Families London SW Issue 223 January-February 2013

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

Jan/Feb 2013

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ISSN ue 22 3 135 4-95 Est 53 19

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2013 Nursery Collection special feature

The French Nursery school Bilingual education in SW7 and SW1 • 2-5 years French • Spanish See our advert on page 26 For more information please call on 0207 259 2151 or email:

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marie-laurence@thefrenchnurseryschool.com

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SouthWest

Jan/Feb 2013

Contents 04-05

Local news & information

07

How to learn the times tables

08-09

Mums know best

12-13

Health

04-05

08-09

The toxic truth about sugar in our children’s diet

All content ©Families 2013 www.FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk Tel: 020 8696 9680 Fax: 020 8696 9679 Editorial: editor@familiesmagazine.co.uk News: news@familiesmagazine.co.uk Adverts/artwork: adverts@familiesmagazine.co.uk Events, diary dates, what’s on info: whatson@familiesmagazine.co.uk Next issue: March 2013 Deadline: early February •“Families® South West” heads a group of magazines. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence.

•There are now 40 UK local editions with a print run of more than 700,000 copies in all, in which you can advertise too. Oh, and we have a very useful website… familiesonline.co.uk • MOVING? Families® magazines can be be franchised in new areas. Read initial franchise information on the website or call.

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

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

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Work and money

17

Education

18-19

Travel feature

22-35

NURSERY Feature

12-13

• Is a nursery right for your child?

• Nursery news • Advertising feature

36-41

What’s On • • • •

42-43

Drama Events Exhibitions & Museums Diary dates

18-19

Magazine Directory & Classified

Find us on Facebook and Twitter FamiliesSW

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News Destination online

Brand new and locally-based online shopping destination Atterley Road has just been launched. A bridge between the finest high street and independent designers, Atterley Road is home to a curated selection of clothing from Jigsaw, Whistles, Hobbs, Crew Clothing, American Vintage, Petit Bateau and many more fantastic lines, offering the shopping-savvy woman a destination for all of her favourite brands. We think it’s well worth a look. Atterleyroad.com

Booktime for bookworms St Mary Magdalen's Catholic Primary school children have helped launch Booktime, the award-winning free books programme for reception-aged children in England and Wales. The children from Mortlake played an integral part of the launch, which will see over 1.45 million books gifted to 731,000 children, hopefully inspiring a lifelong love of reading by encouraging families to have fun reading together.

The award-winning programme is now in its seventh year and has gifted more than 9,000,000 books since it was launched in 2006. Take a look at the accompanying range of downloads and games at booktime.org.uk

Little designs Local Balham mum launches a gorgeous clothing line for your little ones this winter. Kids Caprices offers bespoke clothes for kids, from bibs and scarves to dresses and jackets. Splashes of colour and funky details are the signature to these delightful items, with everything made by hand with organic cotton or boiled wool, so take a look at the website for the perfect gift for your child. Kidscaprices.com

Get your parties moving!

Go-Kart Party arrives in SW London, providing an exciting and safe environment for children to enjoy a real driving experience. Boys and girls love racing the electric karts around an inflatable mini Grand Prix circuit, and fun and flexible packages are available for memorable parties at indoor and outdoor venues near you. Go Kart Party can also attend school fetes, carnival fun days, charity and corporate events - in fact anywhere children need entertaining! Go-kartparty.co.uk

Happy New Year to all our readers May this year of 2013 be one of simple family pleasures, filled with joy and happiness.

From the Families South West team

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

30,000 copies printed A circulation of 90,000 people There are 40 local Families® magazines in the UK

www.familiesonline.co.uk

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Love food?

Then take a look at new Spanish restaurant Rosita and the Sherry Bar. Owner Cristina Garcia of Lola Rojo fame brings her love of food and sherry to SW London, with delicious Iberian pork, fish, seafood, local meats and homemade sauces. “We think that people in the Battersea area are adventurous, open-minded and ready for an exciting, innovative concept,” says Cristina. “We have regular customers at Lola Rojo and we were hoping they would share our enthusiasm for Sherry and try something different.” They also offer Sherry Tasting classes and do breakfasts, complete with chocolate churros, at weekends. 124 Northcote Road SW11 6QU, rositasherry.net

Mums get marketing Marketing consultancy Mumpreneur Marketing offers new monthly training workshops to give business mums the necessary skills to promote their businesses. “It is hard to be creative when you are faced with the daily challenges of running a business,” says Mumpreneur Marketing’s Director, Kate Miranda. “Our workshops aim to give business women the time and tools to develop creative and compelling marketing ideas that will make an impact.” Learn the fundamentals of online marketing, direct marketing, writing press releases and more in these great value 3-hour sessions. £40. Next workshops are 16th January and 19th February 10am to 1pm at Third Door Workhub and Nursery. mumpreneurmarketing.com

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

News

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

Speedy swimmers Insecure in the water? Try Pool Jet classes for children, coming to London for the first time with MK Diving & Swimming School. This innovative and exciting service arrives at the BatterseaLatchmere Leisure Centre, with classes designed to actively encourage development of a faster and more fluid swimming technique, assist in overcoming fear of water, and to help children feel comfortable when learning to swim. Most importantly they are great fun! The thought of a propeller-powered gizmo dragging a child around a pool might raise safety concerns, but Pool Jet Classes are run in small groups and under the supervision of a qualified swimming and diving instructor, so are extremely safe. Classes are good for beginners as well as confident swimmers who want the advantage of being able to whiz around with extra speed. Contact Michal mk.diving.school@gmail.com or 07825 875067.

Much Ado Brazilian style!

Streatham and Clapham High School’s interpretation of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing captivated audiences at the Unicorn Theatre, Southwark at the UK’s largest youth drama festival. Performing at the annual Shakespeare Schools Festival (SSF), SCHS pupils set their production in 1970s Brazil, capturing the

Slimies and crawlies ZSL London Zoo has opened their brand new Amphibians exhibit. Fish that ‘walk’ and toads with midwifery skills are just some of the incredible species that will be on show at the exhibit, which tells the remarkable story of frogs, toads, salamanders, newts and caecilians, starting with their evolution from “walking” and air-breathing lungfish to the amazing diversity and survival skills they use today. As well as getting up close to the animals, visitors will be able to see the zoo’s keepers and scientists in action in the Amphibians conservation lab, where they’ll be monitoring toads, salamanders and newts to find out more about them for ZSL’s field conservation projects. Zsl.org

mood of the time in a riot of colour and movement and with both comic and serious elements. “Taking part in the SSF has been a wonderfully positive professional experience for our girls,” said Mrs Cath Garner, Head of Drama, “and one that they will remember for a long time.

It has recently been reported that Michael Gove has awarded the charity an extra £140,000 to triple the number of schools it works with. We are delighted to know that other schools will have the opportunity that we have had.” schs.gdst.net

Musical winner Hornsby House pupil Isabel Walter has won Wandsworth Young Musician of the Year 2012! Isabel, a Year 6 pupil, won the annual competition playing 2 pieces on the flute. The competition, now in its third year, is run by Wandsworth Schools' Music Service and as winner of the competition Isabel will compete in the regional finals of the national Rotary music competition which take place early this year.

"Isabel has done extremely well to win the Wandsworth Young Musician competition, especially as she is only 10,” says Sarah Cloete, Director of Music. “We are very proud of her and all she has achieved so far.”

Hornsbyhouse.org.uk

New bursary scheme Bright and able children can have the chance to attend one of three fee-paying schools in SouthWest London, due to a new scheme set up by the House Schools Trust. A bursary potentially worth £48k is available to each child who qualifies for the bursary scheme, which is run by Prospect House in Putney, Orchard House in Chiswick and Bassett House in West Kensington. “We are interested in able children,” said Dianne Barrett, Head Mistress for Prospect House. “We’re not necessarily looking for ‘gifted’ children, just those who are bright and able, and we aim to nurture their talents and gear them towards passing 11+ exams.”

However, the Trust find they have not been successful in advertising the bursary in schools, so advertising is currently limited to leaving leaflets in libraries, doctors’ surgeries and after school clubs and as a consequence, parents are unaware of this opportunity. The Trust are asking parents of bright children who are interested to contact one of the schools at www.houseschoolstrust.org

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New outdoor playgroup Are you an outdoorsy parent who loves nature and the environment? Then check out the new Tuesday Outdoor Playgroup in SW London. Hedgesparrows is a nature group for parents and toddlers: a short walk leads to a wooded glade where you will help arrange base camp, then enjoy seasonal craft activities followed by organic snack time and singing songs inspired by the seasons. Not a plastic toy in sight! Bring appropriate clothing as well as a cup, plate and blanket. Age 0-3.5, Tuesdays during term time 10am-12pm, meet at the Triangle Playground at the end of Cavendish Road, off Emmanuel Road / Fernlea Road. £3 per family.

Waldorflondon.co.uk/childs-journey/earlyyears-0-3-years. See the complete listings of playgroups on www.Familiessouthwest.co.uk

Sew your own Need a costume for a school play? Try local company Sew-Easy Costumes for any school history topic you can possibly think of. Now there's no need to search for a suitable pattern or the right fabric – with these costumes the pattern is printed directly onto the fabric and everything needed to make the costume is included in the kit. Simply cut out and sew. Designed to help you take the stress out of providing a costume for history day or school play, the sewing levels range in ability, but the simpler ones are ideal for school sewing club projects. Chose from Greeks and Romans, Tudors, Victorians, Evacuees and more. Sew-easycostumes.co.uk

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Pottery Painting & Craft Studio •Paint your own pottery – perfect for gifts •Baby hand or footprints •Silver keepsake jewellery •Parties available; Pottery, Decopatch & T­shirt Painting •Holiday workshops Open Mon­Sat 10am­6pm, Sun 11am­6pm 85 Nightingale Lane, Wandsworth SW12 8NX 020 8772 8702 www.smartypaints.co.uk

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Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

© art@design - Fotolia.com

How to learn the times tables

By Elisabeth Dolton

Learning the times tables is an important skill that is the foundation for all maths.

With an extensive maths curriculum, and the latest stipulation being that children should master their tables up to 12x12 by the age of nine, teachers need parents help in getting children to learn the basic facts. Finding a pain-free method of learning times tables is not easy, but these tips and techniques you should help make major progress.

Games to reinforce the multiplication facts After your child has a basic knowledge of the tables, games will help instil the recollection of correct facts quickly. Multiplication Bingo, Hoo Ha!, Know Your Times Tables and Math Whiz are great board games.

There are a whole host of multiplication computer games – multiplication.com, Learntimestables.com, themathsfactor.com, mathsisfun.com, maths-games.org, and computer apps such as Squeebles, Ghost Blasters, Multiple Wipeout. Another idea is to print off worksheets from Multiplication.com or Enchanted Learning, math.about.com

Start with explaining the concept

Further ways to help them memorise

If your child understands that multiplication is repeated addition, they will have an easier time learning them.

Your aim now is to recite memorized facts quickly and in any order.

Using objects such as crayons, illustrate a simple times table such as 3 X 2. Make two groups of three crayons, then count the crayons. Continue until they understand that multiplication is just adding a series of numbers, 6 x 4 means 6 added together 4 times (6 + 6 + 6 + 6).

Create a number line from 0 to 100. Show them the pattern to working out each multiple, i.e. the three times table answers are every third number.

End by encouraging them to write out the times tables on paper, using addition, up to 12.

Show them the tricks of the trade Now they need to start learning the facts, rather than by counting. Learn the tricks of the trade first, e.g. any number times by 10 is the number with a zero on the end, e.g. 10 x 5 = 50. They are all listed on www.mathsisfun.com/tables.html

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If your child is a visual learner, purchase or make flashcards. Write the problem, like 4 x 9, on the front, and the answer, 36, on the back. Buy or create a times table poster and display key facts.

Times tables raps and music CDs are great for an auditory learner. Chant the times tables as multiples 0, 5, 10, 15, etc. and also as sentences 1×5=5, 2×5=10, etc. Say difficult times tables in a funny voice, a squeak or a whisper. Use helpful rhymes to remember really tricky ones, e.g. 8 x 8 = 64 becomes “He ate and he ate and he sticks in the door, eight times eight is sixtyfour”.

For a kinaesthetic approach, add actions.

Children can clap, stamp or jump on the difficult fact. Play ‘Knock, Knock’ –knock your fists twice on the floor, then put out the number of fingers of a times tables. The winner is the first to say the answer.

Keep it fun Hallelujah! Your continued energy and enthusiasm is very important – go at their pace and always praise their efforts. Aim to reward your children with every bit of progress made; it doesn’t have to be material things, just a bit of fun together. Take breaks often, relax, give lots of ‘high fives’, and real compliments.

And keep it up!

After memorising times tables, it can be all too easy to forget them! Don’t give up too soon. It can take six or seven weeks until the facts are truly automatic. Practice quick-fire drilling. There are numbers everywhere, so multiply the digits in number plates or in recipes. Print out a times table square and keep a record of the tables your child knows well, so you know which ones you need to focus on.

Whichever method you choose, there is never a truly pain-free answer because real fluency requires real practice over weeks and months.

That said, it is important for your child to have a secure knowledge of the times tables with instant recall - their future maths skills depend on it. So take the challenge, make it happen, and enjoy it!

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Mums know best The page where parents share their knowledge. (Because raising the next generation is, you know, only the most important job in the world.)

Compiled by Helena Foss

This January/ February issue we are talking about: Having a happy and healthy New Year

Mother-care tip: Try a little tenderness

Think about this: Do you really need New Year’s resolutions?

We suggest adopting a new attitude for the New Year. Like, for example, resolving to practice the Buddhist concept of ‘maitri’; unconditional compassion for yourself, on a daily basis. We know that children respond better to understanding and compassion for their mistakes than being berated – and so do we! So we suggest renouncing beating yourself up for good in 2013. Another way to boost your feel good factor is practicing the ‘attitude of gratitude’.

Just before sleep each night, think of three things you are grateful for that day: your child’s smile, a delicious dinner, the magic of a sparkly frosty morning – anything that warms the cockles of your heart will do. Going to sleep with a smile on your face will put you in a better mood in the morning.

The trouble with New Year’s resolutions – if you can manage to keep them – is that they can often be a bit, well, harsh. If you’ve indulged too much over Christmas (or even all year), it doesn’t necessarily mean a bootcamp style detox and fitness regime will actually work. I think over-eating often has its roots in unresolved emotional issues from the past. “Rather than beat yourself up, it is better to be more aware and self-loving about your eating patterns”. “Geneen Roth’s book ‘Feeding the Hungry Heart’ is the classic guide to emotionally intelligent eating.”

Dr Wayne Dyer

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© treenabeena - Fotolia.com

“When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.”

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

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“I always find something helpful or interesting in there that makes me think...” That’s the feedback we’ve been getting for this very page.

(One such compliment came from a national newspaper journalist mum – hey, we must be doing something right!) So, what tips do you have to share with your fellow readers? The kind of things you talk about over coffee with your friends?

We’re eager to hear your inspired ideas – and your funny (or excruciating) parenting stories. Go ahead and post them on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/familiesSW

Mums know best Health tip: Make healthy eating, happy eating

OK, so you have resolved to eat better in the New Year. But do you really want cold salads and juices during the bitter winds and dark evenings of January and February? Families SW go-to nutritionist Penny Crowther thinks not. “Focus on a supportive diet to build up immunity and leave detoxing for the spring,” she advises. Whilst nature is resting, hibernating and replenishing, so should we. “By all means eat fresh fruits and vegetables daily, but unless you feel constantly hot, don’t focus on raw foods in winter.”

Instead, go for warming soups, stews, roasted vegetables and protein found in lean, quality meat, oily fish, eggs, cheese, nuts, seeds, beans and lentils. And, of course, get out and absorb as much sunshine as you can to keep your Vitamin D levels topped up (oily fish is also a good Vitamin D source). www.nutritionistlondon.co.uk

Which is all very well, but what if your child is positively phobic about fruits and vegetables? This is where Lucy Thomas of Mangetout Kids steps in. “The trick to getting children to eat their greens is not to get stressed and push them into it, but to invite them to explore fresh produce in a fun way,” she says. A trained actress, experienced nanny and author of the book ‘Mange Tout’ (Penguin), Lucy advises parents to involve children as much as possible in shopping for and preparing food. “Children love exploring, so suggest that they tickle their tongue with a piece of broccoli, or feel the crunch of celery, rather than eat it – that will come later.” Lucy runs children’s classes in Clapham and has also developed a healthy eating nursery programme, available for free.

See: www.tasteforlifenursery.com and www.mangetoutkids.com

© dusk - Fotolia.com

Health tip: New year diet

Eco tip: What’s on the label?

Family exercise tip: Join the club Stating the benefits of organic food is like stating the obvious; pesticides are not just bad for the earth, they reduce the vitamin and mineral content of food too. But it’s not just the chemicals we eat from our plates that we need to be mindful of. Do we really know what the contents of that long list of unpronounceable ingredients are, on the labels of household name bodycare products? The founders of the Attitude organic skincare range were so shocked by the results of their own research, they decided to create their own chemical-free range for all the family. www.cleanattitude.com

And finally... Reasons why it is all worth it

Parenting tip: Essential first aid Strange, isn’t it that nannies and childminders are legally required to be qualified in first aid, but parents aren’t. According to Fulham-based REDI Training, it takes 50 hours to learn how to drive, but just two hours to learn essential life-saving techniques.

Mmmm. We think you are your family are ‘worth it’. www.redi-training.co.uk

Jan/Feb 2013

Invest in your whole family’s health with a Bank of England Sports Centre membership. Set in the stunning natural beauty of Richmond Park, the club’s traditional sports facilities are distinctly family orientated. Make new friends and enjoy the restaurant, bar, scenery or the swimming pool while your children learn tennis, netball, hockey, gymnastics or are cared for in the onsite crèche. Quality family leisure time doesn’t get much better – or healthier – than this. www.bankofenglandsportscentre.co.uk

“Wow!” exclaimed five-year-old Noah’s godmother as she arrived at the door of his family home, “you’re growing up so fast.” “I know!” Noah exclaimed back – and then added with an air of absolute certainty: “I’ll be an engineer soon.”

(With thanks to Noah’s mum, Bridgette Wells of Clapham.)

© Alex White - Fotolia.com

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Health

Addictive, unwholesome and everywhere: the toxic truth about SUGAR in our children’s diet

By Elisabeth Dolton

@ Kati Neudert

So you sent your child off to school this morning on a full bowl of cereal and some fresh orange juice. Thinking this is a good start to the day, you may have already given them over half their recommended daily allowance of sugar. This scenario is common across many families. Over the past 10 years the use of sugar in foods has undergone a transformation, resulting in us potentially providing a diet for our children that contains too much sugar than their bodies can cope with.

A silent revolution

Increasing addiction

Essentially, the mass development of a cheap, highly sweet, glucose-fructose syrup, produced from surplus corn, started in the 70’s, and was soon pumped into every conceivable food: pizza, coleslaw, meat. It provides a "just baked" sheen on bread and cakes, makes everything sweeter, and helps to keep foods moist so extends shelf life from days to years. At the same time low fat foods were being embraced by dieters, so as fat was taken out of foods, sugar replaced it to maintain taste. Unsurprisingly, sugar consumption has trebled worldwide over the last 50 years, and this purified sugar (known as ‘added’ sugar) is now an alarmingly major part of the Western diet. As a result, the amount of sugar going into our bodies has been silently revolutionised.

Moreover, recent research has been looking into a worrying trend that the more sugar we eat, the more we want, and concluding that the addictive nature of sugar for our children is much higher than previously thought. Added sugar dulls the brain’s mechanism that tells you to stop eating, by reducing activity in the brain’s anorexigenic oxytocin system that gives the body the ‘full’ feeling. Without this, our appetite becomes insatiable, making it very easy to overeat.

Unavoidable UK guidelines recommend that added sugars shouldn’t make up more than around 50g a day, equivalent to ten teaspoons of sugar for adults and nine for five to ten-year-olds. Added sugar is now found in almost all processed foods and not just obviously sweet foods - glucose-fructose syrup is found in everyday products, such as cereal, salad dressing, sausages, making it easy to send our children over the recommended limit, sometimes with just one product.

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The dangers “Sugar is ubiquitous, and the problem with refined sugar as opposed to natural sugar,” says Tracey Harper, Nutritional Therapist, “is that this sugar is an empty food with the goodness striped away, so when eaten it actually robs the body of vital nutrients, resulting in a depleted immune system.”

She goes on to explain that sugar feeds bad bacteria in the gut, the gut lining becomes exposed, so toxins can enter the blood stream, causing allergens to develop and other autoimmune deficiencies. Studies confirm this, showing that excess sugars cause a fifty-percent drop in the ability of white blood cells to fight off bacteria.

The growing problem of obesity in the UK with 31% of children now classified as overweight and the rising incidence of Type 2 diabetes, once

associated with old people, also points to the overconsumption of sugar in children’s daily diet.

Excess sugar rots teeth and let’s not forget, poor memory, low moods and depression all have been linked to the over-consumption of sugar. The recognisable 'sugar high' you get after eating sugar resulting in more energy and improved mood is temporary. After some time, the body crashes, energy levels plummet, leaving lethargy and tiredness. Further effects can include hyperactivity in children, crankiness and eczema.

So, as we scratch our heads on how to get our kids to eating fewer sweets and exercising more, perhaps we also need to start looking more closely at what are putting on their plates at meal and snack times.

How to spot a high sugar food?

Look for ‘Total sugars’ on the label which includes natural and added sugar.

A food with less than 5g ‘total sugars’ per 100g is classified as low, more than 15g per 100g is high.

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

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How to reduce added sugar in your family’s diet • Remember natural sugars are good.

Soak apricots, whizz them in a blender, and use that to sweeten foods.

• Ensure every meal includes protein.

Have meat, fish, vegetable or salad with pasta or pizza, so your child is getting everything for the body to function properly.

• Eat from scratch.

Eat real food not processed food – Porridge with a dash of honey has everything a young child needs to start off the day.

• Make your own pasta sauce.

Stuffed with lots of pureed vegetables (carrots, peppers, greens) make a large batch then freeze on small portions.

• Make smoothies Using a hand blender and a jug. Add in a vegetable, e.g. avocado and strawberry.

Cheaper and as good as any supermarket brand.

• Children eat what is there.

Keep sugary snacks and junk food out of the house, instead offer oat biscuits, hummus, chopped vegetables, Whole Earth peanut butter.

Further information • • • • • • • •

Thanks to Tracey Harper for her contribution to the article and great tips for reducing sugar in children’s diet www.traceyharpernutrition.co.uk info@traceyharpernutrition.co.uk www.hungryforchange.tv/sugar-is-a-drug Jamie Oliver’s TED Award speech www.nhs.uk/livewell/goodfood/pages/sugars.aspx www.nhs.uk/livewell/goodfood/pages/food-labelling.aspx www.bbc.co.uk/health www.myhealthnewsdaily.com www.telegraph.co.uk/health/dietandfitness www.nhs.uk/change4life

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Work and money Five things you need to know about the changes in Child Benefit 1. Child Benefit is not being stopped for high earners.

Anyone receiving Child Benefit, regardless of their income, is entitled to carry on receiving it. But from 7 January 2013, high earners may have to pay a tax charge on any Child Benefit payments they or their partner receive. This applies whether they're married or not.

2. The tax charge increases in line with your income.

For every £100 of income you or your partner have between £50,000 and £60,000, there is a tax charge of 1% of your total Child Benefit. Once your annual income is £60,000 or more, the tax charge is equal to the Child Benefit payments. It's the higher earner who pays the tax.

3. Your income is based on your adjusted net income.

Even if you or your partner have an income of £50,000 a year or more, you may find that the tax charge doesn't apply. This is because the tax charge is based on your adjusted net income. This is your income less any payments you make to a pension scheme, donations to charity through Gift Aid and reductions due to membership of salary sacrifice schemes (such as childcare vouchers and the cycle to work scheme). You could even consider increasing payments to your pension, for example, to bring your annual adjusted net income down.

4. You can choose to keep or stop receiving Child Benefit.

If you or your partner's adjusted net income is over £60,000, it could make sense to stop receiving Child Benefit as the tax charge will wipe out any financial gain to you and you won't have to complete a tax return. But if you don't know exactly how much your income will be, or you're under the £60,000 threshold, it's best to carry on getting it.

5. If you decide to keep Child Benefit, you'll have to do a tax return.

If either you or your partner has an adjusted net income of £50,000 or more then the highest earner must complete a tax return, declaring the Child Benefit as income. It's that person's responsibility to make sure they're registered for self-assessment by 6 October 2013 or they'll face a penalty. They then have until 31 October 2013 to file their return with HMRC (or 31 January 2014 if filing online).

More information.

This information was provided to Families by MoneyVista; a free online service that provides access to financial experts. By entering your information, Money Vista works out what tax and national insurance you pay, your projected state pension and what your savings, investments and property might be worth in the future.

Joining all these elements together lets you see the impact on your overall plan of financial decisions you are considering. See moneyvista.com.

Losing Child Benefit? Ask your employer about Childcare Vouchers “A wrongly held belief is that childcare vouchers are only useful for paying for pre-school nursery places, says Guy Ker, Super Camps’ Managing Director, www.supercamps.co.uk, when in fact they can be ‘banked’ and used in one go for older children during the holidays. We think parents are missing out and want to encourage them to pay for their children’s holiday activities using their company’s salary sacrifice scheme.”

If signing up for childcare vouchers brings down your net income to below the £50,000 threshold, you will keep your child benefit.

Are you looking for flexible work?

If you are looking for flexible working opportunities in the pre-school education market, the Music and Dance Academy, better known as MAD Academy is looking to expand. Already established in the home counties, MAD Academy provides high energy music and dance classes for pre-schoolers, which encourage them to enjoy music and dance in a relaxed and free-spirited way, combined with carefully structured learning.

The many benefits of joining the MAD Academy team include: • 4½ day training program covering class delivery and business management • Comprehensive set of Business and Class instruction manuals • On-going training plus attendance at the MAD Academy annual conference • Administration support, expertise and mentoring from a Head Office team • Range of professionally developed marketing tools • Your own page on the MAD Academy website Sophie Hill, franchise owner of MAD Academy in Oxford, is celebrating her first year in business. Last year she was a Sales Manager for BT. Now she is running high energy music and movement classes! It is not easy launching a business in the current economic climate but Sophie has been bucking the trend. “It’s been a hard year, really busy,” says Sophie, “the highlight being the number of customers returning for a second and third term. I’ve already seen tiny 12 week old babies move up into my toddler classes. Wonderful!”

For more information, visit www.madacademy.com Also do check out Kiddikicks’s franchise opportunities. If you have a sporty, supervisory, managerial, sales, marketing, recruitment or selfemployed background and would like to work from home, Kiddikicks could be the best New Year’s resolution you make and keep.

Quote “Families” in your enquiry for a 5% discount. Call 020 7937 7965 sarah@kiddikicks.co.uk www.kiddikicks.co.uk

Safrey Academy of Performing Arts Street Dance, Ballet, Musical Theatre, African Dance.

Safrey gained 3rd Place at the Dance Challenge National Finals 2012.

Classes: South London Liberal Synagogue, 1 Prentis Rd Streatham SW16 1ZW. Ages 4-16 Our aim is to provide stimulating and exciting classes held by teachers who have all worked in the profession in theatre and TV

www.safreyarts.co.uk info@safreyarts.co.uk Free taster class & 1/2 price registration

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Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

Education Youth finds its voice Thames Christian College pupils have been involved in a new social enterprise Podium.me, which represents the voices of the under 20s across the whole of the UK.

New parent pack launched Media Smart launches a new guide for parents to help them educate children about the commercial nature of the online world. Children may encounter all sorts of digital advertising on the internet, from search engine results to advergames, and this pack, developed primarily for parents of 611 year olds and backed by the Minister for Children and Families, Edward Timpson, provides tips to help parents explain the intent of online advertising to children. “Parents know best how to bring up their children but they expect businesses to act responsibly in supporting them to do so,” says Timpson. “The Parent Information Pack is an excellent example of how the advertising and marketing industry is taking its responsibilities seriously. As a father myself, I see this as a welcome step in equipping parents with the relevant information to help them educate their children in an increasingly digital world.” Download the free Media Smart Digital parent pack at www.mediasmart.org.uk

Legal aid cuts: who is affected?

The Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012, which comes into force on the 1st April 2013, means the end of legal aid for all divorce and children cases relating to residence, contact, prohibited steps orders and specific issues that may arise in respect of children.

Legal Aid will also cease for financial cases relating to matrimonial assets and assets owned by cohabitees. Legal aid will continue on these types of cases if the person is a victim of “domestic abuse.” The definition for “domestic abuse” has been widened to include emotional and psychological abuse, financial abuse, coercion or control, say solicitors Duncan Lewis.

However for victims to fall within the exemption of the domestic violence, they will have to show a conviction or a caution or evidence either from a doctor, a health professional or domestic violence support organisation.

There is huge concern for those who do not fall within this exemption but have limited means as there will simply be no legal aid available to deal with applications in respect of children and financial applications after April 2013.

Duncan Lewis have always maintained that legal services should be available to everyone in society. They are avid supporters of Legal Aid and have helped many clients. Their family department has 85 staff spread over 7 sites across London. They offer speedy advice and if required secure legal aid before the 31st March 2013. They are open 24 hours and can be reached on 020 7275 2010.

Jan/Feb 2013

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Podium.me enables young people aged 13-20 to express their views on a wide range of topics, anonymously via podcasts. Recent stories include social networks, piracy, gambling and the new GCSEs. Camilla Byk, journalist at Podium.me comments: “Podium.me was so impressed with the articulate and well considered views of the Thames pupils that we now visit the school monthly to talk to students who wish to take part.”

Hannah, a Year 9 pupil at Thames Christian College comments: “Podium.me really got me thinking about different issues such as whether or not Facebook reduces social skills. I really enjoyed debating the different topics.”

Podium.me are linked with many youth organisations including the Princes Trust, Childline, The Challenge and Radio 4 extra. Parents and other adults can listen to Podium.me stories and they actively encourage government to listen to the youth view through links with MPs. www.Podium.me.uk

National Storytelling Week Storytelling can be found enriching lives everywhere: from nurseries and schools to support groups and theatrical performances. The 13th Annual National Storytelling Week takes place 26 January – 2 February 2013, encouraging all areas of the community to take part in creating and enjoying storytelling, this most ancient of communicative arts. National Storytelling week has an audience of around 17,000 people, so get involved in workshops, performances and events across the country. www.sfs.org.uk/national-storytelling-week

Survey prompts education debate A recent survey has provoked another debate on education. It shows that almost 35% of parents in London are opting for private tuition for their children in order to gain a place at their chosen secondary school. Parents cited large classes, variable standards of teaching and the high ratio of children to places available in sought-after schools as some of the reasons for this. Liz Astley Head of Streatham & Clapham Junior School, an independent girls’ school, commented, “We are also seeing increasing numbers joining us from Year 3. We aim to develop the whole child with both high academic standards and a wealth of extra-curricular opportunities. Pupils leave us ready to meet future challenges as confident learners.”

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Travel feature

How to have your best family holiday ever:

our top 10 secrets

Mill Farm Glamping

By Joanna Moorhead

Fantastic family holidays don’t just happen. They’re crafted, often by hours of work from one or both parents, who spend endless amounts of time planning, plotting, budgeting and making sure safety nets are in place to stop hiccups becoming disasters. Of course everyone loves spontaneity - but for spontaneous decision to be possible, especially where a family with children are concerned, a framework has to be in place...and getting that framework right is the backbone of every holiday.

So how do you do it?

Here are our top 10 secrets 1. Don’t cut corners.

To get the right holiday, you may have to spend a long time on research. Don’t begrudge this time, and don’t expect the perfect holiday to fall into your lap without it: after your mortgage, your car and (if you’re paying them) your child’s school or university costs, the money you spend on your holiday is your biggest outlay. So doing the homework matters. Start with a list of what sort of holiday you’re looking for – the location you’re after, what facilities you need close by, what sort of accommodation you need, how far it needs to be from the airport, and so on.

Give yourself parameters, and then get googling. Keep a list of possible resorts/villas/hotels; whittle it down to a shortlist; and then make a decision.

2. Don’t expect a bargain.

After two decades of planning holidays for my family (my children are aged between ten and 20), I’m sure of one thing: where school holidays are concerned, bargains are as rare as hen’s teeth.

Far better to start from the premise that you’ll get what you pay for. Look for the best deal, the best quality that you can possibly afford: but if somewhere seems a lot cheaper than other places, scrutinise it very carefully indeed.

3. Space is crucial.

You know those places that say ‘sleep 4/6’ and turn out, on closer inspection, to have a pull-down bed in the sitting room? Avoid them (at full capacity) like the plague. Squeezing as many people as possible in is fine for students, less good for grown-ups. You want a bit of luxury on holiday – and space is luxurious.

4. Location, location, location. Just as when you’re buying a house, this is your number one priority. Some of the villas I’ve looked at for my family’s holiday this year are

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twice the price of others, simply because of where they are. And guess what: I can understand why. On holiday I want a great view and shops and restaurants we can walk to. If you’ve got younger children, a beach within walking distance may be your number one location priority. Know what you need, and don’t settle for less.

5. Friends matter, so think very carefully about who to holiday with. However close you are, nothing scratches away at a friendship’s weakest points as much as sharing two weeks together. You think you know that couple, and you think you like their kids? Take it from me, you’re going to know a lot about them, and you may have totally reassessed their kids, by the flight home.

6. Be honest about the sort of experience you want. Holidays aren’t times to be aspirational, or eyeing up the Joneses, or following the in-crowd. They’re about being honest about how you’d really love to spend a fortnight with your family – and who cares what anyone else might think. You don’t need anyone else’s approval, or envy, for the holiday you choose: what this is about is working out what’s right for your family, and making it happen.

7. Once you’re there, alternate busy days with quiet ones. Even if you’re a busy, boisterous, action-packed family, everyone needs some downtime. The easiest, simplest way to make sure you get both busy days and more relaxed ones is simply to alternate them. If you went to a water park yesterday, relax by the pool today.

If you went fell-walking yesterday, read a book and have a cream tea today. Overloading is the enemy of a good holiday.

8. Don’t over-plan: have ideas, but leave space to be open to what you find when you get there. It’s well worth doing some research about the area you’ll be staying in – essential, in fact – but it’s a mistake to plan every jot and comma of your stay before you even touch down. You want to explore, to discover, to be surprised, to make friends – and all these things will only happen if you’ve left the space for them to unfold. So, for as much knowledge as you’ve learned beforehand, always be flexible about what you’re going to find out, and want to do, when you actually get there.

9. Embrace change: as your family grows up, be ready to move on to new destinations and new experiences. For three years running my family had wonderful holidays in a hilltop villa in inland, northern Mallorca. It was perfect for us: but by the third year it was obvious my older daughters needed something more: shops, places to hang out, a beach they could walk to. I was desperately unhappy about giving up the villa: but guess what? The following year I found somewhere even better.

10.Set boundaries.

It might be a holiday, but rules ensure everyone – especially the parents – get a break. If your children are younger, those rules might be about bedtime (you need some time with your partner, so letting your kids stay up all evening might not be the best move), or about time for the children to go to the crèche; if your children are older, the rules might be about sharing the washing up, or about how much contact you need to have with them through the day. But put your rules in place, because then everyone can relax and have what they came to do: have a wonderful fortnight away.

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

Travel feature

Chilly Powder Winter and Summer Mountain Holidays in the French Alps

Libbear Barton North Devon

Farm Stay UK

Where to go...

The Alps The Alps are much too good to save for your skiing holidays – in fact, those who’ve tried the area summer and winter often say summer is the best time to be there. For a wonderful family Alpine holiday, you’ll be hard-pressed to improve on the Chilly Powder formula – choose from a luxurious hotel or a villa, all set in a biscuit-tin picture-perfect location, complete with in-chalet childcare and – for the foodies – an in-chalet chef.

Sports on offer include white water rafting, rockclimbing, trekking, tennis and summer tobogganing (which is one of the most fun summer sports I’ve ever tried, and kids adore it). Prices vary depending on what sort of package you’re after, but as a for-instance, Chalet des Amis (three bedrooms; sleeps up to eight) is £1,200 in the midsummer. More information at www.chillypowder.com

North Devon Devon is one of the UK’s most popular holiday destinations, and for good reason: wonderful beaches, plenty to do (even in the rain), beautiful scenery and a wide choice of where to stay.

Libbear Barton, a country estate on the north side of the county, hits just the right note of luxury (beamed cottages that are beautifully laid out and furnished) and has everything on hand, from stairgates to babysitters, for the hard-pressed family. There’s an indoor pool, games room, play areas inside and out, fishing lake and woods – all on a rolling, 40-acre estate, and with the sea a half hour’s drive away. Perfect for big families or families holidaying together – the farmhouse sleeps up to 14. Prices vary, but for example Moley’s Place, sleeping eight in four bedrooms, costs around £1,700 a week in high summer. More information at www.libbearbarton.co.uk

Glamping

Stay on a Farm

Now this sounds just the ticket for families: Enjoy the best of the beautiful British countryside from the comfort of a luxurious canvas lodge equipped with… a wood burning stove, comfy beds and a nice warm shower! A dream! They also have a self-catering farmhouse on their family-run, organic farm. With acres of grassland for kids to run wild, and lots of local attractions such as Stonehenge and Longleat there really is something for everyone!

01380 828351 info@millfarmglamping.co.uk

Farm Stay UK is a farmers cooperative that celebrates its 30th birthday in 2013. All its members are working farms, small holders or rural enterprises. www.Farmstay.co.uk

Established 21 years ago, Ski Famille offers families a range of handpicked properties in France and Austria. All chalet holidays include 5 days of free childcare. All properties are ski in/ski out or very close to the piste. The business has a high rate of repeat business and the majority of new guests choose Ski Famille as the result of a personal recommendation. The Ski Famille office team are all keen skiers or boarders with young children of their own; they know how to ensure families book the right holiday for their needs.

Visit www.skifamille.co.uk for more details.

Go and see a Tiger reserve?

The Supreme Court in India has recently lifted its ban on tourism in over 40 tiger reserves, reopening the door to tourists. The ban was put in place back in July 2012 following concerns that tourism was having a detrimental effect on the tiger population. Families Worldwide has spaces on its 11-day Taj and Tigers trip departing 14 February. Call 0845 051 4567 or visit www.familiesworld wide.co.uk

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HUGE SALE OF NEW AND SECOND-HAND SKI CLOTHES FOR ADULTS AND CHILDREN SKISUITS, JACKETS, SALOPETTES, GLOVES, SNOWBOOTS, GOGGLES, HELMETS, ETC. BIG REDUCTIONS ON LAST YEAR'S STOCK PLUS THIS YEAR’S NEW COLLECTION

London’s professional mobile bicycle mechanics

Jan/Feb 2013

The National Youth Hostel Association also offer pods at two of their Youth Hostel sites Hawkshead, Ambleside in the Lake District and Grinton Lodge in North Yorkshire. www.yha.org.uk

Ski with an independent tour operator

ROBIN FARQUHAR-THOMSON Wonderful Pictures of Children

•Bicycle servicing, repairs, sales, restoration and fleet maintenance.

•Bikes and scooters road side assistance and recovery.

We come to you anywhere in London and Greater London.

0800 0910 500 www.cycledelik.com

YHA for family

At 22 Northbourne Road, Clapham, SW4 7DJ

www.skiderouge.com Any enquiries ring Libby de Rougemont on

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

020 7720 4871 / 07939 051220 libbyderouge@hotmail.co.uk Do come and bring friends

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Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

Jan/Feb 2013

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Nursery feature

Is a nursery right for your child (and you)?

By Joanna Moorhead

Nurseries aren't the cheapest form of childcare - according to the latest figures, the average cost of a nursery place for a child under two for 25 hours a week is £103.19 a week. But prices vary dramatically, and in some areas nurseries charge as much as £15,000 a year for 25 hours' care a week.

Is a nursery the right choice for you?

Studies show, though, that attending nursery can increase a child's confidence, because it involves mixing with adults, and other children, from outside the family group. It gives children social skills, and experience from an early age of an environment outside the home. The nursery 'key worker' scheme, under which each child is allocated a special member of staff with whom they can bond, helps provide security.

Healthy food and menus are another big plus of nursery provision: staff work hard to ensure children are given a balanced diet. And as your child gets older, play and learning opportunities will be targeted appropriately: staff are trained in what young children can do when, and will be conscious of a child's likely interests and potential.

Nurseries work best for parents who have regular working hours, because it's difficult or impossible for staff to deal with erratic patterns of collection and drop-off: nurseries often open early in the morning and some close late in the evening, but they are not as flexible as, say, a nanny or a childminder. On the other hand, they have the big advantage that only very, very rarely will they be closed at short notice - so they're more reliable than one carer who may be ill or have to cope with a sudden family emergency.

They may be prohibitively expensive if you have more than one child, although many nurseries do offer a sibling reduction. But if you can fit around its opening hours, if your budget stretches to the fees, and if you like the idea of a social environment and a place with plenty of activities and trained carers, a nursery could be the place for your child and for you.

How to reduce nursery costs

Montessori School

The government is currently considering cutting staff-to-child ratios in nurseries as a way of reducing what many see as unsustainable prices but the move is controversial, and organisations such as the Preschool Learning Alliance is warning such a change could risk children's safety and wellbeing. Under current regulations, there must be one staff member for every three under-twos, and one for every four children aged two and three.

Most nurseries provide funded places for three to five year olds under the government free nursery education scheme. If your child is younger, check whether your employer can offer help towards your nursery costs through the childcare voucher scheme. Under this, money is taken out of your pay packet before deductions, giving you savings on tax and National Insurance - in return, you are given a voucher or e-voucher that you forward to your nursery, and the amount is deducted from your bill. So it's a way of getting more childcare for your money - though it requires your employer's co-operation.

How to choose the right nursery Start your nursery search well ahead of the time when you're actually going to need to leave your child: the more confident you are of the choices you make, the happier you'll be when it comes to the day you have to head back to the office. Ask around so you get other parents' views on what nurseries are like in your area. Make a shortlist of ones that might work for you (remember to take geography into account: how easy will it be for you and/or your partner to do the drop off/collect?) and don't hesitate to ask to visit a second time.

Make sure you read the most recent Ofsted inspection report for the nurseries you are considering, and ask whether they have any awards of excellence. Be guided by your instincts when looking at a nursery: it may seem a cliché to say do the children look happy, but it is an important barometer of whether a nursery is good. Be aware of the quality of both indoor and outdoor play areas: are the spaces pleasant, bright,

y

n Day Nurse o k r Yu

For children (2-5) Full/part time vacancies

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

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* * * * * *

Bright well-resourced centre Pre-school education guaranteed Flexible hours/days Children in small groups Offers French, dance & swimming Positive emphasis on physical education * Very good OFSTED report

To view call 020 8675 Limited spaces

8838

Yukon Rd. Balham Hill Estate, Balham Hill, SW12 9DN

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

welcoming, and do they seem safe? Ask about meals, how the food is prepared, and what time meals are served. Are you able to provide input for your child's food - suggestions for what s/he would like to eat, or recipes?

What kinds of snacks are provided and how often are they available?

Watch the children while they're playing, and pay attention to how much they're interacting with the staff. How do the staff come across do they seem happy, relaxed, fun to be around?

Do you feel comfortable talking to them? Do they seem interested in your child and his/her likes/dislikes and interests?

Ask about organised play sessions - weekly music groups, perhaps, or storytelling. Are there trips to the library, and to the park?

How are these organised, and how often do they take place?

Make sure you understand what the nursery charges, how payment is made, and exactly what the fees include (for example, do they cover meals, nappies, outings). How many weeks a year is the nursery open? How are parents involved in the nursery, and are there opportunities for parents to meet up?

Is all well when I'm not there?

Some nurseries have webcams which allow parents to see live images of their child at play from their desk at work. But while some parents welcome this idea, others are sceptical - they say they want their child's nursery to know they trust its workers, and worry that they'll be seen as a way of spying on care workers. Others say they like the idea of watching their child at play so much that they'd spend too much time doing it - and wouldn't ever get any work done!

As your child is settling into nursery, trust your instincts about how well it's going. You know

your child better than anyone else, so if your hunch is that your child is happy and contented, that's almost certainly the case.

Remember that in the early days, he or she will probably get more tired than usual -nursery is a big change, emotionally as well as physically.

Both your child and you need time to adjust to the new set-up. Try not to drag out your goodbyes: leaving your child will be difficult, especially at first, but keeping it brief will help you both. Remember that your child may cry every day when you drop them off (and so might you!) for quite a while; this is a normal part of getting used to this big change in your lives. Cope with it by emphasising the positives: think about why you're working (to make money and provide a better standard of living; to ensure you have an interesting life, and income, in the longer term) and how much your child will benefit from a wider social network.

Troubleshooting Fingers crossed, you'll never have a problem with a nursery your child attends. But what happens when there IS an issue? As every working parent knows, nothing undermines your ability to work more than a nagging suspicion that your child isn't happy, or isn't being looked after as well as possible or even worst scenario of all - isn't safe.

If you have any worries at all about your child's nursery you must resolve them, and as quickly as possible. So as soon as something strikes you as 'not right', talk to the nursery manager or your allocated member of staff - many niggles are simply down to a lack of communication. Explain what's up, and the chances are you'll never have to mention it again, and things will all be smoothed over.

But if you're not satisfied that all is well, put your concern in writing to the nursery manager. All nurseries should have a protocol for dealing with complaints - ask to see this if it's not spelled out in the nursery handbook.

Pic credit: valeriesieyes.com

Nursery feature

Spotlight on: L’ecole du Parc 10 years of serving the French speaking community. Congratulations to L’ecole du Parc, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary. It all started when Elisa Sicking-Bressler, the present coowner, decided to open a French Nursery in the Clapham area with two other French-speaking parents. Not being teachers themselves, the input of their first teaching team was fundamental.

Credit to them: while two teachers have since moved back to France, the two other ones are still with them!

Their initial vision was to offer a top-quality provision, combining the French educational values and structure, with an emphasis on self-confidence, to unleash the child's desire to learn in a positive environment. This philosophy is very much at the core of everything they do today. Of course, they have grown from 16 to 66 children, but their daily practice has not changed much: the best interest of the child prevails over everything else.

With the help of a fantastic teaching team, and a very active Parents Association, they have built an inclusive school with strong community spirit. This is something the parents find very valuable, especially when moving from abroad.

Elisa and her team would like to thank the parents and children who have given their trust over the years and look forward to a renewed co-operation with them in 2013 and beyond.

• Ecole du Parc, 64 Garfield Road, SW11 5PN. 020 7326 9642 www.ecoleduparc.co.uk

Ramsden Hall, 21 Ramsden Road, London SW12 8QX

Visit 345 Nursery where “The Nursery offers an exceptionally welcoming and inclusive environment” (Ofsted November 2011).

Children become independent inquisitive and motivated in this rich and vibrant learning environment.

Great outdoor space!

Options include Afternoon School, Lunch Club and Early Bird Club. www.345nurseryschool.co.uk Please contact us on 020-8870-8441 or dixonannab@aol.com Fitzhugh Grove, Trinity Road, London SW18 3SA

Jan/Feb 2013

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

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

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Nursery feature

NEWS from your local nurseries

Blundell’s Nursery space museum visit Blundell’s nursery - The children from Blundell’s Traditional Teaching Nursery in Battersea enjoyed a wonderful visit to the space museum to re-enforce all their learning last term.

Their eyes were as big as space saucers as they viewed all the planets - there was so much interactive play they didn’t want to leave. Visit www.blundellsnursery.co.uk to view all the pictures.

Green Shoots Day Nursery - Kennington’s newest nursery, Green Shoots is going from strength to strength. As a workers’ co-operative,

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the nursery can rely on dedicated, well trained staff with years of experience in local authority “Outstanding” nurseries. They are committed to green policies and being as low carbon as possible.

All the children have settled well, and play happily as they learn, in bright, airy classrooms and a garden which is being transformed into an outdoor classroom. A full capacity of 25 means small, family type groups where babies and children can thrive.

Full time and part time places available. More details on www.greenshootsdaynursery.coop Streatham & Clapham Junior School Tots on Tuesday (10 am – 12 noon during term time) provides a fun, stimulating and safe environment for tots up to 4 years to play. These ‘stay and play’ sessions are a great place for parents to meet and an opportunity to familiarise themselves with the school.

Children can then make a smooth transition in to the Nursery School feeling safe and supported and Streatham and Clapham eager to learn Junior School through rhyme, song, story, ‘messy play’, adventurous art - and quiet contemplation. To visit call 020 8674 6912 or see their website www.schs.gdst.net Nightingale 1 Montessori Nursery Already classed as outstanding by Ofsted, they have now gained the MEAB Accreditation (Montessori Evaluation and Accreditation Board) in 2011 as being the only nursery school in SW12 with the prestigious accredited status (there are only six accredited Montessori settings in the whole SW area).

Nightingale 2 Montessori Nursery (SW12 0NU) opened its doors only in September 2012 at St Stephen's Church Hall on Weir Road and has already applied for the accredited status.

The MEAB inspection will take place during Spring term 2013. The nursery started with four children in September and has already twenty children on the register for January 2013. www.nightingalemontessori.co.uk Sticky Fingers Montessori Day Nursery - now has additional classes three mornings per week in the building next door. This is intended to be nursery education rather than day care but there is the option to combine both. In both settings they offer French, Dancing, Drama, Massage and Computer – all taught by specialised teachers. They use many Montessori exercises and activities incorporating the EYFS as laid down by

the government. The FNEP grant is available for all children in the term following their third birthday.

Call: 020 8871 9496 Peques - is a day nursery and pre-school for children aged from three months to five years.

They are open from 8 am to 6.00 pm, for 50 weeks per year. Mandarin lessons are included in their curriculum and music/dance sessions are also available. They are a bilingual nursery delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum in English and Spanish; also teaching Mandarin as a third language which they contract out to a native professional language teacher.

They take great pride in the knowledge that they are the pioneers for teaching Mandarin to preschoolers in a Bilingual Setting; since October 2009. Call: 020 7385 0055 Mob: 0 7539 278 395 www.peques.co.uk Yukon Day Nursery - established 20 years now offers free 15 hours childcare for children aged 2 to 5 years. Flexible full & part time vacancies are available with special discounts for siblings. They offer pre-school education guaranteed for all children. Various educational day trips are made available for all children. Good Ofsted report. All staff are CRB checked and highly qualified.*Special discount Offer for 2013. Register your child before April 2013 and benefit from 25% off fees!* Call 0208 675 8838.

The Montessori School - in Chestnut Grove is lucky to have sole use of a Victorian house, recreating the traditional spirit of Maria Montessori's Casa dei Bambini (Childrens' House).

The school aims to embrace family life by offering a range of sessions that suit individual circumstances, from as little as one hour a week with a parent or carer (Tea Time for Toddlers) to as much as full time (daily from 8.00am until 6.30pm). In some cases, the teachers are able to collect children from their home and take them back after school, whilst also offering care for children at local Primary and Prep schools. The The Montessori Principal is always School Green Tower happy to discuss options and see if your unique requirements can be fulfilled. Call: 020 8673 8037.

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

Nursery feature Learn how to support your nursery child's learning You can support your child’s learning at home in a variety of ways. Talking with them and sharing ideas are the most natural way but also do make time to: •Read to your child •Take your child to the library •Play games with letters •Help your child learn the alphabet •Introduce your child to numbers or counting •Share songs, poems or nursery rhymes with your child •Paint and draw with your child Parents at the London Early Years Foundation nurseries are invited to evening workshops to develop their understanding of how children learn. They welcome parents asking what children have shown interest in during the day and using this information to extend learning at home. Look for more parenting tips and advice on their website. www.leyf.org.uk/parents.

Spotlight on: Third Door: is it a workhub or is it a nursery!?

Well it is both actually! Third Door is a completely different concept for working parents of preschool children. They provide a flexible workspace for parents to work from, and a flexible Nursery for their child within the same building. Both Nursery and Workhub also operate as standalone services.

The Nursery is flexible and works around the needs of the parent. Parents are able to buy a monthly package and book the sessions and hours they need via a bespoke online booking system. Parents can upgrade their package depending on workloads and needs (subject to availability) and similarly, are able to downgrade their packages such as when they are on holiday. There is also an ad-hoc option, which is a fantastic alternative for those parents whose work is more sporadic and as a result, prefer not to commit on a monthly basis. This flexibility has recently been endorsed by the Deputy Prime Minister, who chose Third Door as the venue for announcing shared parental leave and extending parental leave. The nursery follows the EYFS curriculum, ensuring children are learning through play. Third Door (Workhub & Nursery) plans to open their second site in 2013. www.third-door.com

Clapham Montessori St Paul’s Community Centre, St Paul’s Church, Rectory Grove, SW4 0DX 020 7498 8324. Ros Bowles ros@montessoriclapham.co.uk

Clapham Park Montessori The Contact Centre, 60 Hambalt Road,SW4 9EH 07757 317179 Lucía Gómez-Santana lucia@montessoriclapham.co.uk Registered with the Montessori Society AMI(UK) Accredited by ME (UK), a quality assurance scheme which validates Montessori practice in the UK. Full Montessori curriculum. Extras: Music, Drama, Spanish Sessions 9.15-12.15 plus lunchtime to 1.45 and pm to 3.45 as available.

38 weeks per year. Ages 2 1/2 to 6 years.

Garden/outdoor space available also at The Contact Centre:

Montessori Infant Community Wendy Thompson 07795 364360 Caring and well-qualified staff provide a very happy atmosphere in which each child feels secure and is free to develop and learn at his/her own pace.

Sessions 9.30-12.00 34 weeks per year. Ages 1 year to 2 1/2 years.

Visit our website www.montessoriclapham.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Nursery feature RISING STAR MONTESSORI SCHOOL St. Clement Church Hall, 286 Fulham Palace Road, London SW6 6HP. Est. 1992 Tel: 020 7381 3511 Head: Mrs H Casson, Mont Dip. Hours: 9.30 to 12.30.

Sessions: 9.30-12.30. Tues: 9.30 - 3pm Weeks open a year: 3 terms Ages: Two to 5yrs. Max pupils: 24.

Pupil ratio: 6:1 Curriculum: Montessori.

Activities: The 3Rs, French, Cooking, Music & Movement, Art plus Gymnastics.

Facilities: Light, airy hall with private outdoor patio.

How & age to register: Tel for an appointment to visit or application.

Fees: on application.

Contact to arrange a visit: Mrs H Casson—020 7736 8729/381 3511.

Rising Star provides an international atmosphere in which children of many different nationalities and cultures develop self-esteem and confidence. Mrs Casson speaks French, Dutch and Italian which is important for parents and re-assuring for their children. Please ask for our comprehensive brochure.

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

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

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

We insist on our staff being Montessori trained teachers.

For a prospectus and a visit to view the schools please contact : www.dawmouse.com or speak with Miss Emma 020 7381 9385

THE STUDIO DAY NURSERY 93 Moore Park Road, Fulham, London SW6 Tel: 020 7736 9256 Est. 1987 Head: Miss J.M.R. Williams, NNEB, RSH (Norlander).

Opening hours: 8.00 to 19.00 Sessions: 8.00-13.00 and 13.00-19.00 (18.30 Fri) Weeks open a year: 51, excl. Bank Holidays.

Ages: Two to 5 years Max no. of pupils: 50 Av. class size: 8. Pupil/teacher ratio: 6:1 Curriculum: Montessori, Special Needs.

Activities: Numbers, writing, reading, cooking, project work, art, drama, natural studies.

Facilities: Glass-roofed “messy play” area, art room, own kitchen.

Sports: Games during park visits.

How & age to register: Phone or write for enrolment form, any age.

Fees: Mornings or afternoons; Special weekly terms. Meals extra.

Contact to arrange a visit: Jenny Williams—020 7736 9256.

Because of the emphasis on learning and school work within a happy and caring atmosphere, most of our children find no difficulty passing into the primary school of their choice. JULY 2000 OFSTED advised: “Taken overall, the quality and standard of the educational provision are acceptable in promoting the Desirable Outcomes for children’s learning.” Primarily a Montessori nursery, school work is fun too: every session, groups of 10 to 12 go to the work room in the Red room for 45 minutes with two teachers to follow a concentrated programme they much enjoy.

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Celebrating Uniqueness at The Chelsea Group of Children Special School The Hall, Waynflete Street, London SW18 3QG 020 8946 8330 www.chelseagroup.co.uk

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

DRAMA BARBICAN THEATRE EC2

the magic and wonder of the universe with Mavis. £8, age 5-10 16 Feb. JACK AT THE BEANSTALK CAFÉ A nourishing feast of stories told with puppets and live music at the Beanstalk Café. £8, age 4-8 19-23 Feb. HOW TO CATCH A STAR One night a little boy who loves stargazing decides to try and catch a star. £8, age 3-7

LYRIC THEATRE W1D

barbican.org.uk/theatre To 19 Jan. THE MASTER AND MARGARITA Complicite returns to the Barbican with Mikhail Bulgakov’s magical novel pitting the power of evil against the power of compassion. £16-£42

nimaxtheatres.com/lyric-theatre / roomonthebroomlive.co.uk To 13 Jan. ROOM ON THE BROOM Spellbinding family show flies into the West End for an unforgettable adventure, from the creators of The Gruffalo. Age 3-8, £12.50-£15.50

BATTERSEA ARTS CENTRE SW11

NATIONAL THEATRE SE1

bac.org.uk To 13 Jan. MIDNIGHT’S PUMPKIN Renowned theatre makers Kneehigh present a tipsy, tingling and foot-stomping Christmas hit. Age 6+, £15-£25 To 19 Jan. A VERY OLD MAN WITH ENORMOUS WINGS Gabriel García Márquez’s modern fable is brought to life with Little Angel Theatre’s beautifully crafted puppets. £10-£15

nationaltheatre.org.uk To 26 Jan. HANSEL AND GRETEL Katie Mitchell directs the classic fairytale in an intimate and magical new production. Age 7-10, £12-£24

BLOOMSBURY THEATRE WC1H thebloomsbury.com 7-19 Jan. TOM’S MIDNIGHT GARDEN When the grandfather clock in the hallway chimes thirteen, Tom is transported to a secret garden from the past. Birmingham Stage Company’s production from the book by Philippa Pearce. Age 4+, £14.50£19.50

COLOUR HOUSE THEATRE SW19 colourhousetheatre.co.uk To 27 Jan. JACK AND THE BEANSTALK Will Jack find hidden treasure at the top of the beanstalk or will he be eaten by the horrible Giant?

Come along and find out!

9 Feb – 14 April. SLEEPING BEAUTY Green Fairy casts an evil spell on baby Princess Aurora because she wasn’t invited to her christening

LONDON COLISEUM WC2N ballet.org.uk To 19 Jan. THE SLEEPING BEAUTY Kenneth MacMillan’s production of the popular classic is the perfect way to bring some sparkle into your New Year. £10-£67

LYRIC HAMMERSMITH W6 lyric.co.uk 12 Jan. MAZYMEG AND THE HONEY BEES Albert lives alone with his beloved honey bees.

When a stranger steals Albert’s bees, will the brave Mazymeg come to his rescue? £8, age 4-7 19 Jan. MY BIG LITTLE SISTER Tom says he can’t understand his little sister Ruby, who wishes she were a grown-up with no one telling her what to so. £8, age 4-8 26-27 Jan. THE SELFISH CROCODILE When a very selfish crocodile gets a nasty toothache, all the other animals are too scared to help him. £8, age 3-7 2 Feb. ARTHUR’S DREAMBOAT Sail away with Arthur and his magical dreamboat in this original tale about a little boy with a very big dream. £8, age 2-7 9 Feb. MAVIS SPARKLE With a mix of illusion, animation and fun, discover

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NEW WIMBLEDON THEATRE SW19 atgtickets.com/venues/new-wimbledon-theatre To 13 Jan. SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS Includes actress Priscilla Presley making her pantomime and London stage debut as The Wicked Queen. £10-£35

POLKA THEATRE SW19 polkatheatre.com To 16 Feb. TOO MANY PENGUINS? How many penguins are too many penguins? Polar bear thinks one is more than enough, thank you very much! 1-4yrs, £8-£10 To 16 Feb. THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS When Mole abandons spring-cleaning for the delights of the riverbank, he has no idea of the adventures that lie ahead. A delightful adaptation with songs.

Age 5-11, £11-£16 19-23 Feb. THE WILLIAM STORIES Journey into a world of imagination, books, fairytales and exploring. £10, age 4-7 20 Feb – 2 March. WHY THE LION DANCED Deep in the mountains of ancient China, every 13th moon the dreaded monster Nian pays a visit to the village. The villagers must protect themselves but which animal can save them? £8-£12, age 6-11

PUPPET THEATRE BARGE W9 Little Venice, Blomfield Road puppetbarge.com 19 Jan -17 March. JOEY’S FIREWORKS A marionette spectacle celebrating the arrival of the New Year and featuring traditional characters such as Burglar Bill, Dog Toby, Joey the Clown and Mr Punch, with the Beadle keeping an eye on the goings on. 3yrs+, £8.50/£10

PUTNEY ARTS THEATRE SW15 Ravenna Road, Putney putneyartstheatre.org.uk 22-26 Jan. WRITE NOW Short plays inspired by current events in these controversial, up-to-the minute dramas. £7/£10

RICHMOND THEATRE TW9 atgtickets.com/Richmond To 13 Jan. ALADDIN A treasure filled adventure that promises to be pure panto genie-us. Rub the magic lamp, enter

Puppet Theatre Barge the cave of wonders and be transported on a flying carpet ride into the mystical world of the Far East. £10-£29.50 6-7 Feb. SWAN LAKE The world’s best-known ballet, from Moscow City Ballet. £18-£34 8-10 Feb. THE SLEEPING BEAUTY The enchanting and romantic story of The Sleeping Beauty inspired Tchaikovsky to write some of his most glorious music. Moscow City Ballet, £18-£34 11-16 Feb. 9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL Hilarious new musical comedy based on the hit movie. £15-£35 25-26 Feb. CHINESE STATE CIRCUS: YIN YANG Combining all the great Chinese artists’ traditions with modern production values to present a spectacular new stage show. £17-£23

ROYAL ALBERT HALL SW7 royalalberthall.com 5 Jan – 14 Feb. KOOZA Cirque du Soleil return to the Royal Albert Hall with their sensational show KOOZA, coming to the UK for the first time. £14-£95 19 Feb. FAMILY IGNITE: THE ANIMAL KINGDOM Join the Hall’s very own 15-piece mini-orchestra for a musical safari through the animal kingdom. In the Elgar Room, £3.50/£5

ROYAL OPERA HOUSE WC2E roh.org.uk 16-19 Jan. HARLEKIN Muscovite theatre company Derevo calls in on the London International Mime Festival with this spectacuar show exploring the darker side of commedia dell'arte character Harlequin. £7-£17, age 7+, in Linbury Studio Theatre.

Mimelondon.com

SOUTHBANK CENTRE SE1 southbankcentre.co.uk To 7 Jan. SLAVA’S SNOWSHOW The clowning spectacular returns to the Royal Festival Hall with giant snowballs and indoor blizzards. Age 8+ To 6 Jan. CLOUD MAN A magical winter show featuring a blend of puppetry, storytelling and music. Age 4-7, in Blue Room 16-22 Jan. LEO A solitary man invents games to while away the time. Part of London International Mime Festival.

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

What’s On Age 7+, £16, in Purcell Room 24-27 Jan. LETTER’S END An old toy falls out of a torn parcel and one man's life is changed forever in this physical comedy, illusion and puppetry based show. Part of London International Mime Festival. Age 7+, £16, in Purcell Room

ST JAMES’ THEATRE SW1E 12 Palace Street 0844 264 2140 stjamestheatre.co.uk To 26 Jan. CINDERELLA Sure to captivate audiences with its modern take on one of the best-loved fairy tales. Age 6+, £17.50-£40

THEATRE ROYAL DRURY LANE WC2B shrekthemusical.co.uk To 24 Feb. SHREK THE MUSICAL® Don’t miss out – it ends in February!

UNICORN THEATRE SE1 unicorntheatre.com To 13 Jan. THE PRINCE AND THE PAUPER Set in a vibrant Tudor London, poor Tom Canty has a chance meeting with the young heir to the throne, and by pure coincidence they find they look almost identical. Age 6+, £11-£22 30 Jan – 7 Feb. A THOUSAND SLIMY THINGS A wedding, a party, a perfect day. What could possibly go wrong?

Beware! The Ancient Mariner is here and will be heard! Age 10+, £10-£16 5 Feb – 17 March.

1001 NIGHTS Using everyday objects that you might find in your bedroom, the bookish Shahrazad transports her sister and father night after night to an imagined world of kings, viziers, and jinns. £8-£16, age 6-9 8-10 Feb. LITTLE RED…YOU KNOW WHO This spell-binding play for young children follows a magical path through the woods. £10-£16, age 3-6 13-17 Feb. THE PRESENT A glorious participatory theatrical game exploring the mystery and pleasure of wrapping, receiving, giving and sharing. £10-£16, age 4-6 19-24 Feb. SENSACIONAL And now for something completely different...Bring your toddler along to a sound and light show in which they are the participants. 18 months – 4 years, £10

WEMBLEY ARENA HA9 wembleyarena.co.uk 1-3 March. MADAGASCAR LIVE! DreamWorks Madagascar Live! relives the adventures of Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the Hippo and the plotting penguins as they escape from their home at New York's Central Park Zoo, and find themselves on a journey to King Julien's Madagascar. £20-£50 THE SOUTHFIELDS SCHOOL OF BALLET

MUSEUMS & GALLERIES

We offer imaginative Ballet and Jazz classes for children (boys & girls) from 21/2 years. The emphasis of the school is on fun, musicality and fitness, with the option to take Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) examinations.

020 8683 0222 classes held in Southfields and Wimbledon

BRITISH MUSEUM WC1B

Sibling Discount Join anytime

britishmuseum.org 19 Jan. AWESOME AZTECS! Find out more about the objects and beliefs of the Aztecs. Take part in a musical workshop and create your own Aztec keep-sakes based around the mosaics in the Mexico gallery. 2-7pm, £12/£15.

7 Feb – 26 May. ICE AGE ART: ARRIVAL OF THE MODERN MIND Masterpieces of Ice Age sculpture, ceramics, drawing and personal ornament from across Europe

Principal: Mrs. Eliane Gerhard, BA (Hons), LRAD

DESIGN MUSEUM SE1 designmuseum.org From 30 Jan. EXTRAORDINARY STORIES ABOUT ORDINARY THINGS Six design stories offering a diverse look at design

FOUNDLING MUSEUM WC1N 40 Brunswick Square, Camden Town foundlingmuseum.org.uk 25 Jan – 19 May. FATE, HOPE AND CHARITY Bringing to light the untold stories of the Foundling Hospital tokens, small everyday objects, left by mothers with their babies at the Hospital between c.1741-1760.

16 Feb. BADGES AND BUTTONS Drop-in activities exploring current exhibition, Fate, Hope & Charity.

MUSEUM OF LONDON EC2Y museumoflondon.org.uk 13 Jan. CHARACTERS FROM HISTORY Meet a Resurrection man. These 19th century body snatchers stole bodies from graveyards and

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What’s on sold them for research. Why did they do it and who were these men? Age 5+, 11.30-1.30pm and 2-4pm 16 Jan. LITTLE MOLES TODDLERS GROUP: GALLERY VISIT Explore the galleries in this fun, hands-on and creative session for toddlers. 3.30-4.30pm 20 Jan. MUSEUM EXPLORED Join one of the Museum's Hosts and explore the galleries through hands-on activities. 11am-1pm and 2-4pm 27 Jan. ENTER A VICTORIAN PHOTOGRAPH Create fictional Victorian characters and their life stories, then using blue screen technology, dress up and enter a photograph from the time. Age 5+, 12.30-1.15pm, 2-2.45pm, 3.30-4.15pm

MUSEUM OF LONDON DOCKLANDS E14 museumoflondon.org.uk/docklands 10, 17, 24 and 31 Jan. UNDER 5S STORYTIME Interactive stories told using puppets, museum objects and music, 3pm 12 and 19 Jan. OPTICAL ILLUSIONS See some spectacular illusions from the ancient past to the present day and learn some magic tricks of your own. Age 5+, 12.30 and 2.30pm 21 Jan. MUSICAL MONDAYS Sing, rhyme and play together in this special monthly musical session as part of the Mini Mudlarks babies group. Age 6 months+, 12.45pm 22 Jan. MUSIC AND MOVEMENT Monthly music and movement session. Age 1+, 10 and 11am 26 Jan. THE SECRET OF LONDON BRIDGE, A MEDIEVAL FOLKTALE Travel to London Bridge in this interactive storytelling adventure. Age 5+, 12.30, 2.30 and 3.30pm 28 Jan. LITTLE MUDLARKS TODDLERS GROUP: GALLERY VISIT Explore the galleries in this fun, hands-on and creative session for toddlers. 10 and 11am

NATIONAL GALLERY WC2N nationalgallery.org.uk 6, 12, 20 and 27 Jan, 3, 10, 17 and 24 Feb. FAMILY SUNDAYS Activities designed for families to enjoy and learn together.

MAGIC CARPET STORYTELLING for children aged 2-5. Sundays 10.30-11am and 11.30am–12pm.

Fly away on the magic carpet, coming to land in front of a different painting each day

NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM SE10 rmg.co.uk 10 Jan. BBC STARGAZING LIVE 2013 Make the most of the night sky, whether you are a beginner or an enthusiast. 6-9.30pm. Planetarium shows will also run throughout the evening in the Royal Observatory’s Planetarium 12, 19 and 26 Jan, 2, 9, 16, and 23 Feb. EXPLORE SATURDAYS Meet a character from the past and take part in a performance bringing maritime history to life.

12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm, 6yrs+, free 13, 20 and 27 Jan, 3, 10, 17 and 24 Feb. DISCOVER SUNDAYS Be inspired by our maritime past and explore your personal connections to the sea. 11.30-1.30pm and 2-4pm, free 15, 22 and 29 Jan, 5, 12, 19 and 26 Feb. PLAY TUESDAYS Make music, dance and drama. Under 5s, 10.30am, 11.30am, 1pm and 2pm, free To 28 April. ANSEL ADAMS: PHOTOGRAPHY FROM THE MOUNTAINS TO THE SEA Explore the exhibition with a free activity trail to find out more about Ansel Adams and landscape photography.

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM SW7 nhm.ac.uk 19 Jan. CUTTING EDGE WORKSHOP Investigate teeth and diet by looking at our amazing animal skulls. Handle real specimens, take part in group activities, and see how Museum palaeontologists use skulls to find out about dinosaur diets. 10.45am, 11.45am and 12.45pm 12 and 26 Jan. ANIMAL VISION FOR FAMILIES

Can we really see everything that goes on in our environment? This show featuring live animals reveals a world only visible to certain reptiles and invertebrates. 10.30am, 11.30am and 1.30pm 19 Jan. DINO SNORES FOR GROWN UPS Ever wondered what happens when the doors close at one of the world’s most famous natural history venue? Now you can find out, with highlights including the opportunity to sleep under Dippy, the Diplodocus skeleton in the Central Hall.

7.30pm, £160/£175 8 Feb – 8 Sep. EXTINCTION: NOT THE END OF THE WORLD? Giant deer, bizarre insects and super-sized birds are no longer around, yet the vast diversity of life today shows that some species have survived extinction and thrived. Go beyond dodos and dinosaurs to explore the crucial role extinction plays in the evolution of life. £4-£9 To 3 March. VEOLIA ENVIRONMENT WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR Revealing nature photography in its purest form, this collection of images combines the work of talented young photographers with leading lights of the profession from around the globe

V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD E2 Cambridge Heath Road 020 8983 5219 museumofchildhood.org.uk 9 Feb. EXPEDITION TO THE EXHIBITION Join a pair of Victorian sisters who are setting off to visit the Great Exhibition of 1851. £3 per child, age 5+ To 14 April 2013. MODERN BRITISH CHILDHOOD A major new exhibition at the Museum exploring how childhood has transformed in Britain during the period between the London Olympic Games of 1948 and 2012.

VICTORIA & ALBERT MUSEUM SW7 vam.ac.uk To 27 Jan. HOLLYWOOD COSTUME Gathering together over one hundred of the most iconic costumes designed for cinema characters over a century of film-making.

To 7 April. LIGHT FROM THE MIDDLE EAST: NEW PHOTOGRAPHY The first major museum exhibition of contemporary photography from and about the Middle East.

HAPKIDO SELF DEFENCE classes available for children, teenagers and adults.

Dan Jun breathing, Kicks, punches, throws, joint-locks, tumbles, jumps and breakfalls.

NEW: Learn the way of the Samurai sword, children ages 9yrs and over Hapkido teaches: •Respect •Fitness •Discipline •Confidence •Control & sensitivity •Inner calm & peace •Defence •Strength & agility Instructor: Jon Bailie, 2nd Dan Qualified Hapkido Instructor and fully insured Classes available @ St Luke's Community Hall SW12, Broomwood Hall SW11, The Contact Centre SW4 and other venues

For all enquiries/bookings, please call on

07932 667 336 Private tuition/home visits also available

www.semokwan-hapkido.co.uk

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What’s on

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

THE WALLACE COLLECTION W1U Hertford House, Manchester Square 020 7224 2155 wallacecollection.org 12 Jan. A DAY IN THE 17TH CENTURY Go double Dutch with an Asian twist for a free fun-filled day packed with talks, performances and activities celebrating Dutch masterpieces and Journeys East: A Discovery of Hidden Treasures exhibition. 10.30am-4.30pm 19 Feb. FAMILY DROP-IN ACTIVITY: BUILD A BOAT Take inspiration from Canaletto's paintings of the Venetian canals in the collection and create a 3D gondola to take home. Age 5+, 10.30am-12.15pm and 2pm-3.45pm, free 20 Feb. FAMILY ACTIVITY: PIECE OF CAKE Design and create your very own cake stand, using the Wallace Collection's world renowned collection of Sevres porcelain as inspiration. Age 7+, 10.30am-12.30pm, £7 per child

WANDSWORTH MUSEUM SW18 38 West Hill 020 8870 6060 wandsworthmuseum.co.uk 26 Jan. VICTORIAN TOY WORKSHOP Come to Southside shopping centre to play with and make a range of Victorian toys such as Jacobs Ladders, peg dolls and Thaumatropes.

1.30–3.30pm, £3 per child

behind them. 11am and 2pm 16-24 Feb. SLANG AT SEA Take a look at navy slang and the origin of popular phrases that link to life at sea and the importance of the navy in British history and culture.

11am and 2pm Gun Turret Experience - A chance to see what fighting at sea would have really been like.

Interactive Operations Room – Imagine what it would have been like to control HMS Belfast from the Operations room, the nerve centre and brain of the entire ship.

KENSINGTON PALACE W6 hrp.org.uk/kensingtonpalace 11, 18 and 25 Jan, 1, 8, 15 and 22 Feb. EERIE EVENING TOUR Hear chilling tales of mysterious sights, eerie encounters and strange stories as you are guided through the shadowy State Apartments and regaled with chilling tales from the palace’s historic past. 6.45-8.15pm, £25 16-24 Feb. THE KING’S COFFEE The theme for February half-term activities is the world of William III and Mary II in the late 17th century at Kensington Palace. Make blue and white china mosaic works of art, paper tulips and learn about the exotic goods such a chocolate, coffee and tea coming in from the Dutch and British empires.

MORDEN HALL PARK SM4

DAYS OUT BATTERSEA PARK CHILDREN’S ZOO SW11 batterseaparkzoo.co.uk Throughout Jan and Feb - With a zoo, animal encounters, play area and café, a visit to the world famous Battersea Park Children's Zoo is a must.

CHELSEA PHYSIC GARDEN SW3 66 Royal Hospital Road 020 7349 6453 chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk 2-10 Feb. SNOWDROP DAYS Come to London's oldest botanic garden for a snowdrop extravaganza. Discover dozens of fascinating types on the Snowdrop Trail and on display in the Snowdrop Theatre

HAMPTON COURT PALACE KT8 hrp.org.uk To 13 Jan 2013. ICE SKATING Celebrate 10 years of winter skating at the truly splendid setting of Henry VIII’s Tudor Palace To 28 March. MAKE HISTORY HAPPEN Meet Henry VIII and his Tudor courtiers. The King intends to marry again, but who is the lady his affections have fallen on?

2-3 Feb. HISTORIC COOKERY The Historic cooks are toiling in the Kitchens of King Henry VIII, preparing the exotic dishes for his majesty as well as the plainer, yet still lavish, food for the court 16-24 Feb. HORRIBLE HAMPTON The Tudor court is recruiting children as apprentices for the dirty jobs needed to make the beautiful palace run smoothly. Have you got what it takes to be a good scourer or a laundress?

HMS BELFAST SE1 iwm.org.uk 19-20 Jan. HISTORY IN YOUR HANDS An interpretive activity examining objects and spaces in and around HMS Belfast and the stories

nationaltrust.org.uk/morden-hall-park EXPLORER PACKS AND TRAILS Explorer packs are available from the second-hand bookshop (a deposit is required), containing themed activities around the park. Follow trails around the park with activities to complete.

ROYAL OBSERVATORY GREENWICH SE10 rmg.co.uk To Feb 2013. ASTRONOMY PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR EXHIBITION See the spectacular winning images from this year’s competition - from distant galaxies to our very own Milky Way and neighbouring planets, the entries reflect our enduring fascination with the night sky.

9, 11, 12, 16, 18, 19, 23, 25, 26 Jan. EVENING WITH THE STARS Popular after-dark experience including a show in London’s only public planetarium. 7yrs+, £16, from 5.30pm 26 Jan. SATURDAY SPACE EXPLORERS Make simple cardboard instruments including constellation finders, planet finders and lunar calendars. 5yrs+, free, from 2pm Throughout Jan and Feb. THE UNIVERSE EXPOSED: PHOTOGRAPHING THE COSMOS Showcasing how anyone with a digital camera can capture spectacular images of the night-sky. 5yrs+, £6.50/£4.50 Throughout Jan and Feb. MEET THE NEIGHBOURS Meet our neighbours in space in this entertaining interactive show, where you decide which planets to visit. 5yrs+, £6.50/£4.50 Throughout Jan and Feb. SOLAR SYSTEM, GALAXY, UNIVERSE Exploring the scale of the Solar System, Galaxy and Universe and how we measure it. 5yrs+, £6.50/£4.50 Throughout Jan and Feb. SPACE SAFARI Join Ted the teddy bear for live music and rhyme as he journeys throughout the solar system looking for the Great Bear in the sky in this show designed especially for younger children. Age 7 and under, £6.50/£4.50 8

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Jan/Feb 2013

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Tuesday Tutors • We coach children for state and independent school and entry tests: VR, NVR, English, Maths and interview preparation.

• We are also happy to offer Maths and English support for children in school, and Home Education.

• NEW- a dedicated Maths tutor up to A Level available for home-visits in central London Tuesday Tutors has placed many children in top state and private schools. It is advisable to contact us early, as high demand may mean that your child will be placed on our waiting list.

Experienced tutors welcome Tel: 020 7735 8268

07906 312541

tuesdaytutors@hotmail.co.uk tuesdaytutors.com

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What’s on Throughout Jan and Feb. SKY TONIGHT LIVE A live show presented by a Royal Observatory Astronomer takes visitors on a tour of what can be seen in the night sky on the day of their visit and the months ahead. 12.30, 2 and 3.30pm, 5yrs+, £6.50/£4.50

TOWER OF LONDON EC3 hrp.org.uk 9, 16, 23 and 30 Jan, 6, 13, 20 and 27 Feb. TOWER TWILIGHT TOURS Dare to take an evening tour of the Tower, taking in the gruesome sights and spooky stories which make it famous. 12yrs+, £25 To 15 Feb and 25 Feb – 28 March.

LIFE IN THE MEDIEVAL PALACE Step into a world of gallant knights and beautiful damsels, of brutal lords and sturdy peasants. As King Edward I extends his fortifications and royal lodgings, there are skills to learn and friends to be made. Age 12+, £25 16-24 Feb. BEAT THE BLOCK – THE WARS OF THE ROSES As the nobles of Medieval England take sides, it can be difficult to keep your head! Who do you support and who do you betray? The choice is yours.

SOUTHBANK CENTRE SE1 www.southbankcentre.co.uk Mon 11 – Sun 24 Feb 10. 30 – 4.00pm daily IMAGINE CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL Vampires, giant dinosaurs and the Queen’s Knickers… Children take control of Southbank Centre for two weeks in February as the Imagine Children’s Festival returns with a range of theatre, music, film and comedy alongside readings by some of the UK’s top authors. Each day Imagine offers a packed programme of free and ticketed events, with trails to follow and games to play across the whole site, making it the perfect place to entertain families during half term. There are activities for all ages, from opera for babies to vampire-themed Valentine’s Day celebrations for teens and interactive shows for adults.

WWT WETLANDS CENTRE SW13 wwt.org.uk/visit-us/london 26 Jan. THE BIRDLIFE OF PORTUGAL Join Portuguese birding expert João Jara for a fascinating talk on the birdlife of Portugal. 2.30pm, £3

OUT OF TOWN AUDLEY END HOUSE AND GARDENS CB11 english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/audleyend-house-and-gardens 16-24 Feb. EVERYTHING BUT THE SQUEAK WEEK Watch Mrs Crocombe - Audley End's resident cook - prepare a whole host of traditional Victorian pork recipes as she includes everything but the squeak in her unusual recipes!

BODIAM CASTLE TN32 nationaltrust.org.uk/bodiamcastle 20 and 27 Jan, 3 and 10 Feb. ROAST AND ROAM Blow away the winter blues with a guided tour of the castle followed by a two-course Sunday roast lunch. £10/£25

NATIONAL MOTOR MUSEUM SO42 beaulieuevents.co.uk 16-24 Feb. FEBRUARY FUN Throughout February half-term follow the Bond Fun Quiz Trail at Beaulieu. .................................................................................

DIARY DATES AND EVENTS • LONDON ICE SCULPTING FESTIVAL Canary Wharf, Isle of Dogs E14 4HJ Canarywharf.com/visitus 11-13 Jan. Ice sculptors get their chisels out to welcome in the new year. Over the course of 3 days, the pros will compete to create chilly works of art, plus there are free masterclasses Institute Francais where you can learn the basic techniques of ice sculpting, age 12+ • YOUTH MUSIC THEATRE UK Lyric Hammersmith W6 0QL Youthmusictheatreuk.org 12 Jan. WORKSHOP & AUDITION TOUR Book your place in this search for the best actors, singers, dancers, musicians and back stage crew to join the company in 2013. Ages 11-21, sessions 9.30am, 12.15pm and 3.45pm • INSTITUT FRANCAIS 17 Queensbury Place SW7 2DT 0207 871 3515 institut-francais.org.uk

12, 19 and 26 Jan, 2, 9, 16 and 23 Feb. BABY AND KIDS TALES Travel back to the times mystical legend with the help of Arthur and his brave knights. Gallop on gallant horses, save the damsels in distress and search for the secret whereabouts of the round table. 12 and 26 Jan – ages 0-3; 19 Jan ages 3-5, £5/£7 • PROFESSOR QUANTUM’S MAGNIFICENT TIME TOUR Meet at the bus stop, 6 Northumberland Ave WC2N 5BY 0844 318 7655 timetour.co.uk 12, 13, 19, 20, 26 and 27 Jan, 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23 and 24 Feb. Combing theatre and technical trickery with an insightful look at London's rich past, aboard the Professor's 'Incredible Time Bus'. All ages, 2.45pm, £22 • LANDMARK ARTS CENTRE Ferry Road, Teddington TW11 9NN 020 8977 7558 landmarkartscentre.org 12 and 26 Jan, 2 and 16 Feb. KIDS ART CLUB Fun workshops supervised by professional art educators including drawing, painting, relief making, printing and collage.

10am-12pm, £12, 5-11yrs • BFI SOUTHBANK W1T 1LN bfi.org.uk 13 Jan. MONSTERS, INC FUNDAY WORKSHOP

Monster Inc BFI Southbank

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Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

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

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Create your very own Monster. Take inspiration from the likes of Pixar’s Sulley and Mike and see if you can draw a creature even scarier!

11.30am, followed by screening of the 3D movie at 1.30pm 27 Jan. 50TH ANNIVERSARY FAMILY SCREENING: THE PINK PANTHER This special 50th birthday screening is the perfect opportunity to introduce a new generation to the genius of Peter Sellers in his most iconic role. 1pm 27 Jan. SCHOOL OF SLAPSTICK AND KIDS ANIMATION WORKSHOP Dress up as Inspector Clouseau to search for the Pink Panther diamond, and make your own mini-Pink Pantheranimation. Ages 7-12, 11.30am, see locofilmfestival.com SOUTHFIELDS THEATRE GROUP Wimbledon Park Primary School, Havana Road, Wimbledon SW19 8EJ 17-19 Jan. SLEEPING BEAUTY Southfields Theatre Group’s annual pantomime is Ben Crocker’s award-winning version of the classic fairy tale with dance, songs and jokes galore. Tickets from southfieldstheatre group.org.uk or 07535 117169 LONDON MODEL ENGINEERING EXHIBITION Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way N22 7AY Londonmodelengineering.co.uk 18-20 Jan. More than 1000 model steam trains, planes, boats, tanks and trucks take over the floor, with specialist suppliers, clubs and societies on hand to support hobby modelmakers. £5.50-£9, under 5s free MUM2MUM MARKET Wimbledon YMCA, 200 Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 8JG 0776 500 4564 mum2mummarket.co.uk 26 Jan. BABY AND CHILDREN’S NEARLY NEW SALE Book a stall in advance.

2-4pm, £2 entry UK COLD WATER SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS 2013 Tooting Bec Lido, Tooting Bec Road SW16 1RU 020 8871 7198 Slsc.org.uk/cwsc 26 Jan. It’s deepest winter, it’s cold outside and the heating is cranked up. Now imagine stripping down to your trunks and leaping into the ice-cold water of the UK’s largest open-air, unheated fresh-water pool. Cheer on 400 (fool) hardy swimmers as they race in freezing cold water, keep warm with a hog roast, crepes and hot drinks, plus stalls and attractions including a bicycle-powered cinema. £2 per person RSPB BIG GARDEN BIRDWATCH 2013 Rspb.org.uk/birdwatch 26-27 Jan. The RSPB's annual bird count is the world's largest wildlife survey, with over half a million people taking part. Spend an hour noting down the number of each species of birds in either your garden or local park CITY OF LONDON DOLLSHOUSE FESTIVAL The Tower Hotel, St Katherine’s Way E1 1LD Dollshousefestival.com 27 Jan. See hand-made miniature works of art, ranging from a gilt console table to a humble clothes peg. Plus children’s activities and workshops given by some of the best known names in the field.

DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY Gallery Road SE21 7AD 020 8299 8732 dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk 27 Jan. ARTPLAY Make everything and anything from bunting to block prints and all things in between. 2–3.45pm, £3 per child

Jan/Feb 2013

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• WIMBLEDON FINE ART 41 Church Road, Wimbledon Village SW19 5DQ 07939 048 436/ 0208 944 6593 staffordgallery.co.uk 27 Jan - 17 Feb. EXHIBITION OF SCOTTISH PAINTERS An exciting exhibition featuring established painters and young artists new on the scene.

• SNAKES AND LADDERS Syon Park, Brentford, Middlesex TW8 8JF 020 8847 0946 snakes-and-ladders.co.uk To 31 Jan. TOY AMNESTY A great way to start the New Year by supporting a worthy cause! Make room for your children’s new presents by bringing unwanted good quality toys to the Shooting Star CHASE donation station at Snakes and Ladders.

• BARBICAN CENTRE Silk Street EC2Y 8DS 0845 120 7550 barbican.org.uk To end Jan. EVERYTHING WAS MOVING: PHOTOGRAPHY FROM THE 60S & 70S New exhibition surveying photography from across the globe, featuring work from renowned photographers including Bruce Davidson, William Eggleston and Li Zhensheng.

To 28 Feb. RAIN ROOM An astonishing installation giving visitors the chance to experience what it’s like to control the rain.

• SOUTHBANK CENTRE SE1 8PX southbankcentre.co.uk 10 Feb. FUNHARMONICS: THE ROARING TWENTIES A day of music aimed at children and young people. In Clore Ballroom at Royal Festival Hall, £5-£18 11-24 Feb. IMAGINE CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL Children take control of Southbank Centre as the Imagine Children’s Festival returns with a range of theatre, music, film and comedy alongside readings by some of the UK’s top authors.

• OLE KIDS AND JAJAJA BOOKS EVENT La Tasca, 23-24 Maiden Lane, Covent Garden WC2E 7NA 07734 900221 / 020 7386 0376 info@olekids.com 17 Feb. Sing, dance and open the pinata with Ole kids • WARNER BROS STUDIO TOUR: THE MAKING OF HARRY POTTER Warner Bros Studio, Aerodrome Way, Leavesden, Watford, Herts WD25 7LS 08450 840 900 wbstudiotour.co.uk To 6 March 2013. Walk through sets including the Great Hall, Dumbledore's office, Gryffindor common room and Hagrid's hut. £28/£21.

What’s on

Contact Vicky Barnett BA, MSc, PGCE Tel: 020 8876 2553 barnes@firstclasslearning.co.uk putney@firstclasslearning.co.uk www.firstclasslearning.co.uk

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®

Magazine Directory

To get your business listed here go to Familiessouthwest.co.uk/magdirectory and fill in a simple form…

CLUBS AND CLASSES

HEALTH

•WHYOGA 01372 459 400 www.whyoga.com askvicky@whyoga.com Creative pregnancy yoga (7pm 8pm) and all levels yoga (8pm 9.30pm) in Balham Library and Earlsfield Library Monday and Wednesday evenings.

•YOGA MAMA 020 8789 3881 info@yogamama.co.uk The Putney clinic. 266 Upper Richmond Road.

Mum and baby yoga classes in Putney. Suitable for mums with babies from six weeks to crawling Thursday 10.30am •BabyBug 16th Jan - 27th March (no class half term 20th Feb) Theatrebugs’ brand new parent and baby drama sessions for babies from birth with fun sensory props, squishy toys, cuddly puppets and engaging stories, songs and rhymes. From birth to 2 years. 0800 9755290 At Eat Play Love Cafe, 324 Battersea Park Road, SW11 3BX 11.50am-12.30pm Free trial offered

•MOBILE SPORTS MASSAGE THERAPIST 07711 724129 www.tsportsmassage.com Theo has 20+ years’ experience of Relaxing to Deep Tissue and Sports Massage in the comfort of your home. Business Award Winner 2012 •FIRST AID FOR LIFE Balham and Westminster 020 8675 4036 firstaidforlife.org.uk 19 and 25 Jan, 7, 9 and 28 Feb. THE EMERGENCY COURSE A 3-hour course covering care of the unconscious baby and child as well as most commonly occurring injuries and illnesses such as choking, bleeding, breaks, bleeds, burns, head injury and febrile convulsions.

9.30am-12.30pm, £60/£65.

•REDI TRAINING PAEDIATRIC FIRST AID COURSES 020 7348 7117 redi-training.co.uk 16 Jan and 13 Feb. Covers all essential topics on first aid for babies & children, with paediatric A&E nurses. At Maggie and Rose, see website for details

TUITION

PERFECT PARTIES THEMED ACTIVITY PARTIES FOR CHILDREN OF ALL AGES, ENTERTAINERS, FACE PAINTING & BALLOON MODELLING, BALLOONS & BALLOON DECORATING, CAKES & CATERING, MASCOTS, PARTY BAGS

•PRIVATE TUITION 07906 259524 M.A. in ENGLISH QUALIFIED TEACHER ENHANCED CRB * Licensed to teach primary, secondary and SEN * Taught GCSE and A Level English at top schools * structuring papers in all subjects for high marks * University Entrance, 11-plus •EXPLORE LEARNING East Sheen 020 8090 2849 and Merton 020 8540 7355.

Maths and English tuition for 514yrs, designed to build confidence and enjoyment of learning.

CONTACT JUDE - fancydress@pantaloons.co.uk 020 7630 8330 or 07501 221 903 www.pantaloons.co.uk 119 Lupus St, Pimlico, London. SW1V 3EN

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

07427 276649 020 8675 5270 Established 20 years

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Commercial or Private

CHILDCARE •PROBLEMS WITH YOUR KIDS? 07932 339416 Sleeping, eating, boundaries...

Seeking parenting support?

Contact Maya, professional Super Nanny/ troubleshooter.

Over 20yrs experience, ask for my references.

Mayalazabeille13@ yahoo.com •THE PARENT PRACTICE Chelsea, Clapham, Fulham, Putney, South Kensington, Wandsworth and Wimbledon 020 8673 3444 theparentpractice.com 22 Jan. Bringing out the Best in Boys 10am-12.30pm in Putney, 31 Jan. Positive Discipline, 7.30-10pm 7 Feb. Helping your Teen Find Their Strengths, 6.309pm 1 March. Helping Siblings to Get Along 10am-12.30pm

COURSES FOR ADULTS •LONDON PROPERTY MAKEOVER 07964 305196 londonpropertymakeover.com 19 Jan. INTERIOR DESIGN MASTERCLASS Learn about colour theory, mixing fabrics and how to get the ‘wow’ factor. 1-4.30pm, £60 at Saatchi Gallery, Duke Of York's HQ Kings Road SW3 21 Jan. VINTAGE CHIC INTERIOR DESIGN Create a vintage look for your home. 7-9pm, £40 at The Grove Pub, Oldridge Road, SW12 •MUMPRENEUR MARKETING Third Door Workhub & Nursery, 16 Point Pleasant, Putney SW18 1GG 07557 796906 mumpreneurmarketing.com 16 Jan and 5 Feb. MARKETING YOUR BUSINESS ON A SHOESTRING Training workshop giving business mums the skills to effectively promote their businesses. 10am-1pm, £40

•THE BABY SHOW E16 22-24 February, EXCEL, 1 Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock, 0871 213 0844, thebabyshow.co.uk The Baby Show is the UK's biggest and best pregnancy and parenting event, providing a superb shopping experience with thousands of products from over 300 trusted brands.

The event provides a unique opportunity to hear from baby and childcare experts, and take advantage of special show offers.

From well-known brands like Mothercare and Fisher-Price to small independents, with advice on everything from feeding, sleeping and first aid, a free creche, baby feeding area and shopping drop-off service, portrait photographers and a daily fashion show, a trip to the Baby Show is bursting with ideas and entertainment. Open 9.30am-5.30pm each day, babies to 12 year-olds can go in for free when registered in advance.

READER OFFER: Standard ticket prices are £20, but Families readers can book tickets from £10.95 when booked in advance before 20 February- quote FMSE8 to claim your discount.

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

Classified PARTIES

www.charlietheclown.co.uk

07808 732 390 clown pirate story-teller wizard

Learn to massage your child

Massage is relaxing and brings loving closeness.

Learn simple techniques in your own home or your friend's.

Hands-on parent and child workshop by qualified massage therapist and aromatherapist.

Call Lorraine on 079101 14153

Ly d i e C h i l d r e n’ s Pa r t i e s 0207 622 2540

The Unique Birthday Experience The theatre of Peter Pan, Superheroes, Fairies,Arabian Nights and more...

In your home! Unforgettable Bilingual English/French www.lydieparties.com

Silly Millie the Clown

AMITY COMPUTER SERVICES Home and business computers repaired & managed.

Consultancy and tuition also available.

Phone Danny on

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

PAINTING & DECORATING

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

Interior / Exterior Experienced, Reliable, Clean Fully Guaranteed / Insured FREE ADVICE & QUOTE

THEO THE MAGICIAN

John:- James & Lamont

“The Magic Circle, Equity & CRB”

020 8462 4646 - 07802 535695

Fun Magic for Children & Adults Free Magic Wand & Certificate for Birthday Child 07711 724129

MUSIC PIANO TUITION

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

Take exams or learn purely for pleasure.

Different styles covered.

Home visits possible.

TUITION

www.magictheo.com

Sunshine Parties 4 kids

Mark Lester MA, CT ABRSM

020 8870 7830 www.marklester.biz

HEALTH

Professional entertainers hosted by

Strawberry Shortcake Polly Pops Rainbow Fairy Themed parties • Balloon modelling • Dancing • Fun games • Storytelling puppets Please call Jane 07971 392815

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

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

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

Call Brian: 0774 513 6424

Jan/Feb 2013

®

VACANCY Individual Tuition Public Speaking, Elocution, Comprehension, Drama Confidence Building, Speech & Interview Technique Clare Price. LGSM, ALAM, SRD.

(020) 7735 3156 www.speechspecialists.co.uk

Earn Extra Money?

Capital Focus Groups are looking for people to take part in Market Research and give their opinion on a variety of subjects.

If you would like to earn extra cash please call Liz on 07761 128059 or e-mail e.dahlgren@btinternet.com

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Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk