Families SW London Sept 2017 issue 269 lowres

South West IN THIS ISSUE Choosing your child’s after school activities Dance, drama, sports, music, chess and more

Local schools news Open days listing Learn to laugh again FREE ACTIVITIES

Your Local what’s On Babies & toddlers, art activities, museums for children etc

Issue 269 September 2017

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Contents

Parkgate House School

Families SW|Issue 269

4-5

Local news

SEPTEMBER 2017

6

Families Top Five activities this month

8-27 11 13, 24, 26 16-17 20

EDUCATION FEATURE How children learn new things Your local School news School Open Days How to create a high performing child

29

Don’t pass on your ‘baggage’ to your children

31

Learning to laugh again with Laughter Yoga

32

Returning to work after having a baby

34

FREE activities

35

How to teach your children their times tables

36-49 36 37-40 40- 49

CLUBS AND CLASSES FEATURE A parent’s guide to clubs and classes Your Clubs and Clubs news Your local clubs and classes providers

50-55

What’s On Diary dates Events Babies and toddlers Theatre Art activities Museums & Exhibitions Special Needs

®

TEL: 020 8696 9680 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: October 2017 DEADLINE: Early September 2017 ISSN 1354-9553 All content ©Families SW 2017

• Families London SW is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families SW are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without the prior consent of Families SW. • Printed by OSC Print, Middlesex • Designed by Shirley Trimmer • Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families SW, the franchise company Families Print Ltd and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

• Paper used to print Families is from fully-managed sustainable sources.

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NEWS MARY POPPINS OF MOBILE HAIRDRESSING

Taking the children to the hairdresser can be tricky. Trying to get them in the same place at the same time, working around after-school activities and battling Spotlight with the fact that no child actually enjoys having their hair cut, nor do we much on enjoy the tears and tantrums that go with it, means that we often put it off. So maybe it’s time to call in the one and only Kate, the ‘Mary Poppins of hairdressing world’. Kate will visit you at home where children are often more relaxed, plus you don’t have to travel anywhere so there is more time for homework. After the cut there is a treat from her special treasure bag for each child, and every princess gets a little hair bow to perfectly finish off her new look. Kate has 15 years experience cutting children’s hair around London, 5 years in Trotters on the Kings Road. Kate also has experience with autistic and special needs children.

Kate 07729 395045 www.kidshaircuts.co.uk

IMPROVING LONDON’S AIR FOR OUR CHILDREN This year it took just 5 days for London to break air pollution limits, with toxic emissions from diesel vehicles a large cause of the air pollution. The government’s draft Air Quality Plan, published in May 2017, is very weak and short on detail. Thousands of people are already taking action to address air pollution, if you haven’t already done so there are several petitions you can sign from Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth, local groups etc. They are calling for a new Clean Air Act, with a plan to end illegal pollution. The market must be shifted towards cleaner alternatives like electric vehicles, investment in public transport, and the encouragement of walking and cycling. Get involved! Each one of us has our part to play. Be careful with chemically-laden cleaning supplies and disinfectants, synthetic fragrances and air fresheners and get more plants indoors! Get involved!

A BIRTHDAY PARTY YOU WILL NOT FORGET Children and adults alike love Lydie’s Parties.

“Lydie’s energy is boundless. I was a bit concerned that my son’s friends, being 7 and full of energy themselves, would create havoc. Not a bit of it - they were instantly drawn to her and she kept their attention for the whole 2 hours. A fantastic success.” P.W. London. Where she gets her energy from is a mystery, but Lydie’s approach is really unique. Children from 4 to 13 years olds are attracted to her—entranced by the magic world she creates in her stories and her stunning decors.

WORK UP A SWEAT The world famous Tooting Bec Lido doesn’t just offer London’s best place to cool off when the weather’s hot - it now boasts a new £900,000 fitness studio. The lido’s new pavilion offers space for workout and exercise classes, plus is available to hire. The lido is one of London’s best loved open air pools and at a colossal 91 metres long it is Europe’s second biggest outdoor freshwater swimming pool, boasting a separate pool for toddlers plus space for sunbathing and picnics.

Over the past decade £1.5m has been spent improving the facilities, and it has been named as Best Outdoor Swim in London. Tooting Bec Lido, Tooting Bec Road SW16 1RU, www.slsc.org.uk

FOOD BANK USE INCREASES AT THREE TIMES THE NATIONAL RATE A recent annual report by Wandsworth Foodbank shows that the number of people using foodbanks in Wandsworth rose by 16% last year—nearly three times higher than the increase recorded nationally. Foodbanks appeared for the first time in Wandsworth in 2013, food bank use in the borough has increased each year since.

According to the Trussell Trust, which runs the borough’s foodbanks, the principal causes of food poverty in Wandsworth last year were delays to benefit payments (39%), low income (28%), debt, illness, mental health issues, domestic violence and homelessness. The report also showed that food poverty leads to increased mental health problems and poorer physical health.

Speaking at the launch of the annual report, its author, Sarah Chapman, said: “the time we see guests cry the most is when there are parents who don’t know how they’ll feed their children”.

If you’d like to contribute, there are foodbank collection bins in many places including major supermarkets. www.trusselltrust.org

To know more about Lydie's parties go to her website, or even better, talk to her, you will not regret it. 07957 296 675 www.lydieparties.com

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NEWS 100% HAPPY, 100% OUTDOOR NURSERY!

LADIES FOOTBALL

Something extraordinary is happening: a new nursery chain is enjoying a huge success with a unique concept, whereby children are outdoors 100% of the time, learning from play. Little Forest Folk, the first full time outdoor nursery, and graded Outstanding by Ofsted, have just opened a fifth nursery in Barnes. It’s incredible enough that children enjoy being outdoors all the time, it is even more incredible that parents are queueing up to send their child outdoors in all weathers! Congratulations! They follow the core Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum, and incorporate learning in a safe and secure outdoor environment. Free play, fresh air and exposure to the natural world and physical activity are an integral part of learning. What a truly fabulous idea. There are waiting lists for each of 5 nurseries. www.littleforestfolk.com Little Forest Folk nurseries are endorsed by

Roll up, roll up, all footy fans out there!

Broomwood FC has recently started a ladies’ game and are looking for women to join the team. Broomwood has recently won Best Community Football Club so it’s a great time to join! Find out more at www.broomwoodfc.org Broomwood Football Club, Wandsworth Common, Bolingbroke Grove SW11 1DA

Sir David Attenborough

BUSH GETS A BOOST Theatres in Hammersmith received a major boost as Arts Council England confirmed that it will invest £7.1million locally to support the Bush Theatre and Lyric Hammersmith. The two theatres were awarded investment from Arts Council England for 2018 to 2022 following a national review of arts funding in the UK. The Bush is internationally recognized for new plays, and will receive funds to grow its artistic and community programmes, while the Lyric Hammersmith is one of a few arts organisations recognized nationally for their important strategic role in the UK’s cultural infrastructure, particularly in creating routes into the arts for young people from all backgrounds.

Lyric Hammersmith, Lyric Square, King Street W6 0QL, 020 8741 6822, www.lyric.co.uk

HAVE YOU SPOTTED THE PURPLE DRAGON IN PUTNEY? Family members club Purple Dragon opens its third branch in London, this time south of the river in Putney.

A place for families to escape city life and spend quality time together in luxurious surroundings, the club offers a huge variety of classes for children including music lessons, cookery classes, ballet and Zumba, plus truly fabulous play zones especially designed for children including a noodle forest, ball pit and slides, and areas of the club designed by the Science Museum such as the light room and suction tubes for balls in the soft play area. Grown ups get a Michelin star chef at the club’s café and areas in which to work, socialise and relax. Membership options include unlimited use of the club, weekdays only or a pack of 10 family visits. Tileman House, 131 Upper Richmond Road, Putney SW15 2TR, 020 3906 8602. www.purpledragonplay.com

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NEW PLAYGROUND IN BATTERSEA Opened this summer, the new playground in Battersea Park is really amazing. Children can climb aboard a pirate ship and sail seven imaginary seas. The £150,000 playground is located just off East Carriage Drive near the café and boating lake and has brand new play equipment suitable for children up to the age of 12. Created as part of a planned programme of investment in Battersea Park worth £840,000, future plans also include a new landscaped garden in The Promontory and restoration of the cascade fountains.

NEW PREGNANCY BOOK Preparing to give birth for the first time – The different pregnancy book is an antenatal class in a book. It covers everything you need to know about birth, the postpartum and life with a newborn. A wide range of topics are covered, from how to choose a hospital to understanding how your baby sleeps.

Author Catherine Roy told us: “After I gave birth to my son, I felt that my antenatal classes had come too late in pregnancy and that most of my birth choices had been randomly made.

I have now written a book to help first-time mums make their own choices.”

It is available on Kindle or the Kindle app for other devices. www.preparingtogivebirthforthefirsttime.com

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FAMILIES TOP FIVE

FAMILIES TOP FIVE...

Our top five picks of what’s on at the theatre this September……

Tomas Wolstenholme as Bickle and Laura Sillett as Rusty in Footloose.

FOOTLOOSE The Peacock Theatre WC2A 2HT sadlerswells.com/peacock-theatre 12-30 September Footloose is back and better than ever before. Everybody cut loose as the explosive 1980s rock ‘n' roll sensation bursts on to the stage in a remastered show for 2017 starring Gareth Gates. City boy Ren thinks life is bad enough when he's forced to move to a rural backwater in America.

But his world comes to a standstill when he arrives at Bomont to find dancing and rock music are banned. Taking matters into his own hands, soon Ren has all hell breaking loose and the whole town on its feet.

Based on the 1980s screen sensation, Footloose sizzles with spirit, fun and the best in UK musical talent.

CHILD OF THE DIVIDE The Polka Theatre 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB www.polkatheatre.com 29 September – 15 October

Summer 1947 and 16 million people are on the move between India and the newly-formed Pakistan. Amid the upheaval young Pali’s fingers slip from his father’s hand, and his destiny changes forever. Taken in by a Muslim family, he is given a new name, a new faith and a new life. But when his real father returns to claim him, Pali must decide who he is: the Hindu boy he was born to be, the Muslim boy he has become, or simply a child of the divide. Don’t miss this wonderful, mature play that uses the story of one child to explore the tragedy of many thousands…It’s a rare treat.

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Unicorn Theatre 147 Tooley Street, Southwark SE1 2HZ www.unicorntheatre.com 24 September – 12 November 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 612, from £10.

THE TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA New Wimbledon Theatre The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1QG atgtickets.com/venues/newwimbledon-theatre 8-10 September A musical play adapted and directed by David Wood, based on the book by Judith Kerr, direct from a smash-hit West End season. Age 3+. It’s been going for years but is definitely a goodie!

ANNIE THE MUSICAL Piccadilly Theatre 16 Denman Street W1D 7DY www.anniewestend.com Throughout September The world’s favourite family musical makes its long-awaited return to London, starring comedy superstar Miranda Hart. Tickets are going fast so book yours now to see the comedy megastar high kicking, falling over and passing out as Miss Hannigan!

Photographer credit Paul Coltas

© Matt Martin

LAIKA. LAIKA, THE SPACE DOG

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Applying for a place in a Wandsworth School for September 2018?

Choose a Primary School

Choose a Secondary School

Closing date for applications for September 2018: 15 January 2018.

Closing date for applications for September 2018: 31 October 2017.

The Wandsworth Year 6 Test will be held in September 2017 for children starting secondary school in September 2018.

Children not attending a Wandsworth primary school* must be registered online by 8 September 2017 to be invited to a test session.

If you have questions about this information visit our website www.wandsworth.gov.uk/admissions or call 020 8871 7316. *This includes children attending an independent school, a school in another London borough or receiving education otherwise than in a school.

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AD.1192b (7.17)

To register for the Wandsworth Year 6 Test visit: www.wandsworth.gov.uk/y6test

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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

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EDUCATION

“Imbue your children with curiosity and passion by showing the same to them. Everything else stems from this.”

How children learn new things

By Anna Wright

Every parent anticipates and remembers their little one’s first steps. All those baby milestones – rolling, sitting up, waving, crawling, talking – are eagerly aided and encouraged. But what happens when your child gets a little bit older?

“We talk about specific windows for learning some of those early skills, but every age is a window of opportunity for engaging children, showing an interest, exposing them to a wide variety of experiences,” says consultant clinical psychologist Emma Citron, who specialises in children and adolescents. “The approaches might change but children don’t stop needing that input once they reach school age.”

THE SCIENCE BIT So what’s going on in there? Learning any new skill means building connections between brain cells called neural pathways. Like branches on a tree – and fed by the information around them in numerous different ways – more advanced skills stem from the fundamentals already in place.

Not everyone learns in the same way, so the neural pathways for mastering the same skills can take different routes, but the more they are used, the stronger they get. Similarly, circuits that aren’t used will weaken until eventually they no longer exist.

“Physically, emotionally, socially, in every way the development process is ongoing,” Emma emphasises. “Even a child of 9 or 10 would potentially need remedial parenting or therapy if for whatever reason they were suddenly not enabled to develop.”

“I DON’T WANT TO”

has switched off because they’re tired, overloaded, working hard at school all day and being shunted from A to B to C after school, they’re not going to be ripe for learning much of anything.”

HAVE FUN! Compare your time in the classroom with your children’s now, particularly at primary school, and we all recognise that professional teaching methods have changed dramatically.

“Gone are the days when you’d expect children to just ingest information,” Emma states. “It’s not all a top-down process. We know that most children learn best by being given the resources and space to work things out for themselves, with support there when it is wanted – not by being micromanaged by a so-called tiger parent!

“If it’s all seeming like a chore, something’s gone wrong. Your primary goal has to be raising well-balanced individuals who want to engage with the world with curiosity and fun.”

FAIL TOGETHER Those neural pathways strengthen with use so practice really does make perfect. As beneficial as passing on your tips for the skills you do have and letting children see what can be achieved is showing that you’re not afraid to fail – and keep trying – when it’s something you can’t do. Make sure there are activities in the mix that are new to you, too – and if your child is sometimes the faster learner, they will gain confidence from that boost.

The brain circuits for the most critical activities, such as breathing, are already developed at birth. Those for the next wave of core skills – moving, eating and communicating – happen instinctively within roughly the same time frame for all babies because they are at some level essential for survival.

BE THE BEST MODEL

When it comes to later skills, whether it’s swimming, riding a bike, playing chess or singing, there is no inherent drive to learn so the motivation has to come from elsewhere. What that is will depend on each child’s own personality, abilities, confidence and interests, friends and support, access, and understanding of benefits in the longer term.

Children will still learn – whether you want them to or not – by copying you. Of course it’s more subtle than the baby mirroring your actions, and the circle of people they will emulate in some way gets larger as they get older, taking in teachers, friends, public figures and others, but your own influences through your attitude and behaviours remains absolutely pivotal (whatever your independent pre-teen might like you to believe!).

“You still have a teaching role but it’s more complicated as children get older. You need to communicate effectively, listen and have mutual trust to find the approach that works for them,” says Emma. “But whatever suits their style of learning, the same basic dos and don’ts apply…”

CREATE THE RIGHT ENVIRONMENT

“Do practise what you preach. It’s a very easy thing to say but one that many don’t actually do,” Emma warns. Don’t say you can’t without trying, don’t fall back on the same automatic excuses, don’t go in with a negative mindset or be overly self-critical, but – most importantly – embrace and share a positive, open-minded, approach to everyday life.

Remember how involved you were when your baby was trying to balance blocks in a tower or put together their first jigsaw pieces? “A young child needs to be in a caring, stimulated environment, where you are making eye contact, playing, giving your attention and time, and being patient,” Emma points out. The same applies when that child is attempting to master a new skill a few years down the line.

The brain circuits children are forming are powered by everything they are experiencing around them. It is their senses – the sights, sounds, smells, tastes and sensations – and their feelings and emotions that release the neurotransmitters (the chemicals in the brain) to ‘flick the switch’ on their new skills.

And as parents we learn pretty quickly not to introduce anything new or challenging if it’s nap or feeding time. “That hasn’t changed. If your child

For more information about schools and education, visit www.familiesonline.co.uk

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SCHOOL NEWS

EATON HOUSE LAUNCHES NEW PREP SCHOOL

Gadget Show presenter, Ortis Deley at Ernest Bevin College

The launch of new Eaton House Belgravia Preparatory School presents an ‘exciting opportunity for the best in individually tailored education for 120 boys aged 8-13,’ according to Headmaster Mr Huw May who moves across from Eaton House the Manor Pre-Prep. The new prep school in Kensington will be a hard-working and exciting place, offering boys a first-class all-round education that will fully prepare them for Common Entrance, Scholarship Entrance and future Public-School life.

Eaton House Belgravia Prep will provide a straight through education from Eaton House Belgravia Nursery and Pre-Prep, from 4 ½-13, with children going on to the same schools as sister Preparatory Eaton House The Manor, such as Westminster, St Paul’s, Eton, Harrow, Winchester and Tonbridge, together with a range of other boarding and London day schools. The intimate nature of Eaton House Belgravia Prep will also provide a supportive and warm environment in which the boys will flourish as individuals. They will be encouraged in every way and taught to achieve their very best in academic, sporting, artistic and musical fields in the established Eaton House Schools tradition. Eaton House Belgravia Preparatory School, 2 Elvaston Place, SW7 5QH, 020 7924 6000, www.eatonhouseschools.co.uk

ORTIS DELEY AT ERNEST BEVIN

NEW HEAD AT GARDEN HOUSE GIRLS Garden House Girls’ School welcomes a new head this September, as Mrs Annie Lee, previously Head of Highfield Prep School in Berkshire and All Hallows in Somerset, succeeds Miss Charlotte Faber. Prior to this, Annie gained her teaching experience in a number of leading Schools including Wimbledon High School for Girls, King’s College School Wimbledon and City of London Freemen’s School. The School is excited

by Annie’s arrival and believe her educational experience will result in her being an energetic and imaginative leader. Based in Chelsea, Garden House School comprises a Kindergarten, Pre-Prep and Prep School, educating boys separately from girls from the ages of 4 to 11. Garden House School, Turks Row SW3 4TW, 020 7730 1652, www.gardenhouseschool.co.uk

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Gadget Show presenter Ortis Deley returned to his old school to present the Awards at the annual prize giving event. Ortis, who studied Pharmacy at University after leaving Ernest Bevin College, said ‘It gives me immense pride to come back to my old school and present the STEM awards.’ He took time to view coursework on display at the Art & DT Exhibition and said he was pleased that the teaching of science and technology subjects continued to inspire the next generation of scientist and engineers. Last year the college became one of only a handful of schools across the country to be awarded STEM Assured status in recognition of the success achieved by it students in the Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths subjects. At this year’s award ceremony three boys from each key stage were presented with STEM awards in recognition of their outstanding achievements across the STEM subjects, and the College plans to open a STEM Hub for young people in the local area by the end of 2017. Ernest Bevin College, Beechcroft Road SW17 7DF, 020 8672 8582, www.ernestbevin.london

“100 THINGS TO LEARN BEFORE YOU’RE 10” Written by Gail Hugman, this Guide for Parents, is based on 40 years teaching experience. As the title suggests, it explains what you need to know and can do to keep your child focused and enthusiastic about learning. Packed with examples, well written and easy to read. It is available on Amazon and from theendlessbookcase.com.

Do ask about the NEW ‘How to Get it Right with your Child’ Parent Workshop where insights from the 100 Things are combined together with Stress Management: a great way to have a peaceful home. www.lessonsalive.com

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OPEN DAYS

Eaton House Belgravia Prep Compiled by Joanna Parry

Call to book your place now

SW1

SW7

HILL HOUSE SCHOOL

THE HAMPSHIRE SCHOOL

4-13 Co-Ed Tours every weekday morning in term time, 8.30am booking required 020 7584 1331 www.hillhouseschool.co.uk EATON HOUSE BELGRAVIA 3-8 Co-Ed Open Evening 10/10 7-9pm 020 7924 6000 www.eatonhouseschools.com

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

SW2 STREATHAM AND CLAPHAM PREP SCHOOL 3-11 Girls Open Morning 7/10 10am-12pm 020 8674 6912 www.schs.gdst.net

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

EATON HOUSE BELGRAVIA PREP

SW3

SW7 8-13 Boys Open Evening 3/10 7-9pm 020 7924 6000 www.eatonhouseschools.com

ST JOSEPH CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCH

SW8

12/10 1pm 020 7589 2438 www.stjosephs.rbkc.sch.uk

SW4 EATON HOUSE THE MANOR SW4 8-13 Boys Open Morning 7/10 9-10.30am and 11am12.30pm 020 7924 6000 www.eatonhouseschools.com PARKGATE HOUSE SCHOOL 2.5 -11 Co-Ed Open day 7/10 9.30-12 020 7350 2452 www.parkgate-school.co.uk

SW6 FULHAM PREP SCHOOL 4-13 Co-Ed Pre-Prep Open Morning 19/10 9.15am, 10.15am and 11.15am, call to book a place and time slot 7371 9911, Prep School tours by appointment only 020 7386 2444 www.fulhamprep.co.uk

PARSONS GREEN PREP 4-11 Co-Ed Open Day 7/10 at 9.30am, plus midweek tours on Thursdays at 9am by appointment only 020 7371 9009 www.parsonsgreenprep.co.uk

LANGFORD PRIMARY SCHOOL 4-11 Co-Ed Tours every week, book in advance 020 7736 4045 www.langfordprimary.org.uk

KENSINGTON PREP SCHOOL 4-11 Girls Open Day 13/9 and 5/10 1.45-3pm 020 7731 9300 www.kensingtonprep.gdst.net

RAVENSCOURT PARK PREP SCHOOL 4-11 Co-Ed Open Morning 12/10 and 14/11 9am, booking necessary 020 8846 9153 www.rpps.co.uk

SINCLAIR HOUSE SCHOOL 4-11 Co-Ed Open day 5/10 10-11.30am 020 7736 9182 www.sinclairhouseschool.co.uk

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NEWTON PREP 4-11 Co-Ed Open Day 7/10 9.30am-12.30pm, also Friday tours by appointment 9-10.30am 020 7720 4091 www.newtonprepschool.co.uk

SW10 REDCLIFFE SCHOOL 3-11 Girls 3-8 Boys Tours Tuesdays and Thursdays during term time 9.30am booking required 020 7352 9247 www.redcliffeschool.com

SW11 DOLPHIN SCHOOL 4-11 Co-Ed Open Mornings Thursdays 9.1510.30am by appointment 020 7924 3472 www.dolphinschool.org.uk

THE DOMINIE 6-11 Co-Ed Tours by appointment Please contact the school to find out more about their specialist teaching for dyslexic children 020 7720 8783 www.thedominie.co.uk

THAMES CHRISTIAN COLLEGE 11-16 Co-Ed Open Mornings 26/9 11am-1pm, 30/9 10am-1pm and 11/10 11am-1pm 020 7228 3933 thameschristiancollege.org.uk

SHAFTESBURY PARK PRIMARY 11/10, 17& 23/11 9:30-11am 020 7228 3652 www.shaftesburypark.wandsworth.sch.uk

SW12 BROOMWOOD HALL Pre-Prep school (Co-ed 4-8) (The Lower School) •Ramsden Road site SW12 8RQ: 10/10 8.4510.15. The Headmistress will speak at 9.30.

•Garrad’s Road site SW16 1JZ: 12/10 910.30am The Headmistress will speak at 9.45.

Prep-School (Girls – 8-13) (The Upper School) •Nightingale Lane, SW12 8NR: 10/10 1011.15am Please register by calling 020 8682 8830 or emailing admissions@northwoodschools.com Parents should look at both the pre-prep AND the relevant prep school sites to see the whole of the educational experience that is on offer from 4-13. NB. Boys from Broomwood Hall are guaranteed a place at Northcote Lodge.

Girls from the Lower School automatically move to the Upper School.

HORNSBY HOUSE SCHOOL 4-11 Co-Ed 19/10 at 9am 020 8673 7573 www.hornsbyhouse.co.uk

WHITE HOUSE PREP SCHOOL 4-11 Co-Ed Tours on Tuesday mornings at 9.15am book in advance 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

TRINITY SAINT MARY’S Primary school. Call to arrange an individual school tour for prospective parents.

020 8673 4166 www.tsm.wandsworth.sch.uk

SW13

JOHN BURNS PRIMARY SCHOOL

THE HARRODIAN SCHOOL

SW11 4-11 Co-Ed Open Morning 29/9 1111.45am 020 7228 3857 www.johnburns.wandsworth.sch.uk

4-18 Co-Ed Regular tours during term time 020 8762 6321 www.harrodian.com

CHRIST CHURCH CE PRIMARY SCHOOL

SW14

4-11 Co-Ed Open Days 3/10 9.45am, 8/11 1.30pm and 8/1/18 10.30am-12pm 020 7228 2812 .christchurch.wandsworth.sch.uk

4-13 Boys Open Morning 22/9 9.15am 020 8876 3323 www.thsboys.org.uk

NORTHCOTE LODGE OPEN DAY

SW15

Boys – 8-13 Bolingbroke Grove 11/10 9-10.30am Please register by calling 020 8682 8830 or emailing admissions@northwoodschools.com

TOWER HOUSE PREPARATORY SCHOOL

IBSTOCK PLACE SCHOOL 3-18 Co-Ed The Prep School Open Mornings for Junior School 27/9 and 15/11 9.30am, Open Days for Senior School 20/9 5-7pm and 23/9 9amFamiliesonline.co.uk

12pm, Open Evening for Sixth Form 26/9 5-8pm booking required 020 8876 9991 / 020 8392 5803 www.ibstockplaceschool.co.uk

FALCONS SCHOOL FOR GIRLS 4-11 Girls Open Morning 16/9 10.30am-12.30pm 020 8992 5189 www.falconsgirls.co.uk

PUTNEY HIGH SCHOOL 4-18 Girls Junior School Open Mornings 14/10 911.45am, 19/10 9.30-10.45am, and 20/10 9.3010.45am, Senior School Open Days 14/10 9.45am-1pm, 16/10 2.15-3.50pm, 17/10 8.4510.45am, and 18/10 8.45-10.45am, Sixth Form Open Morning 14/10 11.45am-1pm 020 8788 4886 www.putneyhigh.gdst.net

SW16 STREATHAM & CLAPHAM HIGH SCHOOL 11-18 Girls Open Day 30/9 10am-1pm, Open Mornings 10/10 and 8/11 9.15-11.30am, Sixth Form Open Evening 4/10 6.30-8.30pm 020 8677 8400 www.schs.gdst.net

SW17 ERNEST BEVIN COLLEGE 11-16 Boys, 16-18 Co-ed 29/9 & 5/10 9-11am and 3/10 5.30-8pm. Sixth form open evening 3/10 5.308pm 020 8672 8582 www.ernestbevin.london

BURNTWOOD SCHOOL

SW18

THE NORWEGIAN SCHOOL

2.5-11 Co-Ed Open Mornings 23/9, 6/10 and 15/11 9.30-11am, or at other times by appointment 020 8877 0823 www.therocheschool.co.uk

Co-Ed 3-16 Tours of the school can be booked at any time 020 8947 6617 www.norwegianschool.org.uk

ST MICHAEL’S CE PRIMARY SCHOOL 4-11 Co-Ed Contact the school to book a place on one of their Open Mornings in September www.stmichaelswandsworth.sch.uk

Girls 4-18 Reception & junior school 30/9 10am-1pm, Senior school 23/9 10am-1pm, Sixth form 3/10 6.30-8.30pm www.sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net

SW19

SE21 DULWICH COLLEGE

7-16 Boys, 16-18 Co-Ed Whole School Open Morning 9/9 9am-12pm, Sixth Form Open Evening 14/9 and 15/10 at 6pm, Lower School Open Evening 10/10 at 6pm 020 8255 5437 www.kcs.org.uk

7-18 Boys Open morning for Years 3-6 (ages 7-19) 14/10 9.30-12noon dulwich.org.uk

SE22

THE STUDY PREP SCHOOL

JAMES ALLEN’S GIRLS’ SCHOOL

4-11 Girls Tours on Tuesdays in September and October 9.20-10.30am 020 8947 6969 www.thestudyprep.co.uk

4-18 Girls Senior School Open Days 27/9 10.30am-12pm, 7/10 10am-1pm and 19/10 10.30am-12pm, Pre-Prep and Prep Open Day 7/10 at 10am-12pm 020 8693 1181 www.jags.org.uk

WILLINGTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL 4-13 Boys Tours of the school by appointment 020 8944 7020 www.willingtonschool.co.uk

WIMBLEDON COMMON PREP

RUTHERFORD HOUSE SCHOOL Co-ed Open event every Thursday.

Open days on 5/10 10–11am, 12/10 2-3pm, 19/10 10-11am. Please register for the open events. 020 8672 5901 www.rutherfordhouseschool.co.uk

11-18 Girls Main Open Morning 7/10 9.30am12.30pm and a further Open Morning 11/10 8.5010.20am 020 8971 0900 www.wimbledonhigh.gdst.net

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SYDENHAM HIGH SCHOOL

KINGS COLLEGE SCHOOL

(also known as Squirrels) SW19 4-7 Boys Open Morning 11/10 9.15-11am, go to website to make a booking. www.wimbledoncommonprep.co.uk

Girls Year 7 open days 27/9 6pm and 10/10 8.45am 020 8946 6201 www.burntwoodschool.com

SW20

THE ROCHE SCHOOL

WIMBLEDON HIGH SCHOOL

TW12 LADY ELEANOR HOLLES Girls Junior school open day 7/10 020 8979 1601 www.leh.org.uk

WEST SUSSEX WINDLESHAM SCHOOL Co-ed 4-13yrs Open morning 30/9 9:30am12:30 Coffee & registration at 9:30am followed by presentations from the Headmaster & Director of Studies, then an individual tour of the school. 01903 874701 www.windlesham.com

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EDUCATION

How to create a high performing child

By Wendy Berliner

With the children back to school, or just starting school, you could be forgiven for thinking you are handing them over to the professionals and your job is just to make sure they get enough good food, rest and enjoyment so that they flourish in class.

PARENTS CAN REALLY MAKE A DIFFERENCE Perhaps you think your teaching job is limited to hearing the little ones read while you make sure the bigger ones do their homework. But it’s more than that. What parents do at home educationally can make the difference between whether their children succeed at school or not.

The latest research from education and neuroscience proves how malleable the brain is, how learning potential can grow, how IQ isn’t fixed – it can go up if you invest in it, and it can probably go down if you don’t.

The truth is that with the right support at home, the vast majority of children could deliver performance at school more commonly associated with the gifted and talented. There’s room for a lot more at the top of the class.

In our new book Great Minds and How to Grow Them, Professor Deborah Eyre, a lifetime specialist in advanced learning, and myself, an education journalist who has taken a special interest in why some children from similar backgrounds do badly at school whilst others don’t, have looked at the research in detail and come up with guidance any parent can use at home, fitting it seamlessly and easily into normal daily life.

What follows are five top ideas you can use at home. They come from Deborah’s High Performance Learning system which is being introduced in schools in the UK and abroad and is detailed for parents in Great Minds and How to Grow Them.

HOW TO CREATE A HIGH PERFORMING CHILD 1. Cultivate confidence and resilience – if a child thinks they can, they keep trying. It’s the ones that think they can’t who fall behind – the ones who say ‘I’m rubbish at this’. Don’t sort everything out for them – and that includes tying their shoelaces as much as it does doing their homework. And model the behaviour – don’t give up too easily on things in your life.

Key words: How could you do this? Have you done anything similar before?

What did you do then? ‘I know you can. I know it’s hard to do now but I know you can learn how to do this in time if you work at it.’

2. Develop critical or logical thinking: The ability to deduct, hypothesise, reason and seek evidence is probably the characteristic most associated with academic success.

Keywords: ‘Why do you think. . . (bread goes mouldy, babies cry, leaves fall when autumn comes, people disagree about climate change?)’ ‘I wonder if that happened because of this?’ ‘How could I find out the truth about that?’

3. Encourage them to monitor their progress – very important to the high performer is knowing how they are doing, knowing they are on track with their homework for example, knowing they need to put more effort into improving certain things.

Key words: ‘What do you need to be able to do this? How can you check you’re on track? How can you tell whether you are doing it right?

4. Encourage open mindedness – being open to new ideas is the hallmark of an advanced learner. Start with being open minded yourself so you model what it’s like to be receptive of ideas that differ from your own.

Keywords: ‘That’s different to us, isn’t that interesting?’ ‘I never thought of it like that, but that is such a good approach.’

5. Practice – it’s the only way to get good at something. Make sure it is regular, deliberate and planned, working towards achievable incremental goals and you practise what you can’t do until you can do it well.

Key words: ‘You are really good at that now, what’s the next step up from (playing Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star on your recorder, writing a story of 100 words/ swimming a width of the pool?)’

Great Minds and How to Grow Them by Wendy Berliner and Deborah Eyre. For a 20% discount and free delivery of the book use the code: GMGT230 on www.routledge.com Reader offer open till 31 December 2017.

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SCHOOL NEWS NEW HEAD AT THE WHITE HOUSE

Sydenham High School Humanities Fest

GET INTERESTED IN HUMANITIES Famous authors and poets joined forces with eminent university lecturers and politicians at Sydenham High School to celebrate the value and relevance of studying Humanities at the first ever recent Sydenham Symposium. Over 70 senior school pupils from the area took part in the day of workshops and talks to celebrate the value of Humanities subjects and to demonstrate what careers they can lead to post-GCSE. Humanities doesn’t have to be the obvious – best selling authors explored Greek heros’ journeys and how they are used in modern film plots such as Star Wars, and an eminent philosophy lecturer got students thinking about whether it is wrong to simulate wrong-doing in modern computer and video games. Sydenham High Headmistress Mrs Katharine Woodcock said, ‘At Sydenham High we see the Humanities subjects as vital in education: exciting to study and key to understanding humanity itself.’ Sydenham High School, 19 Westwood Hill SE26 6BL, 020 8557 7000, www.sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net

Meet new Headmaster Tony Lewis this autumn at White House Prep open day on 18 November. The school are very excited to welcome the new head, who has extensive experience as Headmaster at St. Nicolas Prep School in Kensington. Tony's expertise working in a co-educational school with children from 2.5yrs-11yrs and familiarity with the all important 11+ exams is invaluable and, with a speciality in the Humanities, Tony is excited to introduce Headmaster's Lessons which will give him the opportunity to work with classes across Mr Tony Lewis, new Head of the the school. White House Prep White House School continues to go from strength to strength, with an Outstanding rating in their recent ISI inspection and their inclusion in the Sunday Times top 100 Prep Schools in the UK. White House Prep School, 24 Thornton Avenue SW12 0LF, 020 8674 9514, whitehouseschool.com

NEW HEAD FOR PARSONS GREEN Tim Cannell, head at The Prebendal School in Chichester has been appointed head at Parsons Green Prep from this month. Tim will cover Mrs Helen Stavert’s maternity leave. He will take on the role on a permanent basis if Helen decides not to return to the school. He says: ‘I believe it is important to maintain and build on the ethos and vision of Parsons Green Prep.

On first looking around the school I was struck by the energy, enthusiasm and engagement of the children and staff. I firmly believe that schools should be places that put the pastoral welfare at their heart as if children Tim Cannell Parsons Green Prep School feel happy and secure they will rise to the challenges that are put Fulham London before them and have the courage to explore the many new opportunities that PGP has to offer.’ Parsons Green Prep School, 1 Fulham Park Road SW6 4LJ, 020 7371 9009, www.parsonsgreenprep.co.uk

PASS TUTORS A NOVEL IDEA Children in Year 6 at Sinclair House School have been working on an incredible project since completing their 11+ exams - each child in the class has written their very first novel! Showcasing their exceptional literary talents, the collection of stories has been published into a book which is now available for everyone to borrow from the school library.

The level of creativity and the deep and dramatic storylines are astounding and many of the children are well on their way to becoming the next JK Rowling! Sinclair House School, 59 Fulham High Street, Fulham SW6 3JJ, 020 7736 9182, www.sinclairhouseschool.co.uk

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Being part of a busy, fast moving class can be challenging for some children. They don’t always have the opportunities or confidence to ask questions and as a result they can fall behind, leaving the whole family feeling anxious and stressed. This is where PASS Tutors can help, giving your children the opportunity to learn and develop in a fun and encouraging environment.

As well as individual tuition across Key Stage 1, 2 and 3, their experienced tutors also offer 11+ workshops. To find out more about how they can help your family, visit www.passstutors.co.uk. Don’t forget to enter their competition to win one hour of individual tuition – simply mention Families magazine in your message.

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Est 1976 Ofsted registered and MEAB Accredited An independent nursery school for children 2 to 5 years

• EYFS and Montessori Method of teaching • MEAB inspected and accredited Montessori nurseries (the only ones in SW12) • Ballet, Drama, Football, French and Music classes • Morning, afternoon and full day sessions (term time only) • Summer Clubs Nightingale 1 Montessori: St Luke's Church Hall, 194 Ramsden Rd, SW12 8RQ. 07958 567210 Nightingale 2 Montessori: St Stephen's Church Hall, 35 Weir Rd, SW12 0NU. 07930 401769 Contact: info@nightingalemontessori.co.uk www.nightingalemontessori.co.uk Register early to avoid disappointment.

Children Learning to Succeed...

First Class Learning Putney

Maths, English, 11+ Preparation Vicky Barnett BA, MSc, PGCE

020 8876 2553 www.firstclasslearning.co.uk

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SCHOOL NEWS EXCITING NEW FACILITIES AT LEH Lady Eleanor Holles in Hampton are delighted to announce the opening of the Gateway Building. Their new facilities include a completely refurbished swimming pool with viewing gallery, activities studio and state-of-the- art STEM classrooms.

Pastoral care underpins all that they do. They believe that a child who feels valued, safe and happy will reach her full potential. They told Families: “When our Year 6 girls move up to our Senior School, they take with them a set of skills and core values that will enable them to embark confidently and courageously on the next stage of their educational journey. ”For further information, visit www.lehs.org.uk

THE SURPRISING TRUTH ABOUT HEAD LICE Sabine Ennabli started Lice Clinics of the UK after having repeated problems with head lice in her own family. “I grew more and more frustrated when the children came back again and again with lice. I learnt with horror that missing one single egg the size of a mustard seed means the whole process starts all over again!”.

She discovered the AirAllé device from the US, an amazing dehydrating treatment for lice and eggs, which she is now offering in the UK. The treatment, which is FDA cleared, is performed by a professional and results are guaranteed. The battle is over: book your appointment for a one-off treatment in the comfort of your own home. 07908 539 002 www.liceclinicsofuk.com

HRH the Duchess of Gloucester at Newton Prep's 25th anniversary

NEWTON PREP 25th ANNIVERSARY Newton Prep finished celebrating their 25th Anniversary year in high style, with a Royal repeat visit! HRH the Duchess of Gloucester came back 25 years after she opened the school, for a whistlestop tour that started with a rousing performance of ‘Try Your Best’ by the smaller children. She said that it had been the most joyous arrival to a school visit that she had had in years; that it was clear to her that Newton Prep was so much more than just a school and that she was “touched by the vibrant and happy atmosphere everywhere.” www.newtonprepschool.co.uk

SMOKEY JOE’S CAFÉ PERFORMED BY THAMES CHRISTIAN SCHOOL PUPILS A reminder of the incredible musical talent of the pupils of Thames Christian School, who performed at the Grand in Clapham Junction this summer. It brought much laughter to the house with some hilarious touches added by director and choreographer, Alice Holsgrove. They were accompanied by a band led by Thames Christian School music teacher Dr Paul Mitchell who, with professional singer Madeleine Holmes, coached the vocals. The show was well attended by parents as well as pupils from two local primary schools who came along to be inspired for their own productions. www.thameschristiancollege.org.uk 26 Families South West

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HEALTH AND WELL BEING

ILIEDSS FAM EN OMM REC

DON’T PASS ON YOUR BAGGAGE…

By Serena Gordon, former actress and director of The Hoffman Institute

I remember once sitting with my 6-year-old son who’d been tasked with the job of drawing a birthday card for his Granny. He sat there diligently, drawing goalposts and a man in blue kicking a ball towards the goal…

“That’s Frank Lampard, and he’s scoring a goal.”

“Do you think Granny will like a drawing of a footballer?” I questioned.

“Might she prefer some flowers, maybe?”

“No. This is my card, and I’m drawing it for her, not you.”

Well there we have it. My son knew what he wanted. And I wasn’t going to interfere.

Now if that had been me aged 6, my father would have sighed a big sigh, pushed me to one side, taken the pen from my hand, removed the offending footballer, and produced a new piece of paper.

“Not like that,” he would have said. “This is what you should do...”

And as Georgia O’Keeffe-like flowers appeared on the paper, so my own piece of creativity would have been hijacked, ignored, discarded and I would sit there silently while he ‘did it properly’. From experiences like this, I developed a pattern of low self-esteem – ‘I’m not good enough, I’ll always get it wrong, what’s the point?’ My father was always right, ergo I was always wrong. And so limiting, self-sabotaging patterns kicked in and remained with me for another 30 years.

Georgia O’Keeffe once said, “I decided to start anew, to strip away what I had been taught.” An interesting concept, but before we strip away what we have been taught, it’s helpful to understand what the things we’ve actually learned are.

WHAT IS THE HOFFMAN PROCESS? On the Hoffman Process, we invite people to explore their past and investigate all the patterns of behaviour that they inherited from their parents or primary carers. Sometimes we have adopted a behaviour ‘My mother always created dramas, and I create dramas.’ Sometimes we adopt a belief – my step-father always said that ‘children should be seen and not heard’, so I grew up believing I was insignificant, irritating and should tiptoe around the house. And sometimes we rebel against our parents’ behaviours and beliefs - when I was at school it was always the vicars’ daughters who were the rebels.

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Psychologist Evelyne Thomas explains: ‘As a child, we adopt roles to either deflect or attract attention. This could be by making our parents laugh or proud of something we’ve accomplished, or by misbehaving, being ill or making them worry all the time. Unchallenged, the patterns and roles that we’ve grown up with will hang around well into adulthood.

Once again we find ourselves acting and reacting in a way that’s subconsciously informed by our early influences’.

SO HOW DO WE STOP HANDING ON OUR LEARNED BEHAVIOURS TO OUR CHILDREN? Firstly, get some awareness. Think about your own primary carers (this can include grandparents, nannies, boarding-school) and make a list of all the characteristics that you would apply to them. Then go through the list and identify where you have adopted or rebelled against these patterns.

Next, look at your children and apply the same method. What patterns of behaviour can you see in them? Can you trace these patterns to yourself or another caregiver in their lives?

By using this awareness, you can make a conscious choice to either stay the way you are or to do something different. Taking ownership of your behaviour means you won’t be handing on your baggage to the next generation. Think how liberating this could be for everybody…

The Hoffman Institute is running a series of one-day workshops to help explore these concepts: Hoffman Process Introduction day: Saturday 16 September Parenting –The Teenage Years: Saturday 23 September Parenting –The Childhood Years: Saturday 30 September Visit: www.hoffmaninstitute.co.uk or call 01903 889990 to find out more.

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0844 879 7189 www.likeminders.co.uk

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

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

Lydie Parties Children/Adults 07957 296 675 www.lydieparties.com Let’s get the party started!

Do you a need a cozy and affordable space for small groups?

MEDITATION GROUPS • SMALL EVENTS FAIRS/SALES • DINNER PARTIES, ETC

www.TheLivingRoom.place

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

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

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TIME OUT FOR MUMS “My favourite was silent laughter, which transported me right back to the days of classroom naughtiness, when trying to stifle giggles from stern teachers”

LEARNING TO LAUGH AGAIN WITH LAUGHTER YOGA

By Helena Foss

I consider it a blessing that my sister and I somehow still have the ability to regress into childlike silliness which, at times of stress, can be extraordinarily therapeutic. There is a particularly goofy song I made up about our childhood cat that still triggers hysterics.

The only problem these days is that our pelvic floors are not quite as strong as they once were.

SERIOUS BENEFITS TO BELLY LAUGHTER Back in the sixties, the prominent American intellectual Norman Cousins was diagnosed with ankolysing spondylitis, a degenerative, crippling bone disease.

From his hospital bed he found that laughter was a more efficient painkiller than the prescribed steroids so he decided on a radical experiment. He checked himself into a hotel, hired a stack of his favourite funny movies and got down to some proper guffawing.

Cousins found that ten minutes of belly laughter gave him a good two hours of pain-free sleep. His journey back to health is chronicled in his book ‘Anatomy of an Illness’, which became a classic in mind-body healing. At the time, its publication was greeted with critical derision but this was before scientists had discovered endorphins, the body’s natural stress and painbusting bio-chemicals. It wasn’t until 1989 that The Journal of the American Medical Association published evidence showing that laughter does indeed seriously boost the immune system, increase pain thresholds and, of course, release stress.

The positive effect of laughter on pain thresholds was covered on the CBBC programme ‘Operation Ouch!’ last autumn. Dr Xand van Tulleken – one of the doctors who presents the show, along with his twin Dr Chris – were filmed learning ‘laughter yoga’ techniques from several laughter professionals, among them, local mum Federica Miserocchi.

WHAT IS LAUGHTER YOGA? Laughter yoga is an international movement of thousands of laughter clubs.

Started 20 years ago in India by the physician, Dr Madan Kataria, the ‘yoga’

element is a series of physical exercises designed to trigger the body’s laughter response. According to Federica you don’t even need a sense of humour to reap the benefits of laughter yoga, just a willingness to give it a go and look like a complete fool amongst a bunch of random strangers – something that, I would say, most of our younger children have no problem with whatsoever.

So, what the heck, I decided to try Federica’s free laughter yoga class in one of the upcycled shipping containers at Pop Brixton (a hip community enterprise of small retailers and eateries close to Brixton market). A sparky, chatty Italian, Federica warmed up the class – people from all walks of life including a baby in a sling – with breathing exercises and some gentle shaking.

We took big breaths in, lifted our arms above our heads and let them fall to our sides whilst letting out a long peal of laughter. No matter that it wasn’t ‘real,’ apparently the endorphins get released regardless. But as we continued with the exercises, we started getting infected with the real thing.

There was movement, eye contact and playful games, like speaking gibberish, passing a ball of laughter around the room and arguing laughter, which actually got quite hilarious. My favourite was silent laughter, which transported me right back to the days of classroom naughtiness, when trying to stifle giggles from stern teachers meant the joke would, invariably, reach pant-wetting proportions. I actually snorted at this point. The session finished with us lying down in a circle (with our heads towards the centre) for the final 15 minutes of ‘laughter meditation,’ in order to “release any leftover laughter bubbles.”

Did I feel better afterwards? You betcha. Apparently, there is research to show that five minutes of belly laughter is equivalent to 15 minutes on the running machine. Who knew those silly childhood jokes were so good for you?

Federica’s classes can be found on Meetup and Facebook: ahahlaughteryoga www.popbrixton.org/recurring-events/laughter-yoga www.laughteryoga.org Familiesonline.co.uk

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There are some great sites like The Daisy Chain to help you find baby friendly jobs

RETURNING TO WORK AFTER HAVING A BABY Clapham NCT Postnatal Practitioner Alex Bollen considers some of the key issues

1. What do I want to get out of my job?

Where you are with your career? Now you have a family, is this a good time, to use Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg’s metaphor, for ‘leaning in’ and pursuing your ambitions? Or is this more a time to consolidate where you’ve got to? On a more concrete level, what would you like to achieve at work over the next six or twelve months?

2. How is my childcare going to work?

It is important to feel happy with your childcare. Any childcare provider worth their salt will expect parents to be full of questions and anxieties about their baby’s day.

3. How will I manage at home?

Think about how you save time and energy at home, for instance shortcuts such as buying your groceries online. If you have a partner, it is important to discuss who will do what at home once you are back at work.

4. How will I cope during the first few days and weeks back?

This is a period of transition for both you and your child. For your child, a settling in period can help them get used to their new carer(s).

Some ideas which may help you get back into the work groove are reminding yourself of your work achievements (e.g. looking at your appraisals) and meeting up with colleagues to catch up.

When you first go back to work, life will probably feel more exhausting than usual, so try not to take on too much.

5. What happens if things don’t work out?

There are no perfect or permanent solutions to any of this. So many things (e.g. a new job) can throw all the pieces up in the air. You can only do what feels right at this point in time. No decision is permanent and you can always make changes to your work, your childcare or both if you are not happy.

Finally, remember that the life-changing experience of becoming a parent enhances what you have to offer. As Paula Nicholson puts it: “You return to the person you once were – with added value.”

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NCT Returning to Work workshops cover the practical and emotional challenges involved in going back to work. Thre are courses on 12 September and 21 November. For further information/to book a place, please contact Alex: returningtowork.clapham@nct.org.uk or visit www.nct.org.uk/branches/clapham/returning-workworkshops "I feel much more confident and empowered about returning."

WHERE TO FIND HELP FINDING A FAMILY-FRIENDLY EMPLOYER The Daisy Chain is an exciting platform for Mums to Connect to familyfriendly employers.

It’s FREE for everyone to join and there are no CVs required…so if you are thinking about a new job to work around your childcare issues then please register and see the employers that are on The Daisy Chain.

You are totally in control of your profile as a Mum / Parent/ Grandparent, and you decide which employers view your profile.

The Daisy Chain also offers some helpful advice on topics from ‘Getting ready for an interview’ to ‘Realising the Skills you have now being a Mum’. www.thedaisy-chain.com

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FREE ACTIVITIES

I

SEE MORE EVENTS IN OUR ONLINE WHAT’S ON CALENDAR

There’s plenty to do in London for free!

Compiled by Joanna Parry

WIMBLEDON FARMER’S MARKET

Interactive children’s galleries and free activity bags at the museum of London

THE RAGGED SCHOOL MUSEUM 46-50 Copperfield Road E3 4RR www.raggedschoolmuseum.org.uk First Sunday of every month Learn a Victorian Lesson Find out what life was like 150 years ago at Dr Barnardo’s ‘ragged school’.

Dress up and experience a Victorian classroom for yourself.

All ages, free.

MICHAEL MORPURGO: A LIFETIME IN STORIES V&A Museum of Childhood, Cambridge Heath Road E2 9PA www.vam.ac.uk/moc Throughout September Celebrate one of Britain’s greatest living authors in this new, free exhibition this September.

QUENTIN BLAKE: THE LIFE OF BIRDS AT THE WORD FESTIVAL House of Illustration, 2 Granary Square N1C 4BH www.houseofillustration.org.uk Throughout September Transform your family into feathered creations, and then make beaks and paper feather accessories to create your own bird outfits.

CORAM’S FIELDS ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND 93 Guilford Street WC1N 1DN www.coramsfields.org Throughout September On the site of London’s first home for abandoned children, explore the varied playspaces and adventure playground. There are plenty of animals to pet, too.

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Wimbledon Park Primary School, Havana Road SW19 8EJ www.lfm.org.uk/markets/wimbledon 30 September A firmly established family friendly farmers' market with a range of produce including Grange Nurseries seasonal cut flowers, Galileo Farm organic meat and poultry, seasonal game, goats’ milk and cheese from Ellie’s dairy, and a huge range of fruit and vegetables from Perry Court Farm, Wild Country Organics, Chegworth Valley and Ted's Veg. 9am-1pm.

MUSEUM OF LONDON 150 London Wall EC2Y 5HN www.museumoflondon.org.uk Saturdays in September Family tour A fun and engaging tour of the museum’s galleries, for ages 5+. 2pm – 2.30pm.

HERITAGE OPEN DAY Painshill Park, Portsmouth Road, Cobham KT11 1JE www.painshill.co.uk 17 September Painshill, England’s most elegant 18th century landscape garden will be taking part in Heritage Open Day, giving you the chance to celebrate England’s fantastic history, architecture and culture.

POETRY REMIX British Library, 96 Euston Road NW1 2DB www.bl.uk/events 23 September Explore shape, pattern and type to create your own poetry, and then have fun playing with different ways of performing and recording your work. 10.30am-12pm and 12.30pm, drop in, age 5-11.

HETTY’S HOSPITAL Foundling Museum 40 Brunswick Square, Camden Town WC1N 1AZ www.foundlingmuseum.org.uk To 10 September Inspired by Hetty Feather’s experience of the Foundling Hospital sick bay, young patients on the oncology and hematology wards at Great Ormond Street Hospital worked with artist Davina Drummond to create artworks in response to their personal experiences.

MUSIC MAZE WORKSHOP Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road SE1 8XX www.southbankcentre.co.uk 30 September Children aged 8-11 are invited to join a three hour workshop session to create a piece of contemporary music, and then perform what they have created on the Riverside Cafe stage. 10.30am-1.30pm.

DADS LEARN AND PLAY Masbro Centre, 87 Masbro Road W14 0LR www.masbrocentre.org.uk 30 September A range of fun activities for dads and male carers to enjoy with their children. 10.30am-12.30pm.

MORDEN HALL PARK Morden SM4 5JD www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mordenhall-park Throughout September Join a nature trail around the park and make some delightful crafts to take home. £4 per child, entry to Morden Hall is free. 11am-4pm.

BATTERSEA ARTS CENTRE Lavender Hill SW11 5TN www.bac.org.uk Final Saturday of the month Family Saturdays. Fun, free activities for ages 0-11, including face painting, music, toy and clothes swaps, plus older children and young people can get involved in their Homegrown programme.

Includes The Bee’s Knees, a magical indoor play space for ages 0-5.

10am-1.30pm, free, (The Bee’s Knees is £3 per child).

FAMILY GUIDED TOURS Houses of Parliament, Westminster SW1A 0AA www.parliament.uk Dates in September Fun and thought provoking guided tours for children aged 7-12.

Discover the Commons Chamber, Lords Chamber, medieval Westminster Hall and the Central Lobby. 10.40-11.40am, children go free with a paying adult.

BROMPTON LIBRARY Brompton Road SW5 0BS First Saturday of every month Saturday Storyland 1010.40am, followed by story and craft at 10.30-11.30am.

GEFFRYE MUSEUM 136 Kingsland Road, Hoxton E2 8EA www.geffrye-museum.org.uk Every Saturday in September Geffrye Explorers Fun children’s activities including Quiz Desk, Feely Box and Backpacks. 12.304.30pm. Entry is free

THE NATIONAL GALLERY Trafalgar Square WC2N 5DN www.nationalgallery.org.uk Every Sunday in September Magic Carpet Storytelling Fly away on a magic carpet, which comes to land in front of a different painting each week, and join Paul Rubinstein for a musical magic carpet storytelling. Age 2+, 10.30–11am and 11.30am-12pm.

FULHAM PALACE Bishop’s Avenue SW6 6EA www.fulhampalace.org 7 September Garden Walk. Join the Palace for a tour of the garden and discover more about its history and the rare plants grown there today. £6 per person, accompanied children free, no booking necessary.

24 September Hands-on Archaeology.

An opportunity to get up close and personal with archaeology at Fulham Palace, and learn more about the rich and varied history of this ancient site. This drop-in session is for archaeology enthusiasts of all ages! 1pm-3pm.

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How to teach your children their times tables…easily Hands up who got their iPhone out the last time they had to add anything up? You’re not the only one. Relying on a calculator is easy and convenient but getting to grips with maths and, in particular, times tables, is vital for children if they are to succeed at school.

The thing that can really turn children off learning their times tables is the practise it will take. Mixing up the way they spend their time practising is important for sparking their interest and holding their attention. Here are some top tips to help you.

WHAT SHOULD THEY KNOW? How and what children learn in primary school sets them up for success in secondary school. If the foundations are in place for them to be able to work out an equation like 3x6=18 without using a calculator, then they will find it easier when it comes to tackling harder arithmetic. The education curriculum changes, but at the moment, children are required to know 12x12 by the age of nine.

HOW CAN YOU HELP THEM KNOW IT? Buy posters of times tables or make your own; you can then stick them up throughout the house. On the wall opposite the loo, or under a magnet on the fridge, so that they are taking it in without even realising it.

You can even tape it to the ceiling above their bed so that they have something to talk about with you when you’re snuggling down, instead of a bed-time story.

START WITH THE TWOS Adding two to a previous number is something most children will find achievable in primary school and this sets up a pattern for learning about the other times tables. The 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 pattern has an easy rhythm to help children remember it.

APPLY IT TO REAL LIFE If times tables is something your children can apply to daily life, they will show much more of an interest. Instead of testing what they know, be playful about it when you’re at the supermarket and they’re helping you with the shopping (it can happen sometimes!). If you’re buying loose fruit and veg, ask them if they know what the price would be if you bought three instead of two.

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FIND OUT WHAT WORKS BEST FOR YOUR CHILD Like anything with children, once you discover what works best for them – stick to it. If your child learns best using visual aids then go down that route. If, on the other hand, listening and chanting helps them learn, then explore the different types of apps available on the iPad or computer and try downloading some of them. It may be a good idea to keep these activities supervised so that if your child does make a mistake and comes up with a wrong answer, you are on hand to explain where they may have gone wrong and encourage them to try again.

PICK OUT THE PATTERNS Come on, admit it; everyone has a favourite times table. It’s probably your favourite because you find it the easiest to remember or you like the pattern. Picking up on things like this will make it easier for your little ones to learn. The 9 times table has one of the easiest patterns to remember because, whilst the tens go up each time, the other number just goes down; 9, 18, 27, 36, 45, 54, 63, 72, 81 and 90.

DON’T BRING YOUR OWN FEELINGS INTO IT Teaching methods have changed a lot since us parents were learning our times tables. Your children are probably learning in a completely different way now so chances are that you may have to brush up on your arithmetic too. Ordering yourself something like Maths for Mums and Dads could help if you are feeling outside of our comfort zone when you’re topping up the teaching at home. Discovering new ways of learning can make it fun for both of you.

BUILD THEIR CONFIDENCE There is more to maths than arithmetic and it’s important that your little ones don’t lose interest in maths as a subject because it feels too difficult or seems too time consuming. Break down learning into bite-size chunks and make it as playful as possible. Encourage your children and praise them for trying when they do. Show them how far they have come since last week or last month and this should spur them on to keep improving.

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CLUBS AND CLASSES FEATURE

A parent’s guide to clubs and classes Clubs and classes are a great way to continue your child's development, as well as allow them to have fun, get exercise, socialise with others, and take part in activities they might not have the chance to at home. There is a huge range of different clubs and classes on offer, and while they may be more suited for some children better than others, all of them are designed to be fun and useful for developing vital skills for your children.

Here are just a few of the clubs and classes on offer, and some of the benefits they can bring.

RUGBY

DANCE

Rugby isn't just for boys - it's for girls too. Rugby is a great way for children to have fun and get exercise while learning to work and function as part of a team. Your children can learn a wide variety of skills from the sport, including respect, winning and losing, and working together.

Jennifer Siegeris of the Siegeris School of Dance told us: There is evidence to suggest that dancing can actually improve neural functioning in the brain. A long term study of senior citizens led by The Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York found that frequent dancing dramatically outperformed all other physical and cognitive activities (such as crosswords, reading, cycling, golf and swimming) in helping prevent dementia.

DRAMA Drama is always hugely popular with children and really helps younger people release their creative thoughts and let their imagination run wild.

Always fun and engaging, it's also a great way to help children develop their own sense of self, confidence and self-esteem - even shy children love taking part. It can also be a great way to develop an interest in other forms of art.

SPORTS FOR ADHD ADHD can make it difficult for some children to engage in organised activities and team sports. Not all sports are well suited to children with ADHD traits, and not all coaches and supervisors are understanding about the difficulties associated with the condition. There are specific programs specifically designed for children with ADHD, using sports that are well suited to the different challenges posed by those with the condition. They help them to participate in team sports, making it a fun experience and a great opportunity for exercise, learning, and development.

BROWNIES AND CUBS A great way to get your child to experience the outdoors and engage and socialise with others. Studies have shown that scouting organisations help children with their mental health in later life, and with the huge range of activities on offer in Brownies, and great fun ways to learn, you'll be sure to get your children off to a good start.

TRAMPOLINING Trampolining is always popular among children, but it's also a great fun way to get exercise. Under supervision, and learning different moves on the trampoline, it can be the perfect way to get into gymnastics and other athletics too - as well as being healthy and fun in its own right.

MUSIC Music classes will help your child to develop their artistic talents by exploring how to create music and learning an instrument. As well as the joys of music, it's also a great way to learn other related abilities - like patience, discipline, and social and physical skills.

MARTIAL ARTS Martial arts are a great way to help develop confidence in children, as well as learning values like discipline and patience. Teaching responsible selfdefence helps to benefit children enormously, and it's a great and fun way to get exercise too.

See the following pages for a great choices of local clubs & classes. As well as being open and beneficial, they're all designed to be as fun as possible and to get children active and working with each other.

For more information about clubs and classes, visit www.familiesonline.co.uk

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A FEW GREAT LOCAL CLUBS AND CLASSES TO TRY PEAK CHESS CLUB FOR JUNIORS At The Living Room, Furzedown and Kennington Oval www.peakchess.co.uk A welcoming chess club for children (age 6-12) at beginner and intermediate levels. A fun and accessible programme that helps children develop decision-making, planning and problem-solving abilities whilst also encouraging resilience, sportsmanship and social skills. Beginners welcome.

Tuesdays 4-5pm.

YORK GARDENS TABLE TENNIS CLUB Based in Fircroft Primary School, Fircroft Road SW17 7PP www.yorkgardensttc.com There are up to nine tables available for play, children to bring their own bats and balls. 6-7.30pm. £1.50 for members, £2 non members.

SPARKS FILM & MEDIA ARTS Classes for Ages 4 – 18 020 7101 9329 hello@sparksignite.com www.sparks-ignite.com Sparks are now registering young movie makers for their Saturday film workshops based at Broomwood Hall School in Balham. Each week, members explore and develop different creative skills as they make their own film productions. Each child has the opportunity to take part in front of camera, as well as in all the roles behind the scenes, as directors, camera operators, designers and crew. Free trial sessions are available in September

MUSICAL EXPRESS Classes in Southfields,Earlsfield and Sinbads Soft play centre www.musicalexpress.co.uk Fun and interactive music and movement class suitable for babies from 9months old to 3 year olds – drop-in price £7.50 (£6 per class if you pay termly) Lots of time to play the instruments and a surprise each week.

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Book classes online www.paintpots.co.uk Paint Pots House Creative Classes Messy Play available at Bayswater, W2 and The Boltons, SW10, for children aged 12 – 18 months.

During the 50 minute class the

FUNKY MOVES 07810 431101 www.funkymoves.com Dulwich, Wimbledon, Wandsworth & Streatham.

Saturday Kids Street Dance Classes for ages 3 - 12 years. Fun, friendly and energetic teachers.

FREE TRIAL!

LE “FRENCH” CLUB At The Living Room, Furzedown Contact Sophie 07946196012 or by email s.jacqcooke@hotmail.com Joining Le French club is a great way for the children to absorb and learn French effortlessly while having fun. Children will explore French through a variety of methods including games, songs and rhymes, arts and crafts activities. An under 5 years old group.

MINDFULNESS CLASSES Love Live Parent 07771 543 623 www.loveliveparent.com Anne Wille offers Mindfulness classes for individuals, schools and businesses, building resilience, adaptability and co-operation. She offers MBCT day and evening courses in Earlsfield. MBCT being one of the two most wellresearched and evidence-based mindfulness programmes available.

It can help reduce stress, prevent low mood or depression and generally allow people to be happy, joyful and at peace. Mindfulness for Exam Stress Reduction for Teens.

'YOU CAN'T STOP THE WAVES, BUT YOU CAN LEARN TO SURF'

MINI YOGA Wandsworth 07855 334 769 www.miniyogawandsworth.com Open classes running every week at Eddie Catz Earlsfield and at The Bright Emporium on St John’s Hill.

They use imagination, stories and adventure to develop confidence and the ability to express themselves physically, creatively and emotionally.

MEDITATION YOGA ARTS & DANCE www.facebook.com/myadlondon MYAD provides Meditation, Yoga, Arts and Dance workshops for adults and children. MYAD is for everyone, all ages, levels and abilities are welcome.

ART AND CREATIVE WRITING 07779 100 659 www.paintwritenow.co.uk For ages 6-11 in Wimbledon on Saturdays during term-time with Katherine Smith, Oxford graduate.

Creative Writing 9-9.45am: ages 6-7 10-11am: ages 7-8 11.45am-12.45pm: ages 9-11 £240 per term (12 sessions) Painting and Drawing 2-3pm: ages 6-8 3.15-4.15pm: ges 8-11 £120 per half-term (6 sessions) Inspire children to become confident artists and writers!

RAY STEVENS FITNESS

babies explore different textures, with a carefully selected variety of taste safe materials. The classroom includes a mixture of tables and floor level trays to encourage exploration and discovery. The class is perfect for an active, tactile and inquisitive child who loves to squidge, splash, drip, pop, roll, shake and much more. It also includes time for songs and music.

07552 774111 www.raystevensjudo.co.uk Develop your child’s all round fitness, strength and balance with Judo 4-15yrs. The Ray Stevens Academy strives to offer a family friendly teaching academy that also caters to the highest level athletes.

They also offer Budokwai.

SING AND SIGN

YOGA FOR CHILDREN www.projectyogi.com Children are introduced to postures, yoga games, breathing techniques, strength building techniques, partner yoga, relaxation and guided meditations.

These methods allow children to manage their emotions, while helping build on their social skills and their self-esteem. 11.5 yrs to 13yrs + and family sessions too!

LOVE ART Tooting Market, 23 Tooting High St, SW17 0SN www.facebook.com/Love.Art.Classes/ Regular classes for children every Thursday for pre-schoolers £5 at 10.30am and 11.15am. Saturday they have a drop-in creative making classes for aged 6 and above £7 at 11am and again at 12.15pm.

MESSY PLAY AT PAINT POTS Messy Play at Paint Pots– every baby’s dream class!

Sing and Sign Lambeth & Wandsworth Email Kim Golson on kimgolson@singandsign.co.uk or message on 07930 534 864.

To find out more go to http://www.singandsign.co.uk/classes /classes-near-you/lambeth-&wandsworth Award Winning Baby signing classes for babies up to two years in three developmentally appropriate stages in various venues across Lambeth and Wandsworth. Find out what your baby wants to say to you by giving them the gift of communication before speech. The new term starts mid-September.

Free taster sessions available.

HOCKEY CRICKET, TENNIS, LACROSSE AND SQUASH Spencer Club Fieldview, Earlsfield, SW18 3HF http://hockey.spencerclub.org A progressive, not-for-profit and inclusive sports club at the heart of the Wandsworth community.

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YOUR CLUBS AND CLUBS NEWS: MINI BULLS RUGBY

DRAMA IN FRENCH!

Mini Bulls Rugby is further expanding in the Autumn, and is launching under 5 sessions for Boys & Girls entering reception in September.

This will be in addition to the existing classes for Year 1 to Year 6. The Autumn season starts on 9th Sept and sessions are 10.30-11.30am on Saturdays at Woodmansterne Playing Fields, 47 Stockport Road, Streatham SW19 5XE. All are

La Comedie, which launched last year, hit upon a really clever idea: they are getting children to learn drama while they practice French: two activities in one!

DANCE CLASSES FOR THE BOYS Garner Academy of Dance opened this summer in Southfields to provide an opportunity for boys to learn to dance amongst other boys and with male teachers. Saturday classes are currently offered in Ballet and Dance Attack (a high-energy mixed styles class).

Principal Ben Garner said “there are so many boys with an affinity for dance and with great potential – many of them never get the opportunity to develop this outside of school. I think I’ve created the kind of welcoming environment at GADance where the boys feel they belong. Dance has many physical benefits but I think the life skills of self-discipline and communication that are gained are just as invaluable.”

020 8715 0591 www.garneracademydance.com

HOW TO USE A TODDLE PASS? ToddlePass is a membership that allows parents to book hundreds of classes for babies and toddlers with one easy pass. ToddlePass

This September they are opening a new class for the 4-6 year olds. The idea is first and foremost to have fun with joyful stories to play, which is especially important for the little ones.

They introduce children to improvisation and mime, along with other techniques of drama.

They have a strong focus on overall language to reinforce good French oral language expression.

Sessions are opened to bilingual French-English children. Children need to have a strong background in French as it is only in French.

They learn about Drama and practice or reinforce their French.

Clapham. 07510 434 354 www.LaComedie.co.uk

welcome - cost is £20 per month plus a free trial. Mini Bulls Rugby is the junior sector of Brixton Bulls, a thriving community rugby league club. To register, or for more information email info@minibullsrugby.co.uk or visit www.minibullsrugby.co.uk

SENSORY LAND CLASSES Sensory Land Classes for the under 4s are coming to Clapham! Following their fantastic Friday morning sessions at The Railway Pub in Streatham, the newly formed business, Sensory

LES PETITS CHOUX

was founded by two parents, Elizabeth and Shaun, because they found booking classes for their daughter tedious and time consuming.

ToddlePass is a convenient, flexible and costeffective way for parents and children to try lots of different classes. ToddlePass only partners with the best providers. Parents can spend less time scheduling and more time helping their kids to get the best start to their early childhood development. Check out ToddlePass and have fun exploring! www.toddlepass.com

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Land is extending its activity classes to include Friday afternoons at The Contact Centre on Hambalt Road, just off Abbeville Road, Clapham. Book in advance via their website or drop in on the day for Singing, Sensory fun with Stories and Props. The baby classes also include massage to enhance cognitive development. All are welcome. 0794 3199861 www.sensoryland.com

Les Petits Choux is popular with French families and Francophiles alike. Interested in your child learning French from scratch? Then enrol them in the beginners’ class, which is full of fun and games to bring the language to life.

The bilingual classes are important for French families as the teachers and children only use French. Every week involves a reading and writing exercise as well as a practical activity such as making crepes, a treasure hunt or something arty. Book a free trial now for September. 07980 266817 www.lespetitschoux.org

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CLUBS AND CLASSES FEATURE WHY MUSIC IS KEY TO YOUR CHILD’S DEVELOPMENT

AWARD-WINNING MUSIC LESSONS IN BALHAM From September children aged 4-11 will be able to experience award-winning weekly music lessons in Balham. The Strings Club’s term time courses, led by the UK’s top string

All children are born with an innate musicality and this needs to be encouraged so a child can fulfill their natural musical potential. But the benefits of music go much deeper than this.

Research has found that early exposure to singing, listening to and playing music in groups can lay a firm foundation to support all aspects of learning. At Monkey Music they know that music is fundamental to a child's development.

WEST WIMBLEDON DANCE ACADEMY Their award winning classes are perfect if you’re looking for a nurturing, stimulating and educational musical environment. Jeni Eastlake from Monkey Music says: ‘Our age specific classes are carefully planned to aid little ones’ cognitive, social and motor development. They are so much fun too, for the grown-ups as well as little ones – many people tell us how they have made lasting friendships from their time at Monkey Music!’ Monkey Music is the highlight of the week for lots of local families, so if you’re looking for a fun, captivating musical activity, do get in touch to arrange your first FREE class.

Classes in Battersea, Clapham, Chelsea, Gloucester Rd, S Kensington, Belgravia, Pimlico, Wimbledon, Raynes Park, Merton Park, Putney, Barnes, Fulham. www.monkeymusic.co.uk

THE PERFECT WEEKEND ACTIVITY THIS AUTUMN A new school year is here, which means that children across London and the Home Counties are taking to the stage as Jigsaw begins an exciting new term of drama, singing and dance classes; the perfect activity to escape the cold, wet October weekends.

Performing arts classes are an excellent way to build confidence and social skills and are lots of fun. For more information or to book a twoweek trial, visit www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk or call 020 8447 4530.

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West Wimbledon Dance Academy offers excellent ballet classes in modern facilities in Wimbledon and Raynes Park. The Principal Caroline Barrett trained and taught at the Royal Ballet School. Their exam results are outstanding. As well as their two annual performances, they are now preparing for their full length Big Christmas Show 2018. caroline@wwdance.co.uk 07956 606 648 www.wwdance.co.uk

teachers, offer an opportunity to enhance your child’s development on a weekly basis from musicianship skills, to confidence and team work. The bespoke classes are tailored to the age of your child with specific courses for 4-5s and 6-11s. Unlike the standard 20-30 minute lessons which can prove more like a crammingin session, the lessons last 45 mins – ensuring your child gets the most out of their music education and reaches their musical potential.

0121 296 9204. www.thestringsclub.org/balham

OLÉ OLÉ!

FLAMENCO IS HERE! Award winning centre Battersea Spanish, located in the heart of Battersea-Clapham Junction, will be offering Flamenco for the little

ones this autumn. And the good news is that mums and dads can have their own class too!

Flamenco is a passionate and colourful dance that energises and keeps everyone in great shape, while performing a unique activity.The exciting news doesn’t end here, if you are as in love with everything Spanish as they are, you can also join their Spanish, Salsa and Tango lessons year-round. They also organise many cultural events, designed for children and adults.

For the little ones they specially recommend their after class lessons, private tuition, and their raving popular Saturday Creative School for Children.No matter what your choice is, great times and excellence are guaranteed! Visit the website or contact them for more details.

‘We’re happy to help!’

07554 685 682 hola@batterseaspanish.com www.batterseaspanish.com

TWO NEW VENUES FOR SIEGERIS SCHOOL OF DANCE The Siegeris School of Dance is delighted to announce two new venues to their timetable from September. The dance school, with its happy environment and enthusiastic approach and high standard of teaching will bring Saturday morning Royal Academy of Dance ballet classes to Dundonald Primary School, Wimbledon and Monday afternoon ballet classes to Joseph Hood Primary School, Raynes Park. “We are thrilled with the opportunity to bring ballet classes to these schools in the Autumn and look forward to welcoming some new dancers.” said Jennifer Siegeris. They encourage the joy of movement and dance in children from 3 years of age to adults. 07730536499 info@siegerisdance.com www.siegerisdance.com

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CLUBS AND CLASSES FEATURE NEW SOUTH KENSINGTON iLAB LEGO CLASSES AND PARTIES Since launching over three years ago, Mini-Engineers has enjoyed its busiest summer yet with over 400 miniengineers attending its LEGO camps at their various iLabs across London. This autumn they will be continuing to offer Mini-engineers Wonderful Planet LEGO Class their weekly LEGO South Kensington and Wimbledon classes for children aged 3 to 13 – ranging from Nursery LEGO Classes to the FIRST LEGO League Robotics Challenge class for the more experienced builders who are ready to test their limits - so there really is something on offer for everyone who has a passion for building with LEGO! Mini-Engineers is very excited to announce that it has added Marlborough Primary School as another iLab to its South Kensington portfolio; it is a wonderful new building that will become the home to their weekly Saturday classes from September onwards, as well as a venue for birthday parties. Mini-Engineers now offers more than 20 themes to choose from. If their new South Kensington iLab is not convenient for you, the Mini-Engineers team can come to your home or a venue of your choice and tailor everything so that your child has an unforgettable birthday experience. mini-engineers.com

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SPARK4KIDS CODING WORKSHOPS Learning to write computer code is similar to learning a new spoken language. The younger you start, the more likely you are to succeed.

With Spark4kids, children aged 5-8+, from beginners onwards, learn the basics of programming, encouraging them to experiment, make mistakes, learn from these experiences, and take ownership of what they do – in their own time, and at their own speed. Computer Coding, Minecraft Modding, Robotics, Electronics, Games Design etc in a fun, engaging environment. 020 8090 1444, www.spark4kids.com

PERFORM WEEKLY DRAMA, DANCE AND SINGING CLASSES Perform offers confidence building fun for 4-12s with a unique mix of drama, dance and singing specially formulated to bring out every child's true potential. Classes are kept small to ensure lots of individual attention. Perform offer no-obligation FREE trial sessions for newcomers. Each term sees a brand new theme to keep imaginations buzzing. This autumn, 4-7s will be venturing Under the Sea on a colourful aquatic adventure while 7-12s will be working rocktastic fairytale adaptation, Cinderella Rocks.

Throughout the SW postcodes. 020 7255 9120 enquiries@perform.org.uk www.perform.org.uk

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Do you a need a cozy and affordable space for small groups?

MEDITATION GROUPS • SMALL EVENTS FAIRS/SALES • DINNER PARTIES, ETC

www.TheLivingRoom.place

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WHAT’S ON

I

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.

IF YOU ONLY DO ONE THING THIS MONTH… NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM

FAMILY SATURDAY Battersea Arts Centre, Lavender Hill SW11 5TN www.bac.org.uk Various dates in September A day of fun, food and family friendly activities including face painting, storytelling, music, soft play, crafts and more. 10am-3pm

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

MESSY TODDLERS The Bright Emporium, 103-105 St John’s Hill SW11 1SY www.thebrightemporium.com Various dates in September Why make a mess at home? Come to the Emporium and have all the fun with none of the tidying up.

Age 0-4, 10.30-11.30am

FULHAM PALACE Bishop’s Avenue SW6 6EA www.fulhampalace.org 10 September Foreshore Walk for Totally Thames Festival. Join their Community Archaeologist for this walk along the Fulham foreshore.

Examine a piece of Victorian glass or discover a shard of Roman pottery. 11am-1pm 16 September Youth Panel. Learn learn new creative skills and meet new people. Activities range from photography, art and architecture to archaeology and exhibition design. 2pm-4pm 20 September Summer Film Series – La La Land. The Luna Cinema returns to Fulham Palace with this Oscar winning box office smash hit.

7.30pm

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21 September Summer Film Series – The Great Gatsby. Leonardo DiCaprio leads an all-star cast in Baz Luhrmann's breathtaking reimagining of F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic novel. Enjoy this art deco cinematic treat under the stars, 7.30pm

VINTAGE SUMMER STEAM London Transport Museum / Amersham, Watford and Harrow-onthe-Hill www.ltmusuem.co.uk 9-10 September Enjoy journeys evocative of the early 20th century along with a pop-up vintage tea experience when the Metropolitan No. 1 steam locomotive and the 1938 art deco Tube stock train run on the Metropolitan line between Amersham and Harrow-on-theHill.

© National Maritime Museum, London

DIARY DATES

Park Row, Greenwich SE10 9NF www.rmg.co.uk Throughout September Death in the Ice: The Shocking Story of Franklin’s Final Expedition. Explore the mysterious fate of Sir John Franklin and his crew on their final expedition – a mystery that still remains unsolved today – in this fantastic new exhibition at the Maritime Museum. With over 200 objects on display alongside finds from HMS Erebus, whose resting place was only discovered in 2014, the exhibition begins to answer questions about what may have happened to those men on their fateful journey to the Arctic all those years ago. Truly HMS Erebus in the Ice, 1846 fascinating!

Sports Club Climbing session led by experienced instructors and open to all abilities. Age 7-9, 9.30am

LITTLE SCIENCE Imperial College, Exhibition Road SW7 2AZ www.littlehouseofscience.com 16, 23 and 30 September Helping lay the foundation for your child’s future academic progress.

10am, age 5-8

LEGO WORKSHOP The Toy Shop, 133 St Margarets Road, TW1 2LJ www.thetoyshop-stmargarets.com 16 September 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

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+

CLAPHAM NCT Venues across SW4, SW11, SW12 and SW18 www.nct.org.uk/branches/clapham 12 September Returning to work course, and First Aid Course.

16 September Nearly New Sale, 9.30-11.30am

TCH KIDS CLUB The Climbing Hangar, 33-35 Parsons Green Lane SW6 theclimbinghangar.com/london 16 September

Walk on the wild side Painshill Park

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NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM Cromwell Road SW7 5BD www.nhm.ac.uk 16 September Investigate for Families Get a feel for how scientists work by having a go yourself. Explore hundreds of real nature specimens that form the evidence museum scientists use in their work.

Age 3-11, 11am

BAND AUDITION DAY Thomas’s Academy, Parsons Green 07816 901936 www.upbeatmusiccourses.co.uk 16 September Calling all would-be band members.

All levels welcome, from experienced singers, drummers and guitarists to beginners with potential for their entry-level band!

Singing and dancing activities also available as usual at their Saturday sessions. For children from 4 - 18.

UNWANTED MEMORY BANK

WALK ON THE WILD SIDE

Pump House Gallery, Battersea Park SW11 4NJ pumphousegallery.org.uk 16 September Drop in to create 3-minute sculptures from objects found in your pockets, all ages, free, no booking required. 11am-5pm

Painshill Park, Portsmouth Road, Cobham KT11 1JE www.painshill.co.uk 17 September Take a late night stroll with Painshill’s stars of the night Enjoy the delights of the 18th century landscape in all its glory, whilst observing bats in their natural habitat. From £10

BABIES AND TODDLERS

HORNIMAN MUSEUM AND GARDENS

SCREAMING WITH LAUGHTER The Bedford pub Balham www.screamingwithlaughter.com

100 London Road SE23 3PQ www.horniman.ac.uk Every Tuesday and Wednesday in September Busy Bees Lively sessions for under-5s and their parents/carers during term-time. Activities include storytelling, art and craft and outdoor play. Free, 10.30am, 11.15am, 12pm

MUSEUM OF LONDON

27th September Scummy mummies, Mc Hatty Ashdown and more tbc. London's Original afternoon comedy club, designed for parents with infants under a year old. See the best acts from TV and the comedy circuit without having to book a babysitter. Pram parking, baby change and soft mat area for little wrigglers. £9 per adult, show time 1-2.30pm.

EC2Y 5HN www.museumoflondon.org.uk Wednesdays in September Little Moles Toddlers Group and Mini Moles Babies Group Fun, hands-on, creative sessions for toddlers, parents and carers. 3.304.30pm, book in advance. Plus sensory, hands-on, play-based activities for you and your baby to enjoy together, 11am-12pm.

UNICORN THEATRE

DO-RE-MI BABIES CONCERTS

147 Tooley Street SE1 2HZ www.unicorntheatre.com Saturdays in September Up Club Join the Unicorn Play Club most Saturdays for free drop-in activities from portrait painting and potato printing to giant rocket making and more. 12noon - 2pm

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Barnes, Chelsea, Fulham, Wandsworth www.doremibabies.co.uk Dates throughout September 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.

LONDON FIRST AID TRAINING Venues in Battersea SW11 www.firstaidtraininglondon.co.uk 21 September and 7 October Paediatric First Aid course, includes resuscitation procedures, drowning, chocking, shock, spinal injury, burns and scalds.

MUM2MUM NEARLY NEW SALE Saint Stephens Church Hall, 48 Emperors Gate SW7 4HJ www.mum2mummarket.co.uk 24th September Award-winning baby and children’s nearly new sale, clothes, toys, books, baby equipment and more.

Great quality, top brands, bargain prices. 1.30–3.30pm

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WHAT’S ON

ULTIMATE FAIR Christ Church, Town Hall Avenue, Chiswick W4 5DT 21-24 September A fair for all ages.

FRAMED FILM CLUB Barbican Cinema, Beech Street EC2Y 8AE www.barbican.org.uk Azur and asmar the princes quest 23 September Kids Club Film for age 3+, from £2.50 DROP-IN CHOCOLATE MAKING The Chocolate Museum, 187 Ferndale Road SW9 8BA www.thechocolatemuseum.co.uk 23 September Creative and fun workshop. Fillings and decorations will be provided to help make beautiful chocolate creations. 12-5pm, from £9.50

MORDEN HALL PARK

FULHAM PALACE

Morden Hall Road, Morden SM4 5JD www.nationaltrust.org.uk Every Monday in September 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.

Bishop’s Avenue SW6 6EA www.fulhampalace.org Mondays and Tuesdays in September The Palace Explorers Join the Palace Explorers, weekly parent/carer and toddler sessions for children aged 24. £4 per child, which includes a drink and healthy snack, booking essential. 9.30am-10.30am

THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL

HAMPTON COURT PALACE

Kensington Gore SW7 2AP www.royalalberthall.com Tuesdays and Wednesdays in September 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

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

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

East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9AU www.hrp.org.uk/HamptonCourtPalace Every Thursday and Saturday in September Tiny Explorers Explore and play in the Palace together. Discover the stories of Hampton Court 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.

KENSINGTON PALACE W8 4PX hrp.org.uk/kensingtonpalace Selected Wednesdays and Saturdays in September 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.

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MONSKI MOUSE’S BABY DISCO DANCE HALL Underbelly Festival at Southbank, Belvedere Road SE1 8XX www.underbellyfestival.com 24 September Celebrating 5 years of baby boogieing on the Southbank, join resident dj-mumma, Monski Mouse and her Dancers for bopping family fun. From £8.50

HAMPTON AND KEMPTON WATERWORKS RAILWAY Kempton Park Waterworks, Snakey Lane TW13 6XH www.hamptonkemptonrailway.org.uk 24 September Ride on the narrow gauge railway, play on the play-train, plus arts and crafts activities. From £1

LONDINIUM Across the City of London visitlondon.com/romans 29 July – 29 October A season celebrating the City of London’s Roman Heritage With interactive children’s galleries, free activity bags and stimulating online games. Includes Roman London: Storytelling and object handling at the Museum of London, Art and Archaeology in the Amphitheatre: Family fun days at the Guildhall Art Gallery, Myths and Laurels: Androcles and the Lion at Shoe Lane Library.

CHICKENSHED CHILDREN’S THEATRE WORKSHOPS The Wharf Rooms, Imperial Road,

Fulham SW6 2GA www.chickenshed.org.uk/kensingtonchelsea-theatre-workshops Wednesdays from October A new children’s theatre group for ages 5-7 All workshops are taught by skilled practitioners who will invent and explore drama, dance and music.

CLAPHAM PREGNANCY AND BABY SHOW Henry Cavendish Primary School, Hydethorpe Road, SW12 0JA www.claphambabyshow.co.uk 14 October Organised by Neighbourhood Midwives, Hello Mums and Baby Intuition.

The Clapham Pregnancy and Baby Show is back with its fourth event.

It is a local, free event for expectant and new parents, a fantastic opportunity to come and meet lots of pregnancy, birth and baby experts all in one morning. In a relaxed and informal setting, you can meet midwives, doulas, therapists and chat 1-to-1 about their area of expertise. Their goody bags are reknowned for being really generous, book now they are limited! FREE entry.

DRAMA CAMBRIDGE THEATRE Seven Dials, 32-34 Earlham Street WC2H 9HU uk.matildathemusical.com Throughout September Matilda The Musical Inspired by

British Library Poetry Remix 23 September 2017 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.

CHELSEA THEATRE 7 World's End Place, King's Road SW10 0DR www.chelseatheatre.org.uk 8 September London Symphony A brand new silent film offering a wonderful, poetic journey through the city of London.

Featuring stunning visuals and stirring music, the film is an artistic snapshot of the city as it stands today.

NEW WIMBLEDON THEATRE The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1QG atgtickets.com/venues/newwimbledon-theatre 21-30 September Cabaret In the role that earned him an Olivier award nomination and WhatsOnStage award, Will Young reprises his critically acclaimed performance of Emcee in Rufus Norris’ production of Cabaret.

THE POLKA THEATRE COLOUR HOUSE THEATRE Watermill Way SW19 2RD www.colourhousetheatre.co.uk 2 September – 5 November Rapunzel In this re-telling of this Brothers Grimm classic, discover that all is not what it seems.

From £10

240 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB www.polkatheatre.com 30 September – 1 October Handa’s Surprise Travel to Kenya and follow in Handa’s footsteps as she journeys to see her best friend Akeyo in the next village. Age 2-6, from £9

LYRIC THEATRE

PUPPET THEATRE BARGE

Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 7ES www.lyrictheatrelondon.co.uk To 10 September What the Ladybird Heard Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks’ much-loved children’s book comes to life, bringing farmyard fun to the West End. A glittering tale packed full of fun, What the Ladybird Heard follows two crafty robbers, one very small ladybird and all of her farmyard friends!

Petersham Road (opposite 85), Richmond TW10 6UT www.puppetbarge.com To 1 October The Hare and the Tortoise And other tales from Aesop. Age 3+, £8.50/£12

LYRIC HAMMERSMITH One Lyric Square W6 0QL www.lyric.co.uk 24-28 October Burglar Bill Join Pied Piper Theatre Company in a fun and engaging stage adaptation of Janet

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and Allan Ahlberg’s charming picture book. Age 3-8, £10

RICHMOND THEATRE The Green, Richmond TW9 1QJ www.atgtickets.com/venues/richmond -theatre 17 September Mister Maker and The Shapes Live! Join CBeebies' Mister Maker in his hit live theatre tour. With art at its heart, this fantastic live show encourages Mini Makers and grown-ups to sing, dance and make some noise.

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SADLER’S WELLS Rosebery Avenue EC1R www.sadlerswells.com 20-23 September English National Ballet – Akram Khan’s Giselle Following its sensational 2016 world premier and UK tour, Giselle returns to London by popular demand for 6 performances only.

THE VAULTS AT WATERLOO Launcelot Street SE1 7AD www.alice-underground.com Throughout September Adventures in Wonderland A magical show, pushing the boundaries of children’s theatre.

Tumble down the rabbit hole in a theatrical adventure like no other, with more to explore than ever before. Age 5-10

MUSEUMS, GALLERIES AND DAYS OUT BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM Threadneedle Street EC2R 8AH www.bankofengland.co.uk From 4 September Till Time's Last Sand - A history of the Bank of England To coincide with the publication of David Kynaston’s latest book, this new display will delve into the history of the Bank of England from its foundation in 1694.

CHARLES DICKENS MUSEUM 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 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.

17 September The Housemaid’s Tour Step back in time to 1839…Dickens and his young family are preparing to leave for a journey to their ‘home from home’ – a relaxing holiday in Broadstairs is just the ticket. But during their absence, the housemaid is up to no good. From £10

DESIGN MUSEUM 224-238 Kensington High Street W8 6AG www.designmuseum.org To 17 October California While California’s mid-century modernism is well documented, this is the first exhibition to examine its current global reach. Picking up the story in the 1960s, the exhibition charts the journey from the counterculture to Silicon Valley’s tech culture.

HAM HOUSE Ham Street, Richmond-upon-Thames TW10 7RS www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ham-houseand-garden Saturdays and Sundays in September Art Activities Weekends Create a piece of art inspired by your visit to Ham House in the below stairs Education Room.

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WHAT’S ON

Hampton Court The Magic Garden

HAMPTON COURT PALACE East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9AU www.hrp.org.uk/HamptonCourtPalace Throughout September The Magic Garden Discover something new around every twist and turn in an immersive world populated by mythical beasts, including a 25m dragon! Take the family to become Tudor Knights, besiege the battlements, storm the Tiltyard Towers and explore a mysterious secret grotto. Included in palace admission.

Throughout July and August Encounters with the Tudors Join members of the court to explore the perils and intrigues of life as a Tudor. The cooks in Hampton Court’s historic kitchens will also be roasting meat for the king’s table. This is a lovely, live demonstration that is perfect for children, and you’ll really get a taste of what life was like at the time.

HORNIMAN MUSEUM AND GARDENS 100 London Road SE23 3PQ www.horniman.ac.uk Throughout September Pani Pani is the word for water across large parts of South Asia. In this thought-provoking display, artist Daksha Patel explores the complex relationships between people and water in this region.

To 24 September India Unplugged This photography exhibition showcases traditional music making in Punjab, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Odisha and Kerala.

Second Nature: The Art of Charles Tunnicliffe at The Royal Academy of Arts

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KENSINGTON PALACE W8 4PX hrp.org.uk/kensingtonpalace Throughout September Diana: Her Fashion Story Tracing the evolution of the Princess’s style, from the demure, romantic outfits of her first public appearances, to the glamour, elegance and confidence of her later life.

LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM Covent Garden Piazza WC2E 7BB www.ltmuseum.co.uk From 13 October Poster Girls Girl power comes to Covent Garden when Poster Girls - a major new exhibition about 20th and 21st century female graphic artists opens at the Museum.

MUSEUM OF LONDON EC2Y 5HN www.museumoflondon.org.uk Sundays in September Museum Explored Explore the galleries through fun, hands-on activities. 11am and 2pm.

Plus, join a fun and engaging tour of the museum’s galleries, especially for families. Age 5+, 2-2.30pm Saturdays in September Hands-on history Hear incredible London stories as you touch and hold real museum objects. Age 5+, 2-4pm

NATIONAL ARMY MUSEUM Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea SW3 4HT www.nam.ac.uk 16-17 September Open House London Discover how they designed and built the new National Army Museum at this weekend of talks and tours.

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

12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm

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

PAINSHILL PARK Portsmouth Road, Cobham, Surrey KT11 1JE www.painshill.co.uk 30 September Star Gazing Observe the Andromeda Galaxy and the Great Hercules Cluster M13, from the beauty of the historic landscape, as you gaze up at the September night sky. From £9, 6.30-10pm

ROYAL ACADEMY OF ARTS Burlington House, Piccadilly W1J 0BD www.royalacademy.org.uk To 8 October Second Nature: The Art of Charles Tunnicliffe An exhibition showcasing etchings, wood-engravings and illustrations of one of Britain’s best known 20th century wildlife artists. The exhibition will feature the artist’s renowned illustrations for the Ladybird Books series.

SCIENCE MUSEUM Exhibition Road, South Kensington SW7 2DD Sciencemuseum.org.uk Throughout September Wonderlab: The Statoil Gallery Don’t miss out on this fantastic new interactive gallery with live demonstrations and an Explainerled experience revealing the beauty and wonder in the science and mathematics that shape our lives. Truly fascinating! £8/£6 Throughout September 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.

SOUTHBANK CENTRE Southbank SE1 9PX www.southbankcentre.co.uk Throughout September Falling Shawls A floating textile installation that artist Outi Pieski describes as a ‘drawing in air’.

Weekends in September Gamelan Group Workshops Get a group together to have a go at playing the Javanese gamelan.

TOWER OF LONDON St Katharine's & Wapping, London EC3N 4AB www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london Throughout September Armoury in Action A family friendly exhibition revealing the fascinating story of arms and the armoury at the Tower. From shooting arrows and assembling firearms to brandishing swords, a thousand years of history at the Tower is brought to life in this exciting, hands-on experience.

Star Gazing observe the Andromeda Galaxy at Painshill Park

V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD Cambridge Heath Road E2 9PA www.museumofchildhood.org.uk Throughout September Seen But Not Heard A new photography display giving a unique voice to children in the transition from primary to secondary education.

Throughout September 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

WWT LONDON WETLANDS CENTRE Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes SW13 9WT www.wwt.org.uk/wetlandcentres/london Thursdays in September Bat walks WWT London Wetland Centre is one of the best places to watch bats in London as they have about seven species that hunt on site. These bat walks give you the chance not only to see these amazing flying mammals and their astonishing aerial acrobatics.

FAMILIES DISTRIBUTORS WANTED Do you have car and a bit of free time? Would you like to take batches of copies of Families South West? Once a month take batches of magazines to a list of nurseries, schools, shops and after school classes. You get paid per drop. To know more email distribution@FamiliesSW.co.uk

WOULD YOU LIKE TO EARN EXTRA MONEY? Capital Focus Groups are looking for people who enjoy giving their opinions and are willing to share their views on the products and services they use for many of the country’s largest companies and well-known products. It’s free, it’s fun and you will be financially rewarded as a thank you for taking part!

Register now to earn extra money, by calling Liz on 07761128059 or e.dahlgren@btinternet.com Hear incredible London stories at the Museum of London

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ART ACTIVITIES

exciting routes and journeys through the galleries alongside other families.

FOUNDLING MUSEUM

HORNIMAN MUSEUM AND GARDENS

40 Brunswick Square, Camden Town WC1N 1AZ www.foundlingmuseum.org.uk To 10 September Hetty’s Hospital Artworks made by children from Great Ormond Street Hospital on display in the Introductory Gallery.

DESIGN MUSEUM 224-238 Kensington High Street W8 6AG www.designmuseum.org To 24 September Breathing Colour Breathing Colour by acclaimed Dutch designer Hella Jongerius, is an installation-based exhibition that takes a deeper look at the way colour behaves, exploring shapes, materials, shadows and reflections.

TATE BRITAIN Millbank SW1P 4RG www.tate.org.uk Dates in September Under Fives Explore the Gallery Experiment with a range of materials while discovering

SPECIAL NEEDS IN - DEEP MUSIC THERAPY Grosvenor Hall, Vincent Street, Victoria SW1P 4HB www.in-deep.org.uk One Saturday a month Free music therapy sessions for children with special needs and disabilities. For ages 5-13, 1011am, sessions run by a qualified music therapist with trained volunteers supporting the children.

Email emma.chapman@indeep.org.uk

PUPPET THEATRE BARGE Petersham Road (opposite 85), Richmond TW10 6UT www.puppetbarge.com Various dates in September Captioned performance of The Hare and the Tortoise and other Tales from Aesop, 3pm.

100 London Road SE23 3PQ www.horniman.ac.uk Every Saturday in September Art Makers Have fun with different art techniques to create something fabulous to take home inspired by the Horniman’s collections or seasonal celebrations. Different themes each week. 1.30pm & 2.45pm, £3, age 3+

V & A MUSEUM

NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY St Martin's Place WC2H 0HE www.npg.org.uk Every third Sunday of the month Drop In Family Sundays Dropin with children aged 3+ to take part in portrait-related events.

FREE

THE WALLACE COLLECTION Hertford House, Manchester Square W1U 3BN www.wallacecollection.org Throughout September Take a family multi-media tour and bring the exhibits to life. FREE

Cromwell Road SW7 2RL www.vam.ac.uk/families Throughout September Family Activities Pick up a family trail from the Information Desk and explore the museum through puzzles, drawing and observation.

There are also hundreds of exciting hands-on exhibits containing plenty to touch and try out, plus regular activities and workshops for ages 7-12 FREE

13 Lincoln's Inn Fields WC2A 3PB www.soane.org Third Saturday of every month Enjoy free drop-in activities for all ages. 1.30-4.40pm. FREE

EDDIE CATZ WIMBLEDON

V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD

First Floor, 68-70 Putney High Street SW15 1SF 0203 4755268 eddiecatz.com Dates TBC SEN Soft Play Evening Sessions Eddie Catz runs regular SEN indoor soft play sessions specifically dedicated to children ages 3-14yrs with special needs and their families. 6-7.30pm, includes full access to the soft play areas including the toddler area, the disco room will have music turned down and soft lights, wheelchair users will have access to area with soft mats, balls and toys, plus quiet and chill out area.

Book on http://shop.eddiecatz.com/categor y/128/SEN_Eve_Play_Session_Wi mbledon

Cambridge Heath Road E2 9PA www.museumofchildhood.org.uk Throughout September Family Art Fun: Trails Explore the V&A with the new Undiscovered Museum Family Trail. Follow the images and discover the museum. Journey across the V&A with fantastic stories, games and multi-sensory materials. Plus Curious Ceramics Sensory back-pack for children with visual impairments.

SIR JOHN SOANE’S MUSEUM

THE NATIONAL GALLERY Trafalgar Square WC2N 5DN www.nationalgallery.org.uk Every Sunday in September Family Sundays Art activities

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WHAT’S ON

designed for families to enjoy and learn together, 11am and 2pm, age 5-11. FREE

TATE MODERN Bankside, SE1 9TG www.tate.org.uk Throughout September Family Friendly Art Activities A range of free arty and crafty workshops, see website for details.

FREE

DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY Gallery Road, Dulwich Village SE21 7AD www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk To 8 October Sargent: The Watercolours This exhibition brings together 80 paintings from private and public collections, revealing Sargent's idiosyncratic view of the world and the scale of his achievement.

First and last Sunday of each month Art Play Creative drop-in workshops for adults and children, with a different activity each session. Make anything and everything from bunting to block printing and all things in between. 2-3.45pm

self-directed trails and an arts and crafts session. Age under 13, 8.3010am, advanced booking required.

FREE

IMPERIAL WAY MUSEUM

MUSEUM OF LONDON

Lambeth Road SE1 6HZ www.iwm.org.uk First Sunday of every month Audio-described Tours Experience the First World War Galleries through one of these live audio-description tours for blind and partially sighted visitors, ages 14+. 9.30am, booking essential on 020 7091 3157 or visitorenquiries@iwm. org.uk FREE

EC2Y 5HN www.museumoflondon.org.uk Dates in September TBC Morning explorers (ASC friendly) Morning Explorers offers families with children who have an Autistic Spectrum Condition the opportunity to explore the museum while it is quiet. Discover fascinating objects and take part in relaxed family activities such as sensory rooms,

7 Station Court SW6 2PY www.gambado.com/centres/chelsea Dates in September TBC Chelsea Austism Session Come and join these fantastic Chelsea Autism friendly indoor soft play sessions at Gambado!

Children £5, includes 1 adult, extra adults £2.50, see website for details.

GAMBADO CHELSEA

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