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May 2015

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® SouthWest

“Families® SW” – useful information for parents of 0-12 year olds in SW London. Find us online: FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

Dawmouse Montessori Nursery School â€œTo assist a child we must provide him with an environment which will able him to develop freelyâ€? Maria Montessori

Celebrating 20 years of excellence in Montessori teaching Come and visit one of our two Dawmouse Montessori Nursery Schools in Fulham and discover why we have enjoyed such a long period of success teaching children from 2yrs to 5yrs in their early years education. To learn more about us just visit our new web site at www.dawmouse.co.uk or email miss.emma@dawmouse.com

www.dawmouse.co.uk

Tel: 020 83989294

Passionate about teaching and learning

FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk Tel: 020 8696 9680

Blundells Nursery – Battersea The Old Court 194/196 Sheepcote Lane SW11 5BW Tel: 020 7924 4204 www.blundellsnursery.co.uk Parent’s comment: I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and all your members of staff for all the wonderful work you have done with Jack. He has thoroughly enjoyed every minute of his time with you. The dynamic and enthusiastic atmosphere created cannot be found anywhere else - we look at countless other nurseries before deciding on Blundells. Thanks to your high standards of teaching, we believe my son is more than ready to take on his next challenge. He is now well advanced in his reading and writing and his confidence goes from high to even higher! You have helped him become a wonderful little man. Thanks again for everything and please thank all your members of staff

May 2015

FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk Tel: 020 8696 9680

Contents May 2015

06-09

News & info • Local news

• Clubs and activities news

SouthWest

• School news

10-14

Education • Special Tutoring Feature

• Getting boys reading

1 9 9 0-2

06-09

Alternative Health • Reiki and Paediatric Osteopathy

Front cover photo, with thanks to:

ABI CAMPBELL

photography

All content ©Families 2015 www.FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk Tel: 020 8696 9680 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: June 2015. Deadline: Early May 2015 •“Families® South West” heads a group of magazines. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. There are nearly 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 us. • Printed by Ridgeway Press Ltd, Pewsey, Wiltshire. • Designed by Shirley Trimmer • 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.

May 2015

Parental leave, Shared Parental leave, Paternity leave 16

20-21

Spring Days Out, in and out of London

23-25

Half-term activities

27-34

What’s On • Theatre • Museums & Galleries • Days out • Easter egg hunts &

23-25

events • Diary dates & events

News

Compiled by Joanna Parry

Preschool expands

Calling all volunteers

Battersea nursery The Babydrop is building on the success of its 3day a week preschool and will now provide 5 mornings a week, while at the same time increasing its capacity. A unique concept in childcare for children aged between 0 to 5, The Babydrop offers a varied curriculum and has become a firm favourite in the area as a stepping stone for children before going to nursery. Their much-loved crèche will still be available in the afternoons too, allowing parents to leave their children for short periods of time on a flexible basis to run that much needed errand, or treat themselves to lunch! The Babydrop, 32b Webbs Road (corner of Kelmscotts Road) SW11 6SF, 020 7738 0019 www.thebabydrop.co.uk

A leading disability charity is appealing for volunteers at its pioneering gardening project in Battersea Park. National charity Thrive uses gardening and horticulture at the Herb Garden and Old English Garden in Battersea Park as therapies to help people with a range of disabilities, offering safe places where people can mix socially, make friends and learn practical skills. Now, Thrive is looking to recruit volunteers to help in its new sales kiosk and office, selling plants and providing customer service to visitors. They also need people to help with administration duties. If you are interested in getting involved go to www.thrive.org.uk or call 020 7720 2212.

Get set for the best festival yet

Work or volunteer at Trinity Hospice Do you want to work or volunteer locally for a family friendly charitable organisation that supports your career as well as your childcare commitments? The much loved Trinity Hospice pride themselves in offering a flexible working environment as they know that you give your best when your job fits in with your lifestyle. They have opportunities for paid staff and volunteers at their Hospice in Clapham SW4 or one of their 24 shops in south west London. Trinity provides expert end of life care, support, information and advice to patients and those close to them. They are the only specialist end of life care provider for 750,000 people in our central and south west community which includes parts of Hammersmith & Fulham, Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster.

SPOTLIG

Whatever time you have to give, if you have the skills and passion for working in an organisation that cares not only about its patients but its staff too, please take a look at www.trinityhospice.org.uk/familiessw

This year’s Wandsworth Fringe is set to be the biggest and best yet with a jam-packed schedule of more than 70 different events and workshops. Get set for pop-up performances, picnics, plays, cabaret, talks and tea parties as the third borough-wide festival takes place 1–17 May. ‘Wandsworth Fringe is growing fast into a vibrant festival of fringe arts worthy of attention across the borough and beyond,’ said Wandsworth Fringe producer Cath Mattos. ‘This year we’ve almost doubled the number of acts taking part – from amateurs to professionals, indoors and outdoors, covering all corners of the borough.’ New venue hubs this year include The Bedford pub, Balham and Four Thieves ballroom, Battersea. There is something for everyone! Find out more at www.wandsworthartsfestival.com/2015

Junior scientists wanted

Young musicians sell out the Hall More than a thousand young musicians from Wandsworth performed at the Royal Festival Hall at the Wandsworth Schools' Music Service concert. The seventh annual A Brighter Sound concert was a sellout, and featured the most Wandsworth children in its history - 1120 young people performing in orchestras and choirs from the borough's primary and secondary schools. The audience was treated to a wide selection of music, from Handel's Zadok the Priest to a Blues Brothers medley. ‘In Wandsworth we are very proud of our Schools’ Music Service and I continue to be amazed by just how much our students achieve,’ said cabinet member for children and schools, Cllr Kathy Tracey. ‘We aim to inspire our young people, give them a lifelong love of music and, through concerts like this, share our vision with others.

Send us yo fairs, fe ur school t es, st events and sale reet s fo inclusio n in our r free pages. Send to families whatson@ magazin e.co.uk

Psychologists at Birkbeck at the University of London are looking to recruit 7-12 yearolds to help with research in how children 'read' faces. The research includes engaging face-reading computer games, and sessions run for around 2½ hours. Birkbeck is in central London, and the college will refund travel expenses. Participating children will receive a £10 book voucher and a Junior Scientist certificate featuring pictures of their own brain waves. To find out more or offer your child's help during the school holidays, call 020 7079 0656 or see www.bbk.ac.uk/psychology/understandi ngfaceperception/

FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk Tel: 020 8696 9680

WIN a family ticket to Chestertons Polo in the Park at Hurlingham Park SW6! Chestertons Polo in the Park is the threeday sporting spectacular that brings worldclass polo right to the heart of London in June and you could be there with your family for free! As well as being the exciting climax of the three-day tournament, Finals Day of Polo in the Park is specially geared up to provide fun and entertainment for families, with complimentary face painting, balloon sculpting artists and interactive children’s activities on the field. In addition, the hugely popular children’s entertainers, Sharky & George will be there performing their must-see acts throughout the day. Chestertons Polo in the Park provides a complimentary Kids Club, which is a safe, enclosed, fully staffed area filled with bouncy castles, inflatable play zones, a soft play centre, table football games and circus games.www.polointheparklondon.com To enter, go to www.FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk/competitions Terms and Conditions apply. The competition closes at 9am on 1st June 2015.

Clubs and Classes Academy expands South London’s Aim High Dance Academy has launched their 5th Academy in the capital, this time in Streatham. Joining their four other branches, the Streatham site offers classes every Saturday for Street Dance Beginners ages 3-7 at 2.15pm–3pm, Street Dance Intermediate ages 8-13 at 3-4pm and Street Dance Advance ages 14-18 at 4-5pm. The other sites, including Brockwell Lido and South Norwood Leisure Centre, continue to offer a wide range of street dance classes and workshops, plus ballet, tap, modern, contemporary and freestyle dance, as well as drop-in after school clubs, private lessons and birthday parties. Worth a look! Aim High Dance Academy, Streatham Ice and Leisure Centre, 390 Streatham High Road, Streatham SW16 6HX, www.aimhighacademy.co.uk

Hands-on, brainson science Following a hugely successful first year, Little House of Science continues to expand its unique brand of 'hands-on, brains-on' science for children aged 3-8. In addition, Little Maths for toddlers aged 2-3 and as well as 3-4 has been a huge success for the little ones. Starting 20th April, new classes will be taking place in Chiswick and Fulham along with more classes being added to the already-established locations of Chelsea, Kensington, Notting Hill and Swiss Cottage. Especially exciting is the new partnership with Eddie Catz who will kindly play host to classes in Putney. Children will explore a range of new topics including Nutrition, Robots and Stars through interactive discussions, practical demonstrations and numerous experiments! Visit www.littlehouseofscience.com or call 0800 0921062 for more information.

May 2015

Walk to School Week This year’s Walk To School Week (18-22 May) promises to be the biggest and best yet! If you want safer streets, better communities, you need to get involved, the more of us who walk, the safer our streets. • Health benefits: There are plenty of fun ways to get involved. Why not set up a Park & Stride area around your school, or hold a Walk to School event? You could team up with neighbouring schools and organise a walking relay between schools, with refreshment stops at each one. A treasure hunt is a fun way to add a bit of competition on the walk to school, too. • Enjoy being outdoors: Make a point of walking via tree-lined streets or parks, enjoy watching the seasons, blooms on trees, hear bird song. It matters! • Money savings: Walking to school can save you as much as £400 a year! Walk To School Week is part of National Walking Month, which takes place throughout May. It also includes Walk to Work Week, so we parents can’t escape either! www.livingstreets.org.uk

Art for us! Don’t just leave the clubs to the kids - with all the wonderful activities on offer for our children, it’s about time something came along for parents too. Taking place during term times, Art Historical London runs courses in art history in Chelsea and Richmond for anyone who likes going to museums every now and then, but isn't always quite sure what they are looking at. Courses are held in small, friendly groups, with invited experts, plenty of handouts but no homework! Check the website for details of classes and to register your interest – mention Families Magazine and you can join a trial lesson at their Chelsea venue, Worlds End Studios, Lots Road SW3. www.arthistoricallondon.com

Get playing… …at Little Learners. This new morning nursery in Clapham offers structured play sessions for children aged 15-30 months, where your little one can develop those essential pre school skills in a safe, nurturing environment, while learning the principles of sharing and taking turns. Each session is based on a weekly theme with emphasis placed on playing and interacting with peers, helping children foster friendships and boosting confidence. Sessions run MondayFriday 9.30am-12pm during term times, and from September they will be offering afternoon crèche sessions for children aged 3+. Little Learners, St Michael’s Church, Cobham Close SW11 6SP, www.claphamlearners.com

ART HISTORICAL LONDON Marten de Vos Seven, liberal arts

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

Clubs and Classes The drama continues…

Run into spring

…as Stagecoach Wimbledon expands. Their new drama, dance and movement Mini Stages sessions for 2-4 year olds are a fun and exciting way for you and your child to actively experience the performing arts in a comfortable, relaxing and safe environment. The 45-minute classes encourage tiny ones in key learning areas including literacy and numeracy skills, communication and social development, through movement, imagination, creativity and curiosity. They are followed by social time and refreshments for all, so all that is required from you is to join in and have fun! Classes are held at The Mansel Road Centre, Mansel Road, Wimbledon SW19 4AA on Thursdays at 11.30am. www.stagecoach.co.uk/wimbledon

Now the weather is warming up, why not go for a run on Wimbledon Common? Common Runners offer small running classes that are friendly and for all ages and abilities, from complete beginners to improvers. Classes are term time only, beginner classes on Mondays at 9.30am and 10.30am, and Tuesdays at 8pm; improver classes on Tuesdays at 9.30am and 7pm, and Thursdays at 9.30am. Free trial sessions are available and there is a free practice social run every Wednesday with all course bookings. For more information contact Caroline on 07810 486286 or email info@commonrunners.co.uk, www.commonrunners.co.uk

NEW rotating sink tidy that reveals the hidden contents at the touch of a button.

New Products

Finished to a high gloss specification to compliment stylish kitchens everywhere. Launched nationally last month and designed by a mum!

www.pavara.co.uk

open

closed...

Journey with the Rainbow Dolphins Written by Dr Tamara Justus and illustrated by Ally May, £10.45, from Amazon Seeing that her daughter had trouble falling asleep at night, natural therapist Dr. Tamara Justus conducted a guided meditation to help her relax. After seeing her daughter’s improvement, Dr. Justus wrote a children’s book to empower other children to release their emotional pain and discover the joy they have inside. This book combines healing techniques to teach children to love unconditionally, express their feelings, be confident and courageous and ultimately understand their inner qualities. A truly magical little book that will bring the joy (back) in your child.

Maths whiz With the government’s ‘war on innumeracy’ recently launched, check out the brand new Secret Scholar Times Tables Mats with Secret Decoders to get your child up to speed on their times tables. The Times Tables in Order and Times Tables Random mats put the fun back into learning with secret coded answers that can Secret Scholar Times Tables Mats only be read using the secret decoder. The mats got the thumbs up from all the children who tested them and parents and teachers love the idea too! Available www.zoobookoo.com, £5.99

FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk Tel: 020 8696 9680

School News Raising the roof

Star gymnasts

Putney High Junior School Choir took the Royal Festival Hall by storm when they performed at Barnardo’s National Choral Competition. Across the evening, 26 choirs sang their Putney High Junior School hearts out for the winning junior and senior choir crowns and raised £35K for Barnardo’s work with vulnerable children across the UK. Putney High Junior School competed against 19 other under-12s choirs from across the country, singing One Fine Day by Mary Donnelly. ‘I would like to thank all the choirs for the hours of extra work they have put in and for their enthusiasm,’ said Jen Privett, UK Events Manager at Barnardo’s. ‘The money they have helped raise will go on to make a real difference to the lives of vulnerable children.’ Putney High School, 35 Putney Hill SW15 6BH

Granard is tops! Granard Primary School in Wandsworth has been awarded a Pupil Achievement Award, as it is named one of the top 5 schools on the National valueadded progress measure for pupil progress from Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 2. This is the third consecutive year that Granard has received this award, as the school continues to go from strength to strength. ‘We are very proud of everything we achieve at Granard,’ said headteacher Cheryl Grigg. ‘I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the teachers and staff for all their continued hard work and dedication to our children and their families at Granard.’ Granard Primary School, Cortis Road, Putney SW15 6XA, 0208 788 3606 www.granardprimary.co.uk

School Open Days Francis Holland School

SW1

4-18 Girls Junior School 8/6, 8.45am, Senior School 18/6 and 24/6 8.45am booking required 7730 2971 fhs-sw1.org.uk

Oliver House School

Call to book your place now Ravenscourt Park Prep

Virgo Prep School

3-11 Co-Ed 4/6, 810am-12pm 8772 1911 oliverhouse.org.uk 4-18 Girls Senior School 13/5 and 23/6, 9.30-11am book online 7589 3587 queensgate.org.uk

SW12

4-11 Co-Ed 9/5 9.30-11.30am 8674 9514 whitehouseschool.com

Ibstock Place School

SW15

Sydenham Junior School

SE22

4-11 Girls 6/5 9.30-11am booking not necessary 8557 7000 sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net

SE22

11-18 Girls 7/5 9.30-11am, 24/6 6.30-8pm booking not necessary 8557 7000 sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net

Putney High School

SW15

4-18 Girls Sixth Form Open Events 3/6 and 4/6 booking required 8788 4886 putneyhigh.gdst.net

The Roche School

SW18

The Study Prep School

City of London School for Girls EC2 7-18 Girls Prep 24/6 4-6pm, Senior School 2/7 4-6pm, Sixth Form entry 18/6 3-6.30pm booking required 7847 5500 clsg.org.uk

City of London School

2.5-11 Co-Ed 7/5 and 17/6 9.30-11am 8877 0823 therocheschool.co.uk

SW19

4-11 Girls Tours 5/5, 12/5, 2/6, 16/6, 23/6 and 30/6 booking required 9.20am and 10.30am 8947 6969 thestudyprep.co.uk

Broomwood Hall Lower School SW16 Pre-prep 4-8 years Co-Ed 14/5 9-10.30am

Broomwood Hall Upper School SW12 8-13 Girls 16/5 9-11am

7-18 Girls Junior School 6/5, 20/5 and 24/6, Senior School 14/5 booking required 8979 1601 lehs.org.uk

Northcote Lodge

EC4V

10-18 Boys 18/6 and 25/6 2.30-4.15pm booking required 7489 0291 clsb.org.uk

The Lady Eleanor Holles School TW12

May 2015

SE21

3-11 Co-Ed 5/5, 12/5, 19/5, 9/6, 18/6, 29/6 9.30-11am booking required 8670 5865 rosemeadprepschool.org.uk

Sydenham High School

3-18 Co-Ed Prep 10/6 9.30am, Senior School 6/5 5-7pm booking required 8876 9991 ibstockplaceschool.co.uk

SE19

11-19 Girls 17/6 9.30am-3pm 8653 2169 vfps.org

Rosemead Prep W7

White House Prep School

4-11 Co-Ed 10/6 9.30am booking required 8846 9153 rpps.co.uk

SW4

Queen’s Gate

This spring brought great success for gymnasts at Streatham & Clapham High School, including triumphs at national level. The school’s Under11 team took first place in the group routine at the Girls Independent Schools Gymnastics Association finals, while their Over14 team was placed second in the group routine and 4th as overall team. Among the 500 competitors, 8 year-old Emily Prest, a severe asthmatic, was awarded the 'Against all odds' plate, given in recognition of the individual who had struggled/battled to compete in gymnastics. With success in the Under9 Surrey Schools and then The Girls' Day School Trust rally at Bromley High School, the girls then went on to compete at national level in the British Schools Milano Team Trio finals, where the Under11 and Under16 teams were placed first for the London region. And they keep going, with more competitions this term. Good luck girls! Streatham & Clapham High School, 42 Abbotswood Road SW16 1AW, 020 8677 8400 www.schs.gdst.net

8-13 Boys 16/5 10am-12 noon admissions@northwoodschools.com

SW11

Broomwood’s budding artist Children at Broomwood Hall Lower School were invited to design their perfect home by their local Hamptons estate agency, as part of a competition in conjunction with 20th Century Fox. All of the entries were displayed in the window of the Hamptons branch with local residents voting for their favourite, and Poppy Wolf in Year 2 was delighted to be announced as the winner. Poppy’s design will be forwarded on to a national competition and we wish her all the best! Broomwood Hall, 68-74 Nightingale Lane SW12 8NR. 020 8682 8830 www.broomwood.co.uk

Education

Schools admissions – to tutor or not to tutor? Or is there a third way? By Candida Jones

And then the mothers started talking schools. It is around this time every year that many parents face the same dilemma; what school do we want our child go to next year and, perhaps, what can we do to facilitate this? Some are lucky enough to have good, local, community schools. But if the anxiety in the playground is anything to go by I am not alone in finding myself less than half a mile from our local school, but not within its catchment. Those outside the catchment have only one way in; the Wandsworth test. Other parents are faced with 11+ exams, exams for private schools. What should we do? My thinking has long been that my child is bright she will do well wherever she goes - and, just as important for me, I don’t like this test-based system so I shouldn’t participate in it. It divides my local community, disadvantages some children over others and results in hideous house-price distortions. Houses within the catchment can rent for up to 4 times the usual monthly rent in the run-up to the application deadline. But for me there was a third way. Whilst I struggle to justify the idea of getting a stranger to provide my daughter with a little extra support, I did feel that if she needed a bit of exam practice just to allow her to fulfil her potential, I should be able to provide this. So, no private tuition for my daughter, but yes to a bit of parent-assisted help at home. But now the exam practice has started at home, I feel less sure. Charlotte, a local mum and primary school teacher of 20 years, who offers private tuition in verbal and non-verbal tests (the basis of the Wandsworth test and the 11+), illustrates why I am now faltering. “Teaching your child in a one-toone situation at home can be very dry and the child often struggles with discipline. In small groups, the dynamic is more vibrant, the children learn from each other and discipline is not an issue”. But, discipline and the lessons’ “vibrancy” apart, I

My big sister warned me. She said that the year my eldest enters Year 5 is the most stressful for any parent. I thought ‘the sleepless nights are over and she can fasten her own car seat - how hard could Year 5 possibly be?’

would need other reasons why I should pay fees, of usually around £30, to a stranger, to teach my daughter what I could teach her anyway. Charlotte answers this too. “After 15 years of preparing children for the Test, I can alert them to the tricks the examiners play and the traps they lay, providing them with strategies for avoiding wrong answers. If you come to it for the first time, with all the will in the world, it’s a minefield”. Typically, Charlotte says, her students achieve around 20-30% in their tests when they arrive. By the time they have finished their 6-month course, they are achieving 80%+. Charlotte’s students work with her for one hour per week, in groups no larger than 4. However, according to one local primary school Head “obviously these tests unfairly disadvantage those who cannot pay for private tuition. But perhaps what parents don’t realise is that these tests can also disadvantage those children who get a high score. If a child does well in the test thanks to tuition, then it is an artificial result which can mean children end up being placed in a school that really doesn’t suit their skills and talents”. One local mum, Sarah, who went for the third way and tutored her eldest child for his 11+ herself thinks the third way is the best way. There were several children in her son’s class who had private tuition but, unlike Sarah’s son, none of them passed . “You cannot expect any

teacher, especially those teaching groups of students, to be able to drill down into exactly what your child needs to work on in the way a parent can. Plus one hour a week doesn’t work - 15 minutes a day is far more beneficial, ideally before breakfast each morning and no teacher can provide that”. Not all boroughs require children to sit a test, but even in those boroughs, like Merton, where no test is set, parents often chose to put their children forward for the Wandsworth test, to give them a chance of securing one of the borough’s selective places. For those within Wandsworth, getting a good score in the test will also put your child in a higher band, so any waiting list they end up on will be shorter. Their test result may also be used to decide how your child should be streamed.

Useful links: • www.wandsworth.gov.uk/info/ 200086/schools_and_colleges/1820/year_6_test • www.richmond.gov.uk/secondary_admission.pdf • www.lambeth.gov.uk/schools-and-education • www.merton.gov.uk/learning/ schools/changingschool/admissions.htm • www.lbhf.gov.uk/Directory/Education_and_ Learning/Schools_and_Colleges/School_admissi ons/65018_Secondary_school_admissions.asp • www.westminster.gov.uk/school-admissions2014-2015 • www.daftlogic.com/projects-google-mapsdistance-calculator.htm

FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk Tel: 020 8696 9680

Education

Ofsted Registered

We accept Childcare Vouchers

May 2015

速

Education

TUTORING The four ingredients that improve examination success

Does your child need a tutor? When is tutoring really beneficial? Undoubtedly many children struggle to understand everything at school, and hard-pressed teachers don’t always have the resources to ensure every child is learning at the same pace. In these cases tutoring can be a real help, allowing students to develop a more in-depth understanding of topics and increase their self-belief. In preparation for Common Entrance Exams, for example, regular sessions covering the main disciplines of English, Maths, Verbal and non-Verbal Reasoning encourage students to develop much more familiarity with the subjects and the exam format. How do you find the right tutor? As well as being highly qualified and experienced, it is essential to find a tutor who is personally and academically compatible with your child’s needs. A trusted tutoring Agency will find the best match and ensure that all appropriate checks have been made on your behalf covering references, qualifications and importantly DBS checks; a tailored plan with clearly defined goals will then be agreed. For longer-term arrangements, it is best practice to discuss tutoring with the school to see how learning can be supported beyond the classroom; a dialogue between the subject teacher and tutor will yield excellent outcomes for your child. Whichever programme you choose, it is important to do some research so you are confident in the service provided by your tutoring agency. •Contact Serab Amro, Head of Tutoring Services at Gabbitas Educational Consultants, established 1873. tutoring@gabbitas.co.uk 020 7734 0161

All over the UK, primary and secondary school students watch with varying degrees of anticipation or despair as exams loom over the horizon. Whether it's SATS, secondary school entrance exams or GCSEs that your son or daughter is approaching, Franchisee Lauren Weatherley, of NumberWorks’nWords Battersea has advice on how to reduce stress and ensure the most effective approach to examination study. •Designate a good place to study. Make sure it’s available whenever required; if the space is shared then reserve it when required according to a study plan. The desk or table should be large enough to hold everything needed. A comfortable, upright chair is also a must. Eliminate interruptions: no telephone or mobile phone. •The second essential ingredient is motivation. If your child is not naturally self-motivated, use the following steps to increase motivation levels. Get your child to answer the question: “Why do I need to study? What’s my objective? Short term, such as getting into a good school or college course? Social: to keep up with peers? Long term: achieving a career goal?” All children are different, but most see the benefits of achieving well in their exams. Once motivation is sparked, it can be maintained by putting a study plan in place to ensure that the student studies a pre-determined amount at pre-set times. •The third ingredient is method. Depending on the subjects involved, there are a number of excellent study methods. A simple one for many subjects is the pyramid study method. Students identify the content they need to learn and, on a flash card, write down key sentences from paragraphs in their notes. On the reverse side of the card, they note the key word or phrase. Once all cards are completed and re-read, they can be used for self-testing or a helper can test the student. Finally, if your child is anxious about the upcoming exams, now is the time to give NumberWorks’nWords a call. Their centres offer specialist, individual maths tuition and English tuition to school-aged students, carried out by fully trained and vetted tutors. They’ll tailor a unique exam study program to suit each student and his or her goals, and even coach exam technique. NumberWorks’nWords even promises to make it “so much fun it doesn’t feel like learning”! •For a free assessment call Lauren on 020 7223 1882 www.numberworksnwords.com

Tutoring costs: what are you paying for? Tutors vary massively in price; in theory, the more expensive a tutor, the more in demand, the more experienced and the more successful in working with children and young people, the better the track record in supporting their students in every way, and in gaining offers from top schools. They may also be skilled in specific demanding areas, such as tutoring children with additional needs/special needs, those with serious disabilities and/or holistic learning. However, this does not always hold true, and some agencies will charge a higher fee, as a select high-end agency. Equally, there will be some less professionally organised tutors out there who charge relatively small amounts, but can deliver extraordinary results. Cost effectiveness is difficult to quantify, as expensive tuition can gain an unlikely student a coveted place at an excellent school, which can then lead on to top universities and high earning careers. Certain schools will provide opportunities for social contact that will enhance their later lives and work. The higher the confidence and self esteem of a student the more likely they are to achieve greater things later in life—but not necessarily. Paid-for tuition may raise a child's educational level to a scholarship or bursary offer- Tuesday Tutors have managed to obtain these for a number of their students. However, there is never any guarantee that extra tuition will provide scholarships, bursaries or offers from competitive entry schools. It is better to see tuition as worthwhile in itself, for the increase in knowledge, skills and self-confidence that it engenders, and with luck, wisdom. The effect of this in later life is incalculable: the hope is it also leads to happiness and joy. •Contact Ms Jane Vuglar, Tuesday Tutors on 020 7735 8268. www.tuesdaytutors.com

FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk Tel: 020 8696 9680

Education

feature Making science fun Little House of Science is an after school science club offering fun and inspiring classes and tutoring in Putney (classes at Eddie Catz), Chelsea, Chiswick, Kensington, and Fulham. Although tutoring is a small but growing part of their offerings, the response to the science club has been tremendous and children have found it to be one of their most loved activities. Little House of Science has taken on hundreds of pupils aged 3 to 11 every term with the majority of kids continuing each term. Each week, their science club covers a new topic filled with risk free experiments. Their teachers, all of whom are scientists, or teachers with a science background, ensure pupils have an exciting, fun environment to let their creativity and knowledge be nurtured. Little House of Science couldn’t have been conceptualised at a better time with the shortage of Scientists and STEM related graduates. We should be nurturing the next generation to take up Science and to become great future scientists. The introduction to science and building confidence in science is often being left too late. This is where Little House of Science will hopefully make a contribution. •Contact Veronika Covington, Co-founder Little House of Science on 0800 092 1062 www.littlehouseofscience.com

Teaching French to French speaking children Le French Programme has provided lessons to French speaking children at Parsons Green Prep School (formerly Eridge House) for 14 years. They have adapted the Education Nationale’s curriculum for French children within the English system, helping children to acquire essential basics of the French language like spelling, grammar and conjugation. Communication with parents and schools worldwide is essential to the French Programme’s team; they truly believe that the interaction between parents, children and school is key to learning French under the best conditions. From September 2015, the French Programme will be open to all French speaking children (Reception-Year 5) attending an English school.

•For more information, please visit www.lefrenchprogramme.co.uk or contact@lefrenchprogramme.co.uk

Competition for good senior school places is now greater than ever. The 11+ exam itself is becoming increasingly tougher year by year. The rush for tutors has been exacerbated by the fact that some of the country’s most prestigious schools have changed their entrance criteria and exam requirements. Many senior school entrance exams are now over a two-stage process, with the first exams taking place much earlier in the year. This means children have to be fully prepared 4-5 months earlier than previously (preferably by the end of July in Year 5). If a child is not tutored, they stand little chance of getting into the top grammar and private schools. Even the naturally bright children will need the right tuition to achieve places into the top schools. With children now needing to be prepared much earlier, tutoring organisations are having to adjust their courses by increasing the number of teaching hours and /or the number of lessons. For instance, 11+ specialists, Mrs Jones Education, have introduced a separate once monthly Mock Exam Course for their pupils in addition to their weekly teaching course. They introduced this last year and it proved invaluable in helping the children’s confidence and exam technique (an absolute requirement for the 11+). Parents can either choose to do the combined weekly tuition and monthly mock exam course, or, if their child is already receiving weekly tuition elsewhere, they can opt for the Mock Exam Course only. This also means they can offer a more affordable option to parents on lower incomes. Their Mock Exam Course is unique in that they provide an element of teaching as well as timed exam practice. You should always check that your child’s tutor is a qualified graduate teacher, with substantial experience of the 11 Plus exam requirements and process (including scholarships and bursaries). A good tutor should have an excellent knowledge of the grammar and private schools throughout their area – they should be able to recommend appropriate senior schools depending on your child’s ability, personality and interests. Be realistic and do not push your child beyond their capabilities – find a school which suits them, not one which suits you! Remember your child will potentially be spending the next seven years of their lives at their new senior school, so make sure it is the right choice. •Contact Mrs Jones Education www.11plustuition.co.uk www.11plusmockexam.co.uk 020 8390 6076.

Maths, English, 11+ Preparation Vicky Barnett BA, MSc, PGCE 020 8876 2553 www.firstclasslearning.co.uk

Lessons will be held at Parsons Green Prep School, on Saturday mornings from 10 am to 12 pm. The first hour will be dedicated to academic lessons following the French curriculum. During the second hour, the teacher will encourage children to speak in order to develop their vocabulary through various activities such as stories, cooking, art and crafts.

Even bright children need tutoring nowadays

May 2015

Children Learning to Succeed

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

Warm loving environment for 2+ to 5 year olds Montessori-qualified staff International atmosphere Light and airy premises Private sunny patio Fulham /Hammersmith border Please ring— Morning sessions plus Tuesdays 1-3pm

020 7381 3511 020 7736 8729

Education

TUTORING

feature

Victoria Page

Fleet Tutors

Victoria has been a private tutor since 1983, an amazing wealth of experience! Victoria offers one to one tutoring for 3-11yrs, including remedial reading. She teaches children in her home in Fulham. She teaches students coming from abroad too.

Fleet Tutors has helped over 100,000 students across London, the UK and internationally, achieve the results they need in entrance exams, public exams or catching up with their peers. They have a great network of tutors and education experts who instil confidence and fast-track educational attainment by tailoring their teaching to the needs of your child. Their teams of tutors are experienced professionals who have all screened and vetted by their recruitment team.

•www.victoriapage.net 07050 246810

•020 8580 3911 www.fleet-tutors.co.uk

What makes Jaderberg Krais tutoring different? This is what they have told us: “We are passionate about learning. Our agency is run by two experienced, senior teachers who will be there for you 24/7 with advice, support and tutors ready to teach your child and get the results they deserve. We want your child to succeed. We will always tell you the truth about your child and create a bespoke package around their needs. All children are different and no one job is the same. We will assess your children and guide them in the right direction. Our assessments will not only tell you the academic level your child is working at but how they compare against others nationally and also if they are reaching their full potential. Based on this we can then support them with the 11+ exams and signpost them to the right secondary schools where they will be happy and reach their full potential. We meet with many of the local head teachers and know the type of child they are looking for in their schools. Your child is our priority. Jaderberg Krais is about excellence and your child deserves the best. Our business is built on recommendation and repeat custom. We know how important these school years are, both academically and emotionally, and we are there to support the whole family. “ Jaderberg Krais offer educational advice, assessments and tutoring for all children, including the 11+. What makes us unique is our bespoke service. •If you would like more information contact Lorrae Jaderberg and Katie Krais on: 020 3488 0754 at www.jaderbergkrais.co.uk

Explore Learning tutors are tops Popular children’s tuition provider Explore Learning has been named as one of the top companies in the UK to work for in the prestigious Sunday Times 100 Best Companies list. With over one hundred centres across the country teaching English and maths to 5 to 14 year olds, the company was touted as the best company for personal growth in the mid-sized sector, as well as 4th best overall. Explore Learning tailors sessions to each child’s needs, with tutors working in a low ratio (no more than 1:6), ensuring the right balance between individual support and independent learning. •For more information about their tuition services visit www.explorelearning.co.uk

FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk Tel: 020 8696 9680

May 2015

速

Alternative Health

Osteopathy and Reiki benefits Pascale Gravell reports: Over the 23 years of bringing up my five children, I can say I have come across many childhood ailments. I have often relied on alternative health therapists for help curing anything from recurrent nightmares, dealing with dyslexia, high temperatures, tonsillitis, ingrained verrucas, cough and colds, ear infections to full on mastitis (with the twins, yep, cleared with homeopathy). Results were fast and lasting. I found the more we used alternative health therapies the stronger our immune system got. Our GP is very good but we hardly ever needed to see her. I have seen my friend’s children’s asthma get dramatically better, babies who were crying non stop, sleep peacefully thereafter following a treatment. Alternative health therapists come in all shapes and sizes, it can he hard to know to which one to turn to. We hope this selection of real case studies will inspire you.

Q: What was the condition treated? A: I was asked to look after two three month old twins. The parents were concerned that the children were not achieving appropriate milestones in their development. The baby girl had Plagoicephaly and Congenital Torticollis and the little boy had Brachycephaly. Plagiocephaly and Brachycephaly are commonly known as two different types of Flat Head Syndromes or Head Mis–shaping found in little children. Congenital Torticollis commonly accompanies Plagiocephaly and is a shortening of a neck muscle called sterno-cleido mastoid; the child exhibits a resultant tilt or listing of her head. In my experience, children who present like this will sometimes develop an altered ‘sense of centre’, ‘midline’, or even ‘centre of gravity’. Developmental milestones can be influenced unfavourably by this shift in ‘midline’.

Q: What therapy was used? A: •Paediatric Osteopathy helped enormously over ten weeks. •In week 1, there were several short treatments. •Treatment became fortnightly when tailored parental advice and proactive but gentle Paediatric Osteopathy showed results. •At week 10 the parents were very happy. Q: Patient feedback A: I wish to respect patient anonymity. The children’s parents are happy for me to report that both babies had developed a much better sense of centre. An incidental observation was that both children had aesthetically beautiful heads and necks, with great body posture for a baby. Milestones had been reached and the children have remained healthy. This is one example of many similar such patients who visit my practice at the imposing Royal Victoria Patriotic Building, Wandsworth.

Naval Mair Osteopathy & Wellbeing

Paediatric Osteopathy for twins

•Contact Naval Mair Osteopathy & Wellbeing. Naval Mair DO, BSc(Hons) Ost.Med., Dip.Paed.Ost Consultant Paediatric Osteopath. In practice in Wandsworth for 24 years. 020 8812 3733 enquiries@navalmair.com www.navalmair.com

Reiki for anxiety and concentration Q: What was the condition treated? A: A ‘Special Needs’ teacher recommended me to the mother of one of her pupils who has been suffering from anxiety and concentration issues. He is 8 years old and has been finding the transition from changing schools very difficult and stressful. Reiki is extremely good for these types of problems because it balances out the energy fields in both mind and body. Q: What therapy was used? A: I use Reiki, which is an ancient Japanese method of healing; it works on different levels such as physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. The benefits are stress reduction and relaxation, triggering the body’s natural healing abilities (the immune system). This mental balance also enhances learning, memory and mental clarity. He has been coming to me once a week now for a month, and will continue to do so until he no longer feels the need. The session lasts for about 30 minutes and he loves it! Q: Patient feedback A: The parents of this little boy wish to remain anonymous and have asked me to report on their son’s behalf. After just one session, the boy’s teacher at school noticed a difference in his behaviour. He was much calmer, more focused and less anxious. In the words of the little boy when asked about his Reiki session, “It makes me feel much calmer and less stressed”. y

Pr tin as

Familiessouthwest.co.uk see more information online! Directory, What’s On, Articles 16

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Contact Georgiana Monckton, Reiki 1, 2, 3. Practised for 15 years. 07831 346 607 georgiana@georgianamonckton.com www.georgianamoncktonreiki.com Disclaimer : While, in the best of our knowledge, the therapists are bona fide, experienced and qualified, it is your responsibility to check their references and qualifications.

To feature in this column write to editorFSW@familiesmagazine.co.uk

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Parental Leave, Shared Parental Leave, Paternity Leave... confused? Read on… We asked the Working Families’ helpline team to explain: For babies born after 5 April 2015, a big shake up in parental rights has given parents lots more options. But exactly what has changed, and what is staying the same? Maternity Leave and Paternity Leave: • Maternity Leave will still be up to 52 weeks. Mums can go back early by giving 8 weeks’ notice. They may be entitled to up to 39 weeks of Statutory Maternity Pay or Maternity Allowance, which can be ‘curtailed’ if they want to create a pot of paid Shared Parental Leave (SPL). • Paternity Leave will still be 1 or 2 weeks shortly after the baby is born. Only dads and partners who meet the conditions can get Paternity Leave and Pay – they must have worked for the same employer throughout the pregnancy and earn at least £111 a week (£112 from 5 April 2015). This means selfemployed people don’t usually qualify. • Additional Paternity Leave, which some dads and partners could take if mum goes back to work early, may still be taken where a baby is due before 5 April 2015. Parental Leave: • Each parent also has the right to up to 18 weeks of unpaid Parental Leave, per child, to be taken before the child is 18 (again, this applies only from 5 April 2015, for children under 18 from then onwards). The parent must have worked for at least a year for the same employer. Before 5 April 2015, the age limit for Parental Leave to be taken is 5, except for children on Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment where it is 18.

May 2015

Shared Parental Leave: Shared Parental Leave is a new right, which applies to parents of babies due on or after 5 April 2015. This allows parents to have a pot of up to 50 weeks of Shared Parental Leave between them, 37 weeks of which can be paid. Both parents have to meet conditions about employment and earnings, and Maternity Leave, Statutory Maternity Pay or Maternity Allowance have to finish early (notice to do this can be given in advance). Self-employed dads and partners, or those who start new jobs during a pregnancy, still won’t qualify for any form of paid time off, but might enable a mum to take some Shared Parental Leave. Mums and dads/partners can take leave at the same time under the new system, because mum can be on Maternity Leave whilst dad is on shared Parental Leave.

With Shared Parental Leave, another difference is that you can stop and start your leave – so a mum could go back to work, and then return to her time off looking after her baby. This may be useful for some families (but it will only be possible where there is a partner who meets the conditions). Need more advice? If you are a parent or expectant parent and want more advice about the new rights, please contact the Working Families’ free legal helpline team on 0300 012 0312, or email them at advice@workingfamilies.org.uk There’s more information about Shared Parental Leave, Parental Leave and Paternity Leave on the charity’s websitewww.workingfamilies.org.uk Working Families is the UK’s leading work-life balance organisation. The charity supports and gives a voice to working parents and carers, whilst also helping employers create workplaces which encourage work-life balance for everyone The free legal advice service for working parents is available on 0300 012 0312 or email advice@workingfamilies.org.uk The helpline is supported by the Big Lottery Fund.

There won’t be any more paid time off than there is now, so there will be a maximum of 37 weeks of Statutory Shared Parental Pay which could be taken by a dad or partner where a woman getting Statutory Maternity Pay or Maternity Allowance chooses to stop those payments. You have to meet the same conditions as currently though, so self-employed dads and partners will, generally, still lose out.

'Meet your baby before your baby meets you'

Private scans available on Clapham High Street for: •antenatal •infertility •gynaecological ultrasound Prices start from £120 per scan Clapham SPMS Tel: 020 3049 6611

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Spring Days out, in and out of London

Get out more: It’s good for your soul, it’s good for your body

New statistics released by Sustrans reveal the magnitude of the inactivity epidemic, with nearly half of parents in London saying that their child does as little as 40 minutes or less exercise in a typical weekday. The government recommends that children and teenagers undertake a minimum of 60 minutes of exercise a day. The survey, carried out by YouGov, asked parents of 5-16 year olds about the amount of exercise their child gets during the school week and what their main concerns would be if their child was not getting enough exercise. Of the parents surveyed, 32 per cent said that they were chiefly concerned about their child putting on excess weight, as a result of being physically inactive. Here are a few tempting outdoorsy ideas:

What to do in London this spring Enjoy the cherry blossom in Regent's Park – April & May

By Tom Jones Tom’s book will get you off our couches, you will discover 52 themed weekends, organised by season, with quirky entries for unusual and surprising attractions. There is no best time of the year to be in London, but as we step blinking into the light of a warm London morning after the long dark winter nights, it certainly feels like this new season is the best. Parks suddenly burst into colour, grass becomes safe for sitting and evening strolls can be conducted not only in daylight, but without the need for a coat or hat. Best of all, the season for outdoor events is upon us and there is plenty to see and do.

In April & May, London's streets and gardens come alive with the pinks and whites of cherry blossom, and Regent's Park is an exceptional place to take in this riot of colour. Queen Mary’s Garden, within the park's inner ring, is home to Japanese Yoshino Cherry Trees, also known as the Tokyo cherry, which was brought to Europe around 1902. Other types of blossoms can be seen in the park on Chester Road and in Avenue Gardens. www.royalparks.org.uk

Virgin Books, Hardback £12.99 Illustrations: David Doran

London, The Weekends Start Here: Fifty-two Weekends of Things to See and Do

Go foraging in Bostall Heath & Woods Comprising nearly 400 acres of woodland and heath in the London Borough of Greenwich, Bostall Woods is fresh with new green leaves in spring, and before the leaf cover shades the woodland floor rich pickings can be found by the urban forager. Much of the woodland here is ancient, once part of the Manor of Plumstead, and the woods are connected to Lesnes Abbey Woods, once the foraging grounds of the Abbey's monks. Nearby Turpin's cave was reputed to have been a haunt of highwayman Dick Turpin.

Camp out in Abbey Wood Few imagine it is possible to camp out in London, let alone in a woodland setting surrounded by nature, but the Caravan’s Club’s site at Abbey Wood in south-east London is open to all. Boasting 210 pitches, with fifty set aside for tents, the site has all modern conveniences such as hot showers. www.caravanclub.co.uk

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More ideas and things to do this spring Indoor climbing for the whole family Go along to Urban Ascent this spring for some indoor climbing madness for all the family. Children from age 5 can learn how to climb like a pro from one of their fully qualified instructors or the whole family can climb together by completing one of their family taster sessions. Sessions run every weekend and they are guaranteed to be a fun healthy activity for all the family to enjoy. Give them a call on 020 7751 0913 to chat to one of their friendly spare staff or visit www.urbanascent.co.uk

Go Ape adventure course opens this month Families will soon be scaling the treetops as work continues on Battersea Park’s exciting new family-friendly treetop adventure course. Go Ape, the multi-award winning forest adventure company with 28 sites across the

country, has nearly finished its first ‘City Park Adventure’ in the park, suitable for anyone aged 6 and over. Incorporating some of the park’s taller trees, the tree top obstacle course looks set to thrill and challenge. It is the first of its kind in central London and is due to open this May, so get out there and get climbing! www.goape.co.uk/battersea-park

Tooting Field Days Join local safaris based in and around Tooting; a chance to get outside and play, walk, chat and make something. FanSHEN is an award winning Wandsworth-based theatre company specializing in outdoor performances and workshops for families. Sunday 17th May: Decorate your own water bottle, then join an audio walk, followed up optional swim/paddle in Totting Bec Lido, ending with games and samosas on Tooting Common. Tooting Field Days run April to September, check out fanshen.org.uk

Days Out away from London Alice Holt Forest Bucks Horn Oak, Farnham GU10 4LS www.forestry.gov.uk/aliceholt 26 May. Magic Forest in a Box. Create your own little forest that continues to grow at home. Age 6+, 10.30am-12pm, £6 per child 30 May. Forest Survival Day. Do you know anything about surviving in the woods? Learn the skills like Ray Mears and Bear Grylls. Join Nigel for some serious fun. For ages 8+, bring your own packed lunch and an adult, booking essential, 10am3pm, £15 per child

Clandon Park West Clandon, Guildford GU4 7RQ www.nationaltrust.org.uk/clandon-park 25-31 May. 50 Things Quest. Solve the clues and follow the trail. 11am-4pm, admission + £2

Kent & East Sussex Railway Tenterden Town Station, Tenterden TN30 6HE www.kesr.org.uk 23-25 May. Bank Holiday Steam Up. Four or more locomotives will be in action running an intensive service to mark the 25th anniversary of the re-opening of Northiam Station. Trains will also run over the little-used section beyond Bodiam to Junction Road

Leeds Castle Maidstone ME17 1PL www.leeds-castle.com 26-31 May. Knights Challenge for Children. Budding knights practise battle tactics while wannabee princesses learn courtly dancing. Small additional charges apply

Picture credit: Susan Kelly

Winkworth Arboretum

From the book Learning with Nature, published by Green Books. £17.99. 30% discount with voucher code FAMILIES2015

Hascombe Road, Godalming GU8 4AD www.nationaltrust.org.uk/winkworth-arboretum 23-31 May. Children’s Half Term Trail. Enjoy the outdoors and have fun with their children’s trail this half term. 10am-4pm, admission plus 50p for trail 27 May. Outdoor Adventure Session for kids and mums. Enjoy a bug hunt, tree and bird spotting and looking at the difference in the seasons. Each session ends with a craft activity using natural materials found on your walk. For under 5s with an adult, book on 01483 208 936. 1.30-2.30pm, admission + child £5, accompanying adults free

Throughout South West London Mummy & Me Ballet, Baby Ballet, Tiny Tap, Mini Movers Hip Hop, Didi Drama & Singing

16 months - 5 years

07801 886101 info@thepetiteperformers.com www.thepetiteperformers.com

May 2015

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Half Term Activities Compiled by Joanna Parry

Fulham Palace

ARTS & CRAFT Bank of England Museum Bartholomew Lane EC2R 8AH 020 7601 4878 www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum 26-29 May. Magical Mosaics Learn about the colourful mosaics that decorate the ground floor of the Bank. Join a creative workshop and make your own mosaic to take home, with designs inspired by the animals and plants featured in the Museum’s Flora and Fauna exhibition. 10am–4.30pm

Eddie Catz Putney and Wimbledon • First Floor, 68-70 Putney High Street SW15 1SF • 42 Station Road SW19 2LP 0203 4755268 eddiecatz.com 25-29 May. Half Term Workshops Drop off workshops for 4-7 year olds including ball games with Playball, scientific fun with Little House of Science, plus Frozen Dance Workshops and Lego Urban Planning and Vehicle Building Workshops with Mini Engineers

Bishop’s Avenue SW6 6EA 020 7736 3233 www.fulhampalace.org 23-29 May. Half Term Workshops 23 May. Young Archaeologists’ Club. If you want to learn about archaeology but don't know where to start, the Fulham Palace YAC is the place for you. During this session examine, measure and record finds from the foreshore just like a professional archaeologist. Ages 8-16, £15, booking essential, 10.30am-12.15pm 25 May. Young Archaeologists’ Club Drop-in. Are you interested in archaeology? Join their enthusiastic archaeologist volunteers on the main lawn for this hands-on session. Ages 8-16, free, no booking necessary, 1pm-4pm 27 May. Fulham Palace Fun Day. A day of family fun including crafts, drama and dressing up. With Hammersmith and Fulham Adult Learning and Skills Service. Free, no booking necessary, 10am-12pm and 1pm-3pm 29 May. Half-Term Archaeology Workshop: Who was here before? Find out all about our prehistoric ancestors and how they lived on the site of Fulham Palace. Examine archaeological finds, handle artefacts, try on costumes and get messy with art and crafts. Aged 812, £15 per child, booking essential, 10am-4pm

Fulham Palace fun day

Geffrye Museum 136 Kingsland Road E2 8EA 020 7739 9893 www.geffrye-museum.org.uk 26-29 May. Half Term Activities Give Me Shelter - explore different types of shelters from the past and present day, including garden homes in celebration of the Chelsea Fringe festival. Age 5-16, 10.30am-12.30pm and 2-4pm Safe Shelters – Nursery Rhyme Time - discover different types of homes through stories, songs and craft activities. Age 2-5, 10.3011.30am and 12-1pm

The Horniman Museum 100 London Road SE23 3PQ 020 8699 8924 www.horniman.ac.uk 25-29 May. Half Term Activities A half term full of events inspired by the Horniman’s Plantastic exhibition including craft activities, pond dipping, mini-beast hunting, sheep shearing and more

Imperial War Museum Lambeth Road SE1 6HZ www.iwm.org.uk 23-29 May. Family Activity Art Workshop - Design a 1940s Scarf Find out about the fashion of the 1940s and be inspired to design your own bold and colourful scarf to take home. This activity is inspired by items in the museum’s Fashion on the Ration exhibition. Uniforms and patriotic fashions of the Second World War were an essential part of the war effort and had to be durable but could also be stylish, with scarf designs featuring anything from propaganda slogans and cartoons to bright colours and patterns. Suitable for ages 11 and above

Landmark Arts Centre Ferry Road, Teddington TW11 9NN 0208 977 7558 www.landmarkartscentre.org 27-28 May. Half-term Activities

Eddie Catz

May 2015

27 May – make your own decorative Arabian Nights glowing lantern. A fun workshop designed and supervised by professional art educators. Early booking essential, £12 per child, 10.30am-12.30pm, 6-12 years, call to book on 0208 977 7558 or email info@landmarkartscentre.org 28 May – Hulabop! Fun hulahooping for all the family, from 6 years. No need to book, just turn up on the day. Child and adult sized hoops provided. 2-3pm, £2.50

LANGUAGES Et Patati et Patata Fulham Start Centre and St Andrew’s Church, Fulham SW6 07966 893674 caroline@etpatatipatata.com www.etpatatipatata.com Throughout half term holidays. Fun in French 100% French club, 100% fun! Learn French this half term and set your child on the fast track to becoming bilingual. French classes, workshops and fun activities, with French dancing and storytelling, ages 3-9

French and drama summer club Your child wants to act? And you want them to learn French? Why not mix it all together? Book them in an immersion week with Exchange Theatre. They offer acting classes in the morning and cultural and drama related fun in the afternoon. What a brilliant idea! From 7 year olds. 27th July to 21st August, in London Bridge. www.exchangetheatre.com 020 8403 8560.

Lively language classes Little Trees Language Club provides language classes during the school term, half-term and the summer holidays in Chelsea and Notting Hill. They organise parent

Cont p.24

We took every care in preparing these entries but sometimes events are cancelled or times changed. Please double check event with the organiser to avoid disappointment.

Half Term Activities Fun packed one-day workshops for beginner musicians aged 4-8. Read, write, play music, enjoy art activities and have lots of fun the Funky Monkey way! 10am-2pm, £40, £5 sibling discount

Funky Moves

from p.23

Fulham Palace storytelling & toddler, as well as children groups, in French, Spanish, Italian, German, Russian, Mandarin, Arabic and English as a second language. Courses are delivered by qualified and experienced teachers. 25th29th May. To enrol your child in their half-term and/or summer holiday programmes, please call 020 3598 0719 or www.littletreeslanguageclub.co m/early-immersion-classes/

Fun French Tuition French private tuition at your home for individual children or minigroups (all ages) during all holiday periods. These can be lessons which follow the Club's unique "immersion method" programme with fun activities, games and exercises (reading/writing for older children), or creative classes (cooking, decorating Easter eggs) or help with course work or even revision for exams

MUSIC AND DRAMA Caterpillar Music Battersea, Fulham, Southfields and Tooting 020 8540 1762 / 07968764301, info@caterpillarmusic.com www.caterpillarmusic.com Throughout May. Music Classes Fun, stimulating classes using puppets, nursery rhymes, action songs and instruments Little Trees Language Club

Club Petit Pierrot Across SW London 020 7385 5565 www.clubpetitpierrot.co.uk Throughout half term holidays.

Funky Monkey Keyboard Classes Streatham and Battersea 0800 107 7949, mail@funkymonkey.info www.funkymonkey.info 26-29 May. Funky Fingers Workshops

The Exhibit, Balham SW12 9SG 07810 431101 www.funkymovesdance.com 26 and 28 May. Movie Fun Funky Moves and The Exhibit come together once again to bring you two afternoons of fantastic fun. The kids will relax and watch a film, then get moving and grooving as they learn a dance routine to a song from the film. 1-4pm, £15, 26 May - Peabody and Sherman, 28 May - 101 Dalmations 9 May - Holy Innocents Church and Centre, Paddenswick Road, Hammersmith W6 0UB 6 June - St Peter's Hill Church, Portobello Road, Notting Hill W11 3DB To celebrate 10 years of Funky Moves, join a workshop and get funky! With two and a half hours of jam-packed fun, games and super cool dancing, your little ones are bound to come away with a spring in their step and smiles on their faces. Learn a dance routine, experience a breaking workshop from a top industry breaker, be treated to an amazing performance from the dancers, games for the younger ones and choreography for the older kids, plus a performance for the parents. £20, 2.30-5pm, 5-7 years and 8-11 years, book now at www.funkymovesdance.com/lon don-workshops, call 07810 431101 or email info@funkymovesdance.com

Polka Theatre 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB 020 8543 4888 www.polkatheatre.com 26 May. Cosmic Dancer Dance across the midnight sky in this sensory movement workshop inspired by The Cosmic Dancer, £18, 9.30–10.30am, age 5-7

27 May. Behind the Scenes: Craft a Character Raid the Polka props store to find some weird and wonderful items to be used as inspiration for your own piece of theatre. Create characters and bring them to life in this drama and improvisation workshop. £25, 10.30am–1pm, ages 6-9 28 May. Story Den Build a den and then come inside for an interactive story inspired by the Polka’s Adventure Theatre show Casa... Home. Ages 3–4, 9.45am-10.45am, ages 4–5, 11am12pm, £18 29 May. Behind the Scenes: Acting Master Class Spend the day with an experienced actor discovering the techniques and exercises used by professionals. It’s essential training for all budding actors! £30, 10.30am-3.30pm

SPORT Central London Golf Centre Burntwood Lane SW17 0AT 020 8871 2468, juniorgolf@clgc.co.uk www.clgc.co.uk 26-29 May. Half Term Golf Camps What better way to spend the holidays than improving your golf with an array of skills challenges, competitions and tasks? Includes golf coaching, daily fun competitions and prizes. For children of all levels, £30 per half day 9am-12pm, £40 per full day 9am–3pm, bring a packed lunch

Gambado Chelsea 7 Townmead Road SW6 2PY www.gambado.com/clubs/chelsea The best Holiday Clubs in Chelsea! Running in conjunction with Kidsplay Childcare these holiday camps are for ages 4-12, 8.30am-5.30pm, with weekly themes and action packed activities. £45 per day 25-29 May

FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk Tel: 020 8696 9680

Half Term Activities Ridgway Stables 93 Ridgway, Wimbledon Village SW19 4SU 020 8946 7400 www.ridgwaystables.co.uk Throughout May half term holidays. Pony Riding Camps A range of pony riding activities for children, including riding on Wimbledon Common and Caring for Ponies sessions. Email Julia on ridgwaystables@freeuk.co.uk

SwimWay

Swimway

Chelsea FC Soccer School Venues across SW London 020 7957 8220 londondevelopment@chelseafc.com / soccerschools@chelseafc.com www.chelseafc.com/foundation Throughout May half term holidays. London Soccer School For boys and girls aged 3-13. Times vary according to course, from £30

The Little Gym

Fulham FC Foundation Venues in Fulham 0870 442 5432, holidaycourses@fulhamfc.com www.fulhamfc.com Throughout May half term. Holiday Courses Holiday courses for all abilities in a fun and challenging environment. 35yrs, 9-11am, 6-14 yrs, 9am-3pm, from £15 per day

Kiddikicks Across South West London 020 7937 7965, sarah@kiddikicks.co.uk www.kiddikicks.couk

May 2015

Throughout May half term. Holiday Sessions Kiddikicks (football 18m to 5 years) Kiddisports (multi-sport 18m to 5 years) and Ligasoccer (football Under 8’s) sessions run throughout the holidays. Or arrange a bespoke session (1 to 3 hours) for your player and their friends: pick your sport and they’ll provide the coach, equipment and place

Unit 8, Compass House, Smugglers Way SW18 1DB 0208 864 6567, wandsworth.fulham@thelittlegym.eu www.thelittlegym.co.uk/wandsw orthfulham 26-29 May. Half Term Holiday Fun Let your child bunny hop, skip and jump at these ever popular Camps. The 3-hour OFSTED approved camps for over 3s build gymnastic skills and develop confidence while the kids have loads of FUN. Please call for timings and to book a camp

East Sheen, Knightsbridge, Putney and Streatham 020 8871 3972, info@swimway.co.uk www.swimway.co.uk 26-29 May. Swimming Courses Intensive crash courses to improve your child’s swimming technique, on a private or semi-private basis. Courses run for half an hour each day on a first come first served basis so book early to avoid disappointment. 3-9yrs, dates and times dependent on venue.

Telford Park Tennis Club 35A Killieser Avenue SW2 4NX 020 8674 5979 www.telfordparktennisclub.co.uk Throughout May half term holiday. Tennis Camps A series of fun, 5 day coaching sessions for all levels and abilities from 5 to 15 years, Mondays to Fridays, 11.30am-4pm, £30 per day or £140 for the week

Urban Ascent Rock Climbing Unit 5 Parsons Green Depot, 33-35 Parsons Green Lane, Fulham SW6 4HH 020 7751 0913, info@urbanascent.co.uk www.urbanascent.co.uk Throughout May half term holiday. Climbing Club Ensure your kids get the most out of this half term holiday and bring them rock climbing. Kids sessions start at age 5, each session lasts 1 hour and costs from £10

Youngstars Multi-Sports and Activity Camp Balham, Clapham, Putney, Parsons Green, Wimbledon and Dulwich 07920 426499, info@youngstars.co.uk www.young-stars.co.uk 26-29 May. Easter Holiday Camps Fun, games and excitement whilst being introduced to all aspects of sports, in an all inclusive and noncompetitive environment. 3-7 years, times and prices vary so check website for details of your nearest camp

Warner Bros. partners with Fit for Sport Venues across the UK including Wimbledon Park Primary School and Bishop Gilpin Primary School 0845 456 3233 www.fitforsport.co.uk Warner Bros. Consumer Products UK and Ireland (WBCP) has teamed up with Fit for Sport to encourage more children to lead a healthy, active lifestyle with a little help from Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and the entire Looney Tunes gang. Fit for Sport will be bringing Looney Tunesthemed sports, games and even the beloved characters themselves to more than 250,000 children at 80 Activity Camps during school holidays across the country. The energetic Looney Tunes characters are Warner Bros. ambassadors for active lifestyles, making them a perfect fit for Fit for Sport’s Activity Camps, where children are encouraged to be active and healthy through fun sports and games. Dean Horridge, Founder and CEO of Fit for Sport, said: “The best way to get kids moving is to make it fun, and the Looney Tunes will help us to inspire even more children to enjoy physical activity. We know kids need at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day to be healthy, activity camps in the school holidays are a perfect way to get children engaged and active whilst having fun.”

Specialist pet transportation service for Europe and the UK. 0207 354 5131, info@ept-uk.co.uk, www.ept-uk.co.uk

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

Drama See more events in our online What’s On calendar

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

Colour House Theatre Merton Abbey Mills, Merantun Way SW19 2RD www.colourhousetheatre.co.uk Alice in Wonderland Alice disappears down that famous rabbit hole again for some truly mad adventures in the

Chicken Shed

LOVES!

Chase Side, Southgate N14 4PE 020 8292 9222 chickenshed.org.uk If you haven’t yet discovered this gem of a theatre company, it’s time to visit now. From its early days in a chicken shed to the worldwide reach it has today, Chickenshed is the UK’s first truly inclusive theatre company, encouraging an understanding of diversity and inclusiveness amongst its young performers. Within this environment, Chickenshed creates extraordinary theatre that is both entertaining and thought provoking. Not afraid of tackling topical social issues, it presents performances for young children, families and adults alike that showcase the wonderful talent of its young performers. Chickenshed tours hundreds of schools around the country, running workshops to educate children about relevant social issues. Plus, Young Creators offers young people aged 14-25 vocational training and practical work experience in a variety of theatre skills, including music recording, stage lighting, directing, choreography, dance and vocal classes. Don’t miss out on their fantastic seasonal workshops (Easter Shed and Summer Shed) and Saturday Shed sessions for children aged 5-12, exploring and developing a wide range of performance skills through drama, dance, singing and story-making. This May, don’t miss their performance of Tales Big Day Out, an entertaining outing for all the family. Take part in an interactive workshop, watch a performance of Tales from the Shed, and then come together for a huge Tales extravaganza outside in the amphitheatre. Age 0-6, 10am-12.30pm, 2.30pm-5pm, £8, 23 May.

New Wimbledon Theatre

strange and magical world of Wonderland. A new musical adaptation of this famous tale… Ages 3+, 2pm and 4pm, £8-£10 Every Saturday and Sunday to 28 June

The Little Angel Theatre 14 Dagmar Passage, Cross Street N1 2DN www.littleangeltheatre.com The Paper Dolls When a little girl cuts out a string of paper dolls she takes them by the hand and together they go on a fantastical adventure whirling through their home and garden. Ticky, Tacky, Jackie the Backie, Jim with two noses and Jo with the bow fly through time and tear across worlds of fun and excitement To 28 June

Lyric Hammersmith Lyric Square, Kings Street W6 0QL www.lyric.co.uk Bugsy Malone Join Bugsy, Blousey and Tallulah for an unforgettable theatrical experience. Age 6+, £8 Throughout May

May 2015

The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1QG atgtickets.com/venues/new-wimbledontheatre Octonauts and the Deep Sea Volcano Adventure When there’s trouble under the sea, the Octonauts dive into action! Get ready to embark on an exciting new mission with the underwater adventure super heroes, Captain Barnacles, Kwazii and Peso. From £18.40 2-3 May My First Ballet: Swan Lake English National Ballet and English National Ballet School return with the enchanting My First Ballet with their fourth classical ballet to be recreated especially for children. From £12.90 15-16 May

The 02 Peninsula Square SE10 0DX www.NightGardenLive.com In The Night Garden Live This summer, the world's only In the Night Garden Live Showdome returns. See Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy and Makka Pakka brought to life with beautiful costumes, magical puppets, enchanting music and breathtaking projections. From £14.50 28 May to 13 June

The Polka Theatre 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB polkatheatre.com Shh...Bang! Mole is my best friend, he is brave and funny. Mole goes everywhere I go. No one can see him apart from me. A gentle tale about imagination and a very special friendship. Age 3-6, £11.50/£9 1-3 May

Operation Magic Carpet An action-packed adventure from London to Baghdad. Characters from the Arabian Nights come to life as Nomi meets Sinbad, swims the Tigris and sees a water buffalo. But when her three wishes run out, how will Nomi get back home? Ages 6- 11, £14.50/£10 To 24 May The Cosmic Dancer Pepita wants to be a dancer. More than that, she wants to become a cosmic dancer, to swing from a star and be lifted by the clouds. But that’s not as easy as she thought. Exquisite balletic charm is combined with swirling digital projections, set to Debussy’s rich and evocative music. Ages 4-8, £13.50/£10 27-31 May

Putney Arts Theatre Ravenna Road SW15 6AW www.putneyartstheatre.org.uk Sister Act A high energy musical based on the famous film. £15/£12 6-9 May

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The Adventure An interactive mystery promenade performance for 7–13 year olds that will take audience members backstage. When a famous scientist is abducted, it takes his two children, their best friend, an incompetent storyteller and audience members to rescue him. 11am and 1pm 23 May to 6 June

Families ‘top five’ this month Half term is on its way, and we’ve found some fantastic holidays workshops for the whole family. Don’t miss out – book now!

1 ©National Maritime Museum, Londo n

Bank Of England Museum Threadneedle Street EC2R 8AH www.bankofengland.co.uk Magical Mosaics This half term, why not learn about the colourful mosaics that decorate the ground floor of the Bank of England? Join a creative workshop with the whole family and make your own mosaic to take home, with designs inspired by the animals and plants featured in the Museum’s Flora and Fauna exhibition. 10am–4.30pm 26-29 May FREE

3 The Geffrye Museum 136 Kingsland Road E2 8EA www.geffrye-museum.org.uk Half Term Activities Explore the range of activities and workshops at the Geffrye this half term, including Give Me Shelter, exploring different types of shelters from the past and present day, including garden homes. Age 5-16, 10.30am-12.30pm and 2-4pm. Plus, Safe Shelters – Nursery Rhyme Time, where you can discover different types of homes through stories, songs and craft activities. Age 2-5, 10.30-11.30am and 12-1pm 26-29 May

l Gallery ©The Nationa

The National Gallery Trafalgar Square WC2N 5DN www.nationalgallery.org.uk Half Term Art Workshops Don’t miss out on the National Gallery’s fantastic school holiday art workshops. They run every day throughout half term, and cater for children of all ages 25-28 May

SE10 9HT www.rmg.co.uk/cuttysark Cutty Sark Characters Come aboard Cutty Sark this half term to hear incredible stories brought to life by characters from the ship’s past. Meet Captain Woodget, the ship’s most daring master, Jock Willis, the man who built Cutty Sark, Nannie, the ship’s figurehead, and the ship’s cook, James Robson, who all have an extraordinary story to tell! Throughout half term Weather Mobiles Cutty Sark sailed in all kinds of weather. This half term try bringing waves and storms to life by designing your own weather mobile to take home. 11.30am-1.30pm and 2-4pm 25-26 May Fish in a Dish What lives in the water? Using a paper plate and your imagination, create a colourful sea creature with your family to take home and play with. 11.30am-1.30pm and 2-4pm 27-29 May

National Maritime Museum

©National Maritime Mus eum, London

seum ©The Geffrye Mu

©The Bank of En gland

Cutty Sark

Park Row, Greenwich SE10 9NF www.rmg.co.uk Make Your Own Talisman Taking inspiration from examples in the museum's collection, create your own talisman to ensure you stay safe at sea. 11.30am-1pm and 1.30-4pm 25-29 May The Rohilla Disaster Story Join in an interactive storytelling session for families about one of the RNLI’s most epic rescues at sea in 1914. Noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm 26-28 May A Sailor's Trafalgar Story Discover what life was like for a sailor in Nelson’s navy through the eyes of John Simmonds, who was press-ganged from his home in Jamaica. 12noon, 1, 2 and 3pm 26-28 May FREE

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The Star and The Sea

Southbank Centre

Join Rosie on an adventure along the tideline, meeting all sorts of characters from a cheeky Seagull to some very suspicious Seaweed. Through puppetry, song and shadows everyday objects are brought to life. A show designed for ages 3-6, performed in The Old Burial Ground 1 minute walk away from the theatre. 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm 10 May

Belvedere Road SE1 8PX www.southbankcentre.co.uk Morgan & West's Spectacular Magic Show The time-travelling Victorian magic duo unload another boxful of bafflement and impossibility for kids and childish grown-ups. £10 2-23 May London Philharmonic Orchestra Family Concert FUNharmonics sets out on a musical adventure to the home of jazz, blues, bright lights, big cities, Hollywood and the Wild West. 12pm, £10/£3 3 May Captain Flinn and the Pirate Dinosaurs Captain Flinn and the Pirate Dinosaurs is setting sail for an adventure at Southbank Centre. £12 27-28 May Circus Geeks: Beta Testing Three jugglers share their obsession with throwing and catching through theatre, comedy and circus skills. From £10 26 May to 21 June

The Royal Albert Hall SW7 2AP www.royalalberthall.com Storytelling and Music Sessions Sessions for babies and toddlers using musical instruments, singing, movement and stories. Ages 0-4, 10am and 11.30am, £4 13, 20 and 27 May Shh...Bang! A dance-theatre performance exploring sound and silence. Two characters set out on a journey through a world filled with Boings, Whooshes, Tick-Tocks… and Cacophony! Their journey is punctuated by silence… and as they are wrapped up in stillness they learn to listen to that silence. Ages 3+, 11am and 2pm, £9 26-27 May

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre Regent’s Park www.openairtheatre.com Peter Pan J. M. Barrie’s classic, now set in 1914. George Llewelyn Davies, killed in action in WW1, was one of the children who inspired the iconic character of Peter Pan. Remembering him and a generation of lost boys, Timothy Sheader and Liam Steel rediscover J. M. Barrie’s original stage play. For ages 9+ 15 May – 14 June

Royal Court Theatre Sloane Square SW1W 8AS www.royalcourttheatre.com The Twits Mr and Mrs Twit are not very nice. In fact they're extremely nasty. They're nasty to each other, and they're vile to everyone else. Mischievously adapted from one of the world's most loved books by Roald Dahl To 31 May

Museums & Galleries

Sadler's Wells Rosebery Avenue EC1R sadlerswells.com BBC Young Dancer 2015 The Grand Final of BBC Young Dancer, with the UK’s best young dancers performing for this prestigious award. 6.30pm, £12-£25 9 May Rambert A powerful and uplifting work, celebrating how brass band music endures as the legacy of the communities which mined the coalfields – the 'dark arteries' – of Britain. £8-£38 12-16 May

portrait painting, giant Jenga tournaments, cake decorating and lots more. 12noon-1.30pm Every Sat in May Henry the Fifth Kings need crowns and castles to prove themselves, and so does Henry. Henry the Fifth, that is, of England. From £10 17-31 May Planeta Ka An explorer gradually discovers this mysterious land; its mountains, craters and caves full of surprises. £10 for one child and up to 2 adults 7 May to 4 June One Little Word Two characters play together, exploring new space, objects, dressing up and taking turns. But there’s a bit of a struggle when one of them wants to be the ONLY captain of the ship. From £10 6-21 June

See more events in our online What’s On calendar

Polka Theatre

The Unicorn Theatre 147 Tooley Street SE1 2HZ www.unicorntheatre.com Up Club Join the Unicorn play club every Saturday. Take part in free activities from rocket building to

The British Museum Great Russell Street WC1B 3DG britishmuseum.org Defining Beauty A major exhibition on the human body in ancient Greek art. This exhibition will explore the Greek experience and its preoccupation with the human form. £16.50 adults, under 16s free To 5 July

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Our skilled staff prepare children aged 25 years for their next school and start them on a journey of lifelong learning. Incorporating art, cooking, music, sport, drama and all aspects of the Early Years Curriculum. Please arrange a visit to see the learning and excitement in action. www.oaktreenurseryschool.com Ramsden Hall, 21 Ramsden Road, SW12 8QX Tel: 020 8166 5932

May 2015

The Design Museum 28 Shad Thames SE1 2YD designmuseum.org Designs of the Year Celebrating design that promotes or delivers change, enables access, extends design practice or captures the spirit of the year To 16 August

There's no room to list more here, but use our unique local searchable What’s On calendar on FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk the story of this iconic symbol of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The exhibition celebrates Thomas Heatherwick’s cutting edge design and the unforgettable moment it was revealed to the world during the Olympic opening ceremony Throughout May FREE

The Florence Nightingale Museum 2 Lambeth Palace Road SE1 7EW www.florence-nightingale.co.uk Miss Nightingale Said An illustrated talk given by one of the museum’s curatorial team examining the incredible life and achievements of Florence Nightingale. 3.30pm, £5.80/£4.80 Every Wednesday in May

Grant Museum of Zoology UCL, University Street WC1E 6DE www.ucl.ac.uk Strange Creatures: The Art of Unknown Animals When new regions are explored and the animals in them discovered, how does the wider world get to experience them? 1-5pm Throughout May FREE

Imperial War Museum Lambeth Road SE1 6HZ www.iwm.org.uk Fashion on the Ration - 1940s Street Style Explore how fashion survived under the strict rules of rationing during the Second World War in new and unexpected ways. £10/£5 To 31 August

London Transport Museum Covent Garden Piazza WC2E 7BB www.ltmuseum.co.uk London Places & Spaces The Prize for Illustration 2015: London Places & Spaces exhibition will display 100 illustrations that capture a variety of aspects of London’s unique character and qualities 15 May to 6 September

The Museum Of London London Wall EC2Y 5HN www.museumoflondon.org.uk The London 2012 Cauldron A new home for the London 2012 Cauldron tells

345 is proud to be entering its 32nd year as an independent nursery school where 'children become independent, inquisitive and motivated in a rich and vibrant environment' (Ofsted). An exceptionally warm welcome and a very large outdoor space awaits every child. We also have Music, Sport and Spanish plus Playball, Relax Kids and Ballet in afternoon clubs. Please do visit us to capture some of the children's excitement in learning. Contact: Annabel Dixon 345nurseryschoolwandsworth@gmail.com www.345 nurseryschool.co.uk 020 8870 8441 Fitzhugh Grove, Trinity Road, London SW18 3NH

Horniman Museum

Museum Explored Join one of the Museum's hosts and explore the galleries through fun, hands-on activities. 11am and 2pm Every Sunday in May FREE

National Maritime Museum Park Row, Greenwich SE10 9NF www.rmg.co.uk Against Captain's Orders An exhibit for 6-12 year olds and their families, taking audience members on the adventure of a lifetime through the National Maritime Museum’s extraordinary collection of maritime artefacts. Exciting, enlightening and perhaps just a tiny bit dangerous, the event promises a theatrical journey through the museum, the like of which has never been seen before. £19.75 To 31 August

Natural History Museum Cromwell Road SW7 5BD www.nhm.ac.uk Wildlife Photographer of the Year Combining the extraordinary work of talented professionals and gifted amateur photographers from around the globe to showcase the beauty, magnificence and diversity of life on our planet. From £5 Throughout May Dino Snores Discover what really happens at the Museum when the staff and visitors have gone home. Ages 7–11, 7pm, ends 9.50am the following day. £60/£54 members 9 May Big Nature Day 2015 Join the Museum in celebrating International Day for Biological Diversity and find out why biodiversity is so crucial to us all. Meet Museum scientists and experts who will be sharing their knowledge and passion for nature alongside more than 40 of the UK’s naturalist and conservation groups. 10am-5pm 23 May Lates Visit the Museum after hours and experience London’s most unique Friday night out. 6-10.30pm 29 May Sensational Butterflies Wander through a tropical enclosure full of these beautiful creatures. Discover the science behind them and their amazing life cycles as they evolve from crawling caterpillars into beautiful butterflies. £4.95/family £16.95 Throughout May Coral Reefs: Secret Cities of the Sea Plunge into spectacular seascapes and explore the richness of life beneath the waves at the Museum’s exciting new exhibition on coral reefs. £12.60/£6.30 Throughout May

The Royal Air Force Museum London Grahame Park Way NW9 5LL www.rafmuseum.org.uk First World War Airfix Make and Take Head along to the RAF Museum as their popular Airfix make and take workshops return for half term. Take on the Red Barons Albatros or fight your way to victory with the classic British Sopwith Pup. All paints, glue and instructions supplied with each Airfix kit. 11am-1pm and 24pm, £3 per Airfix kit 25-31 May

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

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

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May 2015

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What’s On

Science Museum Exhibition Road, South Kensington SW7 2DD sciencemuseum.org.uk Engineer Your Future Think like an engineer and have your preconceptions challenged in this free interactive exhibition. Engineer Your Future puts visitors’ problem solving skills to the test, exploring engineering through interactive games and digital experiences that bring to life the skills engineers use every day. Ages 11+ Throughout May FREE Cosmonauts: Birth of the Space Age For the first time in the UK, the remarkable story of Russian scientific and technological ingenuity that kick-started the space age will be explored in a landmark new exhibition at the Science Museum. Age 8+, charges apply Throughout May Churchill’s Scientists Explore the triumphs in science during Winston Churchill's period in power, both in war and in the post-war era. Suitable for 13+ Throughout May

V&A Museum of Childhood Cambridge Heath Road E2 9PA www.museumofchildhood.org.uk Small Stories: At Home in a Dolls' House Revealing the fascinating stories behind some of the UK's best-loved dolls' houses, taking you on a journey through the history of the home, everyday lives and changing family relationships Throughout May FREE It's My Party... Taking a look at children's birthday parties from the perspective of both children and parents. The centrepiece is a life-sized installation telling the story of a party thrown for Wilfred, a shy resident of the Museum Throughout May FREE The Alice Look Get a whole new view of Lewis Carroll’s heroine in this display marking the 150th anniversary of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Follow Alice’s evolution from follower-of-fashion to trendsetter through a selection of garments, photographs and rare editions Throughout May FREE Half Term Workshops Enter Alice’s weird and wonderful world with

activities, story-telling and dressing up inspired by the classic children’s book. Drop-in, all ages, free. Plus Mad Hatters Hat Making and Playing Card Print Workshop, times and prices vary. 25-29 May

Wandsworth Museum 38 West Hill SW18 1RX www.wandsworthmuseum.co.uk Mapping Wandsworth Stories Exhibition Celebrating stories and memories hidden from history through the creation of a Wandsworth story map. 4–17 May at St Mary’s Church, Putney SW15 1SN 4-17 May

Days Out See more events in our online What’s On calendar

Brixton Windmill Windmill Gardens, end of Blenheim Gardens SW2 5EU www.brixtonwindmill.org Windmill Tours Visit the 'two mills in one' and hear the intriguing story of the Ashby family. You will see the original wind-powered machinery and find out how it was once used to make stone ground flour. Booking required Every weekend in May

Chelsea Physic Garden 66 Royal Hospital Road SW3 4HS chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk Drop-in Family Activities An assortment of drop-in activities for families. Free with entry to the garden 17 May Family Activity Days Includes The Lost Art of Nature Printing - a oneday workshop exploring a wonderful way of depicting and discovering plants, which was developed by physicians in the 15th century as an aid in the study of plants. Plus Making Sense of the Garden - how do we detect ‘make sense’ of the world around us? And Puppetry in Motion design garden-inspired creatures and turn paper cups into beautiful characters. Dates, times and ages vary 26-28 May

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What’s On

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

Cutty Sark

Fulham Palace

King William Walk, Greenwich SE10 9HT www.rmg.co.uk/cuttysark Shiny Sea Join a Cutty Sark artist to create a shimmering silver sea complete with ships, waves and icebergs. 11.30am1.30pm and 2-4pm 2-3 May Hawk Talk Join Norman the hawk on the main deck of the Cutty Sark and find out how he helps look after the ship and her rigging. 10am-12noon 1-29 June The Great Wave Help recreate a huge wave that crashed over Cutty Sark in June 1881. Add hand-print splashes to a giant collage and watch the wave grow. This event is also celebrating World Ocean Day. 11.30am-1.30pm and 2-5pm 6-7 June

SW6 6EA fulhampalace.org Every Monday in May. The Palace Explorers For children aged 2-4. £3 per child, which includes a drink and healthy snack. Booking essential, 10.30am12pm 23 May. Young Archaeologists’ Club Take a trip to the Thames and explore the local foreshore. Suitable for 8-16 years, £15, booking essential, 10.30am-12.15pm

Royal Arsenal, Woolwich SE18 6ST www.firepower.org.uk Museum Sleepover Put That Light Out! is an evening packed with fun activities followed by sleeping in among the guns and exhibits of the Museum. £60 for one adult plus one child, 6pm-7am 16 May Waterloo Week To mark Waterloo 200, the museum's half term activities will have a Waterloo theme. 11am-4pm, admission plus £4.50 for children 26-29 May In Their Own Words A new exhibition about the Great War bringing to life artillerymen of different nations, through extracts from their diaries, letters home and photographs Throughout May

Kensington Palace Kensington Gardens W8 4PX hrp.org.uk/KensingtonPalace The Kid's Sleepover Princes and princesses are welcome for a fun filled evening of activities and entertainment before bedding down in one of the spectacular palace rooms. Then rise and shine the next morning for a breakfast fit for royalty. Ages 5 -11, adult and child £60 each with breakfast included 16 May When I grow up… Join in with games, dress up, craft activities and storytelling and hear tales from Princess Victoria’s governess about Victoria’s strict childhood growing up in the palace. Ages 4-11 26-30 May

May 2015

London Dungeon County Hall SE1 7PB www.thedungeons.com/london Rogues & Rascals 'Stand and Deliver' as London Dungeon brings to life the deadly (and dandy) highwaymen (and highwaywomen) who robbed the rich (and not so rich) on the roads around 17th century London 21-31 May

Bank Of England Museum Threadneedle Street EC2R 8AH www.bankofengland.co.uk Museums at Night A rare opportunity for an evening visit to the Bank. 5.30-9pm 15 May

The National Gallery Trafalgar Square WC2N 5DN www.nationalgallery.org.uk The Horse's Tail Family Festival Day Celebrate the unveiling of Hann Haake’s fourth plinth by taking part in a special horse themed day full of interactive performance and art workshops 23 May Family Tour A themed journey through the collection where gallery staff will walk, talk and bring paintings alive. For all ages, 12.30–1.30pm 7 June

The London Wetlands Centre Queen Elizabeth, Barnes SW13 9WT www.wwt.org.uk Weekend Family Activities Spot the first signs of new life as buds appear, flowers burst into bloom and bugs come out from their winter hibernation. Enjoy a pond dipping session to see what mini-beasts are about and join them for a nature walk Every Saturday and Sunday to 17 May

Diary dates & events See more events in our online What’s On calendar

Warner Bros Studio Tour Studio Tour Dr, Leavesden WD25 7LR www.wbstudiotour.co.uk This May, visit the original Hogwarts Express steam engine in a recreation of Platform 9 ¾ at The Making of Harry Potter, and get a glimpse into how some of the films’ most iconic scenes were created. Climb aboard the train’s carriage and pose with a luggage trolley as it disappears through the platform wall. Entrance included in ticket. Throughout May

NCT Kensington And Chelsea www.nct.org.uk/branches/kensin gton-chelsea NCT Kensington And Chelsea Meet Up Gambado Chelsea, 7 Townmead Road SW6 2PY A great opportunity to meet other mums with babies under 1. 9.3011am, £1, show your NCT card to get in Every Wednesday in May

NCT Kensington And Chelsea Baby & Toddler First Aid Courses Radisson Blu Edwardian, The Vanderbilt Hotel, 68-86 Cromwell Road SW7 5BT Morning session starts at 10am, afternoon session at 1pm, email FirstAid.KensingtonandChelsea@nct .org.uk to book your place 9 May

WC2E 9DD www.roh.org.uk Every Sunday in May. Family Sundays A regular event for families to explore the Royal Opera House, its artists and the world of opera and ballet. Packed full of creative and practical activities for all the family including informal performances from Royal Ballet dancers, plus interactive singing and dance activities. 12–4pm, £5 adults, £3 children

French Coffee Morning Contact Teresa at info@leclubtricolore or 020 7924 4649 / 07889 967003 Every Wednesday morning in May Get together ‘between the Commons’ for coffee and to speak French for an hour. Lively discussions on a topic (articles are distributed in advance) and a great opportunity to practise your French

NCT Wimbledon & Wandsworth www.nct.org.uk/branches/Wimbl edon Coffee, Me and Baby. Every other Wednesday in May, 2pm onwards at The Old Frizzle, Wimbledon. Come along and meet new and expectant mums in the area over a relaxing cup of coffee Breastfeeding Drop-in. Every Thursday in May, 10am–12pm, Gooseberry Bush Café (upstairs studio), Wimbledon SW19 1LT

Dulwich Picture Gallery SE21 7AD dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk First and last Sunday in May. Family Sundays Enjoy being creative together in these drop-in Artplay sessions, making everything from bunting to block prints. 2.10pm and 3.10pm, no booking necessary, free for families with a Gallery ticket or £3 per child

Cont p. 34

Firepower Royal Artillery Museum

Royal Opera House Fulham Palace

There's no room to list more here, but use our unique local searchable What’s On calendar on FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

What’s On from p.33

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

Move

First Aid for Life

Little Folk with Albo Concerts Colour House Theatre, Merton Abbey Mills, Watermill Way SW19 2RD www.littlefolkwithalbo.com / www.colourhousetheatre.co.uk Recommended for children from babies to 5 years, 10.30am11.15am, tickets £5, call 020 8542 5511 or book online 2 May

Putney Embankment Art and Craft Market The Embankment, Putney (Between the Thai Square Restaurant and Thames Place) www.facebook.com/artonputney embankment 3 May and 7 June An exciting market showcasing a range of arts and crafts such as paintings, sculpture and photography, wood carvings and furniture from established and emerging artists. 10am–4pm

Mum2mum Market 16th May. Nearly new baby and children's sales where mums sell to mums. Ricards Lodge High

School, Lake Road. Wimbledon SW19 7HB. Sales are 2pm to 4pm Stall bookings should be made via their website www.mum2mummarket.co.uk/b ook-a-stall.html

Battersea, Furzedown & Wandsworth www.wandsworthartsfestival.co m/2015/event/move-art Discover a showcase of work of aspiring and professional artists, with free and exciting workshops for all. Move is a celebration of art by ages 4 to 83, in collaboration with Wandsworth charities, schools, local business and residents. Book now online or email mel_barry@outlook.com 9-16 May

NCT Putney & Fulham www.nctpregnancyandbabycare. com 6 and 20 May. Fulham FC coffee morning 10am–12pm at Cafe at the Cottage, Fulham Football Club, Stevenage Road SW6 6HH. Join Debs if you’re new to the area, starting to get out with your baby or just need an excuse for a well-deserved cup of coffee 6 and 20 May. Putney new mums' group 10.30am–12.30pm at Tried and True Cafe, Upper Richmond Road SW15 6SP. Contact sophie.bartholomew@gmail.com

First Aid for Life Balham and Westminster firstaidforlife.org.uk 9, 14 and 30 May. The Emergency Course A 3-hour course covering care of the unconscious baby and child as

In The Night Garden Live www.NightGardenLive.com An amazing musical theatre experience for all the family. Children’s favourite CBeebies’ stars - Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy, Makka Pakka and friends - are all brought to life on stage using full-size costumes, magical puppets, enchanting music and breathtaking projections. Book online or at the box office 0333 300 0023, £12.50-£33 Live Quarter at The O2, 28 May - 13 June Richmond Old Deer Park, 20 June - 4 July

Somerset House WC2R 1LA www.somersethouse.org.uk Children’s Wildlife Drawing: Birds of a Feather Take part in a family drawing class with a difference. Learn essential wildlife sketching skills with live animals. Ages 7-12, 11am-1pm and 2-4pm, booking essential, £20 for one child with accompanying adult 30 May

Friends of Battersea Park Barbecue

Happynest

Happynest Children's Fair

Battersea Park Children’s Zoo SW11 4PY www.batterseapark.org/bbq With live music and loads of fantastic activities for children. Free parking in Chelsea Bridge Car Park, advance tickets only £16/£7, children under 6 free. 6-9pm. Book online or call 020 7622 5199 8 June

Streatham Tate Library, 63 Streatham High Road SW16 1PN www.lambeth.gov.uk/places/stre atham-library With over 25 local businesses providing a mix of beautiful products, plus creative workshops for your mini makers and do-ers, including baking, dancing and photography. 10.30 to 4pm, free entry 16 May Happynest

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Silly Millie the Clown

PARTIES Face Painting & Balloon Modelling

Classified MUSIC

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

Contact Susie 07814 925462 www.magicaldesigns.co.uk

SERVICES

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

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Home visits possible.

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

Mark Lester MA, CT ABRSM

020 8870 7830 www.marklester.biz

HEALTH

CHILDCARE

TUITION Reliable Handyman

• Garden maintenance and building work (fences, patios, sheds, etc..) • Jobs around the house (carpentry, painting, fitting furniture, etc…) • Upcycling furniture and Shabby Chic items available £30/hour. Call Brian: 0774 513 6424

Clown Pirate Jester Wizard

www.charlietheclown.co.uk

07808 732 390 Astronaut, Magician, Explorer

ELOCUTION

PAINTING & DECORATING

Public Speaking Speech & Drama Individual Tuition

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

Clare Price. LGSM, ALAM (020) 7735 3156 clareprice@tiscali.co.uk

020 8462 4646 - 07802 535695

John:- James & Lamont

VACANCY Distributors Wanted...

Families South West is looking for distributors in the Chelsea area, the SW3 and SW10 postcodes. If you have a car, a few hours spare every month and want to earn some extra money, please contact Silvana on 07801 227334 or email her on distribpromoter@ familiessouthwest.co.uk

THEO THE MAGICIAN “Voted one of the UK’s Favourite The Magic Circle, Equity & CRB Fun Magic for Children & Adults

07711 724129 www.magictheo.com

May 2015

Beautiful, historic hillside cottage in a tiny hamlet in the Apennines between Bologna and Florence. This 3-bedroomed stone cottage is wellstocked for families and children, with a tree house, toys, cot, high chair, books, DVDs, games etc. It is surrounded by woodlands to explore and terraced gardens with stunning mountain views. Sleeps up to 9. Price per week between £450-£650. For enquiries, call Candida Jones on 07775 754 763 or emailcasacastagna@hotmail.com www.italycottage.co.uk

Nurturing and developing young people's potential through dance, drama and singing. For 4-18 year olds, after school, at weekends and holiday workshops.

Stagecoach Schools enrolling now Battersea Fulham Merton Park & Tooting New Malden Putney Wimbledon www.stagecoach.co.uk

020 8946 0845 202 020 8942 020 8540 0845 265 020 8946

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FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk Tel: 020 8696 9680