Families West May - Jun 2015 issue 100

ISSUE 100 May/June 2015 www.familieswest.co.uk

• 2015 Party guide • How to get your boys reading • May half term workshops • Full what's on listings • Planning ahead for summer fun

Families West · PO Box 32231 · London W5 1JR · Tel: 020 8930 4707 · Email: familieswest@yahoo.co.uk

Families West is part of the Families group, established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under license. We take every care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of the advertisers nor the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence. Copyright Families West Magazine 2015. Designed by Martin Driscoll. Email: martindriscoll@yahoo.com Printed by The MANSON Group Limited, 8 Porters Wood, Valley Road Industrial Estate, St Albans AL3 6PZ. www.mansongroup.co.uk

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Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

May/June 2015

news & views Calling all Young Writers!

Do you know a young author? The National Young Writers’ Awards judges are looking for the best short story (up to 500 words) based around this year’s theme of ‘Strange Events and Peculiar Happenings’. The winner of the competition will receive £500 of books for their school and a trip to Disneyland Paris! The annual awards, run by tuition

In this issue: We are partying hard with this issue - so many ideas and all available in West London. Keep our guide handy for when it is time to plan the big day for your little (or not so little) one. The longer days are perfect for venturing out and our What’s On pages are jam packed with ideas of where to go and what is happening at key venues in and around the local area. These (and more) are all available on our What’s On widget on our website: www.familieswest.co.uk If you are trying to get your head around the changes to support for children and young people in England with special educational needs, Laxmi Patel, head of education at Boyes Turner sets out the reforms clearly in her piece. More parenting advice, this time from local couple Carole and Nadim Saad with tips on how to break the nagging habit in your family. Finally, if you have boys who are reluctant readers we bring you some ideas on how to encourage a daily habit. We will be back at the end of June with a summer special.

Until then, enjoy the beginning of summer.

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company Explore Learning, are now in their 7th year. This year’s judge is renowned author of the Book of Norm series of books, Jonathan Meres. To enter please visit: www.explorelearning.co.uk/youngwriters

In this issue News & Views

Page 3

Education/SEN

Page 6

Parenting

Page 8

Party Feature

Page 10

What’s On in West London

Page 15

Clubs & Classes/Diary Dates

Page 22

Classifieds/Competitions

Page 23

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

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news & views Free local tennis for children and adults The Great British Tennis Weekend, the UK’s biggest ever public tennis event, will be returning this summer on the 16-17th May, 13th-14th June and 1st-2nd August. Local clubs will be opening their doors to families of all ages and abilities, enabling them to try Mini Tennis (for children), Cardio Tennis, coaching and other activities all for free. As the nation prepares for a fantastic summer of tennis, why not get involved? For more details visit: www.lta.org.uk/gbtw Each venue will have their own timetable with regard to the order of activities, and as these have yet to be confirmed, it is best to check on the website nearer the time.

Dance classes in Ealing

Excellent offers to senior schools

Dance Gallery in Ealing teaches children aged 4 to 18 years old, a range of different styles of dancing including modern, jazz, street dance, tap, contemporary and musical theatre. The lessons include structured modern dance exercises put to energetic popular music together, with learning dance routines that build towards performances at local events and a bi-annual musical theatre show at Questors Theatre in Ealing, performing to sell out audiences. It is run by Jill Wellman who herself has performed in many West End shows, and sang and danced all over the world. Her aim is to teach children that dancing is a fun way to keep fit and encourage great confidence. All classes take place at St Stephens Church Hall, St Stephens Road, Ealing W13 8HB, a large modern space, fully mirrored with an in-house sound system. Free trial lesson available. Call 020 8566 9672 or visit: www.dancegallery.co.uk

Floyd Steadman, Headmaster at Clifton Lodge is delighted to announce the excellent senior school offers received by Year 8 and Year 6 pupils.

Year 8 pupils were offered 2 places at Merchant Taylor’s, 6 places including a sports scholarship to John Lyon, one place to St James’s and St Benedict’s and a all-rounder scholarship to Stoneyhurst. Year 6 boys’ offers included one to St Paul’s (13+ pre test), 1 to Westminster, 4 offers to John Lyon, 3 to St Benedict’s, 2 to St James’s and one each to Radnor House and Hurst Lodge. Girls at Clifton Lodge were offered places at Northwood College, Queen’s College, St Augustine’s, St Benedict’s and Royal Masonic. Clifton Lodge internal academic scholarships have also been offered to 3 existing Year 6 pupils. Well done to the pupils and teachers at Clifton Lodge! www.cliftonlodgeschool.co.uk

Little Muffins Nursery

Sell your children’s nearly new clothes

Located in a beautiful townhouse on the border of Chiswick and Hammersmith and with access to a lovely park, Little Muffins Nursery offers full and part time places to children from three months to five years old. The nursery owners are mums themselves and they are committed to delivering the highest quality of care for all the families using the nursery. “We ensure that each and every child in our care is provided with consistency and support in an environment where your little ones feel safe, and most of all happy. We have a fantastic cook that cooks all our meals from scratch, and a very healthy and wholesome fresh menu full of fresh fruits and vegetables daily. The children also participate in cooking classes making delicious food to eat and take home.” There is an open day on Saturday 13th May between 10 am and 3pm.

Find out more by calling on: 0208 748 4651 or email: info@littlemuffinsnursery.co.uk www.littlemuffinsnursery.co.uk

A new business is about to launch that will allow parents to buy and sell nearly new designer and high quality children’s clothing at competitive prices. Mykidswardrobe.co.uk is the brainchild of mother of three, and former teacher, Ingrid Mahdi who realised that there was a lot more life left in quality clothes once her children had outgrown them.

My Kids Wardrobe is based on the American consignment store principle which sells used goods on behalf of the owners. The advantage over buying on eBay or Facebook is that all goods are quality checked before being offered for sale whilst the seller is saved the hassle of taking photographs, dealing with customer queries, packaging and posting goods. The company will collect a minimum of 25 items of quality and designer clothing brands, any items which don’t meet the strict quality standards can be returned to the owner for a small fee or donated to a charity. Ingrid, who has been running a franchised Baby and Children’s market for the last two years, recognised that parents wanted to dispose of their children’s outgrown clothing in a sustainable manner whilst recouping some of their investment in high end children’s clothing. Ingrid says, “I’d love you to visit our website at: www.mykidswardrobe.co.uk to see the awesome little clothes we have at awesome little prices.”

Kensington Mums app Kensington Mums, award winning social media website has gone mobile!

All the features of the website www.kensingtonmums.co.uk can now be in the palm of your hands. Busy modern parents need information at the touch of a button and the Kensington Mums app will enable this already thriving community instant access to the local scoop on what’s on for your and your little ones, latest trends and bespoke Kensington Mums mumthly events and meet ups.

Android Download: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=hr.apps.n206873363&hl=en_GB Iphone Download: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/kensington-mums/id969941165?ls=1&mt=8 Follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter too! @KensingtonMums

Local languages classes for children 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 & 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.

To enrol your child in their half-term and/or summer holiday programmes, or to find out about their afterschool and Saturday classes call 020 3598 0719. www.littletreeslanguageclub.com/early-immersion-classes

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Warner Bros. partners with Fit for Sport 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.” The Looney Tunes Fit for Sport Activity Camps will take place during half terms and the summer holidays in Ealing, Acton and Kensington.

More information is available at: www.fitforsport.co.uk

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

May/June 2015

Durston House 12 Castlebar Road 路 London W5 2DR

A leading West London Prep School for Boys

A great spirit of community. . . a real pride in achievement Visit our website www.durstonhouse.org Send for an Information Pack Or come to see us contact Mrs Caroline Ferns (Registrar) telephone 020 8991 6532 email info@durstonhouse.org Boys Prep School 4-13 years 路 Registered Charity No. 294670

May/June 2015

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

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A parent’s guide to the Special Educational Needs reforms The Children and Families Act 2014 came into force on 1 September 2014, making substantial changes to several areas, from family justice to shared parental leave. Part 3 of the act makes changes to support for children and young people in England with special educational needs (SEN).

What are special educational needs?

There is a legal definition for SEN but, in essence, a child is likely to have SEN if they find it harder to learn or access education than the majority of their peers and if they continue to struggle despite extra targeted support. So, a child may have SEN if they have, for example, dyslexia, dyspraxia, autism or a physical disability.

The definition of SEN has not changed under the new reforms.

How are children with SEN supported in school?

Prior to September 2014, there were three

tiers of support for children or young people with SEN: School Action, School Action Plus and Statement of SEN. The new SEN regime replaces school based support with either Additional SEN Support or an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP). The home local authority will contribute to the preparation of the EHCP, whereas Additional SEN Support is solely the responsibility of the child’s school.

Under Additional SEN Support the school will carry out cycles of assessing the child’s educational difficulties, planning, delivering and reviewing additional support. Under Additional SEN Support each child is entitled to receive up to £6000 per annum of funding from their school. If, despite the additional support, the child is still failing to make sufficient progress, or if more needs to be understood about their learning difficulties, then this would be the trigger for the school or parents to ask the local authority to carry out an EHC needs assessment. Under the old system this was called a statutory assessment.

If the local authority agrees to the assessment, it will commission reports from the

child’s school, an educational psychologist, medical practitioner, social services and other relevant therapists or experts, such as a speech and language therapist and Teacher of the Deaf. Parents will also be asked to submit their views. The whole process will take 20 weeks and if the reports point to the need for additional support, an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) will be issued. Under the old system, the local authority would have issued a Statement of SEN. The Statement or EHCP is a legally binding document that outlines the child’s educational difficulties, the support that they require at school, health and social care needs and support required, and will name a school that the local authority considers can meet the needs of the child.

The school can be maintained or independent, mainstream or special, and day or residential. The school that is named will depend on the requirements of the child, the availability and suitability of other nearby schools and the cost of the placement. The local authority has to fund the support set out in the education section of the Statement or EHCP and the school placement, including school fees, if an independent school is named.

If the local authority refuses to carry out the assessment or if parents do not agree with the contents of final EHCP, they will have the right to appeal to the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal.

What HAS changed?

There are subtle differences between the ‘old’ and new system, the most significant of which are: • A change of culture where the wishes and views of parents, children and young people are to be given greater importance.

• The replacement of the Statement of SEN with an EHCP which goes from birth to 25 years provided the young person is in some form of further education (not higher education) or on an apprenticeship.

Statements only went from two to a maximum of 19 years.

• The introduction of a new principle that SEN support should encourage ‘best possible and other outcomes’ and that families are central to decision making. Under the ‘old’ system, children were only entitled

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education to adequate support. ‘Other outcomes’ signifies a more holistic approach.

• Parents able to request a Personal Budget in the EHCP. This is the cost of any support outlined in the EHCP. Parents can request direct payments in lieu of the support.

• Parental rights now automatically transfer to the young person when they are over compulsory school age (the end of the academic year in which they turn 16).

From this point, there is a requirement for local authorities and the Tribunal to communicate directly with the young person unless they lack capacity to make those decisions.

What HAS NOT changed?

When the Children and Families Act 2014 was being drafted there was a strong lobby to have all disagreements about education, health and social care provision dealt with by one body. This did not happen at the time but has led to the SEND (First Tier Tribunal) (Pilot) Regulations which, at the time of writing, has been delayed to take effect from May 2015.

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The Regulations will allow the Tribunal to test hearings where they can make recommendations in respect of health and social care in addition to education.

The Regulations will only apply to families living in the twelve participating local authorities. Ealing is one of four London local authorities taking part.

authorities struggling with the workload.

A welcome move is the SEND (First Tier Tribunal) (Pilot) Regulations. It remains to be seen how effective the recommendations will be and whether the pilot scheme will become permanent so that parents will have one body that can rule on all their child’s special educational needs.

Conclusion The local authority has until 1 April 2018 to change all existing Statements to EHCPs. Considering that 2.8% of pupils in schools in England had a Statement of SEN in 2014, equating to 232,190 pupils (Department for Education, SEN in England: January 2014), and that each of these has to transition to an EHCP over the next three years, it is clear that local authorities have a mammoth task. ]The reforms have been in place now for over several months. Already there are a number of emerging concerns, some of which have been brought about by insufficient information in the legislation and accompanying guidance, poor interpretation of the law and local

Laxmi Patel Head of Education · Boyes Turner

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

Laxmi Patel is an Associate Solicitor and Head of Education at Boyes Turner. The Education team specialises exclusively in SEN, working closely with parents to ensure that children with learning disabilities get the best possible support they need in the school they choose.

Check the website for up-do-date news on the SEN changes and downloadable factsheets: www.senexpertsolicitors.co.uk If you would like to discuss your child’s SEN confidentially, please phone or email Laxmi on 0800 884 0723 or: advice@senexpertsolicitors.co.uk

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parenting

Getting Boys Reading!

Research by Save the Children in the recently published ‘Read on Get on’ report shows that there are currently more boys unable to read well at the age of 11 than girls. Even though girls generally read better than boys internationally, the gap between boys and girls reading abilities in the UK is one of the widest in the developed world. In 2013, only 72% of boys were reading well by the age of 11 compared to 78% of girls.

Following the Save the Children report, the ‘Read on Get on’ Campaign was launched in September 2014 with the goal of ensuring all 11 year olds will leave primary school being able to read well by 2025.

(Reading well is a ‘level 4’ at school, or in real life terms - it is being able to enjoy stories such as Treasure Island or Harry Potter, as well as confidently being able to enjoy reading in a wide range of subjects).* =We need to do more to get boys reading and more importantly - get them reading for pleasure. There is a virtuous circle between enjoying reading and being a good reader. Developing a love of stories and books is crucial.

All the ideas and strategies below to get boys reading more can obviously to apply to girls as well. =Read for at least 10 minutes a day with or to your children. Frequent short bursts are better than prolonged reading sessions.

If it becomes as much a routine as putting on socks, then reluctant readers are less likely to complain. =Read anything. Boys are more likely to enjoy reading if they can choose their own reading material and read for a purpose.

Why not try gadget, skateboard, golf or farming magazines, football programmes or sports biographies? =Get dads reading in the home! ‘Read on Get on’ research shows that the impact of parents and in particular dads, has a huge positive impact on children’s reading.

Children fall into reading habits based on what goes on in their home. If they never see their dad or older brother reading, they are much less likely to pick up a book themselves.

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=Get dads into schools! Many schools and organisations such as Beanstalk encourage volunteer readers to help with children’s reading. (There are details of how you can volunteer at: www.readongeton.org.uk.) It’s not easy for working people to take time out to help with reading in school, but employers are being encouraged to get involved with ‘Read on Get on’ by forming partnerships with local schools and being more flexible with employees to allow them to volunteer to help with reading. Imagine the impact when boys in a school see a real builder with his hard hat on reading with a child, because his employer allowed him to extend his lunch by half an hour. =Boys are more likely to be embarrassed to read or be seen to enjoy reading than girls, as it is seen as un-cool. Boys need ‘cool’ role models, to be seen reading, to talk about books and to get involved in reading projects in schools. Get your son to write to sports personalities, celebrities or authors to see if they will visit their school. They might be quite receptive with an active campaign going on.

=Integrate reading into everyday life as much as possible. Ask your son to help you read instructions, or get him to read out the recipe as you are cooking. When out shopping recently, I was heartened to see a dad and son who kept stopping, as the dad got his son to read out various signs and captions in the department store. =Time pressured parents need to rethink how they enjoy their time with boys. If you only end up with half an hour of one to one time with your son, then reading a book together should be given as much priority and time as kicking a ball in the back garden. =If nothing else works; use incentives!

Being able to read well at the age of 11 is the keystone to a good start in life.

Children need to ‘learn to read’ and then they ‘read to learn’. There is something we can all do to get involved with ‘Read on Get on’ and help reach the goal of ensuring all 11 year olds (especially boys) will read well by 2025.

I launched Reading Chest in 2010 when my own son started to learn to read. He found reading difficult and so it wasn’t long before he didn’t enjoy it. At the point when his school ran out of books because he hadn’t made enough progress to move up to the next colour band, I searched for appropriately levelled reading books that might inspire him and the idea of Reading Chest began. Reading Chest is a through the post children’s book rental service for children, offering a huge range of reading schemes including many non-fiction titles.

For more information and reading advice visit: www.readingchest.co.uk Liz Walker · Founder of Reading Chest. *Read on Get on report, published by Save the Children September, 2014.

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

May/June 2015

May/June 2015

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

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parties

Party guide for parents living in West London

By Rachel Bentley know that my children have a birthday on the same date every year (after all, I WAS instrumental in their birth!)

Why, then, do I NEVER get myself organised in PLENTY of time. Last year DS2 did not have a party at all - which then makes for guilt this year and a spectacularly over indulgent party planned. That is why Families West is bringing you some party planning ideas to help and guide you towards a party that is just right for your child, their friends and - perhaps most importantly - you and your budget!

Ten steps to a perfect party Here are some things I have learnt from experience and work well for us - there are lots of local suppliers who can help too and we have included some of those for you in this issue.

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1 Save the day When would you like the party?

Decide as soon as possible which time and day of the week will be best (or least problematic for the majority!) and identify any major events or festivals which clash. Send invitations at least a month ahead clearly showing what the party style is and if the parent or carer will need to stay. Include RSVP details your name, number/email and ‘reply by’ date so you can chase up anyone who doesn’t get back to you. At this stage check dietary requirements and other special needs.

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2 Who’s Who Have a rough idea of who will be coming for numbers - will their parent or carer need to supervise them, will siblings be included? Will you need to plan space and catering for them?

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3 Budgeting How much is in the kitty for the party?

Set how much would you like to spend per child and in total. Remember to factor in your child’s clothing, invites, party bags, decorations and thank you’s

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as well as the party itself. Could you share your party and some of the cost with another family celebrating at the same time with mostly the same guests e.g. another child in the same class at nursery or school?

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4 Get Help!

What help will you need to run the party? Can you do this by yourself or will you need a party organiser to really help things along! What suppliers and venues could you consider? You will need to book really early to get exactly what you want as the best providers get overbooked, so leave yourself plenty of time.

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5 Home or away?

Make your party age appropriate for your child and their friends. Look at your options with that in mind - party at home might be fine for smaller children but look at a venue or activity that you will be comfortable with as well especially for older or very active children. Be aware that our little darlings DO change their minds - often - and be clear with them that once decided, and it is booked, that is it! A Peppa Pig themed ‘do’ might be difficult to turn into a Ninjas Turtle event at the drop of a hat!

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6 Clear arrangements Check out what your party venue or entertainer provides and what you need to provide (we once went to a party where everything but the cake was provided by the venue, but the parents weren’t clear that they must supply a cake - tumbleweed moment when the candles should’ve been lit!)

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7 Responsible partying Be clear who is supervising the children at the party and if it is the party venue’s staff or if you have employed an entertainer check out their credentials including insurance, safety and child protection policy. If you expect a parent

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

or carer to stay with their child be absolutely clear when the invitation is sent out and accepted. Otherwise make sure you have mum or dad’s contact details in case a guest falls ill, has a bump or just needs reassurance!

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8 Catering The sky is the limit! If the venue offers it grab with both hands. Caterers are available for children’s parties and can provide good value but if you need to DIY then keep it simple - we love coloured paper sandwich bags or themed party boxes full of pre-packed goodies (one per child), otherwise big sharing plates to dip into with sandwiches, snacks and green things!

We also like cupcakes on stands rather than a cake as they can be quickly popped into party bags without cutting up and a lot of mess. Make sure you cater for ALL your guests needs or ask their parent or carer if they would mind helping you to put something together that would suit.

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9 Little finishing touches A venue based party or one with an organiser or entertainer may supply rudimentary invitations and party bags.

If your budget runs to it why not make your child’s day really special with invitations and thank yous themed to the party style, and let your imagination run wild with decor and with party bags - make that cake a really fab affair. If you don’t have the time, skill or inclination then rest assured that there are some lovely local suppliers you can support and they can take the strain of personalising your little ones’ parties for you.

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10 Feet up!

When the party is over, make sure there is a treat lined up for you too - not just a tonne of party food leftovers! Make a mental note of what worked and what didn’t. Spread the word about the positive experiences you had of your local party supplier and give them your support - you will most probably need them again in 12 months time!

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Let’s support our local party providers - here are some to help take the strain and please mention Families West when contacting them.

Party Supplies BK FANCY DRESS AND PARTY SHOP at 127 Northfields Ave, W13 stocks a wide range of fancy dress costumes for adults and children. www.bkfancydress.com PARTY PLUS is at 4 Acton Lane, Chiswick, London W4 5NB and also has a mail-order company (www.partyplus.co.uk) They have a wide range of themed party-ware available from stock including Disney Frozen, Skylanders, Peppa Pig, Pirate, Princesses and much more.

020 8994 1674 THE PARTY SUPPLIES stock a wide range of kids party themes, dressing-up costumes, face painting supplies and much more to create a magical party. All delivered to your door by a speedy and reliable courier service. Collections also available from KT3. Tableware, decorations, party bags and bag fillers, party games and toys, all listed by theme. 020 8942 1191 sales@thepartysupplies.co.uk www.thepartysupplies.co.uk PIÑATAS London’s long established bespoke piñata maker. http://pinata.co.uk

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Party Food

BETTY BLYTHE VINTAGE TEAROOM Cakes and children’s tea parties in West Kensington. www.bettyblythe.co.uk BUTTERCUP CAKE SHOP Large cakes and cupcakes in Westfield Shopping Centre.

Cake decorating parties for children. www.buttercupcakeshop.co.uk ELVES AND OVENS is currently taking London by storm with a new range of yummy and exciting children’s party boxes. At Elves and Ovens they take their food very seriously, and now are able to take the feeding of all of your little ones and their friends just as seriously. hungry@elvesandovens.com or call 020 8961 7477 HUMMINGBIRD BAKERY Buy the iconic cupcakes at the local branch on Portobello Road in Notting Hill. Delivery to most West London postcodes. www.hummingbirdbakery.com UPSY DAISY BAKERY 387 King Street, W6 9NJ Cakes, cupcakes and children’s tea parties. www.upsydaisybakery.com

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Let me entertain you THE ACTION STATION Imaginative interactive storytelling parties.

Choose from mermaids, funky witches and wizards, fairies or princesses, pirates, knights or cowboys, spies or drama parties. Clowns, magicians, jugglers, circus skills experts, face painters, make up artists and DJs also available.

0870 770 2705 www.theactionstation.co.uk ADAM ANTS PARTIES Magic, balloon modelling, dancing, singing and puppets.

Themes include disco, build-a-bear, art and Olympic sports. Face painters, small tables and chairs, and other party equipment available.

Midweek discounts.

020 8959 1045 www.adamantsparties.co.uk e:info@adamantsparties.co.uk

Allsorts offer fantastic original themed drama parties.

“Understanding how important birthday parties are to children,we want them to have the most fabulous party ever!”

Our parties are always a whirl of excitement, fly to the world of make-believe, become a Film star, Magician or Detective. Explore the drama of murder mysteries. The only limit is your imagination!

Tel: 0208 767 5298 or 0208 969 3249 www.allsortsdrama.com Allsorts also run term time drama classes,holiday workshops and private tuition including LAMDA. BLUEBERRY PLAYSONGS Live music parties for the under-5's. Guitar-accompanied singing, actions, jumping, instruments and dancing, perfect for little ones. A puppet, shaky eggs and a parachute add to the fun. info@blueberryplaysongs.co.uk or call 020 8677 6871

www.kitestudios.org 2b Bassein Park Road W12 9RY 020 8576 6278 info@kitestudios.org Creative oasis · Art classes for children to adults After school parties & projects with schools

KIDDIKICKS If your child aged 2-12 is mad about football, this is the party for them!

020 7937 7965. info@kiddikicks.co.uk www.kiddikicks.co.uk

Magical Designs

For the very best in FACE PAINTING & BALLOON MODELLING Magical Designs provides a excellent face painting and balloon modelling service in and around London. Whether your event is a small birthday party or a large corporate event Magical Designs will bring colour and joy to both young and old.

For more information please contact Susie on 07814 925 462 susiejk38@hotmail.com www.magicaldesigns.co.uk PERFORM Parties are high energy, fun and infectious. Children just can't resist joining in. Parties are based around a colourful theme, and involve lots of lively games. Children get taken on an

BOO BOO THE CHILDREN’S ENTERTAINER For lots of laughter, fun and games with mini disco, balloon modelling, juggling, magic tricks and puppet shows. He has vast experience entertaining children of all ages and is suitable for all occasions. Recommended by the Evening Standard. 020 7727 3817 www.mr-booboo.co.uk

exciting adventure getting everyone involved.

Huge range of drama themed birthday parties for ages 4-12 years.0845 400 1285. enquiries@perform.org.uk. www.performparties.org.uk STAGECOACH KENSINGTON AND CHISWICK PARTIES create a wonderful world of make-

FUN WITH FIMO CLAY is a unique, creative, fully supervised and non-messy activity, which is just perfect for age 6+ birthday parties. Choose from 100+ projects pictured on the website.

020 8992 3767 or 07970 793401 fimofun@tiscali.co.uk www.funwithfimoclay.co.uk

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

believe which takes children on a roller-coaster ride through their imagination at their fabulous themed Stagecoach Parties. Their party hosts will be in character throughout the birthday partythey will wear colourful, themed costumes, have loads of props and prizes and delight party guests with a wide range of party games, story-

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telling, dancing and singing. All you need to do

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is provide a venue, food and drink…their party

hosts will do the rest. For older children, take a

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Pool Jet Birthday Parties

look at their murder mystery parties. They also

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provide bespoke parties. Call Sara or Sally at on: 020 8398 8106 or 020 8398 4709.

COOKIE CRUMBLES Cooking parties for ages 4-18.

020 8876 9912

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www.cookiecrumbles.co.uk info@cookiecrumbles.co.uk

Party Venues High Energy!

BRAMLEY’S BIG ADVENTURE London’s most central indoor playground host all-inclusive children’s parties from £9.50 per child. This includes 75 minutes play in the 3-level play area and party meal of your choice for 45 minutes in your own private party room as well as party bags and balloons for each child to take home. Bronze, Silver, Gold. Themed or private hire party packages available.

Available: 10am-6pm Mon - Fri and 10am - 6.30pm Sat and Sun. 136 Bramley Road, London W10 6TJ (Latimer Road tube station). 020 8960 1515 www.bramleysbigadventure.com

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Pool Jet Birthday Party is an innovative, but most importantly fun way to spend your child’s birthday.

During one hour children can race with pool jets, enjoy obstacle courses and play with floats.

The activities are great fun and also have an educational value especially for non-swimmers.

All that under the supervision of swimming and scuba diving instructor. We also offer underwater photography to keep the memories of one of the BEST birthday parties your children had!

We operate all year round. Min Age 5+ For more details contact Michal at: mk.diving.school@gmail.com or call: 07825 875 067

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PITSHANGER PLAYCENTRE Venue: Ealing. Bright room for hire with toys and playground equipment in the outside space, perfect for under 5s. Call Marion Doheny on: 07951 535779 pitshangerplaycentre@live.co.uk

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Local Leisure Centres EALING

HILLINGDON OUTDOOR ADVENTURE CENTRE Raft building, kayaking, caving, archery, zip wire, giant swings and more. www.hoac.net

Elthorne Sports Centre

HAMMERSMITH

Sports and Games Parties 020 8579 3226

Phoenix Fitness Centre and Janet Adegoke

Greenford Sports Centre Sports, games,

Swimming Pool Centre

bouncy castle and trampoline. UB6.

Sports Themed party packages.

SNAKES AND LADDERS Indoor soft play centre in Brentford. www.snakes-and-ladders.co.uk

020 8575 9157

W12 7DB.

Gurnell Leisure Centre Swimming parties.

020 8735 4900

W13 OAL.

Jubilee Sports Centre

Local Play Centres

Southall Sports Centre Sports, games and

020 8998 3241 trampoline parties. UB1 1DP.

PICCOLO PLAY CENTRE

020 8571 8871

Venue: Chiswick.

Northolt Leisure Centre Swimming parties.

Book the hall or include entertainment, decoration and themed parties www.piccoloplaycentre.co.uk/parties/

Soft play parties with use of the hall.

W10 4RR. 020 8960 9629 WESTMINSTER

UB5 4AB 020 8825 7014

Seymour Leisure Centre

Southall Sports Centre Sports parties

Soft play parties in the jungle gym and

UB1 1DP. 020 8571 8871 Twyford Sports Centre (Acton) Sports, games and trampoline parties. W3.

020 8993 9095

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sports parties. W1H 5TJ

www.better.org.uk/leisure/seymour-leisurecentre KENSINGTON Westway Sports Centre

CHISWICK

W10 6RP.

Brentford Fountain Leisure Centre

Climbing, Tennis, Football, Wallball and

Swimming, sport and soft play parties.

Fives Parties

TW8 0HJ.

www.sports.westway.org

0845 456 6675 New Chiswick Pool Swimming parties.

W4 2RG. 0845 456 6675

May/June 2015

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Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

Check the party directory online at: www.familieswest.co.uk

13

Local Party Listings continued

Bowling Alleys ALL STAR LANES 6 Porchester Gardens, W2 4DB. 020 7313 8363 www.allstarlanes.co.uk QUEENS 17 Queensway, Bayswater, W2 4QP. 020 7229 0172 www.queensiceandbowl.co.uk

Ice Skating Rinks Website: www.thepartysupplies.co.uk Telephone: 020-8942 1191

QUEENS 17 Queensway, Bayswater, W2 4QP. 020 7229 0172 www.queensiceandbowl.co.uk

“Days Out” Parties BEKONSCOT MODEL VILLAGE AND RAILWAY For the little train fanatics in your life. www.bekonscot.co.uk LONDON DUNGEONS Definitely one for the older ones. www.the-dungeons.co.uk

H ==H=H ODDS FARM PARK A day at the farm with everything thrown in, all you need to do is bring the kids and the cake.

Wooburn Common Road, Wooburn Common, High Wycombe HP10 0LX. 01628 520188 www.oddsfarm.co.uk

The Big Screen ELECTRIC CINEMA Private screening of a favourite film and refreshments. www.electriccinema.co.uk/portobello/ privatehire.php SCIENCE MUSEUM Big screen IMAX movie and party afterwards. www.sciencemuseum.org.uk

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LONDON EYE Hire a private capsule. www.londoneye.com/PrivateCapsules/ CreateYourOwnCapsule LONDON ZOO The Bedbugs Sleepovers in July and August.

(Sounds like a great idea for a birthday treat!). www.zsl.org/events/venue-hire-at-zsllondon-zoo/birthday-parties

Elves & Ovens is a children’s party catering company providing delicious, home-made food and treats for unforgettable parties to children and adults of all ages.

Food Boxes | Proper Tea Party Food Grown Up Food Balloons | Little Furniture Entertainers | Staff Party Bags And More

Call: +44 2089617477 www.elvesandovens.com

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Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

May/June 2015

May Half Term HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS Will to Win Tennis and Multisports camp (W5) 26-29 May A week of intensive tennis and fun in Pitshanger Park and in Lammas Park. Drills, games and match play - learning and fun. Junior camp for ages 7-16, Mini/tots-camp for ages 3-7. Also Multi-sport camps in Pitshanger Park includes netball or football as well as tennis. www.willtowin.co.uk Will to Win Football Camp (W5) 26-29 May For girls and boys ages 5-14, from 10am-3pm in Lammas Park. Free early drop off and late pick up. Each day has a dedicated topic- dribbling, turning and skills, passing and receiving, shooting and finishing plus a competitions and tournaments fun day. Discount available if payment made 2 weeks in advance. www.willtowin.co.uk Ravenscourt Park Tennis Camp (W6) 26-29 May For ages 4-16 with fully structured coaching by qualified coaches and specific teaching points for each day. Players are taught in age and ability groups and include drills, games and match play. Discount available for booking ahead for full and half day camps.

Email: julie@ravenscourtparktennis.com or ring 07824 163326 www.ravenscourtparktennis.co.uk

Chiswick s e s c o u r

Summer Courses 20th July to 13th August 2015 Ages: 6 -16 years Inspirational courses to stimulate creativity.

Animation · Creative Writing · Programming Film · Fashion · Robots with Lego · Science Photography · Cookery and Pottery are amongst the exciting courses we have on offer.

Venue: Ellen Wilkinson School Queens Road W3 0HW

Contact details: Annette or Linda 020 8742 3936 or: www.chiswickcourses.co.uk

Yourspace Saturdays DRAMA and DANCE for 6-16s at 10am-12.

BOOK NOW Yourspace Summer 3-5s, 6-10s and 11-16s St Augustine’s Priory W5 2JL www.yourspacedrama.com

May/June 2015

what’s on Fit for Sport Activity Camp (W5, W13, W4, SW7) 26-29 May For ages 3-12, 9.30am-4.30pm with extended day and half day options available, (8.30am-5.30pm). Fun activities will include volleyball, basketball, quizzes and games along with special Looney Tunes themed fun. All full of energy and full of creativity. Early bird discounts available – book using 0845 456 3233 www.fitforsport.co.uk/holiday-camps Fimo Clay craft activity workshop (W3) 28 May Theme: Shaun the Sheep and friends.

Fun and creative sessions, fully supervised and non messy. Recommended for age 6+.

Workshops take place in private home in West London, morning refreshments provided.

Call Clare McKnight on 020 8992 3767 Or email: fimofun@tiscali.co.uk www.funwithfimoclay.co.uk Holland Park Ecology Centre Environmental activities (W8) 26-29 May Nature-themed outdoor and creative activities for ages 5-10 utilising the park and wooded Wildlife Area. Includes sessions on animal tracking, camouflage and pond dipping.

10am-12noon and 2-4pm for ages 5-10. www.rbkc.gov.uk/ecology Music house for Children music and art workshops (W12) 26 May Musical Storytelling: How loud can you roar? 10am for ages 2-4.

26 May Messy Hands - dough fossils, dinosaur puppets and a huge plate stegosaurus.

11am for ages 2-4. www.musichouseforchildren.co.uk Corner 9 Art and Circus skills workshops (W10) 26-29 May Circus Art Sessions in 2D and 3D. 10am-12noon for age 5+ 26-29 May Circus skills 3-5pm for age 6+ 26, 27 May Chicken Club Learn how to keep hens. 1-2pm for age 5+ www.corner9.com Kids Cookery School cooking workshops (W3) 26-29 May Cookery sessions for ages 3-16 www.thekidscookeryschool.co.uk Isis education Centre environmental and art workshops (W2) 26 May Nature’s Explorers: Hedgehogs And Hedgerows. A full day of guided outdoor games and activities for children aged 8-11. 10am-3pm.

27, 28 May Discovery Day: Hedgehog Heroes.

A day of hedgehog themed activities including arts and crafts, discovery trail and learning to use radio tracking equipment. All ages, 11am-3pm. www.supporttheroyalparks.org

Book now for Summer

Yourspace Drama Workshops (W5) Book now for August's Yourspace drama course and see your child perform on Questors Theatre's famous stage! From August 10-14, 6-10 and 1116 year olds will create a fabulous show based on "Myths and Legends" which they will perform on the Friday evening. No experience is needed for this sell-out week. Early booking also being taken for Yourspace tots: five half days for ages 3-5 with a performance at St Augustine's Priory.

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

Call 07580 474638 or email: info@yourspacedrama.com to register your child’s name. www.yourspacedrama.com Perform drama, dance and singing workshop (W4, W5) The theme this summer is the Ice Queen story. Children aged 4-7, will put on a show for family and friends with colourful costumes, original songs and live music while having fun and developing confidence skills.

25% discount for siblings, reductions for groups and an early bird discount if you book by 1st June.

Chiswick workshops:10-14 Aug, 10am-12noon.

Ealing (W5) workshops: 27-31 Jul, 10am-12noon Ealing (W13) workshops: 3-7 Aug, 2.30-4.30pm.

Call 0845 400 1285 www.perform.org.uk Fimo craft activity workshops (W3) Fun and creative sessions, fully supervised and non messy for age 6+ at teacher’s home.

10.15am-4.15pm.

10 Jul Fast Food & Chocolate Heaven, 16 Jul Rainbow Dragons, 24 Jul Rose Cottage, 31 Jul The Knitting Circle (make miniature creatures and learn how to knit), 1 Sept Mini, Mickey & Pluto, 2 Sept Patchwork Teddybear, 8 Sept Make your own jigsaw puzzle Clare McKnight 020 8992 3767 email: fimofun@tiscali.co.uk www.funwithfimoclay.co.uk Will to Win Football Camp (W13) 29 Jun-28 Aug For girls and boys ages 5-14, from 10am-3pm at Lammas Park. Free early drop off and late pick up. Each day has a dedicated topicdribbling, turning and skills, passing and receiving, shooting and finishing plus a competitions and tournaments fun day. Discount available if payment made 2 weeks in advance. www.willtowin.co.uk Will to Win Tennis and Multisports camp (W13) 29 Jun-28 Aug A week of intensive tennis and fun in Pitshanger Park and Lammas Park. Drills, games and match play - learning and fun. Junior camp for ages 7-16, Mini/tots-camp for ages 3-7. Also Multi-sport camps in Pitshanger Park from 20-31 Jul and 24-28 Aug. includes netball or football as well as tennis. www.willtowin.co.uk Fit for Sport Activity Camp (W5, W13, W4, SW7) 6 Jul - 1 Sep For ages 3-12, 9.30am-4.30pm with extended day and half day options available, (8.30am-5.30pm) Fun activities will include volleyball, basketball, quizzes and games along with special Looney Tunes themed fun. All full of energy and full of creativity. Early bird discounts available.

Book on 0845 456 3233 www.fitforsport.co.uk/holiday-camps Ravenscourt Park Tennis Camp (W6) 29 June - 4 Sept For ages 4-16 with fully structured coaching by qualified coaches and specific teaching points for each day. Players are taught in age and ability groups and include drills, games and match play. Discount available for booking ahead for full and half day camps. Email: julie@ravenscourtparktennis.com or ring 07824 163326 www.ravenscourtparktennis.co.uk Corner Nine Arts Project Art and Circus Workshops (W10) 20-24 Jul 10am-12noon. Summer art camp for age 6+ www.corner9.com

15

what’s on MUSEUMS & GALLERIES

Bank. Join a creative workshop and make your own mosaic to take home. 10am - 4:30pm.

BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM

BRITISH MUSEUM

EC2R 8AH www.bankofengland.co.uk The Museum tells the story of the Bank of England from its foundation in 1694 to its role today as the UK's central bank. Examine intricately-designed banknotes, feel the weight of a genuine gold bar and see the pikes and muskets that were once used to defend the Bank.

EXHIBITION: DISCOVER GOLD A new permanent display featuring gold bars from Roman times to the present day.

EXHIBITION: LILYEXHIBITION: FLORA AND FAUNA Look closely at the rich array of plants and animals that have adorned, protected and served the Bank through the ages.

15 May MUSEUMS AT NIGHT A rare opportunity for an evening visit. Presentations on banknotes and staff on hand to answer questions about gold. 5:30 - 9pm.

26 - 29 May MAGICAL MOSAICS Learn about the colourful mosaics that decorate the ground floor of the

WC1B 3DG www.britishmuseum.org Until 19 Jul ANCIENT LIVES, NEW DISCOVERIES The exhibition features the mummified remains of eight people who lived in the ancient Nile Valley.

Until 2 Aug INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIA: ENDURING CIVILISATIONS A history of indigenous Australia through objects DIGITAL WORKSHOPS Takes place at weekends and school holidays on a variety of themes. Free, for ages 7+ (unless stated) at 11am and sometimes again at 2pm.

Check the Whats On widget on www.familieswest.co.uk for details.

25-29 May INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURES Discover the history of Australia with a whole week of activities inspired by the exhibition. Make something to take home, help create a giant collaborative art work in the Great Court and listen to stories. 11am-4pm.

Free, drop-in.

26 May LITTLE FEET: MAKE YOUR MARK Explore indigenous Australia in this multi-sensory session for under 5s. Free, drop-in. 11am-1pm.

IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM

Full and part time places, ages from 3 mths to 5 Yrs. Bordering Hammersmith and Chiswick.

Set in a beautiful pristine town house, very cosy home from home feel.

Special promotion right now for Babies.

Telephone: 0208 748 4651 www.littlemuffinsnursery.co.uk

16

SE1 6HZ www.iwm.org.uk Until 31 Aug FASHION ON THE RATION: 1940S STREET STYLE Explore how fashion survived and even flourished under the strict rules of rationing during WW2.

Every Sun in May and Jun OBJECT CONVERSATIONS New immersive object handling sessions where families can explore objects from the collections- feel the weight of a shrapnel piece from the First World War and come to grips with real objects. Drop-in, free, for all ages.

11am - 12.30pm and 2 - 4pm.

3, 10, 17 May CREATIVE RESPONSE Art activities based on themes featured in atrium and galleries. Dropin, free, for all ages. 11am - 12.30pm and 2 - 4pm.

20, 21 Jun INTRODUCTION TO THE HOLOCAUST Discussion and replica object handling session is a useful starting point for families who wish to learn about the Holocaust. For ages 11+ 11.30am and 2.30pm.

9, 10, 23-31 May ART WORKSHOP: DESIGN A 1940s SCARF Find out about fashion of the 1940s and get inspired to design

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

your own bold and colourful scarf to take home. This activity is inspired by items in the Fashion on the Ration exhibition. Free, 11.30am and 2pm, for ages 11+ LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM WC2E 7BB www.ltmuseum.co.uk Let your children's imaginations run wild as they are transported back in time at the historical and interactive London Transport Museum. Filled with buses, trains, and taxis they can take the wheel, try their hand as a tube conductor or bump around with the other passengers in the back, as they explore the vehicles of London's past and present. Museum open 10am-6pm Mondays to Thursdays and weekends, from 11am Fridays. Admission free for under 16s, £15 adults. Tickets are valid for 12 months' unlimited admission.

THE FAMILY STATION Visit the Family Station, pick up a coin bag and choose some activities to do as you explore the museum. Whether you fold your own bus and drive it between the vehicles, design your own poster-postcards or take photos through flickr frames, there is something here for families with children of all ages. Open weekends and school holidays, suitable for families with 3 -12 yearolds.

NATIONAL GALLERY WC2N 5DN www.nationalgallery.org.uk Every Sun FAMILY SUNDAYS Activities designed for families to enjoy and learn together, 11am and 3pm MAGIC CARPET STORYTELLING For children aged 2-5.

Sundays 10.30-11am and 11.30am - 12pm. Fly away on the magic carpet, coming to land in front of a different painting each day. Musical Magic Carpets once a month.

DRAWING SUNDAY Explore gallery paintings as inspiration for your art. For ages 5-11. Sundays 11am and 2pm. Drop-in. (3, 17 May, 7, 21 Jun) STUDIO SUNDAYS are hands-on workshops that start in the Gallery, followed by a studio session (11am and 2pm). (3, 17, 24 May, 7, 14 Jun) 20 May-24 Jun FAMILY WEDNESDAYS Early years activities and bring paintings to life through interactive

May/June 2015

music, storytelling, art and messy play activities. Every Wednesday, 10.30 and 11.30am for walkers under age five, 1pm for sitting babies to walkers.

HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS 23 May 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.

25 May MESSY MONDAYS - EXPLORING THE STUDIO Under 5s can explore paintings and materials through storytelling and art. 10.30am-1pm and 1.303pm.

26 May TALKING TUESDAYS - INVESTIGATING PAINTINGS Bringing a painting to life through singing, talking and playing. For under 5s. 10.30am-1pm and 1.30-3pm.

25-28 May INCREDIBLE IMPRESSIONS Discover how the Impressionist painters used light and colour to paint beautiful scenes of everyday life. 11am and 2pm.

26-28 May ARTIST’S APPRENTICE WORKSHOP: INVESTIGATING IMPRESSIONISM Enjoy mixing and painting with oil paints to capture the spontaneous beauty of London’s greenery. Advance booking essential.

using scientific tools to observe and record your discoveries. 11am-5pm.

26, 27, 28 May THE ANIMAL STORY PUPPET SHOW Join Charlie the Fox and his friends on a magical adventure through the woodland and learn about British wildlife. For under 7s.

27 May, 6 Jun DINO SCENE INVESTIGATION Uncover a replica dinosaur skull and learn more about the world of fossils. Age 7+ 28, 30, 31 May, 27 Jun CLOSE UP ON CORALS Handle real specimens, create your own coral artwork and piece together what adaptations make animals such as fish suited to their environment.

30 May, 27 Jun MARY ANNING Meet Mary Anning, a pioneering fossil hunter from 19th century. 11.30am and 2pm.

6 Jun A HOUSE FULL OF BUTTERFLIES Find out how caterpillars turn into butterflies, discover what they like to eat for dinner and be amazed by the variety of species to be found in the Sensational Butterflies exhibition. Age 7+ 13 Jun MARVELLOUS MOTHS What's the difference between a moth and a butterfly? Can moths be colourful too? And how big can they get? Meet the moth curator and find out.

NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY WC2H 0HE www.npg.org.uk 17 May FAMILY ART WORKSHOP: PORTRAITS IN CLAY Roll, mould, pinch and coil, in this session focussing on portraits in clay. Free. 1-2.30pm and 3-4.30pm.

For ages 3+ 25-29 May HALF TERM WORKSHOPS: FAMILY ACTIVITIES TAKE A CLOSER LOOK A week exploring what makes a portrait. Using the temporary displays and the collection to discover different ways of creating a portrait using photography, printmaking painting and animation. 11am-4pm, free.

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM WC2H 0HE www.nhm.ac.uk 3 May 7 Jun HANDS ON NATURE- DINOSAURS Handle real fossil specimens and larn how to identify them. For ages 7+ 9 May. 13 Jun DINO SNORES Ever wondered what goes on at the Natural History Museum at night?

7pm till morning, torchlit trails through the museum, live animal shows and more. For ages 7-11.

9, 27 May, 13 Jun ANIMAL VISION A show which features live animals, reveals a world only visible to certain reptiles and invertebrates. See how adaptations allow them to escape predators and locate prey. 10.30am.

For ages 7+ 10 May, 14 Jun CHARLES DARWIN Meet Charles Darwin, he will share his collection of beetles and tell you his famous theory of evolution.

23, 24 May, 14 Jun POND LIFE Drop-in session exploring the pond life in the Museum's Wildlife Garden

May/June 2015

VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM SW7 2RL www.vam.ac.uk Every Sun DROP-IN DESIGN Pick up a design challenge, hunt for ideas in the galleries, then create your own. 10.30am-5pm, for age 5+ Every Sat and 23-31 May POP UP PERFORMANCES 11am, 1 and 3pm. Interactive performance each with a different theme. Free, drop in, for all ages. (25, 28 May BSL Interpreted performances.)

23-31 May THE IMAGINATION STATION Imagine yourself as a young Italian Renaissance artist commissioned to work for the Medici family, to create new designs for art, sculpture and machines. Free, drop in. 10.30am-5pm, for age 3+ 23-31 May DIGITAL KIDS Create your own digital art.

25-29 May MAKE IT: SCULPTURE Work with an artist to explore the technique of plaster-casting and make your own piece of art. 10.30am and 2.30pm, for all ages.

FREE ART FUN-BACK-PACKS, ACTIVITY CART AND ANIMAL BAGS Families can pick up an activity BackPack, get creative at Drop-in-Design or go on a gallery adventure trail. Free, drop-in. Suitable for children aged 4 to 11.

Activity Cart: Fantastic hands-on art fun for children to create collages and pictures to take home.

Agent Animal bag: A sensory activity bag that has been developed especially for under 5s.

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

NATIONAL GALLERY

V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD E2 9PA www.museumofchildhood.org.uk 25-26 May HALF TERM WORKSHOPS Join in the adventure and celebrate the 150th anniversary of the publication of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Enter Alice’s weird and wonderful world with great activities, making, story-telling and dressing up inspired by this classic children’s book. 11am-4pm, drop-in All ages 25, 26 May MAD HATTER’S HAT MAKING Join artist Miriam Baez to fashion a bonkers hat inspired by the wonderful images and imaginings from Alice’s world. £5, ages 5–12, 10.30am, 11.45am, 2pm, 3.15pm.

25, 26 May PLAYING CARD PRINT WORKSHOP Work with a printmaker to design and print your own playing card. Discover how prints were made in the past, and help the Museum create a whole deck of cards inspired by Alice in Wonderland. £5, ages 5–12, 11.15am, 12.30, 2.30, and 3.45pm.

17

what’s on DAYS OUT

GOLDEN HINDE

BUCKINGHAM PALACE SW1A 1AA www.royalcollection.org.uk 27-29 May FAMILY ACTIVITIES: HORSES GALORE Find out more about these special residents of the Royal Mews and then create your own hobby horse.

11am-4pm.

CUTTY SARK SE10 9NF www.rmg.co.uk/cuttysark Every Weds TODDLER TIME Bring your little sailors along for songs, stories and playtime on board. 2-4pm for ages 4 and under.

Every weekend CUTTY SARK CHARACTERS Meet Captain Woodget, the ship’s most daring master; Jock Willis, the man who built Cutty Sark; Nannie, the ship’s figurehead; or the ship’s cook, James Robson, who all have an extraordinary story to tell. For ages 3+ 2, 3 May FAMILY FUN WEEKEND: SHINY SEA Create a shimmering silver sea complete with ships, waves and icebergs. All ages, 11.30am and 2pm.

25, 26 May WEATHER MOBILES Bring waves, storms and salty splashes to life by designing your own weather mobile to take home. All ages, 11.30am and 2pm.

27–29 May FISH ON A DISH What lives in the water?

Using a paper plate and your imagination, create a colourful sea creature to take home and play with.

All ages, 11.30am and 2pm.

6, 7 Jun FAMILY FUN WEEKEND: 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. 11.30am and 3pm.

FULHAM PALACE SW6 6EA www.fulhampalace.org 11, 18 May, every Mon in Jun THE PALACE EXPLORERS A weekly parent/carer and toddler sessions for children aged 2-4. £3 per child, which includes a drink and healthy snack, booking essential. 10.30am-12noon.

4 May PALACE STORIES An exciting afternoon full of traditional folktales, legends and myths. Free, no booking necessary. For age 2+ 1-4pm.

25 May YOUNG ARCHAEOLOGISTS’ CLUB DROP-IN 1-4pm. Free, no booking necessary. For 8-16 year olds.

27 May FULHAM PALACE FUN DAY Crafts, storytelling and dressing up. 10am-12pm and 1-3pm. Free, no booking necessary.

29 May HALF-TERM ARCHAEOLOGY WORKSHOP: WHO WAS HERE BEFORE? Find out all about our prehistoric ancestors, and how they lived. 10am-4pm.

20 Jun LITTLE GREEN FINGERS GARDENING SESSION Learn how vegetables and flowers grow and have a go at seed sowing in the garden beds. For ages 4+, 10.30am-12pm 21 Jun EDWARDIAN GARDEN PARTY A day of family fun including music, crafts, games and dressing up.

1-4pm, free.BUCKINGHAM PALACE HMS BELFAST

SE1 9DG www.goldenhinde.com Every Sat PUBLIC GUIDED TOUR Let the costumed educators bring the Golden Hinde and its history to life.

Learn about life at sea and Drakes voyage around the world in this family-friendly tour.

9, 23, 25-28, 30 May, 6, 20 Jun PIRATE FUN DAY Raise the anchor and fire the cannons before trying to find the hidden treasure somewhere aboard the ship. For ages 4+ 11am-1pm.

9, 23, 25, 26, 29, 30 May, 20, 27 Jun TUDOR FUN DAY Learn the history of the House of Tudor with two eccentric 16th century characters, gruesome stories, crazy games and fun activities. For ages 6+ 2, 27 May, 6 Jun DRAKE FUN DAYS Find out all about Sir Frances Drake. Age 6+ 13 Jun TUDOR BATTLE WORKSHOP Children will be become crew members and learn how to defend the ship and tend to the wounded.

30 May, 27 Jun FAMILY OVERNIGHT EXPERIENCE Children will be dressed as Tudor sailors, trained in navigation, barber surgery and gunning, before bedding down to sleep on the gun deck. Age 6+ HAMPTON COURT PALACE KT8 9AU www.hrp.org.uk Daily: TUDOR COOKERY Watch the cooks toiling in the Kitchens of King Henry VIII, preparing the exotic dishes for his majesty.

Every Thurs and Sat in Jun TINY EXPLORERS Discover the fascinating stories of Hampton Court Palace in a multi-sensory workshop which includes music, movement and messy play for 0-4yrs. Booking essential.

23-31 May TIMEQUAKE Explore parts of the palace where visitors are normally forbidden to go – through secret passages, down hidden staircases and behind closed doors with a Time Explorer. For ages 7-14.

HMS BELFAST SE1 2JH www.iwm.org.uk ONGOING: GUN TURRET EXPERIENCE -a chance to see what fighting at sea would have really been like.

Lights, audio, projections and movement will recreate the experience, highlighting the hectic and cramped conditions that would have seen twenty-six men in this confined space at any one time.

INTERACTIVE OPERATIONS ROOM The nerve centre and brain of the entire ship which now has exciting interactives.

FREE FAMILY DROP-IN ACTIVITIES: 23-31 May CROSSING THE LINE ‘Cross the line’ and find out what it was like for sailors crossing the equator for the first time, as they took part in initiation rituals, dressing up, then create your collaged mask disguise.

Drop-in, all ages, 11am - 12.30pm and 2 -4pm.

27, 28 Jun TATTOO T-SHIRTS: DAVY JONES’S LOCKER Design your own t-shirt, inspired by traditional navy tattoos, learn about their history and why as a sailor you wouldn’t want to be visiting Davy Jones’s Locker in a hurry! Drop-in, all ages, 11am - 12.30pm and 2 - 4pm.

HOLLAND PARK ECOLOGY CENTRE W8 6LU www.rbkc.gov.uk/ecologyevents 26-29 May CHILDREN’S HALF TERM ACTIVITIES Details on the workshops page.

6 Jun AMPHIBIAN ANTICS: WILDLIFE AREA OPEN DAY Amphibian focused drop-in event exploring a hidden corner of the park only open to the public a few times a year. 2-6pm, all ages, free.

KENSINGTON PALACE W8 4PX www.hrp.org.uk/kensingtonpalace Every Weds and Sat in June TINY EXPLORERS Discover fascinating stories about Kensington Palace in these multi-sensory workshops. Music, movement, messy play and more for 0-4yrs.

16 May THE KIDS’ 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. For ages 5 -11 years old.

26-30 May WHEN I GROW UP Games, dress up, craft activities, storytelling and hear tales from Princess Victoria’s governess about Victoria’s strict childhood growing up in the palace. For ages 4 - 11.

KEW GARDENS TW9 3AB www.kew.org 23 May-6 Sept SPICES Explore the botanical origins of these mystical goods with flavour, interactive installations and exhibitions. Come face-to-face with nutmeg, turmeric and tamarind in the steamy Palm House, or chillies, ginger and vanilla orchids in the Princess of Wales Conservatory, take part in Rangoli workshops and play your part in contributing to large-scale folk art every weekend (in the Teepees by Climbers and Creepers). Look out for the giant nutmeg, garlic, chilli and ginger Inflatables dotted throughout the Gardens: Have a peep inside them and enjoy an unexpected view of their inner workings.

ODDS FARM PARK HP10 0LX www.oddsfarm.co.uk A FABULOUS DAY OUT AT THE FARM. Meet the farmers and get close to the animals in the hands-on area and in the large undercover animal barns. There is also a huge outdoor play area with an Adventure Maze, Go-Karts, Log Play Areas, Crazy Golf and plenty of farm animals to meet.

23-29 May SHEEP SHEARING SHOWS Join in the fun of Sheep Shearing and Wool Spinning Shows at the farm.

OSTERLEY PARK AND HOUSE TW7 4RB www.nationaltrust.org.uk/osterley-park 6 May BLUEBELL WALK a guided walk to take in the beautiful bluebells.2pm.

26 May LITTLE SEEDLINGS GARDENING CLUB Drop-in, hands on gardening sessions in the kitchen garden, planting, weeding and watering (or just digging!)

27 May 50 THINGS TO DO BEFORE YOU'RE 113/4 Collect a scrapbook, join in the adventure, then pick up your sticker. 12-4pm.

28 May CRAFT CART Drop-in creative craft activities for all ages. 12-4pm.

TOWER OF LONDON EC3 www.hrp.org.uk 23-25, 29-31 May STORY SCRAMBLE AT THE TOWER OF LONDON An interactive trail and game for families. Stories have been scrambled up and must be put back together again. Connect the pieces as you explore 1000 years of history in a day. Free.

Days Out listings continue on page 20

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Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

May/June 2015

May/June 2015

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

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what’s on THE LONDON WETLANDS CENTRE SW13 9WT www.wwt.org.uk 23-31 May ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS See a whole host of animals up close including exquisite birds, moths, reptiles and amphibians or sign up for one of the ‘safari’ sessions. Also bug hunts, reptile rambles, duckling walks and pond dipping.

6 Jun-19 Jul WEEKEND FAMILY ACTIVITIES See the wildlife reserve is at its most colourful at this time of year, with flowers in full bloom and the gardens looking glorious. Pond dipping, outdoor crafts and plenty of nature-themed fun for families.

ZSL LONDON ZOO NW1 4RY www.zsl.org 16, 17 May SPECIAL CHILDREN'S DAY A day for children with special needs and their families and friends with increased specialist facilities and number of staff, as well as special interactive events and discounted entry.

5 Jun-17 Jul SUNSET SAFARI Always wanted to glimpse a tiger prowling at twilight? Or dreamt of watching graceful giraffes as they settle down at dusk?

Go on a self-guided Safari Trail or book a premium Guided Safari Tour. 6-10pm.

FAMILY THEATRE BECK THEATRE UB3 2UE www.becktheatre.org.uk 14-16 May DANNY THE CHAMPION OF THE WORLD Danny’s dad has a secret hobby of poaching pheasants.

When Hazell, a local developer, wants to take over the land their garage is on, trouble ensues - but they come up with a most exciting plan. Based on Roald Dahl’s famous book. For age 5+ 23-24 May ANNIE JNR Little orphan Annie charms everyone’s hearts, despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City. She is determined to find her parents, who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of a New York City Orphanage run by the cruel, embittered Miss Hannigan.

6, 7 Jun BEN & HOLLY’S LITTLE KINGDOM Live on stage for the first time and packed full of games, songs and laughter, this is an enchanting and magical visit to the Little Kingdom, where Princess Holly and her best friend Ben Elf live-a beautiful story of elves, princesses and childhood innocence which will delight pre-school children.

CAMBRIDGE THEATRE WC2H 9HU www.matildathemusical.com Booking until Dec 15 MATILDA THE MUSICAL The Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of Roald Dahl’s magical story about a girl with extraordinary powers.

LYRIC HAMMERSMITH W6 0QL www.lyric.co.uk Until 1 Aug BUGSY MALONE Fat Sam’s Grand Slam comes to Hammersmith to reopen the Lyric after a multimillion pound redevelopment. Join Bugsy, Blousey and Tallulah for an unforgettable theatrical experience.

Get booking today because, as Fizzy knows... tomorrow never comes. For age 6+ 23 May-6 Jun 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 and to help solve a fiendishly puzzling mystery.

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SW7 2AP www.royalalberthall.com Every Weds until 18 Jul STORYTELLING FOR 0-4 YEAR OLDS sessions for babies and toddlers, aiming to engage and encourage interaction between parents/carers and their little ones using musical instruments, singing, movement and stories. 10am.

26, 27 May SHH...BANG! A delicate dance-theatre performance for children 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.

For ages 3+ 28 May ALBERT EINSTEIN: RELATIVITIVELY SPEAKING Join Albert, the genius behind the übercoolest moustache in science, for a lecture like none you’ve ever seen. He is joined by his wives and mum on piano, and by guest rapper MC Squared, as he quantum leaps us through two world wars, the wurst sausage joke ever, and even some actual proper boffin-checked science.

For ages 6+

PUPPET THEATRE BARGE W9 2PF www.puppetbarge.com Weekends until 17 May BRER RABBIT AND THE TAR BABY A wily Fox but an even wilier Rabbit, who spends most of his time outwitting his traditional enemy.

11am and 3pm.

Weekends 23 May-5 Jul FOWL PLAY A farmyard adventure in which a foal is born causing much excitement among the animals. The chickens soon spread the news which leads to an unexpected turn of events.

For age 3+ RICHMOND THEATRE TW9 1QJ www.atgtickets.com/Richmond 12-16 May TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD Set in the Deep South, Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel sees racial injustice envelop a small-town community. Through courage and compassion, lawyer Atticus Finch seeks the truth, and his feisty daughter, Scout - a young girl on the cusp of adulthood - brings new hope to a neighbourhood in turmoil.

Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom Richmond Theatre

Annie Jnr Beck Theatre

THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL

23, 24 May BEN & HOLLY'S LITTLE KINGDOM Ben and Holly have fun and games helping Gaston the Ladybird clean up his messy cave, they go on a trip into The Big World with tooth-fairy Nanny Plum, even plan a surprise birthday party for King Thistle. A musical adventure for little ones full of games, songs and laughter.

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

Albert Einstein: Relatively Speaking The Royal Albert Hall

SOUTHBANK CENTRE SE1 8PX www.southbankcentre.co.uk Fridays in Mar and Apr RUG RHYMES FOR THE UNDER FIVES A short session of nursery rhymes, poems and rhyming stories, and the opportunity to look at and borrow books. Free but booking essential.

Until 24 May A SIMPLE SPACE Seven young acrobats from Australia bring laughter, gasps and applause with non-stop, mind-boggling feats of breathtaking acrobatics in a smash-hit circus show.

Sats 2-23 May MORGAN & WEST’S UTTERLY SPIFFING SPECTACULAR MAGIC SHOW - 4 KIDS (AND CHILDISH GROWN-UPS!) A family show where magic and silliness abound. For age 5+ 3, 24 May, 6. 13, 27, 28 Jun LPO FUNHARMONICS CONCERTS FOR ALL THE FAMILY: THAT'S ALL FOLK! USA! A musical adventure to the home of jazz, blues, bright lights, big cities, Hollywood and the Wild West.

Also-10am - 2pm:Have a go instrument sessions and workshops.

3 May COMEDY CLUB 4 KIDS Cracking stand up comedy for age 6+ 4, 25 May SHLOMO'S BEATBOX ADVENTURE FOR KIDS Shlomo is a world record-breaking beatboxer who makes music using just his mouth and a mic. For all ages.

May/June 2015

what’s on 10, 31 May, 14, 28 Jun MONSKI MOUSE'S BABY DISCO DANCE HALL Monski Mouse, who spins an eclectic selection of retro hits and funky nursery rhymes.

Baby Disco Dance Hall is designed as a super-fun session of dancing and play for parents and under fives.

24 May, 14 Jun THE SHOWSTOPPERS' FANTASTICAL STORY FACTORY An improvised Musical Adventure for ages 6+ 26 May, 3-7, 9-14, 16-18 and 20-21 Jun CIRCUS GEEKS: BETA TESTING Performance Circus for ages 8+.

Three jugglers share their obsession with throwing and catching through theatre, comedy and circus skills.

31 May, 20, 21 Jun PHIL ELLIS'S FUNZ AND GAMEZ Performance Comedy with prizes, laughter and fun for ages 5+CAMBRIDGE THEATRE THEATRE ROYAL DRURY LANE WC2B 5JF www.reallyuseful.com/theatres/theatre-royal-drury-lane Ongoing: CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY Roald Dahl's deliciously dark tale of young Charlie Bucket and the mysterious confectioner Willy Wonka in a musical directed by Sam Mendes. 2.30pm and 7.30pm.

for under 3s, deaf friendly. (4 Jun UP CLUB+ Pre show drop-in workshops in the foyer include play time with music, instruments, hand puppets and lots of singing.)

17-31 May HENRY THE FIFTH Kings need crowns and castles to prove themselves, and so does Henry. But Henry the Fifth is running out of cash and all he can think about is that his neighbour’s castle is bigger than his. (23 May: A physical workshop with a drama practitioner exploring the themes of Henry the Fifth).

6-21 Jun ONE LITTLE WORD Two characters play together, exploring new space, objects, dressing up and taking turns. But there’s a struggle when one of them wants to be the ONLY captain of the ship. For age 3+ 29 Jun - 4 Jul ANCIENT MECHANICALS: AN INTERACTIVE EXHIBITION Shoot down a castle with a Roman catapult, build an aqueduct to guide water to a village, try the Greek way of using the sun to burn the enemy’s ships, and bookworms can even learn to write their name in hieroglyphics.

May/June 2015

CADOGAN HALL SW1X 9DQ www.cadoganhall.com 9 May CRASH BANG WALLOP! FAMILY CONCERTBON VOYAGE An amazing musical adventure around the world with City of London Sinfonia musicians. Before the concert, meet the musicians and arts and crafts activities.

For ages 3-6.

6 Jun SOUTHBANK SINFONIA FAMILY CONCERT A family concert that shines the spotlight on one of the greatest symphonies ever written accompanied by specially created videos and theatrical lighting. After the concert you can meet the players and try out some of their instruments. For ages 5-11.

BACH TO BABY

UNICORN THEATRE SE1 2HZ www.unicorntheatre.com 7 May-4 Jun PLANETA KA A chance for children to discover a new environment using sound, textures and visual effects. There are secret spaces to hide, slopes to climb and places to jump and slide. A sensory spectacular

CONCERTS MUSIC WORKSHOPS

One Little Word Unicorn Theatre

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

www.bachtobaby.com/londonnorth All concerts at 10.30am.

4, 25 May, 29 Jun in Covent Garden (St. Paul's Covent Garden, Bedford St, London WC2) 27 May, 24 Jun in Kensington (Christ Church, Victoria Road, Kensington, W8) 19 May, 16 Jun in Notting Hill (St. John's Church, Lansdowne Crescent, London W11) 29 May, 26 Jun in Chiswick (St. Michael and All Angels, Bath Road, W4)

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clubs & classes · diary dates DANCE DANCE GALLERY Dance Gallery is Ealing’s leading dance school and specialises in modern, jazz, tap and musical theatre productions for children aged 4-18 years old.

0208 566 9672 jill@dancegallery.co.uk www.dancegallery.co.uk KENSINGTON BALLET 18 months - 2 years Kensington, Chelsea, Knightsbridge, Notting Hill and Fulham.

07957 650 042 www.kensingtonballet.com WEST LONDON DANCE ACADEMY 07771 984590 info@westlondondanceacademy.com www.westlondondanceacademy.com Become a Dance Teacher, a new concept in dance teacher training www.becomeadanceteacher.co.uk WEST LONDON SCHOOL OF DANCE 21/2 – 16 years 020 8743 3856 westlondondance@aol.com www.westlondonschoolofdance.co.uk

DRAMA ALLSORTS DRAMA Drama classes, holiday workshops and parties 020 8767 5298 www.allsortsdrama.com PERFORM Drama, dance and singing sessions held in various venues around London.

To find a free trial class near you call: 0845 400 1285 www.perform.ork.uk STAGECOACH THEATRE ARTS Dance, drama and singing for 4-18 year olds Chiswick: 020 8398 4709 Kensington & Brook Green: 020 8398 8106 Hammersmith: 020 8398 8106 Acton: 020 8819 1399 Ealing: 01494 700794 info@stagecoach.co.uk www.stagecoach.co.uk YOURSPACE DRAMA Saturday mornings of drama, song and dance (6-16s) plus creative performing arts holiday courses 3-16s) at Easter and in August. Ealing W5. Find out more at www.yourspacedrama.com 07580 474638 info@yourspacedrama.com

FOOTBALL KIDDIKICKS Football (W2,W4,W8,W10,W11,TW8) Available for boys and girls from 18 months to age 7.

020 7937 7965 info@kiddikicks.co.uk www.kiddikicks.co.uk

GYM & DANCE TWISTERS Gymnastics, Ballet, Dance Drama

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Toddlers to Teenagers 020 8933 9997 020 8840 4452 twisters@btinternet.com www.twisters.org.uk

LANGUAGES ARABIC FOR WOMEN & CHILDREN Female teacher 07956 845053 CLUB PETIT NAVIRE EALING Learn French, Parent & Toddler group. 22 mths - 4 yrs 020 8997 7116 info@arkofnoah.net LINK CHINESE ACADEMY 0208 3320 942 children@linkchinese.co.uk www.linkchinese.co.uk Culture Curry Introducing the breadth of the Indian culture to our children through interactive and fun classes.

07774 788002 culturecurry@ymail.com www.culturecurry.co.uk

SPORTS RAVENSCOURT PARK TENNIS 4-6, 6-10 and 10-16 years of age. Group or private lessons available.Lessons take place on the tennis courts Ravenscourt Park.

Half term camps and Summer Camps running this year as well as term courses lasting 13 weeks beginning midApril.

Discounts for advance bookings given.

07824 163326 julie@ravenscourtparktennis.com WILL TO WIN Junior Multi-Sports Camps.

Junior Netball, Football and Tennis.

Courses and Drop-in Sessions.

Pitshanger Park 020 8991 9844 Lammas Park, 020 8840 0888 www.willtowin.co.uk

TUTORS AND LEARNING SUPPORT EXPLORE LEARNING Maths & English Tuition Centres. 5-14 yrs.

Free trial session Ealing: 020 8090 8710 Hayes: 020 8561 8530 Westfield, London: 020 809 01216 www.explorelearning.co.uk FLEET TUTORS Private home tutoring.

020 8580 3911 www.fleet-tutors.co.uk MRS JONES 11 PLUS TUITION Mock exam practice.

020 8390 6076 www.11plustuition.co.uk VICTORIA PAGE Private tuition 21/2 - 11years.

07050 246810 VIVIEN BORNEMANN Home tuition. Art, Craft and design. All ages 020 8932 1010

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

DIARY DATES 9 May OPEN DAY AT ST AUGUSTINE’S PRIORY Leading Ealing Catholic independent day school for girls, St Augustine’s Priory, is inviting parents to its Spring Open Day 2014. The school caters for girls age 3-18. Sessions take place from 10am-12noon and 1-3pm at St Augustine’s Priory, Hillcrest Rd, Ealing, W5 2JL. Register at: admissions@saintaugustines priory.org Or call 0208 997 2022 www.saintaugustinespriory.org.uk/index.php/seniorcontact-admissions/opendayrequest.html 10 May BABY AND CHILDREN’S MARKET Nearly new baby and children’s items for sale at Piccolo Play Centre, Chiswick from 10.30am-12.30pm. Or sell your high quality children’s items and get 100% profit on market day. Children’s entertainment - face painting, balloon modelling and music activity sessions.

For more info: ingrid@babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk Or call 07905 658065 www.babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk 10 May COVENT GARDEN MAY FAYRE and PUPPET FESTIVAL at St Paul’s Church Garden, Bedford Street, WC2 9ED. 11am- procession around Covent Garden, 12.30-5.30pm- puppet shows, workshops, stalls, refreshments and music. www.alternativearts.co.uk 11-14 May KEY STAGE TWO SATS WEEK 13 May LITTLE MUFFINS NURSERY OPEN DAY 10am-3pm The nursery is on the borders of Chiswick and Hammersmith and take children aged from 3 months to 5 years. Call 020 8748 4651 Or email: info@littlemuffinsnursery.co.uk www.littlemuffinsnursery.co.uk 13-16 May MUSEUMS AT NIGHT Explore arts, history and heritage after dark at museums and galleries across London. Packed with special events, from treasure trails to sleepovers. www.museumsatnight.org.uk 16 May BABY AND CHILDREN’S MARKET Nearly new baby and children’s items for sale at Kingsdown Methodist Church Kingsdown Avenue (corner of Northfield Avenue) West Ealing W13 9PR from 10am12noon. Or sell your high quality children’s items and get 100% profit on market day. Also children’s entertainment- face painting, balloon modelling and music activity sessions. For info: ingrid@babyand childrensmarket.co.uk Or call 07905 658065. www.babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk 23 May EALING NCT NEARLY NEW SALE Bag a bargain and help the work of the NCT by beating the credit crunch and saving money at the Nearly New Sale selling quality used baby, toddler and maternity clothes, toys, books and equipment. 12.45-2.30 pm Venue: Kingsdown Methodist Church, Kingsdown Avenue (corner of Northfield Avenue), West Ealing, W13 9PR. Contact: nearlynewsale.ealing@nct.org.uk Or call Yolanda on: 0844 243 6114.

18 Jun OPEN DAY AT DURSTON HOUSE SCHOOL Durston House is an independent preparatory school for boys aged 4-13.The session will run from 9.15-11.45am, Durston School Pavilion, Carlton Road, Ealing, situated near to the school.

Welcome talk by the Headmaster, then group tours to the three buildings. Register at info@durstonhouse.org or call 020 8991 6532 28 Jun PARTY IN THE PARK A fabulous family day out in Pitshanger Park, Ealing. www.pitshanger.org.uk

May/June 2015

COMPETITIONS

WIN... A Family Ticket to see ‘Billy Elliot The Musical’ Celebrating 10 years in London’s West End! To be in with a chance of winning a family ticket to see this fantastic show just visit:

www.familieswest.co.uk/ competitions Closing date: 6th June 2015.

Win a family ticket to Finals Day of Chestertons Polo in the Park on Sunday 7th June.

What’s more, the lucky winners will be treated to a private viewing of the pony lines and a chance to meet some of the polo players.

To be in with a chance of winning just visit: www.familieswest.co.uk/competitions Closing date for entries: 9am · 1st June 2015

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May/June 2015

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