spectacular riverside views.

Elves will help Santa hand out presents and make sure that everyone is having a jolly good time.

6 Families South West • November/December 2017

www.hamleys.com/christmastoyparade Sunday 19th November Hamleys, the Finest Toy Shop in the World, are bringing the magic of Christmas to Regent Street, which will be transformed in a traffic-free, all-day extravaganza for the biggest toy parade the city has ever seen!

The Parade is back for its successive third year with a cast of hundreds, including favourite characters from TV and film, marching bands, festive floating blimps, street theatre, dancers and toy vehicles. The day will kick off at 11am from the entrance to Air Street working its way up Regent Street, finally concluding at Great Marlborough Street.

Arrive early as the street will be closed for access when viewing reaches capacity . Following the parade Regent Street will be packed full of fun activations for families to enjoy.

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8 Families South West • November/December 2017

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OPEN DAYS Compiled by Joanna Parry

SW1 EATON HOUSE BELGRAVIA PRE-PREP 3-8 Boys Open Mornings 8/11 and 6/12 910.30am 020 7924 6000 www.eatonhouseschools.com

ST GABRIEL’S C.E. PRIMARY SCHOOL 4-11 Co-Ed Open days 1/11 and 23/11 020 7641 6300 www.stgabrielsprimary.co.uk

SW2 STREATHAM AND CLAPHAM PREP SCHOOL 3-11 Girls Open Mornings 8/11 and 5/12 910.45am 10am-12pm 020 8674 6912 www.schs.gdst.net

CHRIST CHURCH STREATHAM CE PRIMARY SCHOOL 4-11 Co-Ed Open day 20/11 10am book on 020 8674 4308 www.christchurchstreatham.lambeth.sch.uk

SW4 EATON HOUSE THE MANOR 8-13 Boys Open Morning 8/11, 29/11 and 6/12 9-10.30am 020 7924 6000 www.eatonhouseschools.com

WIX PRIMARY SCHOOL 4-11 Co-Ed Open Morning 8/11 9.30-11.30am, no booking required 020 7228 6727 http://wixschool.net

ALLEN EDWARDS PRIMARY 4-11 Co-Ed Open Days 1/11 and 7/11 at 4pm, booking required or call school to arrange alternative date 020 7622 3985 www.allenedwards.co.uk

SW6 FULHAM PREP SCHOOL 4-13 Co-Ed Pre-Prep Open Morning 30/11 9.15am, 10.15am and 11.15am, call to book a place and time slot 020 7471 4217, Prep School tours by appointment only 020 7386 2444 www.fulhamprep.co.uk

PARSONS GREEN PREP 4-11 Co-Ed Midweek tours on Thursdays at 9am by appointment only 020 7371 9009 www.parsonsgreenprep.co.uk

LONDON ORATORY 7-18 boys and 16-18 girls Open day Junior House 16/11 at 2pm 020 7385 0102 www.london-oratory.org

SW7 THE HAMPSHIRE SCHOOL 3-13 Co-Ed Tours of main school on Wednesdays at 9am and of Early Years School on Mondays and Thursdays at 1.30pm 020 7352 7077 www.thehampshireschoolchelsea.co.uk

ST NICHOLAS PREPARATORY SCHOOL 2-10 Co-Ed Open Morning 18/11 9.30-11am plus Open House every Wednesday and Thursday during term time 9.30-10.30am book in advance 020 7225 1277 www.stnicholasprep.co.uk

10 Families South West • November/December 2017

Call to book your place now EATON HOUSE BELGRAVIA PREP

PUTNEY HIGH SCHOOL

8-13 Boys Open Morning 29/11 9-10.30am 020 7924 6000 www.eatonhouseschools.com

4-18 Girls 11+ Music Scholars ‘Come and Play’ Morning 11/11 9.45am-12pm 020 8788 4886 www.putneyhigh.gdst.net

QUEEN’S GATE SCHOOL 11-18 Girls Senior School Open Evening 1/11, Junior School Open Morning 2/11 020 7594 4982 www.queensgate.org.uk

FRANCISCAN PRIMARY SCHOOL

SW16 STREATHAM AND CLAPHAM HIGH SCHOOL

4-11 Co-Ed Reception and Nursery Schools Tours 7/11 and 16/11 9.15am 020 8672 3048 franciscan.wandsworth.sch.uk

11-18 Girls Open Morning 8/11 9.15-11.30am 020 8677 8400 www.schs.gdst.net

SW8

4-11 Co-Ed Tours of the school 14/11 9.30am and 2pm 020 8764 3892 www.stanford.merton.sch.uk

NEWTON PREP 4-11 Co-Ed Friday tours by appointment 910.30am 020 7720 4091 www.newtonprepschool.co.uk

SW11 DOLPHIN SCHOOL 4-11 Co-Ed Open Mornings Thursdays 9.1510.40am by appointment 020 7924 3472 www.dolphinschool.org.uk

STANFORD PRIMARY SCHOOL

SW17 RUTHERFORD HOUSE SCHOOL Co-ed 9/11 10-11am, 16/11 2-3pm, 23/11 10-11am, 30/11 2-3pm, 7/12 10-11am 020 8672 5901 www.rutherfordhouseschool.co.uk

SW18

THAMES CHRISTIAN COLLEGE

THE ROCHE SCHOOL

11-16 Co-Ed Open Morning 7/11 and 27/2 11am-1pm 020 7228 3933 www.thameschristiancollege.org.uk

2.5-11 Co-Ed Open Morning 15/11 9.1511.30am call to make an appointment on 020 8877 0823 www.therocheschool.co.uk

CHRIST CHURCH CE PRIMARY SCHOOL 4-11 Co-Ed Open Days 8/11 1.30pm and 8/1 10.30am-12pm 020 7228 2812 www.christchurch.wandsworth.sch.uk

BELLEVILLE PRIMARY SCHOOL 4-11 Co-Ed Open Mornings 1/11 and 2/11 at 9.30am booking not required 020 7228 6727 www.belleville-school.org.uk/home

CHRIST CHURCH CofE PRIMARY SCHOOL 4-11 Co-Ed Open Day 8/11 1.30pm and 8/1 10.30am-12pm by appointment only 020 7228 2812 www.christchurchbattersea.co.uk

SW12 WHITE HOUSE PREP SCHOOL SW12 4-11 Co-Ed Open Day 18/11 11am, call to book 020 8674 9514 www.whitehouseschool.com

LONDON STEINER SCHOOL 4-11 Co-Ed Weekly school tours by appointment every Wednesday at 9am 020 8772 3504 www.waldorflondon.co.uk

RAVENSTONE SCHOOL 4-11 Co-Ed Open Mornings 14/11 and 21/11 9am, and 9/1 9am 020 8673 0594 www.ravenstoneschool.co.uk

SW15

ST MICHAEL’S CE PRIMARY SCHOOL 4-11 Co-Ed Contact the school to book a place on one of their Open Mornings in November and December, dates TBC 020 8874 7786 www.stmichaelswandsworth.sch.uk

PARK HOUSE SCHOOL / TRAM HOUSE SCHOOL 4-19 Co-Ed Open days 16/11 and 14/12 1-3pm 020 3031 9707 / 9700 www.beyondautismschools.org.uk

SWAFFIELD PRIMARY SCHOOL 4-11 Co-Ed Open Mornings 7/11 and 23/11 9.15am 020 8874 2825 www.swaffield.wandsworth.sch.uk

SW19 THE STUDY PREP SCHOOL 4-11 Girls Tours on Tuesdays in November and December 9.20-10.30am 020 8947 6969 www.thestudyprep.co.uk

WIMBLEDON HIGH SCHOOL 11-18 Girls 11+ Open Mornings 21/3 and 28/3 time TBC 020 8971 0900 www.wimbledonhigh.gdst.net

W1 EATON SQUARE UPPER SCHOOL 11-18 Co-Ed Open Evening 1/11 6-8pm, Open Morning 14/11 9.30-11.30am 020 7491 7393 www.eatonsquaremayfair.com

IBSTOCK PLACE SCHOOL

W6

3-18 Co-Ed The Prep School Open Morning 15/11 9.30am and 31/1 9.30am booking required 020 8876 9991 / 020 8392 5803 www.ibstockplaceschool.co.uk

W6 4-11 Co-Ed Open Mornings 14/11, 18/1 and 1/2 9am, booking necessary 020 8846 9153 www.rpps.co.uk

RAVENSCOURT PARK PREP SCHOOL

GRANARD PRIMARY SCHOOL 4-11 Co-Ed Tours 16/11 and 10/1 at 9.30am call to book a place 020 8788 3606 www.granardprimary.co.uk

We take every care preparing this info, but things can change, so do please check with schools or websites before setting out.

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Families South West 11

EDUCATION

Examinations: maximum results, minimum stress

Making the most of school/parents meetings

Mr Oliver Snowball, Head of Eaton House The Manor Girls’ School, offers insights into how to minimise the stress and maximise the results for exams.

You’ve been to a meeting with your child’s teacher and you’ve got an overview of how your child is progressing, what can you do now? Explore Learning give us some tips:

WHAT ARE THE KEY SIGNS OF ANXIETY FOR A PARENT TO SPOT? Changes of behaviour and mood swings are a common indicator of anxiety as is struggling with sleep. Some children will also become quite lethargic when anxious, as the process of worrying can be physically exhausting.

WHAT SHOULD A PARENT DO IF THEY SPOT ONE/ ALL OF THESE SYMPTOMS? Encourage your daughter or son to take some time away from studying.

Spending time with family and friends, pursuing extra-curricular interests and engaging in physical activity/ exercise are all extremely worthwhile. It is also important to remind your child how much you love and value them. If you are concerned, it is important to talk to your child’s form teacher so that we can keep a close eye on them.

CAN A CHILD BE HELPED WITH STUDY SKILLS? Doing practice questions under timed conditions both in school and at home is often very useful, as is then really engaging with the feedback provided by the teacher. Sometimes it is very difficult for the children to change their exam habits but, in order to improve, it is key that they adapt their technique in accordance with the teacher’s suggestions. We also offer a coaching facility which allows parents to approach individual staff in order to provide some extra one-to-one tuition.

WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY ON HOW TO BEST HANDLE EXAMS AND OUTCOMES FOR PARENTS AND CHILDREN? In preparation for exams, balance is essential in my opinion. Thus, whilst a calm, focussed and organised attitude is vital, I would not advise letting the exam process dominate all other aspects of family life. In terms of outcomes, the key here is not to view or refer to any schools as back-up.

If that school is the only one to make an offer and both parents and child see it as a last resort, this can impact the child’s self-esteem quite considerably and leave everyone feeling disappointed. My advice, therefore, is for parents only to apply to schools where they would be happy for their daughter to attend.

DISCUSS with your child the feedback from their teacher, they may already be aware of what they need to work on but if they don’t, talk about it. Set a goal together of something they would like to achieve based on their feedback and aim to complete this by the end of next term. Make a plan together about how they are going to get there.

For example: You’re told your child gives up every time he has to learn something new, especially times tables. The goal could be to develop a can-do attitude. Steps to getting there could be taking a new set of tables and learning them in small batches. Praise your child for the ones he has got right alongside highlighting when he is being positive towards his learning so he knows what kind of attitude is expected.

PLAN A REVIEW if you’ve set any goals with the teacher. Depending on how the teacher likes to work, this could be an email, call or face to face catch up 6-8 weeks after the initial meeting. Review how things are going and make changes if needed.

ASK OTHERS FOR HELP, don’t worry if you don’t understand something or want to know what others are doing. Lots of people will be in the same position so talk to fellow parents for advice. Alternatively, there are some great advice websites like www.theschoolrun.co.uk and www.oxfordowl.co.uk or if you have a tutor, talk to him. At Explore Learning our tutors always help parents when they need advice and will take into account your child’s recent reports and feedback when tailoring their learning. Never be afraid to ask, there is no such thing as a silly question when it comes to your child’s learning!

Centres in Brixton, East Sheen, Fulham, Merton, Nine Elms and Wandsworth. Call 020 3909 2119 or visit www.explorelearning.co.uk to book your free trial.

Eaton House The Manor 58 Clapham Common North Side, London SW4 9RU 020 7924 6000 www.eatonhouseschools.com 12 Families South West • November/December 2017

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Families South West 13

Our skilled staff prepare children aged 2­5 years for their next school and start them on a journey of life­long learning.

Incorporating art, cooking, music, sport, languages, drama, yoga and all aspects of the Early Years Curriculum. Please arrange a visit to see the learning and excitement in action. www.oaktreenurseryschool.co.uk Ramsden Hall, 21 Ramsden Road, Balham, SW12 8QX Tel: 020 8166 5932

14 Families South West • November/December 2017

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SPECIAL EDUCATION NEEDS

Touch typing a crucial skill for SEN We all agree that being able to touch type is an invaluable skill for anyone. Recent research into SEN has concluded that touch typing is not only a huge benefit for those with learning difficulties such as dyslexia or dyspraxia, but in some cases is actually considered a necessity.

Technology in learning

By Clare Creegan

Communication skills are crucial to a successful and happy life. Children who are unable to express their needs or worries can feel isolated, frustrated and confused. Pupils with special educational needs often face barriers to learning, which remain unless adaptations are made.

It is a huge relief for children who struggle with handwriting to touch type.

It also helps them with spelling, as word patterns are learnt using muscle memory. Intelligent children, who were once falling behind in class due to having difficulty translating the thoughts in their head onto paper, feel liberated. Self confidence is boosted, as is the quality of their work.

"I don't know how you make it so much fun - but whatever you do, keep doing it! They had such a marvellous time AND they learnt how to type...

Amazing!" A parent, Northcote Lodge Naomi Touch Typing aim to teach children how to touch type in one week and make it fun. For more information go to www.nmtouchtyping.co.uk

Oak Lodge School based in Wandsworth specialises in educating young people with a severe to profound diagnosis of deafness or severe speech language and communication needs.

At Oak Lodge, we use a multi modal approach to communication. This means we use British Sign Language, speech, Sign Supported English, speech reading plus Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC).

AAC systems range from pictures/symbols to high tech battery operated devices, which develop, enhance and promote communication for our young people and their families. One of the appeals of using technology to support our students is the fact that so many assistive platforms exist specifically to address communication, speech and language issues.

These include digital hearing aids, soundfield systems, cochlear implants, radio aids and bone anchored aids.

GREAT RESULTS Recent improvements and developments benefitted a number of our students. At our end of year progress review, our onsite school Speech and Language Therapist stated: “We have seen how AAC has improved the confidence and allowed an extra degree of independence to those students who are currently in receipt of AAC support”.

Pupil A pictured above is learning to use the device as a repair tool in the community when her speech and signing are unclear. She works hard and feels that she is a “hot AAC user”.

Our teachers are continually seeking innovative ways to use technology as a tool to aid communication and develop 21st century skills. One example is a useful free BSL resource for new signers developed by Oak Lodge’s Head of Art and Media, Darryl Bedford and recently published on the iBooks store. Just open this link on a Mac or iPad: http://apple.co/2yZ4QDF Anyone is welcome to visit Oak Lodge to see technology in action.

101 Nightingale Lane, Balham SW12 8NA. Contact info@oaklodge.wandsworth.sch.uk to arrange a visit.

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16 Families South West • November/December 2017

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SPECIAL EDUCATION NEEDS

What to do if your child is “different”

Has your child fallen behind at school?

By Gabrielle, mother of two

By Usha Patel of Integrated Brain

When I became pregnant, I felt like I’d stepped through the looking glass. I’d been focusing on my career and never paid too much attention to family life, but suddenly it was everywhere, and I’d unwittingly joined a new club. But when my child’s behaviour started to go off the rails, at just 18 months, it stretched the welcome of my new world to the limit. I was forced, eventually, to step through another looking glass–into the world of Special Educational Needs (SEN).

Here is what I have learnt:

The reasons for children falling behind at school can be many, from family problems to illnesses or moving house. Whatever the reasons, catching up on lost ground can become a big challenge, especially at the early stages of learning in Primary or Junior school.

Children who are behind are frequently asked to study longer hours, often at the expense of other activities.

Doing more of the same thing may lead to study fatigue and resentment could set in as their brains reach a point of saturation.

SEE YOUR DOCTOR Your first port of call is your GP. If you feel something is wrong, you don’t need to wait for the nursery or school to tell you (although they will, if they feel your child is struggling). Depending on your child’s symptoms, your GP can refer you to CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service), a Speech and Language therapist or a paediatrician.

WHAT IS THIS PROGRAMME AND WHAT DOES IT DO? Bal-A-Vis-X stands for Balance Auditory Vision Exercises. The exercises are of varied complexity and are deeply rooted in repetition and rhythm.

These will work to improve brain function.

• Helps eye tracking for reading, writing, copying and coordination tasks • Helps auditory precision, listening carefully, picking up more of what is heard • Helps reduce ‘study’ anxiety by offering vestibular stimulation and improving balance • Helps to calm the child and anchor learning—the rhythmic element of the work helps reduce "random activity" and patterns starts to be encoded, instead of repeatedly experiencing the situation as ‘new’ for the child with concentration difficulties.

• Helps increase peer interaction as the children work together.

By working to improve all aspects underpinning academic success Bal-AVis-X helps each child’s brain to work to its optimum, thus helping the child catch up faster in school.

DON’T BE ASHAMED Your child’s disability is not your fault, you didn’t ask for it and beating yourself up about it won’t help anyone. It’s natural to feel sad that your high-flying dreams for your child might not now come true, but he/she is still your child and needs you. Think positive.

GET READING Once you have received a diagnosis – or even before – read up on the problem, or what you think it is. I have amassed quite a library on Attachment Disorder, Autism, Asperger Syndrome, ADHD, inflexible children and special diets! Be aware, though, that it’s all too easy to misdiagnose your child from a book or the internet – many symptoms overlap different diagnoses, and some behavioural problems actually have their roots in physical or emotional difficulties. For instance, a child who is dyslexic might act badly through frustration, or a child with hearing problems might switch off in class because they can’t hear the teacher. It’s important to see the professionals to get a proper diagnosis.

KEEP TALKING TO YOUR CHILD’S SCHOOL/NURSERY If your child is at nursery or school, liaise with the nursery manager or head teacher about your child’s progress and behaviour, and keep them informed of any changes outside school/nursery. This can help to build up a full picture of the child’s environment, which might shed some light on the problem. Don’t get defensive—they will be trying to help you and your child, not judging you.

WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR? The training is suited for schools and parents too. The hands-on approach in the form of a practical workshop is an ideal formula for parents who want to feel empowered to make a difference. Once the techniques are learnt the parent can apply them at home with their own child or children.

Watch the really good introductory video and find out more on www.integratedbrain.co.uk

REACH OUT AND MAKE CONNECTIONS Join a support group, even before diagnosis. This might be controversial, but having a child with an SEN can be isolating, and meeting others in a similar situation’—whatever their children’s difficulties—can help you feel less alone. It’s also true that there is help out there that can’t normally be accessed before diagnosis, and you can find out about it at these groups.

BECOME A “VELVET BULLDOZER” Sandy Row, a mother of four adopted children with autism, has written a book called The Velvet Bulldozer about her determined battle with the authorities to get her children properly diagnosed and supported. If you feel you’re not getting appropriate support, don’t just give up— sometimes you have to fight for the best for your child.

Good luck!

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Every parent can benefit from this course, it will really empower you with skills required to then use at home. This course doesn’t happen all that often, so don’t miss out! The next training is 25th to 26th November 2017, London W2.

Families South West 17

CHRISTMAS EVENTS AND OFFERS

EXCLUSIVE SHOPPING MORNING

JOIN THE SANTA DASH!

Join the Caudalie Northcote Road Boutique Spa team for an exclusive Christmas shopping morning. Caudalie is the number 1 natural, anti ageing range in France.

For a hilarious day out join thousands of santas in a 5K or 10K course on Clapham Common on the 3rd December. Raise vital funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity, enjoy festive activities suitable for all: the day promises to be a Christmas bonanza not to be missed.

Discover their selection of Christmas sets, from stocking fillers to luxurious body sets, and enjoy hand massages and instant beauty mini facials.

Tuesday November 21st from 9.30 am to 1pm. They will be serving a lovely breakfast with pastries and fresh juices.

All participants will receive a complimentary Santa suit, a medal, a mulled drink and mince pie at the finish line. With a snow machine and some inspirational GOSH patients taking part, what better way to warm up to the festive season! £25 for adults and £15 for children aged 5–15. Infant entry (ages 4 and under) – free. To sign up, please visit gosh.org/londonsantadash or call the charity’s London Santa Dash team on 020 8341 3270.

LOVELY FRESH CHRISTMAS TREES

AND THEN BREATHE…

Christmas isn't Christmas until you've chosen your tree. Pines & Needles are located in Battersea, Barnes & Wimbledon Park and will be open from the 18th November. Delivery service to local postcodes for an extra cost. It couldn’t be easier! Trees are freshly cut and delivered straight from their plantations. You won't get fresher, fuller or more fabulous trees anywhere else!

Christmas time is always hectic and this is how it should be! But what could be nicer than knowing a snowy, winter break awaits you when it’s all over! Francesca, Paul and their three children live in Morzine in France all year round and run Chilly Powder. They have an excellent knowledge of Alpine traditions and the Morzine people. Having adapted their chalet holiday style over the years to suit the tastes of their regular guests, they offer the perfect ski and summer holidays for either families, couples or mixed groups in relaxing luxury, with fantastic food and outstanding facilities, with unrivalled in-house childcare facilities. For many returning guests Chilly Powder is considered a real home from home. www.chillypowder.com

USE CODE : FAM17 to get your free gift with purchase

Chelsea car park, Battersea Park; Barn Elms playing fields, Rocks Lane and Wimbledon Park, Wimbledon Park Road entrance. www.pinesandneedles.com/christmas-tree-stores 18 Families South West • November/December 2017

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JOIN FSW ON FACEBOOK! for a chance to win £1,000 worth of GOODIES

Win a Limited Edition Connecta Baby Carrier from Wear My Baby, the pop-up Boutique shop on Thursdays only at 19 Thrale Road SW16 1NS Value £100 www.wearmybaby.co.uk Win two months’ supply of Europe's first cold-pressed, organic baby food that's as good as homemade! Value £304 www.myfirstsavse.com

Love Families?

There is so much more we want to share with you.

Join us on Facebook for more what’s on, local events, great articles, tips and fantastic local businesses. We also want to know you better: what are you into?

‘Families SW’ is YOUR magazine!

To welcome you in the community, anyone who has Liked us from 14th October to 30th November will be entered in a Draw.

The winner will win ALL these prizes!

Win a free Spring term's worth of music classes for one child at any Tin Pan Annie Music Class. Classes are age specific and prize suitable for baby/child aged 3months-4 years old. 11 classes worth £93.50 www.tinpanannie.co.uk tinpanannie@btinternet.com

TO ENTER SIMPLY LIKE US ON www.facebook.com/FamiliesSWLon If you are not on Facebook text 07949 889901 or email CHRISTMAS DRAW editor@familiesSW.co.uk with your name and email address.

Competition closes 30th November. Everyone Liking us and sending us their email address will be entered in a draw. The winner will be notified on 1st December and win the whole bundle! What a Christmas present!

We promise we will NOT pass on your details to ANY third party.

Win a bundle of beautiful children’s books from Laurence King Publishing including Animals at Home, Happy, Sad, Feeling Glad: Draw & Discover, by Yasmeen Ismail, an A to Z of Monsters and Magical Beings by Rob Hodgson and Aidan Onn. Value £80 www.laurenceking.com/

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Win a FREE Waterbabies baby swimming course.

Multi-award winning baby swimming classes teaching water confidence and safety skills from birth, classes have saved more than a dozen children from drowning. 020 7585 1510 Worth £220 www.waterbabies.co.uk

Win a Little Borne Kids Wear’s perfect unisex Sweater and Jogger for kids 3-10 years designed with 10 awesome features, comes in five rich modern unisex colours that you can mix and match.

Value £50 www.littleborne.com

Win a place on a Luxury Yoga and Nutrition day retreat in a lovely environment surrounded by trees: organic plant based lunch, Nutrition surgery looking at digestive health, immune boosting, joint and muscle health, hormone support, anti-aging, yoga session and afternoon tea before you float home. sam@foodspa.org.uk 07780 600966 Value £75 www.foodspa.org.uk Win a set of the NutriKids Book series – a new way of getting children to eat healthy foods: plant the seeds of a healthy diet from a young age through these fun and informative books! Value £25 www.foodspa.org.uk

Win four hours free babysitting

by Hello Mums, The Best Babysitter Service in London!

Value £52 www.hellomums.co.uk

Families South West 19

Families Gift guide Here is a selection of gifts we love. Make sure you go and browse in your local toy shops, where you can touch and feel the quality of what you are buying and speak with specialist staff.

They will be able to give recommendations and advice.

Ballet Pointe Shoe Keyring £5.50 The Ballet Boutique is an independent local and online shop in Wimbledon. They cater for all things 'Dance' from 2 years - adults.

Dancewear, gymnastic leotards, gifts and accessories: a wide spectrum of the best manufacturers.

020 8540 9000 www.ballet-boutique.co.uk

Headband headphones £14.99 These cosy, fleece headband headphones have been designed to keep your child’s ears warm and safe from high decibels, the perfect stocking filler! Age 3 yrs + www.snugglyrascals.com Macaron Maxi Cooker £79.99 Prepare little dishes just like mum and dad and become a little chef using this pretty cooker and accessories.

From Little Heroes 638 Fulham Rd, Fulham, London SW6 5RT www.littleheroes.co.uk

Punch & Judy theatre-in-a-box £15 Choose from a wonderful variety of versatile floorstanding and tabletop puppet theatres.

Puppetmaking Workshop vouchers only £10 including materials!

787 Wandsworth Rd, London SW8 3JQ www.puppetplanet.co.uk

Vintage Rajasthani puppet £28 Puppet Planet is an emporium full of traditional puppets from all round the world at affordable prices, great stocking fillers too.

787 Wandsworth Rd, London SW8 3JQ www.puppetplanet.co.uk

20 Families South West • November/December 2017

Hand decorated wooden box £21.99 Anne Taylor Design online store offers personalised and individually hand decorated gifts, furniture and home accessories for children. Age group : newborn to 8 years. www.anne-taylor.co.uk 020 8748 9279

Hape Park & Go Garage £59.99 With four levels of parking, petrol pumps and a roof with landing pad.

From Little Heroes 638 Fulham Rd, Fulham, London SW6 5RT www.littleheroes.co.uk

Give food Remember to make donations to your local Foodbank. Drop non perishable items in participating supermarkets or go online to find the nearest drop points like churches and halls.

No one should go hungry at Christmas. www.trusselltrust.org

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1.

Come to Hamleys this Christmas!

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1. Hamleys Bakewell Bear £140 RRP, 2. Hatchimals Egg Surprise £74.99 RRP 3. Hamleys Slime Factory £25 RRP, 4. Hamleys Magic Drawing Board £15 RRP 5. Baby Ellie & Friends Interactive Baby doll £29.99 RRP, 6. Cycling Paddington £29.99 7. Sylvanian Families Striped Cat Family Set £17.99 RRP 8. Lucky Voice gold karaoke Mic £29.99 RRP

8.

Selected lines, subject to availability in store and online www.hamleys.com Familiesonline.co.uk

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22 Families South West • November/December 2017

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PARTY SPECIAL

Did someone say PARTY? Here is some of the best advice around!

The differing needs and interests of each age group largely dictate what makes for a successful party. Follow your instinct and these simple tips:

TEN TIPS TO A STRESS-FREE MAGICAL PARTY HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR ENTERTAINER Hiring an entertainer is a sure way to make sure the birthday child will feel very special. However there are some simple tips to follow to make sure your investment pays off.

Boo Boo, the children’s entertainer gives some really useful tips:

Richard Pinner of Peter Pinner Entertainment shares his advice TWO TO THREE MONTHS IN ADVANCE Choose your venue, pick up Families South West and reserve your entertainment (Richard Pinner, hint hint)!

FOUR WEEKS IN ADVANCE Send out the invites. There are some fabulous electronic invitations out there.

TWO WEEKS IN ADVANCE Buy the decorations, order helium balloons, decide on party gifts and buy the ingredients. Children love an old fashioned party bag. Try and limit plastic toys that will clog up the environment.

1. THE ENTERTAINER SHOULD BE OPENING THE PARTY. Make sure the entertainer arrives well before the children do. An entertainer is a professional, he will need time to set up and get everything ready. A good entertainer will want to create maximum impact for a memorable party. If the children get there first, the elements of surprise and wonder will be ruined.

2. LESS IS MORE Crowd control - ah that's the way to do it! Experienced party entertainers are a sound investment, bringing fun and games so you can sit back and enjoy the fun. Don’t let the children run around wild before the entertainer arrives, they simply won’t get the same experience out of the show if they are excited, hot and boisterous.

Rather hand them over immediately to the entertainer who will make sure the children have plenty of fun. That is what you are paying for after all.

THE WEEK BEFORE – THE BUILD UP! Set aside an afternoon to make up the party bags together. Each evening after school, make up a new decoration: a banner, ring chains, bunting, balloons—all can be done at home at a very low cost and is such fun to do! Make the cake (or pick it up), children love baking ! Let the birthday child help with decorating. This is always fun to build up the excitement and can become a fun family tradition.

THE DAY BEFORE Get everything in one place. Just like going on holiday you don't want to be searching for the charger when you should be on the road! (Top tip - always take cellotape, scissors and bin liners.)

And now enjoy! 020 7352 3524 Hello@MagicAndLaughter.co.uk

www.MagicAndLaughter.co.uk

3. NO LOOSE BALLOONS DURING THE SHOW Please don’t fill the room with loose balloons, which can burst and seriously distract the children. (By all means pin them around the room or tied on chairs instead, they make great parting gifts.) An entertainer provides a piece of theatre: you wouldn’t take children to the theatre, sit them all down and let them play with balloons during the show. If you have to have a bouncy castle it must be turned off when the entertainer is doing the show.

Boo Boo 07961 355 269 http://mrbooboo.co.uk/

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The Children’s Entertainer Fun & Games, Mini Disco, Magic, Juggling, Puppet Shows 07961 355269

www.mrbooboo.co.uk Recommended by the Evening Standard

Families South West 23

PARTY SPECIAL

POPULAR AND UNUSUAL PARTY THEMES

CREATIVE AND ACTIVE PARTIES

Who to ask, but Twizzle, which are the most unusual party themes these days? The Twizzle team organise and run the best parties in town with entertainers who are professionals; many with a background in theatre and television, some are also members of the Magic Circle.

Amanda's Action Club is proud to present their brand new and exciting party packages named 'Creactive'.

It is a new concept for children's birthday parties and suitable for children from 4 to 8 years. After all a creative child is also an active child so they have cleverly combined the two.

Peter of Twizzle says they have organised lavish productions including an Action Man bash with a real tank and soldiers, a Batman party with the actual Batmobile and a Cinderella party with life-size coach and horses. When a client wanted a Western theme, the Twizzle team sourced child-size cowboy wagons for the children to ride around in and organised line dancing after tea.

The flamenco party had a live band and a professional dancer to teach the children the moves. Secret agent parties are also very popular: the children receive secret agent training to perform a task like riding a big Sega motorbike machine. Or they can bring a mini zoo, with creepy crawlies and snakes.

Traditional birthday tea parties, sports parties and for the older children discos, catwalks and themed parties are still very popular too. They can cater for any budget. Your booking is in the hands of a brilliant team.

020 8392 0860 www.twizzle.co.uk

With Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum packages to choose from, they have a party to suit everyone's creative and physical needs. You simply choose one of their creative activities (Ceramic decorating , Build my bear, Arts & craft etc) then an active entertainment (sports, street dance, games etc) to give the children a thoroughly engaging, stimulating and unforgettable experience. All their parties run for 2 hours and quotes are for up to 15 children, though larger parties can be catered for (price on application).

For full details on the packages available please contact the team on 01895 623999 or email info@amandasactionclub.co.uk

FOX Limousines

Limousine hire for Children's Birthdays, School Proms, Tours White, Pink, Black Limousines Soft drinks and balloons for children's parties

T: 020 8406 3758 or 0844 856 5466 www.foxlimousines.co.uk info@foxlimousines.co.uk

PARTIES! Wonderfully fun musical parties for your under-5’s! Guitar-accompanied songs with actions, joining in, jumping and dancing, instruments, puppet and parachute!

The perfect party for little ones.

Call 020 8677 6871 info@blueberryplaysongs.co.uk www.blueberryplaysongs.co.uk

24 Families South West • November/December 2017

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PARTY SPECIAL

GIVE YOUR CHILD THE ULTIMATE POPSTAR RECORDING STUDIO PARTY! If you have a budding popstar driving you crazy at home, let him/her forget singing into the hairbrush and have a go at the real thing. Studiostars offers a real recording session in a fabulous studio with a party thrown in! This exciting and original party has been the talk of London’s playgrounds for almost 15 years. It’s well organised and amazing fun for children and teens.

It’s really easy for parents as everything is included: music, lyrics, drinks and snacks, plus a photoshoot and a CD per person. All you have to do is turn up and let the Studiostars staff take over while you relax with a coffee. There’s free parking and soundproof lounges to hide away, or you can get involved and listen to the mix in the control room.

The children will choose their songs, name their band, and make their first CD. They’ll record three tunes over an amazing two hours, with plenty of time to take photos and videos. There’s loads of room for parents and guests, and the team will show you some of the tricks they use to make real pop singers sound better. There’s also a photoshoot for the CD cover, which usually involves plenty of pop star posing!

The party is for a maximum of 10 children aged from 9 to 18 years.

They even run parties for adults—plenty of mums and dads have booked their own sessions afterwards! It’s an unforgettable event, ideal for that special birthday or treat. It is so successful they have children coming back year on year – the record so far is five!

After you’ve gone, the studio engineers mix the tracks to make the children sound better than ever. They print the cover shot onto your CDs and then send out copies for you to give all the guests.

To find out more visit www.studiostars.co.uk

EDDIE CATZ With three sites (Wimbledon, Putney and Earlsfield) Eddie Catz offers a fantastic variety of party packages to suit all ages and budgets. Did you know you can hire the whole Earlsfield venue for a real VIP treat for your birthday prince or princess? The Putney venue is ideal for children 0-7yrs, as this bright space has a gentle playframe, games, rides and dressing up. Parties can also be themed to a favourite character. The large facilities in Wimbledon make it great fun for all ages: it has a giant playframe, a dedicated Toddler playframe, a sports pitch and a disco for older children. They also offer Laser Tag parties at the Wimbledon venue, and parents even get a go after the final round!

As well as their popular “Eddie Party” (3-10yrs), they throw Toddler Parties for under 3s, evening Laser Tag parties (6-12 years) and the ever popular Make a Bear parties.

•68-70 Putney High Street SW15 1SF, •42 Station Road SW19 2LP •279 Magdalen Road SW18 3NZ 0203 4755268 www.eddiecatz.com

Silly Millie the Clown 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

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26 Families South West • November/December 2017

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FAMILY HEALTH

Should all newborns receive the hepatitis-B vaccine?

By Dr Richard Halvorsen On 26 September a new 6-in-1 vaccine became part of the NHS baby immunisation schedule, replacing the old 5-1 vaccine by adding a new hepatitis-B vaccine. It is an addition that deeply worries me. The vaccine might make sense if most children were at risk of contracting hepatitis B but, in fact, hardly any children in Britain are.

Hepatitis B is contracted through blood or sex, making it virtually impossible for children to contract the disease unless a child is inadvertently exposed to a carrier’s blood. Thus, six to nine children contract the disease every year in the UK of which two through infection in the womb.

If there were no concerns about the vaccine, one might argue what harm is there?

However, the vaccine has been linked to multiple sclerosis (MS), a serious disabling neurological condition. In 2013, for example, an Italian court ruled that the same 6-in-1 that is now being given to babies in the UK caused the death of a Published in October 2017 £9.99 six-month old baby girl in 2003. A bit.ly/vaccines-halvorsen UK study, furthermore, found that people given the hepatitis B vaccine were three more times likely to develop MS than those who had not received the vaccine.

These are facts that certainly give pause for thought. But inclusion of this unnecessary vaccine in a combined 6-in-1 vaccine poses a difficult problem for those parents. The only way to omit the hepatitis B vaccine is to omit also the other 5 vaccines. This is now only possible by seeking smaller component vaccines privately.

Worryingly, hep-B is the second seemingly unnecessary vaccine to have been introduced into the UK schedule. The rotavirus vaccine was introduced in 2013 to protect against a sickness and diarrhoea illness that does not kill or cause permanent harm to children in this country. The latest new vaccine increases the number of vaccines given to babies by 16 weeks from 21 to 24.

The number of vaccines given to babies under the age of 15 months has more than trebled since the MMR from 13 in 1987 to 31 in 2017.

Each vaccine works in a different way, and generally we don’t know enough about the side-effects of each new child vaccine. New ones should only be introduced if they combat a serious disease that could strike all children in the UK rather than with extremely rare occurrence, such as hep-B.

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Natural Oils for colds and flu

By Anja Brierley Lange, aromatherapist, ayurvedic practitioner and yoga teacher

As we enter the season of sniffles, colds and coughs, why not support yourselves using plant power? Essential oils are distilled or extracted from plants. They are aromatic, pure, and easy to use. Here are my favourites: Rosemary: It’s mucolytic actions and clear sharp aroma makes it perfect for congestion and colds.

Thyme: This essential oil is an immune stimulant, expectorant and has broncho-stimulant properties making it perfect for colds, coughs and sore throats.

Eucalyptus: A favourite for all things coughs and colds. An expectorant loosing any phlegm so it is easier to breathe again.

Another anti-bacterial and antiviral essential oil perfect for the season.

How to use essential oils: To gain the best benefits for the whole family use a diffuser or essential oil burner: a couple of drops mixed with water and the aroma is diffused in the room, the properties inhaled working their healing properties through the olfactory and respiratory systems. If you don’t have a diffuser add oils into recently boiled water and let the steam infuse your space. Alternatively enjoy a steam inhalation.

•Anja Brierley Lange, aromatherapist, ayurvedic practitioner and yoga teacher: For more details on essential oils visit yogaembodied.com/blog Disclaimer: All information is for education only and are not suggested to treat, cure or diagnose. Never take essential oils internally or neat unless advised by a professional. Please note not all essential oils are appropriate for everyone. People with epilepsy and pregnant women should ask their health provider for advice. Children under 2 years old are not recommended application of essential oil unless advised by a qualified aromatherapist.

Families South West 27

PUBLIC SPEAKING Individual Tuition: Verse & Prose, Reading, Acting, Interview Technique, Confidence.

LAMDA/Trinity exams taken.

C. Price. 0207 735 3156 / 07721 762351 clareprice@tiscali.co.uk A. Wieland. tony@wieland.force9.co.uk

BLOSSOM TREE CHILDCARE 0844 879 7189 www.likeminders.co.uk

Affordable Childcare

Calling all baby Scientists!

Help us discover how babies learn!

Calling all infants from birth to 18 months to take part in fun studies at the Birkbeck Babylab in central London. We provide a black cab if you live within 5 miles of Birkbeck, or we refund any travel expenses.

020 7631 6258 babylab@bbk.ac.uk www.cbcd.bbk.ac.uk

Long and short term affordable, Au pairs and Nannies We are a family-based Agency offering advice and assistance to families thinking about childcare options.

We shall support you before, after and during all placements.

Look forward to hearing from you. info@blossomtreechildcare.co.uk 020 3302 7197 www.blossomtreechildcare.co.uk

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

020 8462 4646 - 07802 535695

28 Families South West • November/December 2017

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FAMILY HEALTH

Is it a common cold or bad bout of the flu?

Spot the signs and know the treatments

By Amy Bibby, doctor with Qure, the new on-demand healthcare app

As the UK prepares itself for what is said will be one of the worst flu epidemics in recent times, it’s important to be able to distinguish between the common cold and a bad case of the flu. We asked Amy Bibby, doctor with Qure, to tell us how to spot the symptoms of flu and how best to treat it should you be unfortunate enough to come down with it over the winter.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A COLD AND THE FLU One of the reasons people tend to struggle in identifying whether or not they have the flu is because the symptoms are very similar. Sufferers of both ailments may find themselves with a blocked or runny nose, a sore throat, headache, cough and general feelings of fatigue. However, while cold symptoms can leave you feeling run down and out of sorts, the flu tends me be more severe. Despite common misconceptions, the flu isn’t just a “bad cold”. It can be very serious so needs to be treated appropriately.

two and over the age of 65 are entitled to a free vaccination, anyone between those ages may have to pay for theirs. Vaccinations can be done either at your local surgery or at a time and location that suits you via the Qure app.

If you do catch the flu, treating it is pretty simple: get a lot of rest, drink plenty of fluids and manage your temperature with paracetamol or antiinflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen. Ensure you don’t go into the office and try to stay away from any others who you may pass the virus onto. If you are a relatively healthy person, you should be feeling better within a week or so.

SO WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

TREATING A COLD

Whereas a cold is bacterial, the flu is a virus, meaning they act differently and affect your body in different ways.

Like the flu, treating a cold can be done from home and in a similar way.

Drinking plenty of fluids (to replace the fluid lost through sweating and a runny nose), resting up and eating healthily—a low fat, high fibre diet is recommended, including plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.

A cold tends to develop gradually over one or two days, meaning you're most contagious during the early stages when you have a runny nose and sore throat. However, with most colds you should begin to feel better within a few days (apart from in rare cases when a cold can last up to two weeks).

The flu, however, usually comes on much faster. Symptoms tend to appear one to three days after infection and where a cold will usually cause more nasal problems, the flu will give you a fever, make you feel lethargic and your muscles will ache. With the flu, you should begin to feel better within a week or so, although it’s likely that you may feel tired for much longer.

TREATING THE FLU Because flu is caused by a virus and not bacteria, antibiotics won't treat it.

First of all, getting a flu vaccine is highly recommended, especially with the recent news on the flu pandemic this winter. Patients under the age of

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You can also try some over-the-counter medication such as painkillers, decongestants and cold medicines. Of course, if you’re taking any of these ensure you read the label and understand what you can and cannot take together.

As always with any contagious illness or infection, ensure you keep contact with others at a minimum and always make sure you practice good hygiene so as to not pass the infection on. If you’re ever unsure about your symptoms or are worried about them, get in contact with your GP, or arrange an at-home appointment via our Qure app.

• Qure is one of London's newest and most innovative health services. It provides a speedy 24/7 'doctor to your door' service via an app, offering affordable medical attention at the touch of a button.

To find out more about Qure and flu vaccination prices, please visit: www.getqure.com

Families South West 29

Make a splash! ... at Dawmouse Montessori School Come and see how we teach with passion in our two Montessori Schools in Fulham.

Fully qualified staff, small class ratios, established for over 20 years, modern in our approach.

Call Miss Emma on 020 8398 9294 or visit our website www.dawmouse.co.uk

30 Families South West • November/December 2017

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FAMILY HEALTH

Avoid baby walkers and prefer floor play time The power of kindness in osteopathy

By The Osteopathic Centre for Children

In this world of political upheaval and social tension, there is much talk of kindness in medical and complementary medicine circles. But what, in truth, is kindness? Is the human heart honestly capable of it and does it have a special place in the world of osteopathy?

The Osteopathic Centre for Children (OCC) is a UK charity specialising in paediatric osteopathy based in Wandsworth, with an outreach clinic in Shoreditch. The OCC’s osteopaths treat perinatal women, babies and children up to 18 years for a range of childhood issues as well as more complex conditions. Kindness is at the heart of the OCC’s culture, as demonstrated by the number of osteopaths volunteering, delivery of treatment on a donate-what-you-can basis and a peer-to-peer collaborative approach to treatment.

By Christine Julien-Laferrière, Physiotherapist specialised in paediatrics and women’s health

Physiotherapists have campaigned against the use of baby walkers for many years. They are not recommended for two main reasons: safety and motor development.

SAFETY RISKS Even under supervision baby walkers are the cause of too many accidents (4,000 a year) including head injuries and burns.

They are banned in countries like in Canada.

BABY-WALKERS DON’T HELP A CHILD TO WALK Research shows their use may inhibit your child’s motor development. Studies found that babies who spent time in baby walkers were slower to crawl, stand and walk than other babies who do not.

Baby walkers place children in a vertical position when they are not physically ready for it. They do not have the strength to support their bodyweight. They often can’t put their feet flat on the floor so they tiptoe. The increase of the calf muscles tone can encourage a persistent “toe-walking” pattern. Also as the baby is supported in a sling, the core and trunk muscles are not activated.

Earlier this year, the OCC asked osteopaths attending their bi-annual Conference how important they felt kindness was in their practice.

Many cited it as ‘essential’, particularly when working with children.

‘Children are the barometers of kindness’, said one, ‘you can’t treat (children) unkindly, i.e. using unkindness’. Another commented that kindnesses in the form of touch and listening, ‘holding the space for the patient’, were key to her practice. Many spoke of the mutually beneficial nature of kindness, the ‘human to human contact’, while others explained how kindnesses experienced had transformed them and so their practise.

For parents it is not easy to juggle looking after children and getting other things done. Content devices as sling seats, jumpers and baby walkers seem a safe choice but they should ideally be used 20 minutes per day.

The use of playpen and room dividers under supervision are a good alternative to get those few minutes of peace and free time.

Marta came to the OCC for treatment for both herself and her 3 week old son. Treatment helped her baby to relax and for her it relieved the tension and stresses she was feeling on her body. But it was the kindness that struck her the most.

While moving independently, they achieve at their own rhythm new skills and milestones like rolling, getting to hands and knees, crawling, pulling up to stand and cruising around furniture. When they feel ready to stand and take few steps, they can benefit from a steady baby-rider or pushalong walker.

‘I experienced not only professionalism but also kindness in various ways – through gestures, words and through the eyes. It was an emotional time and the clinic gave me a lot of support.’

Perhaps it is through small acts of genuine kindness that we can make the most difference.

• Find out more about the OCC and their principle of kindness at www.occ.uk.com 0208 875 5290 enquiries@occ.uk.com

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FLOOR IS THE BEST PLACE TO PLAY Allow plenty of time to play freely on the floor in a safe environment. Give your child opportunities to explore, reach and move independently while at the same time they develop strength and movement control, core stability and coordination.

The Association of Paediatric Physiotherapists APCP has produced a leaflet which can be downloaded on their website. “Baby walkers - are they necessary? “ If you require more information or advice about the use of baby walkers or if you have concerns about your child’s development, do not hesitate to contact one of our paediatric physiotherapists at Physio for All who would be very happy to help you.

Physiotherapy, Osteopathy and Sports injury clinics

www.Physio4all.com 40 Webbs Road, SW11 6SF 020 7228 2141 info@physio4all.com

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32 Families South West • November/December 2017

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Families South West 33

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY LISTINGS We took every care in preparing these entries but sometimes events are cancelled or times changed.

Please double check event with the organiser to avoid disappointment.

FUN DAY ACTIVITIES EDDIE CATZ Putney, Wimbledon and Earlsfield •First Floor, 68-70 Putney High Street SW15 1SF •42 Station Road SW19 2LP •279 Magdalen Road SW18 3NZ 0203 4755268 eddiecatz.com Throughout Christmas Holidays Holiday Activities Across the three London branches – Putney, Earlsfield and Wimbledon Colliers Wood – there will be plenty of holiday camps, creative workshops and parties to choose from. See www.eddiecatz.com for more information and to book online.

Prices usually include lunch and a free play at the venue, plus Eddie Catz appears in all venues twice a day to meet and greet the children.

FIRST HAND EXPERIENCES Jesse Mylne Education Centre, Fulham Palace, Bishop's Avenue SW6 6EA 01843 652833 www.firsthandexperiences.co.uk Dates in December TBC Christmas Holiday Camps These children's camps explore seasonal, nature-based themes that celebrate the natural world. Day camps, clubs and sleep-away adventures. Fabulous fun. Prices vary depending on camp, sibling discounts available, age 3-11.

THE BUTTERFLY PRESCHOOL 32b Webbs Road SW11 6SF 020 7738 0019 www.thebutterflypreschool.co.uk 18-22 December Fun Christmas Camps Christmas craft activities, Christmas baking and Forest School. 9am-3.30pm, half day and full day options, from £12 per hour First Hand Experiences offers amazing nature based activities

BOCKETTS FARM Leatherhead, Surrey www.bockettsfarm.co.uk From 23 November to 24 December

ARTS AND CRAFTS ST LUKE’S EARLS COURT St Luke's Church, Redcliffe Gardens, SW10 9HF www.stlukeschurch.co.uk

PAINT POTS FESTIVE FUN

Experience a magical Christmas at Bocketts Farm.

There will be so much to do: Children will be able to hop on board the Santa Express to his magical hay barn workshop and once inside, each child will meet Father Christmas and receive a gift. In December there will be 25 gorgeous new born lambs due, a children’s craft area, Christmas trail and plenty of indoor play. A fantastic place for a great day out.

Advance online booking to see Father Christmas, visit the website for dates, prices and availability.

Paint Pots The Boltons, St Mary The Boltons Church Hall, The Boltons, SW10 9TB Book online at www.paintpotshouse.com 18-22 December Paint Pots Festive Fun sessions include arts, crafts, music, games and other seasonal activities. All sessions are run by their fully qualified Nursery School and Creative Classes teachers. Suitable for 3-6 yrs *All sessions are unaccompanied.

9.30am-12.30pm, £45 / 9.30am-3.30pm, £65

BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM

Fabulous Christmas craft activities at The Butterfly Preschool

34 Families South West • November/December 2017

Bartholomew Lane, EC2R 8AH 020 7601 5545, www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum 18-22 and 27-29 December Colouring in 2018 It's time to get creative this festive season. Colour your way into 2018 by decorating a Museum-inspired calendar and bring some of your favourite Museum objects to life. The calendar will include museum events for 2018, the perfect way to plan ahead. Free, with free chocolate too!

25th November Come join St Luke's Earls Court for a Messy Christmas! A fun way for families to get ready for Christmas with crafts, activities, songs and food! Suggested donation £3 per family. From 3-5pm.

17th December It's time for Family Carols on Sunday morning at 11am in St Luke's Church. All ages welcome as we celebrate the season

DOVE STUDIOS 105 Dovehouse Street, Chelsea, SW3 07775 682 094 www.dove-studios.com Mon-Fri during Term Time and Holiday Camps 11-13th December Dove Art Club at Dove Studios are making art fun for all ages. Brilliant craft and creativity sessions for adults, children, groups and 1:1 classes. Ages 3 (parent accompanied), 4+ (unaccompanied).

Open 10am-6pm.

Contact them and join today for their Christmas craft bonanza!

GEFFRYE MUSEUM 136 Kingsland Road E2 8EA www.geffrye-museum.org.uk Throughout Christmas Holidays Holiday Activities Inspired by the museum’s displays, these free holiday activities will explore a variety of themes. Activities will include Nursery Rhyme Time and craft and storytelling sessions for 2-5 year olds, plus art and craft activities for older children. Age 2-16.

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CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY LISTINGS LITTLE HOUSE OF SCIENCE Imperial College South Kensington, SW7 2AZ 0800 092 1062 www.littlehouseofscience.com 5-7 December Christmas Scientific Space Odyssey This 3-day space programme will combine hands on projects in physics, chemistry, geology and engineering. Children will look at the most fascinating space projects: Cassini, Voyagers and Rosetta. What is the Big Bang?

They will also build rockets and design spacesuits for their space travel! 3 days, 10am–3pm, 4-11 years, drop-off.

12-14 December Christmas Scientific Arctic Adventure Discover the fascinating and undiscovered worlds of the Arctic and Antarctica. This 3day Polar programme will combine hands on experiments in biology, chemistry, geology, ecology and engineering. Children will learn how the climate affects the ecosystems. The children will also learn about temperature, properties of snow and how snowflakes are formed. 3 days, 10am-3pm, 4-11 years, drop-off.

LANGUAGES INKHEAD Courses in Brixton and Beckenham 07943 514408 inkhead.co.uk Throughout Christmas Holidays Christmas Holiday Courses Creative writing courses for ages 8-11. Plus private tuition for Years 3 to 8 in both English comprehension and writing.

NAOMI MARTIN TOUCH TYPING •Sinclair House School, 59 Fulham High Street SW6 3JJ •Dawes Road Hub, Matthew Court, 20 Dawes Road SW6 7EN 07949 204553, www.nmtouchtyping.co.uk Throughout Christmas Holidays Touch Typing Courses Touch typing courses for children aged 7+, classes are 90 minutes long, £250 for the week. Classes are mixed age and ability. Sibling discounts available.

YELLOWBIRD EDUCATION • Parsons Green Prep School, 1 Fulham Park Road, Fulham

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SW6 4LJ • St Luke’s Church, 194 Ramsden Road SW12 8RQ 020 7731 0695 / 07790 912318, hello@yellowbirdeducation.com www.yellowbirdeducation.com 18-20 December Creative Writing and Exam Prep Workshops Perfect your child’s comprehension, writing and interview skills in time for January exams, for age 7+, 8+ and 11+.

Includes Creative Writing, Discursive Writing and Interview Practice Sessions. Prices vary depending on course.

3 December and 2 January Practice makes Perfect! 7+, 8+, 10+ and 11+ mock exams offered in Clapham and Fulham, 9.30am and 2.30pm.

ET PATATI PATATA Thomas’ Academy, Parsons Green SW7 07966 893674, caroline@etpatatipatata.com www.etpatatipatata.com Dates in December Fun French Day Camp Join the award winning French immersion programme and learn French without leaving London.

Fun activities including French music, French art, patisserie, French coding, French musical, sport…and it’s all 100% French fun!

9 December Christmas Event Taking place in many Petit Bateau stores across London - fun and educational Christmas arts & crafts, songs and dances…all magical Christmas fun with a French touch. No booking required, just drop in when you like. All ages and levels of French welcome, free.

9 December Librairie La Page Taking place at Librairie La Page Bookshop, 7 Harrington Road, South Kensington SW7 3ES, 3.30pm-4pm 1-3 yrs old and 4.15pm-5pm 3-6 yrs old. All levels of French welcome.

MUSIC AND DRAMA FUNKY MONKEY KEYBOARD CLASSES Streatham, Balham, Herne Hill, Beckenham 01732 457100, mail@funkymonkey.info www.funkymonkey.info Dates in December TBC

Stagecoach Battersea one day musical workshop Funky ‘One Hit Wonder’ Taster Days Leave your little ones in their capable, creative hands and nip off to your local shops to indulge in a little 'you' time before Christmas! Funky Monkey Keyboard Classes fun filled 'Jingle Bells' music workshops are a

22-29 December Christmas Holiday Workshops A range of exciting holiday workshops for budding actors, directors, designers and costume makers, including Snowy Stories, Snow Queen Shadows and New Year’s Eve Quirky Character Party.

Ages, times, dates and prices vary, see website for details.

ALLSORTS DRAMA perfect Christmas themed taster day for 4-8 yr old beginner musicians, introducing them to the electronic keyboard, how it works, and how to start reading and writing music too, 10am-2pm, £40/£35 sibling discount.

FUNKY MOVES DANCE Balham, Dulwich and Wimbledon 07810 431101, info@funkymoves.com www.funkymoves.com Dates in December Christmas Holiday Courses Amazing Street Dance workshops, break dance skills class, funky arts and crafts activities, fancy dress games and spectacular performances. 9.30am–12.30pm daily, age 3-12, £105 + VAT per course.

POLKA THEATRE 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB 020 8543 4888 www.polkatheatre.com

More House School SW1 Notting Hill Prep School W11 020 8969 3249 www.allsortsdrama.com Drama Workshops Popular and fun drama workshops for ages 4-6 and 711, dates vary depending on venue. The perfect way to keep your child entertained and stimulated in a creative and structured way.

STAGECOACH BATTERSEA Venues in Battersesa 07956 288928 www.stagecoach.co.uk/Battersea 21 December One Day West End Musical Theatre Workshop A brilliant opportunity to learn songs, routines and scenes from top shows with experienced musical theatre practitioners. 9.30am-5pm, with friends and family invited to watch at the end of the day.

Age 6-14.

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CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY LISTINGS MERTON ACTIVE Venues across Merton 020 8545 3663 www.merton.gov.uk/activekids Throughout Christmas Holidays Christmas Holiday Activities Get active with Merton’s range of leisure activities. Find something for everyone with arts and sports courses. Brush up on your racquet skills with tennis and badminton, or choose from football and golf or even arts and crafts and music classes. From £10 per hour, age 5+

PLAYBALL Offer your child the gift of swimming with Swimway

UPBEAT MUSIC Thomas’s Academy, New Kings Road, SW6 4LY 07816 901396 www.upbeatmusiccourses.co.uk 21-22 December Write a Song for Christmas Get Christmassy with this jampacked 2 day course including singing, dance, electric guitars and drums, songwriting, recording and performance. Age 4-12, 10am4pm. Introduce a new friend to Upbeat and receive 25% off.

FULHAM FC FOUNDATION Venues in Fulham 0870 442 5432, holidaycourses@fulhamfc.com www.fulhamfc.com Throughout Christmas Holidays Holiday Courses Holiday courses for all abilities in a fun and challenging environment.

3-5yrs, 9-11am, 6-14 yrs, 9am3pm, from £15 per day.

KIDDIKICKS

SPORT CENTRAL LONDON GOLF CENTRE Burntwood Lane SW17 0AT 020 8871 2468 www.clgc.co.uk Throughout Christmas Holidays Junior Golf Holiday Camps These fun-based camps for 7-14 year olds are tailored to children of all levels, whether they want to try golf or have been playing for some time. Morning only camp 9am12pm, £30, whole day camp 9am3pm, £45. Bring a packed lunch.

CHELSEA FC SOCCER SCHOOL Venues across SW London 020 7957 8220 londondevelopment@chelseafc.com / soccerschools@chelseafc.com www.chelseafc.com/foundation / www.chelseasoccerschools.co.uk Throughout Christmas Holidays London Soccer School For boys and girls aged 4-13. Times vary according to course, from £30.

Across South West London 020 7937 7965, sarah@kiddikicks.co.uk www.kiddikicks.couk Throughout Christmas Holidays Holiday Sessions Kiddikicks (football 18m to 5 years) Kiddisports (multi-sport 18m to 5 years) and Ligasoccer (football Under 8’s) sessions run throughout the holidays. 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.

Battersea Park / Oak Lodge School, Nightingale Lane 020 8123 2217 www.playballlondon.com Throughout Christmas Holidays Holiday Camps High quality, ageappropriate, fun holiday activities for children aged 3-9 years. Venue varies depending on date, 10am1pm.

Dates in December TBC Intensive Courses A 5-day intensive splash courses where children swim everyday with same instructor. All lessons are 30 minutes each day, running between 9am-12pm Monday to Friday.

YOUNGSTARS MULTISPORTS AND ACTIVITY CAMP Balham, Clapham, Parsons Green, Putney and Wimbledon 07749 343116, info@youngstars.co.uk www.young-stars.co.uk 18-22 December Half Term Holiday Camps Plenty of fun, games and excitement whilst kids are introduced to all aspects of sports in an all inclusive and noncompetitive environment. 3-10 years, times and prices vary.

SWIMWAY Balham, East Sheen, Putney, Kensington, Kew Gardens and Wimbledon 020 8871 3972, info@swimway.co.uk www.swimway.co.uk 18-22 December Swimming Courses Intensive courses to improve your child’s swimming technique, on a private or semi-private basis.

Courses run for half an hour each day, book early to avoid disappointment. Age 3-9, dates and times dependent on venue.

SW SWIMMING SCHOOL Emanuel School and Burntwood School 0208 767 2723, operations@swswimschool.co.uk www.swswimschool.co.uk

ROLE MODELS Pimlico SW1V 3AT 020 3637 7107 info@rolemodels.me www.rolemodels.me 18-21 December Confidence and Resilience Course The course includes team-building exercises, interview skills, debating and public speaking, focusing on developing a growth mindset and the key ‘soft’ skills required to thrive at school, at home and in life ahead. Cost is £390 (incl VAT and lunch), 10am-3pm, suitable for 8-12yrs.

LITTLE GYM Smugglers Way SW18 1DB 020 8874 6567, wandsworth_fulham@thelittlegym.eu www.wandsworthfulham.thelittlegym.eu Throughout Christmas Holidays Holiday Fun Don’t miss out on these ever popular camps at their Wandsworth gym. These 3-hour camps (OFSTED approved) for over 3s build new skills and develop confidence while the kids have loads of FUN. Call the team for specific timings.

36 Families South West • November/December 2017

Role Models help children develop resilience and confidence

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CHILDREN’S ACTIVITY CLASSES

GET AHEAD AND BOOK JANUARY CLASSES NOW

The Strings Club

The Siegeris School of Dance

THE GIFT OF MUSIC

CREATIVE WRITING THROUGH ART AND GAMES

A musical instrument remains a popular choice for a special gift under the tree. But where do parent/guardians start when considering what to buy? And how do you make sure your child gets the most from their wonderful new gift? We asked Amy, director at The Strings Club, an award-winning music education company, to offer you advice on inspirational musical gift this festive season: 1. Choose an instrument to suit your child’s age. For children aged 4 or 5 we know from experience ukulele and violin are perfect because they are small and light.

2. Make sure it is the right size and good quality! Be careful when buying an instrument online. We recommend visiting your friendly local music shop to try out some instruments.

3. Don’t forget to accessorise. You will need things like a tuner, violin rosin, cases for ukulele/guitar.

4. Learn how to tune the instrument—this is a hard thing for children to master and will boost your listening pleasure!

5. Practice makes perfect! Weekly music lessons will help turn their new gift into an amazing skill for life.

The Strings Club’s Spring Term Time Classes start Saturday 13th January, from 9.30am, and priced from only £15 per lesson. If you any questions about instruments and courses or want to book give The Strings Club a call on 0121 296 9204 or go to www.thestringsclub.org/termtime

Katherine Smith, Oxford Graduate, is pleased to now offer Spring Term Classes.

Inspire your children to become confident artists and writers with these wonderful classes. Katherine is already running holiday classes with great success.

Saturdays, Holy Trinity Church, Wimbledon 9am-9.45am: 6-7 year olds 10am-11am: 7-8 year olds 11.45am-12.45pm: 9-11 year olds Sundays, Raynes Park High School 9am-10am: Years 3-4 £240 per term, 6 students per class 07779 100 659 katherine.smith@gmail.com

www.paintwritenow.co.uk

THE SIEGERIS SCHOOL OF DANCE The Spring Term 2018 at The Siegeris School of Dance starts on Monday 8 January. The dance school boasts a really happy environment with a professional, enthusiastic approach and a high standard of teaching. They follow the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) and Imperial Society of Teaching of Dancing (ISTD) syllabi giving students the opportunity to be entered for examinations as well as performing opportunities in their dance school shows. Their vision is to maximise your child’s confidence, poise, co-ordination, performance and expression.

Classes in Mitcham, Raynes Park, Tooting, Wimbledon and Wimbledon Park. They also run the gorgeous Ballet Boutique in Wimbledon for all your ballet purchases. Do go and have a browse!

Book a free trial class today www.siegerisdance.com 07730 536 499

AMANDA’S ACTION CLUB We love the energy of Amanda’s Action Club! They offer a unique combination of fitness and music sessions for babies and pre-school children. Their mission is to promote the importance of being active and healthy from an early age. You dance, you sing, you learn to keep fit and most importantly of all, you have fun!

Amanda’s Action Club is a dynamic, inclusive and energetic class for children from 4 months to 4 years old. They use their own modern nursery rhymes and versatile props.

www.amandasactionclub.co.uk Familiesonline.co.uk

Families South West 37

38 Families South West • November/December 2017

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Where is Santa ?

Combine a visit to Santa with visiting Battersea Zoo Compiled by Joanna Parry

BATTERSEA PARK ZOO Chelsea Bridge Gate SW11 4NJ 020 7924 5826 2-3, 9-10 and 15-24 December Come and tell Santa what you’d like for Christmas. £6 to see Santa, plus entrance fee. Includes a small gift and a sticker, plus a drink and Christmas treat. Bookable in advance by ringing the zoo or just turn up. Plus, join in the fun Christmas Stocking search throughout the zoo from 2 to 24 December. www.batterseaparkzoo.co.uk

RHS GARDEN WISLEY Woking, Surrey GU23 6QB www.rhs.org.uk/wisley 29 November – 23 December,

Visit the magical grotto at the Wisley Plant Centre. Come along for Stories and Songs with Santa and receive a small gift or, for an extra special treat, book into an exciting gingerbread-decorating workshop. Booking in advance is essential, see online to buy tickets.

Workshop dates on the website.

DUKE OF YORK SQUARE GROTTO Duke of York Square, King's Road SW3 4LY 1- 23 December Santa’s coming! Take a trip to Chelsea and visit Santa in his cosy abode where he will receive your wish lists, while his little helpers take photos as keepsakes. Book at www.dukeofyorksquare.com

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EDDIE CATZ Putney, Wimbledon BES and Earlsfied T LO First Floor, 68-70 ON CAL E Putney High Street SW15 1SF 42 Station Road SW19 2LP 279 Magdalen Road SW18 3NZ Dates TBC in December Get into the Christmas spirit and meet Santa Claus in his Grotto at Eddie Catz. This is always such a nice place to se Father Christmas!

They do it really nicely. Book a time slot, includes photo. www.eddiecatz.com

FULHAM PALACE Bishops Avenue SW6 6EA 020 7736 3233 2, 3 and 10 December Knock on the Tudor Great Hall door and listen for the bell before the whole family enters for a special one-on-one meeting with Father Christmas, who gives each child a small gift. £11 per child, booking essential, www.fulhampalace.org.

HAM HOUSE AND GARDEN Ham Street, Richmond upon Thames TW10 7RS Weekends in December Enjoy Christmas in secret at Ham House this December. Discover what it was like when Oliver Cromwell banned Christmas in the 1650s. For families there will be a trail round the house and garden, where you hunt for hidden presents which will lead you to Father Christmas in his grotto.

10am to 3pm, small charge to see Santa which includes a gift. Normal admission applies. www.nationaltrust.org.uk

HAMLEYS

MUSEUM OF LONDON

188-196 Regent Street W1B 5BT 0371 704 1977 25 November – 24 December Join Father Christmas and his lovable elves at The Finest Toy Shop in the World for fun, magic and theatre at this very special time of year. Meeting Father Christmas at Hamleys is an extra special experience where children will take part in seasonal activities, enjoy delicious snacks, spend time with Father Christmas and receive an extra special gift bag to take home. Book early it was nearly full at time of going to press. £39.95, www.hamleys.com.

150 London Wall EC2Y 5HN 020 7814 5502 2, 3, 8, 9 10 and 15-23 December Join Santa in their Victorian Walk and then explore his enchanting Grotto. Each child who meets Santa receives a special gift, with the option (for an additional £8) to take home a photograph of the magical moment. From £7, book in advance. museumof london.org.uk

ROYAL ALBERT HALL SW7 2AP www.royalalberthall.com 5-24 Dec A 30-minute journey of activities and performances around the Hall, followed by a meeting with Father Christmas at his magic sleigh, children will receive a present and can have their photo taken. For age 2+

HYDE PARK'S SANTA LAND 17 November – 1 January See your little ones’ faces light up as they enter the home of Santa.

With plenty of eateries, rides for the little ones and Santa in his grotto, it is a magical place for the children. Visit Santa’s Toy Factory fun house where Santa and his elves are making gifts ready for the big day. www.hydeparkwinterwonderland. com/santaland

KEW GARDENS Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AB 020 8332 5655 22 November - 1 January There’s something for everyone at this festive time of year as their one mile sparkling path winds its way through the Gardens in a magical after dark experience. A botanical wonderland awaits, with brightly coloured laser beams dancing over water, a Tunnel of Lights, scented Fire Garden and fairy-tale avenues of flora. Santa and his elves will be in the North Pole village, plus favourite vintage rides, Christmas gifts and traditional festive fare. www.kew.org/christmas

OSTERLEY PARK AND HOUSE Jersey Road, Isleworth TW7 4RB www.nationaltrust.org.uk Weekends in December Book your visit to Father Christmas' grotto and bring the whole family to meet him in his workshop. If you've been good all year you may even get an early festive gift. A Christmas pudding stirring activity will be available in the grotto waiting room so come along 5 minutes early to enjoy.

WWT LONDON WETLANDS CENTRE

BES T DAY FOR A OU T

Queen Elizabeth Walk, Barnes SW13 9WT 020 8409 4400 2-3 December Get into the festive mood at WWT London Wetland Centre’s wonderful winter weekend.

Children will be thrilled to hop aboard for a husky sleigh ride and visit Santa in his magical grotto.

Head over to their northern pine forest; Father Christmas will be ready to welcome families in his cosy grotto among the trees (tickets to see Santa must be prebooked). £8 per child including a goody bag. www.wwt.org.uk/london.

SANTA TO YOUR DOOR adamantsparties.co.uk Arrange a magical visit from Santa on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or any other time. He will deliver your presents and chat to your children about their favourite things. He may even sing a few festive songs before he says goodbye having nibbled a mince pie, or two. Call the Santa hotline 020 8959 1045/ 07969 121094 or info@adamantsparties.co.uk

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40 Families South West • November/December 2017

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SEE MORE EVENTS IN OUR ONLINE WHAT’S ON CALENDAR

We take much care in preparing these What’s On pages, but please do double check with organiser before setting out as things change.

DIARY DATES

THE GLOBE FAMILY OFFER 21 New Globe Walk, SE1 9DT Visit the exhibition desk to buy tickets every day or call 020 7902 1528 for more information.

Learn about Shakespeare’s world and his plays through interactive activities and demonstrations at Shakespeare’s Globe. £10 Family tickets for a limited period. Ages 4+ to 5+

BRITISH LIBRARY 96 Euston Road NW1 2DB www.bl.uk/events/harry-potter-ahistory-of-magic-family-day 19 November SoundHoppers Family Workshop Get involved in sound experiments and explore different qualities of sound through engaging games and fun listening exercises.

Free, 11.30am-1pm and 2-3.30pm 2 December Harry Potter Family Day Explore the magic of the British Library at this fun family day. Visit the Harry Potter: A History of Magic exhibition, get creative in hands-on workshops and delve into the magical world of storytelling.

Book in advance.

SOUTH KEN KIDS FESTIVAL Institute Francais www.southkenkidsfestival.co.uk 13-19 November The South Ken Kids Festival turns 20 this year! For their birthday edition they have prepared a lineFamiliesonline.co.uk

I

WHAT’S ON

IF YOU ONLY DO ONE THING THIS MONTH GO AND SEE PINOCCHIO National Theatre Upper Ground SE1 9PX www.nationaltheatre.org.uk From 1 December Our top event this month has got to be a pantomime, and our favourite is the offering from the National Theatre, following hot on the heels of last year’s magnificent Peter Pan. On a quest to be truly alive, Pinocchio leaves Geppetto’s workshop with Jiminy Cricket in tow. Their electrifying adventure takes them from alpine forests to Pleasure Island to the bottom of the ocean. This spectacular new production is brought to the stage by an extraordinary team including the director of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and the writer of Matilda the Musical. Buy your tickets now!

up of authors, illustrators and translators and a programme packed with live drawing, storytelling, workshops, talks about books and translation, film screenings, music, poetry and even digital and BookTubing sessions.

Returning to Work Course A 3-hour workshop covering the practical and emotional challenges of going back to work after having a baby, and the steps you can take to tackle them. 10.15am-1.15pm

CHRISTMAS AT KEW

Chelsea Old Town Hall www.stjohneyehospital.org 29 November Do all your Christmas shopping at once in beautiful surroundings.

Support independent retailers and St John of Jerusalem eye hospital group. Come and enjoy the wonderful products from designers and crafts people: beautiful jewellery, quality homewares, vintage designs, fashion accessories, charming children’s clothes and much more on offer. 10% of all purchases at the fair will go to the Hospital Group. 11pm-5pm

GIFT OF SIGHT FAIR Kew Gardens, Surrey www.kew.org 22 November – 1 January This winter the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew will transform into an enchanted wonderland as the much anticipated Christmas at Kew returns. With a brand new illuminated trail featuring over 1 million twinkling lights, plus a Fire Garden of pulsing fire sculptures.

Don’t forget to stop for roasted chestnuts and mulled cider and to toast your own marshmallows.

THE BRIGHT EMPORIUM 103 St John’s Hill, SW11 1SY 020 7326 9140 thebrightemporium.com Every Wednesday in November and December Messy Toddlers All the mess, all the fun but none of the tidying up.

For mini artists in the making.

10am, age 1-4 18 November, 2 and 16 December Build a Story Stuck for inspiration when it comes to creative writingLet the LEGO® do the talking. Age 5-7, 11am

NCT CLAPHAM Clapham Old Town SW4 www.nct.org.uk/branches/clapham 21 November

PAEDIATRIC FIRST AID COURSE London First Aid Training Venues in Battersea SW11 www.firstaidtraininglondon.co.uk 9 December Includes resuscitation procedures, drowning, choking, shock, spinal injury, burns and scalds. Ofsted compliant.

SOUTH KENSINGTON MUM2MUM MARKET St Stephen's Church Hall, Emperor's Gate SW7 4HJ www.mum2mummarket.co.uk 10 December Come along and buy all kinds of nearly new toys, clothes, books,

strollers, car seats, feeding accessories, baby equipment and so much more. Or if you fancy a quick clear out, why not book a stall? Admission £2 on the door, children free. Visit the Mum2mum Market website to get 2 for 1 admission .1.30-3.30pm

FOUNDLING MUSEUM 40 Brunswick Square WC1N 1AZ www.foundlingmuseum.org.uk 17 December Animal Christmas Crackers Join the Waldegrave Ensemble for a magical animal-themed family concert. Enjoy the story of dancing mice, cats and fauns in Berio’s Opus Number Zoo, and discover the fate of the duck escaping from the hungry wolf in Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf. Families are invited to a free Christmas crackermaking workshop following the concert. 3pm

WIMBLEDON COMMON CHRISTMAS GIFT AND CRAFT FAIR Wimbledon Common SW19 5NR Fam www.wpcc.org.uk LOVEilies S! 2 December Local crafters will be selling gifts and crafts at the Ranger’s Office. Plus a visit from Santa and mulled wine 11am-5pm.

16 December Carols at the Windmill Come and sing with the Wandle Concert Band as they play popular carols in front of the iconic Grade II listed Windmill. Hot drinks and mince pies, from 3pm.

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CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION CONCERT Holy Trinity Brompton, London SW7 1JA https://childbereavementuk.org/getinvolved/events/christmas/ 7th December A memorable, festive evening of glorious performances and readings from a star-studded line-up of artists and celebrities including Sir Tom Jones, Bill Nighy, Michael Morpurgo, Brendan Cox, African Gospel Choir and Taplow Youth Choir. £25 & £50 tickets.

Green and Ethical Christmas fair

GREEN & ETHICAL CHRISTMAS FAIR Holy Trinity Church, Clapham Common, SW4 0QZ 6th December An array of exciting stalls with ethically sourced and environmentally-friendly Christmas gifts, accessories, toys and jewellery. There is also Father Christmas, live music, a café plus City Farm Nativity as well as Christmas trees. A truly fabulous Christmas fair! £1

FULHAM PALACE Bishop’s Avenue SW6 6EA www.fulhampalace.org 10 December Family Christmas Carol Concert Held in their Victorian Chapel, this family concert features the Fulham Children’s Choir with festive classics that both young and old will enjoy. 3–4pm, from £8 10 December Christmas Pantomime – Jack and the Beanstalk Join Jack on his magical adventure full of enchanted beans, giants in the sky and a goose that lays golden eggs. This is a

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family pantomime filled with fun songs to sing along to, colourful sets and bright costumes. 11am and 1pm, £11

LEGO WORKSHOP The Toy Shop, 133 St Margarets Road TW1 2LJ www.thetoyshop-stmargarets.com Saturdays in November and December A fun filled session with a range of games, challenges and free style building enabling children to express their creativity and bring their ideas to life. 10am, age 3-12, £6

BROCKWELL PARK COMMUNITY GREENHOUSES Brockwell Park SE24 0PA www.brockwellgreenhouses.org.uk 18 November Leaf Mania Celebrate leaves in all their autumn glory at this colourful, crunchy workshop. Identify trees by their fallen leaves on the leaf hunt challenge, make beautiful autumn leaf Hapa Zome prints, find out why leaves are so important in nature, and create a leaf stained

glass window to take home.

17 November Storytelling for the under 5s In winter you might notice some new faces in the park - wintering birds. The stories this month will be focusing on birds and how they cope with the shortening days and long, cold nights. Free event but please book a space, 11am 2 December Winter Printmaking Try your hand at printmaking at the Greenhouses. Following a short introduction to printmaking, explore the gardens and create beautiful relief prints inspired by the winter wildlife and nature that you find. Wrap up warm and let the natural world inspire you.

From £2.50

SATURDAY COMMUNITY DAYS Oasis Play Nature Garden, Larkhall Lane SW4 6SP www.oasisplay.org.uk/come-andplay/nature-garden Saturdays in November and December A nature garden for children and

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their carers to enjoy together Picnic, pond dip, garden, cook or join in with workshops teaching woodwork, gardening, bush craft skills and more. 10.30am-4pm

SKATE Somerset House, Strand WC2R 1LA www.somersethouse.org.uk/skate From 15 November Somerset House’s iconic 18th century courtyard transforms into the ultimate winter destination for stylish skating, music, festive shopping and gourmet food and drink. Tickets from £7.50

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ONE STOP CHRISTMAS SHOPPING AT BABYCCINOKIDS Chelsea Old Town Hall SW3 5EE www.babyccinokids.com/theshopup 3-4 December This year's ShopUp event will be the 5th annual shopping pop-up in Chelsea, filling the historic Chelsea Old Town Hall with charming shops and interesting brands. Over 50 independent boutiques will be present, along with fun for the whole family: face painting, live music, crafts, yummy snacks and, of course, a visit from Father Christmas. A day out for the whole family! Free entry.

BABIES AND TODDLERS THE GRAVENEY AND MEADOW 40 Mitcham Road SW17 9NA http://graveneyandmeadow.com Wednesdays in November and December Kids’ and toddlers’ arts and craft classes. See website for details.

Thursdays in November and December Pram Chorus Child friendly daytime choir, 10am, £7 per adult, see website for times.

Fridays in November and December Rhythm n’ Babies Music classes for babies and their carers with instruments. 9.30am, £5

THE BEDFORD PUB 77 Bedford Hill SW12 9HD www.thebedford.com Tuesdays and Fridays in November and December Baby Sensory classes and Pram Chorus See website for details.

Plus, they are running dance classes during October half term and hold a Big Fish Little Fish kids’ and parents’ “rave” every month, featuring top DJs, craft drop ins, bubble machine and parachute dance.

Last Wednesday of every month

Screaming With Laughter London’s original afternoon comedy club, designed for parents with babies under 1 year. See the best acts from TV and the comedy circuit without having to book a babysitter. Buy tickets at www.wegottickets.com/Screaming WithLaughter

BYOB COMEDY Landmark Arts Centre, Ferry Road, Teddington TW11 9NN www.byobcomedy.com 21 November Bring Your Own Baby Comedy – the UK’s premier baby-friendly comedy club comes to Teddington.

A funny, friendly afternoon of top comedy and you get to bring your own baby! They provide toys, baby changing, buggy parking, bottle warmers and more, so that baby is happy and you can relax and enjoy top comedy stars from the circuit and TV.

UNICORN THEATRE 147 Tooley Street SE1 2HZ www.unicorntheatre.com Saturdays in November and December Up Club Join the Unicorn Play Club most Saturdays for free drop-

BABY BROADWAY Tickets and details at www.babybroadway.co.uk Baby Broadway family concerts across SW London this November & December! Showtunes, Disney songs, bubbles, marching, dance moves & magic - all performed by West End singers. Plus seasonal showtunes & songs from Christmas films in our December concerts.

Putney: 9th November & 23rd December, Earlsfield:12th November & 20th December, Barnes & Wimbledon: 15th December, Balham: 22nd December.

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in activities from portrait painting and potato printing to giant rocket making and more. 12noon - 2pm

SINGING MAMAS CHOIR South London Liberal Synagogue, Streatham / The Half Moon (Workshop Room), Herne Hill www.singingmamaschoir.com Tuesdays and Wednesdays in November and December, depending on venue A Community of Choirs for Women, with or without children Sing world songs, folk songs, gospel and more. A warm welcome awaits all singing abilities.

Contact southlondonsingingmamas @gmail.com, tel 07947 609780.

DO-RE-MI BABIES CONCERTS Barnes, Chelsea, Fulham, Wandsworth www.doremibabies.co.uk Dates throughout November and December Inspirational and fun classical concerts Babies and toddlers are welcome to crawl, dance, sing, cry, nappy change and more, so you can relax and enjoy some wonderful music. £10 per adult, children free, tickets online or on the door. Dates vary depending on venue.

MORDEN HALL PARK Morden Hall Road, Morden SM4 5JD www.nationaltrust.org.uk Every Monday in November and December Little Explorers Bring your little ones to enjoy crafts, outdoor activities, songs and stories. Little Explorers is a fun activity session for children aged 2-5, 10am, £2 per child, £1 siblings.

THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL Kensington Gore SW7 2AP www.royalalberthall.com Tuesdays and Wednesdays in November and December Storytelling and Music Sessions A series of sessions for babies and toddlers aged 0-4, to encourage interaction between parents/carers and their little ones using musical instruments, singing, movement and stories. 10am and 11.30am, £5

KENSINGTON PALACE W8 4PX www.hrp.org.uk/kensingtonpalace Selected Wednesdays and Saturdays in November and December Tiny Explorers Explore and play in the Palace together. Discover the stories of Kensington Palace through music, movement, messy play and more. £6 per child, price includes up to two adults £5 per child for members. 10.30am – babies, 1pm – walkers, 2.30pm – walkers.

NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM Park Row, Greenwich SE10 9NF www.rmg.co.uk Saturdays in November and December Character Encounters Join an exciting performance and journey bringing maritime history to life.

12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm Tuesdays in November and December Play Tuesdays Embark on a museum adventure that includes trails, arty workshops, songs and stories. 10.30am, 11.30am, 1pm and 2pm

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CHRISTMAS SHOWS AND PANTOS THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR

THE GRUFFALO’S CHILD Lyric Theatre W1D 7ES www.lyrictheatrelondon.co.uk/thegruffalos-child 22 November – 7 January No Gruffalo should ever set foot in the deep dark wood…Fresh from the incredible West End success of The Gruffalo, Tall Stories adapts Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s sequel into a magical stage production that will enchant any young theatregoer. Featuring plenty of music, interactive songs, laughter and scary fun, The Gruffalo’s Child is guaranteed to be a monster hit.

Ambassadors Theatre West Street WC2H 9ND www.hungrycaterpillarshow.com/london 13 December – 7 January One of the most iconic characters in children’s literature will be wiggling his way back into the West End this Christmas. Featuring a menageries of 75 loveable puppets!

From £12.50

SPONGE Battersea Arts Centre Lavender Hill SW11 5TN www.bac.org.uk 28 November – 30 December Roll, squeeze and pop yourself through Sponge, a soft bouncy adventure. Set to a funky 70s Christmas soundtrack, move, groove and play as two friendly dancers guide you through springy environments, fascinating in shape, texture and touch. You’ll also get to meet leggy character Splegs – who needs a bit of help walking.

Especially for little ones aged 4 months–4 years and their grownups, from £10

ONCE UPON A SNOWFLAKE Chelsea Theatre 7 World's End Place, King's Road SW10 0DR www.chelseatheatre.org.uk 30 November – 22 December Liza has gone missing, and no-one knows where she can be. One thing’s for certain: those mysterious Winter Sprites have something to do with it. Every winter, these tiny elf-like creatures can be found hiding in pockets, shoes and sock drawers, watching everything and hearing everyone.

But how are they connected with Liza’s disappearance? Can they help to find her? And what is inside the mysterious Winter Sprite’s strange suitcase? Follow Liza into a colourful whirlwind of stories and adventure, led by a tiny Sprite with a fascination for snowflakes.

SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARVES Colour House Theatre Watermill Way SW19 2RD www.colourhousetheatre.co.uk Saturdays and Sundays 18 November – 21 January

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK

Sponge Battersea Arts Centre perfect for littles ones!

“Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all?” The evil Queen doesn’t like the answer!

Poor Snow White is banished to the forest where she stumbles upon and befriends seven dwarves.

However, with the evil Queen in hot pursuit it’s not long before she tricks Snow White into eating a deadly apple. Will the dwarves be able to save the day and find a handsome Prince to wake Snow White with his kiss? All will be revealed as they encourage you to boo, hiss, cheer and shout ‘he’s behind you’ in this hilarious musical pantomime.

THE LITTLE MATCH GIRL

RAYMOND BRIGGS FATHER CHRISTMAS Lyric Hammersmith One Lyric Square W6 0QL www.lyric.co.uk 22 November – 24 December Back for another brilliant year, join Father Christmas as he gets ready for his busiest day of the year, Christmas Eve. Watch as he prepares his Christmas deliveries, feeds his reindeer and finally takes flight into the snowy night. Full of merry touches with plenty of live music, songs and playful puppetry. A perfect festive treat for under 6s and their families.

Age under 6, £10

The Lilian Bayliss Studio Roseberry Avenue EC1R 4TN www.sadlerswells.com 13-24 December Our unlikely heroine is an impoverished young street girl, who wanders the ever-darkening streets with just one final match to keep her warm on a cold Christmas Eve. Beautifully recreated through dance, song and live atmospheric music, The Little Match Girl is a timeless fable about kindness and helping others, which will enthral young children and the whole family alike. Age 5+

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New Wimbledon Theatre The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1QG atgtickets.com/venues/newwimbledon-theatre 9 December – 14 January Follow Jack, his hapless brother and his mother Dame Trot and climb a beanstalk of gigantic proportions to cloudland in this spectacular family pantomime. Doomed to sell his trusty cow, join Jack as he fights to save the beautiful Princess, outwit the evil giant and win riches beyond his wildest dreams, and the hand of the girl he loves. This looks set to be a good one!

ZERAFFA GIRAFFA Omnibus Clapham 1 Clapham Common Northside SW4 0QW www.omnibus-clapham.org 25 November – 17 December Across the plains of Ethiopia where grass grows tall and Acacias taste

The Gruffalo’s Child a magical production

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Adventures return to Sadler's Wells this Christmas with one of our most popular and beloved productions, Matthew Bourne's Cinderella – a thrilling and evocative love story set in London during the Second World War, which forms part of the company's 30th anniversary celebrations.

hapless brother, and of course his mother Widow Twankey (panto legend Christopher Biggins) on a spectacular adventure featuring a beautiful love story, flying carpets, a wish-granting genie, an evil sorcerer and a lamp packed full of spectacular family entertainment.

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK

Unicorn Theatre 147 Tooley Street SE1 2HZ www.unicorntheatre.com 17 November – 31 December There once was a Velveteen Rabbit, and in the beginning he was really splendid. He was fat and bunchy, as a Rabbit should be, and for at least two hours the Boy loved him. One of the Unicorn’s biggest hits returns for a third time after a Broadway transfer. The Velveteen Rabbit is a heartwarming story about a very shy toy rabbit who longs for nothing more than to become real. He spends his days waiting patiently on the nursery floor, watching the Boy play with other toys and dreaming of being picked up and loved. And then, one day, he is rediscovered and all his hopes start to come true...From £10 BOING! 22 November – 31 December Who can sleep on Christmas Eve? This piece of dance-theatre captures the delirious excitement of two boys waiting for Father Christmas to arrive on the most magical night of the year.

From £12, age 2-6

THE VELVETEEN RABBIT

The Snow Queen at Polka Theatre sweet. A young giraffe is sent as a gift from the Pasha of Egypt to the King of France, but Paris is very far away… With a boy called Atir to help Zeraffa find her way, the pair sail down the Nile past pyramids, sphinxes and temples and out across the stormy sea to a country where everything is different. No one has seen an animal like Zeraffa before. Can Zeraffa and Atir find a way to make this new place home?

Age 4-8, from £8.

THE SNOWMAN Peacock Theatre WC2A 2HT www.sadlerswells.com/peacocktheatre 23 November – 31 December A perennial family favourite, The Snowman has transported a generation of children into the wintery world of a boy and his magical snowman. As a friendship is kindled, the two embark on a starry-skied adventure to the North Pole, where they meet dancing penguins, reindeer, Father Christmas and escape the clutches of Jack Frost. From £15

THE LITTLE CHRISTMAS TREE Puppet Theatre Barge Little Venice, Blomfield Road W9 2PF www.puppetbarge.com 2 December – 7 January The Little Christmas Tree is a bit wonky, so no one wants to buy it…

That is until a young boy called Joe turns up and finds himself drawn to the tree. All he has to do now is get the rest of his family to agree to buy the tree and not to throw it away in the New Year. This new Christmas production combines exquisitely carved wooden marionettes and beautiful shadow puppets to tell the poignant story of the unique friendship between a boy and a little Christmas tree.

MATTHEW BOURNE’S CINDERELLA Sadler’s Wells Rosebery Avenue EC1R www.sadlerswells.com 9 December – 27 January Following the sold-out and critical success of The Red Shoes, New

Putney Arts Theatre Ravenna Road SW15 6AW www.putneyartstheatre.org.uk 13-22 December The future of Mama Trot’s farm is in jeopardy. Evil debt collectors Lord Wonga and sidekick Quick Quid want their weekly instalments and the money has run out. To top it all, up above the village in Cloudland, an evil giant threatens the community. All seems lost. But the baddies haven’t taken into account Putney Theatre Company’s resident fairy godmother who’s had a makeover and refined her magic skills. Can she enlist the help of the audience to save the day?

ALADDIN Richmond Theatre The Green, Richmond TW9 1QJ www.atgtickets.com/shows/aladdin/ri chmond-theatre/ From 9 December Jump aboard a high-flying magical carpet headed for Old Peking and make tickets for this year’s spectacular Richmond Theatre pantomime Aladdin one of your three wishes. Follow Aladdin, his

THE SNOW QUEEN Polka Theatre 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB www.polkatheatre.com 17 November – 4 February Kai and Gerda are best friends. Not brother and sister but as close as if they were. Together with their friends, they reimagine the thrilling adventure of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic winter fairy-tale.

Let your imagination soar as a dusty attic is transformed into the Snow Queen’s icy palace, and follow their epic journey of self-discovery, as they try to save Kai from the icy spell of the Snow Queen’s cold kiss. Can Gerda melt his heart before he forgets her forever?

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NEW WIMBLEDON THEATRE

Laika the space dog at the Unicorn Theatre

DRAMA CAMBRIDGE THEATRE Seven Dials, 32-34 Earlham Street WC2H 9HU uk.matildathemusical.com Throughout November and December Matilda The Musical Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, Matilda revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination and the inspiring story of a girl who dares to change her destiny.

The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1QG atgtickets.com/venues/newwimbledon-theatre 19 November Circus of Horrors After touring all over the world the phenomenon returns with its latest brand new incarnation Voodoo.

This spectacular features an amazing amalgamation of bizarre and fantastic circus acts all woven into the darkest of magic.

21-25 November Spamalot Lovingly ripped off from the hugely successful 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Spamalot is a riotous comedy full of misfit knights, killer rabbits, dancing nuns and ferocious Frenchmen. Join King Arthur as he travels with his hapless Knights of the Round Table on a divine mission to locate the illusive Holy Grail – with uproarious consequences. From £15

PICCADILLY THEATRE 16 Denman Street W1D 7DY www.anniewestend.com Throughout November and December Annie The Musical The world’s favourite family musical makes its long-awaited return to London.

Tickets are going fast so book yours now to see the comedy megastar high kicking, falling over and passing out as Miss Hannigan!

THE POLKA THEATRE 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB www.polkatheatre.com To 11 February My Brother, My Sister and Me With a new baby in the family, a little sister has to move in with her big brother. She’s got used to the idea but her brother and Gecko, his constant companion, are really not keen. Especially when she starts to unpack her very large collection of hats!

RICHMOND THEATRE The Green, Richmond TW9 1QJ www.atgtickets.com/venues/richmon d-theatre 26 November Sing-a-long-a Frozen A full screening of Disney’s Frozen with lyrics on screen to help you sing along. Introduced by a live host who will guide you through this interactive screening, help you warm up your singing voices and teach you some dance moves with the help of the Singalonga Princesses.

1-2 December

BalletBoyz Celebrated across the world for their stunning live performances, BalletBoyz are back with four new works. Playing with the concept of balance and imbalance, the result is an exciting and varied programme of dance and music.

SADLER’S WELLS Rosebery Avenue EC1R www.sadlerswells.com 21-25 November Rambert – A Linha Curva and other works A Linha Curva is the spirit of Brazilian carnival recreated by choreographer Itzik Galili, with 28 dancers, four samba percussionists and a dazzling light show contributing to its infectious energy

UNICORN THEATRE 147 Tooley Street, Southwark SE1 2HZ www.unicorntheatre.com To 12 November Laika Laika, the space dog: the first living creature to orbit earth. A moving sci-fi adventure, inventively and beautifully told using puppetry, movement and music. Don’t miss this one – it’s an absolute delight!

Age 6-12, from £10

MUSEUMS, GALLERIES AND DAYS OUT BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM

BATTERSEA PARK CHILDREN’S ZOO

Threadneedle Street EC2R 8AH www.bankofengland.co.uk 11 November Lord Mayor’s Show Celebrate this year’s Show with a fun-filled family event. Professional face painters will transform you into Mr Toad, Ratty, Badger and Mole from ‘The Wind in the Willows’. Did you know its author Kenneth Grahame was Secretary of the Bank over 100 years ago?

The fun doesn’t stop there - there are plenty of attractions in the Museum to enjoy, including giant banknote jigsaws and the opportunity to test your safe cracking skills, with a small prize if you can break the code.

Battersea Park, Chelsea Bridge Gate SW11 4NJ www.batterseaparkzoo.co.uk 2-24 December Christmas at the Zoo Visit Santa, take part in a Christmas Stocking Search and much, much more at the zoo this year! Small additional charges apply for the various activities on top of entrance fees.

from a cheque signed by Dickens, to a beautiful dolls house, an engraved snuff box and even a collection of original props from The Invisible Woman.

KENSINGTON PALACE

CHARLES DICKENS MUSEUM

W8 4PX hrp.org.uk/kensingtonpalace 25 November and 16 December Funtastic Saturdays Enjoy activities for all the family and discover the stories of Kensington Palace. Included in palace admission.

48 Doughty Street WC1N 2LX www.dickensmuseum.com Last Sunday of every month Highlighting the Collection Drop-in object handling sessions throughout the historic interior of 48 Doughty Street. Discover a unique set of Dickensian curiosities

EC2Y 5HN www.museumoflondon.org.uk 27-28 December A Christmas Carol Become part of the story at this family-friendly performance of Dickens' A

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Christmas Carol. Meet Scrooge, Bob and some mysterious ghosts in this celebration of the classic London Christmas tale. Age 5+, free but ticketed, 12.30-1.30pm and 2-3pm

MUSEUM OF LONDON

Holiday activities at Geffrye Museum

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NATIONAL ARMY MUSEUM Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea SW3 4HT www.nam.ac.uk 18-19 November Archive Detectives Discover secrets from the archive at this family friendly workshop. Become a detective and take part in a family workshop, uncovering artefacts and stories from the museum’s archives.

Can you put all the pieces together to solve the puzzle? Drop-in, 10.30am–12.30pm and 1.30–4pm, FREE

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM Cromwell Road SW7 5BD www.nhm.ac.uk Throughout November and December Whales Beneath the Surface A major new exhibition exploring the extraordinary life of whales.

Throughout November and December Winter Skating As the winter evenings draw in, the Museum’s east lawn will be transformed once again into a magical setting complete

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with thousands of fairy lights adorning the nearby trees, a fairground carousel, gift shop and café where you can relax and enjoy the views above London’s loveliest ice rink. We love it!

SCIENCE MUSEUM Exhibition Road, South Kensington SW7 2DD Sciencemuseum.org.uk Throughout November and December Mathematics. How has mathematics shaped our world? A bold and thought-provoking new gallery examines the fundamental role mathematicians, their tools and ideas have played in building the world we live in.

TOWER OF LONDON St Katharine's & Wapping, London EC3N 4AB www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london 27-31 December Medieval Christmas Head to the Tower for a Medieval Christmas with music, dance and games for all the family to enjoy. Knights in armour and a dragon add to the celebrations as visitors explore how

The Very Hungry Caterpillar featuring a menagerie of 75 puppets the Tower wasn’t just a prison and a fortress but a palace fit for royal celebration. Included in palace admission.

V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD Cambridge Heath Road E2 9PA www.museumofchildhood.org.uk Throughout November and December Searching for Ghosts Homes reveal much about the people who inhabit them, offering an intimate

portrait of our domestic lives and bearing the traces of the people who lived in them in the past.

Explore this journey of discovery, offering a glimpse into the lived experience of several generations of east Londoners 27-29 December Make Some Noise Visit the Museum for a 3-day celebration of music, singing and noise making. Join musicians, artists and performers in an audio walk, interactive shows, instrument making and more.

•If you have any events for inclusion, please send to whatson@FamiliesSW.co.uk

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