Families London-Kent Borders Issue 17 Jan-Feb 2014

The essential magazine for parents of children aged 0–teens Issue 17: January/February 2014

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! e e r F

London–Kent Borders

Baby special!

• New Year, New You • Education News • Clubs & Classes 10

PLUS:

Fantastic reader offers including your chance to win a family holiday to Puy St Vincent in the French Alps with Snowbizz!

Plus: News, ‘What’s on’ & much more inside! ★ For families living in the Bromley & Bexley boroughs, Dartford & the surrounding areas of Kent www.familieslondonkent.co.uk

children’s boutique Childrenswear (0–12 years) • New Born Gift Sets Occasionwear • Footwear • Baby Shower Gifts

413a crofton Road, Locksbottom, Kent

01689 860490

opposite Barclays Bank backs onto Sainsbury’s Car Park

340 Crofton Road, Locksbottom, Kent, BR6 8NN www.curlylocksclothing.com 01689 860490 www.curlylocksclothing.com ROOM R

M IN I A T UR E

SA TO VE 45 UP %

SEVEN

Experience

Learn

Enjoy

Shop

21-23 February 2014 I ExCeL London

Experience the UK’s leading pregnancy and parenting event; an essential part of the journey into parenthood for over 10 years.

Your Baby Show ticket includes entry to…

• Expert Information & Advice • Superb Shopping & Savings • Family-Friendly Fun

Book now at thebabyshow.co.uk Tickets from £10.95*, when quoting ‘FAM02’

@thebabyshow

/thebabyshow

Our Official Charity

Standard ticket price of £20. Discounted tickets may be limited in number. To book by phone call 0871 231 0844. Calls cost 10p per minute from a BT landline, other networks may vary. Advance Booking Office closes 20/02/2014. £2 fee applies per booking. Thanks to photography from Fisher Price.

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70812-16_BSE03B_Family ad_130x180_x3_2014_v4.indd 2

09/12/2013 15:14

January/February 2014

Cover courtesy of www.romarosephotography.co.uk Tel: 07581 342104

In this issue

4 News 5 Competitions 6 Education news 8 New Year, New You 10 Baby Feature 12 Clubs & Classes 14 What’s On

Follow us on Facebook at Families London–Kent Borders Magazine and on Twitter @familieslkb © Families London–Kent Borders. 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 consequences. Any original materials submitted for publication are sent at owner’s own risk and, while every care is taken, neither Families London–Kent Borders nor its agents accept liability for loss or damage. Families London–Kent Borders 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.

Printed by Williams Press Ltd, www.williamspress.co.uk

Happy New Year to all our readers and to a great start in 2014.

We have another packed issue full of information for you.

A special focus on Babies and a New Year New You, just in case you are looking for that healthy change?

As ever we bring you news about family activities and what’s going on and don’t forget there is lots more online at www.familieslondonkent.co.uk.

Wishing you all a very happy, healthy, and prosperous 2014 and next issue is out in March, see you then.

Mima Walia , Editor 020 8466 6977, editor@familieslondonkent.co.uk

Confidence Building Fun Try a Free Drama Class 020 8466 6977

Watch your child’s self-esteem soar with our weekly classes for 4–12s Child development is at the heart of everything we do. So our drama, dance and singing sessions will boost your child’s confidence, improve their concentration and give them an outlet to have fun.

Call 0845 400 1316 or visit perform.org.uk for a free class at your nearest venue.

www.familieslondonkent.co.uk 3

News

News & Views Magical images of you and your family throughout all of its milestones

Katharine and Sebastien have been married since August 2008. Sebastien is a French photographer and art director who has worked for a number of prestigious clients in Paris and London in the fashion and cosmetic industry. Katharine is a trained actress, photographer, wife and mother, and combines all these skills with a background in luxury brand management. They live in South East London with their daughter and son.

It is their aim to capture your family’s milestones and create magical, flattering images for you to treasure forever. Each shoot captures the unique stage of your little ones’ development from those beautiful images of your baby-bump to your newborn’s tiny fingers and toes.

They will work around your child’s schedule and find a time that works for you and your family.

Improve 11+ vocabulary in a flash

Looking to boost your child’s vocabulary ahead of the 11+ exam? Farquhar’s Vocabulary Flash Cards have been specifically created to improve children’s verbal reasoning skills and ultimately help them succeed in the 11+ Entrance Examination.

Featuring carefully selected words collated from recognised 11+ material, the cards will build confidence and vocabulary knowledge at the appropriate level tested in the 11+ Entrance Examination.To succeed in a verbal reasoning paper a well-developed vocabulary is essential.

The cards will encourage your child to build up a bank of challenging vocabulary, synonyms, antonyms and compound words.

Easily portable in small sets, they are perfect for vocabulary practice on the go.They can be used in many ways – as classic flash cards, stuck up as words of the week, or a tool to make up your own games to challenge friends and family. An invaluable time-saving resource for busy parents.

Flash cards are a powerful learning tool; simple and versatile and used regularly will boost both confidence and results.

• Level 1 – Confidence building • Level 2– Serious about vocabulary • Opposites – Synonyms and antonyms • Compound – Challenging compounds For more information visit: www.vocabularyflashcards.co.uk Don’t forget to mention Families Magazine.

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All shoots are in the morning when babies and kids are at their freshest.

Make sure you check out their website at: www.artpluslove.com Call: 07828 852 998 Email: katharine@artpluslove.com

Glenlyn Academy in Chislehurst

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For over 70 years Glenlyn Academy has been delivering the highest quality training in Musical Theatre, Singing, Drama and Dance to children and young people across South London. All students can take classes in Ballet,Tap,Modern, Jazz, Commercial, Acrobatics, MusicalTheatre, Drama and Singing.

Glenlyn’s new classes at Babington House School in Chislehurst will give young people in the area incredible opportunities to learn and develop performance skills, have fun and gain invaluable performing experience.

From West End leads to X Factor dancers, Glenlyn Academy’s teachers are some of the most experienced in the industry giving students a strong technical grounding and a real sense of performance.

Recognised by the Council for Dance Education andTraining (CDET), parents can be confident that student welfare is the Academy’s top priority.

Glenlyn has a full and exciting programme of events for all students both locally and also in the West End. As one of the largest performing arts schools in London, it has so much it can offer all of its students.

There are classes for children as young as three, through to a variety of adult classes.

Glenlyn Academy would like to offer one lucky winner an entire month of free classes (up to 6 classes per week over a 4 week period).

To be in the chance of winning answer the following question correctly: Where in Chislehurst will Glenlyn Academy’s new classes be held? Please enter online at www.familieslondonkent.co.uk

January/February 2014

Competitions

Enter our competition to win a family holiday to Puy StVincent in the French Alps with Snowbizz!

This season Snowbizz are offering one lucky family the chance to discover their magic formula.The tour operator is offering flights from Gatwick, Stansted or Manchester for a family of up to four, staying in their Sun Vallee accommodation in a two-bedroom apartment for 7 nights, on-piste opposite both their nursery and ski school.

Snowbizz is a family-run ski holiday specialist, operating to Puy St Vincent, France for the last 27 years.They offer a unique child care programme, featuring their own highlyrated ski school and nursery.

The Junior andToton Ski School are at the heart of the Snowbizz experience and the major reason so many guests

return. Like the best private schools in the UK, they are known to employ inspirational instructors who can bring out the best in every child and make the whole experience a happy one.

N WI S! Great E Z I PR

Snowbizz caters for 3 year old beginners right through to race-training teens.

Listed annually in theTopTen Family Resorts, Puy St Vincent is perfect for the mixed ability family. It’s small, friendly and most of the year queue -free.

To discover more about what makes the whole Snowbizz experience unique, please join them on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ SnowbizzFamilySkiing).

For your chance to win this fabulous prize, simply answer the following question: To which family resort does Snowbizz operate?

Enter online at www. familieslondonkent.co.uk

Win a revolutionary Magic Mittens Every once in a while a truly revolutionary product hits the market and the incredible Magic Mitten is one such example.This ingenious product is set to help parents across the world instantly settle upset babies and regain precious sleep!

The patented Magic Mitten is the first ever handheld baby calming aid that plays settling white noise sounds at a fixed safe volume level, that only your baby can hear.The specially designed sounds have a swiftly calming effect that will soothe your baby whenever it’s upset.

Even babies with colic are gently soothed into a calm state, removing a stressful burden from sleep deprived mums and dads. The clever design allows you to securely and easily hold your baby while holding the Magic Mitten to your baby’s ear so it can be used by anyone, at anytime, at home or out and about. Simply pop it

in your baby bag wherever you and baby go.

Features include: • Fixed volume providing safe decibel level • Automatically switches off after 10 minutes use for safety and prolonged battery life • Three sound options, including mother’s heartbeat, ocean waves and rain on a tin roof •Triple layered comfort pad for cushioning and sound diffusion • Removable comfort pad for easy cleaning • Rechargeable via AC/DC charger or USB connection included The Magic Mitten (£29) is now available in the UK from www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk as well as a number of carefully selected retailers.

To be in with a chance of winning simply answer the following question: How many sounds options does the magic mitten have?

Enter online: www.familieslondonkent.co.uk

Keeping up with the times(tables)?

More and more parents in the UK are supplementing their children’s education with private online maths tuition, which is proven to deliver better results than traditional teaching methods alone.

Award-winning Maths Doctor is the UK’s largest live online maths tuition company, with over 500 professional Macmillan-trained tutors available at the click of a mouse to help your child reach their full potential.

Their private, online tutorials for students aged 7-18 are delivered live over the Internet at your convenience, connecting you with a personal tutor in the comfort of your own home, or wherever else suits you, any time you choose.

020 8466 6977

Book your FREE online tuition assessment today on 0845 286 7770 or visit us at mathsdoctor.co.uk/families Why not enter our PRIZE DRAW ?

For your chance to win 4 hours free maths tuition for your child:

Send an email to competition@mathsdoctor.co.uk with the answer to the following question (including your name, phone number and age of your child): 7 – 10 + 3 x 4 = ? (a) -15 (b) 9 (c) 0 (Prize Draw closes at midnight BST Friday 28th February 2014. Four winners will be selected at random by midnight BST Monday 10th March 2014. Only one entry per person. See www. mathsdoctor.co.uk/prizedrawterms for full terms and conditions.)

www.familieslondonkent.co.uk 5

Education

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New 13+ Scholarship offers the gateway to a life changing education for your daughter

Excellent independent schools are very aware of the challenges on families’ budgets at the moment; it is for this reason that they place such emphasis on the need to provide fees assistance through scholarships and bursaries.

‘At Bromley High School we are proud to be launching a new scholarship programme this year for 13+ girls who are looking to join the school into Year 9 in September 2014.’ Says headteacher Louise Simpson.

‘A scholarship could be the gateway to a life changing education for your daughter. An award could allow her access to an excellent education in the very broadest sense. A hard working school, with an ethos which focuses on the individual needs of each girl; an enriched curriculum with many opportunities for activities within and beyond the classroom that will support, engage and extend her learning, and, crucially, excellent pastoral care and life long relationships with her friends and teachers that will support her to thrive in the classroom and achieve things that you never thought possible.’

If your daughter could benefit from an academic scholarship, or one in sport of the creative arts, and could give much to the school in return, please get in touch with Bromley High School at admissions@bro.gdst.net. www.bromleyhigh.gdst.net

BROMLEY HIGH SCHOOL INDEPENDENT EDUCATION FOR GIRLS AGED 4‐18 YEARS

REGISTER NOW JANUARY ASSESSMENTS, MARCH & MAY OPEN EVENTS, SCHOOL TOURS, TASTER DAYS Find out more about life at Bromley High School

4+, 7+, 11+, 13 + and 16+

Fees Assistance & Scholarships available in the Senior School admissions@bro.gdst.net Tel: 020 8781 7000 www.bromleyhigh.gdst.net

BREASIDE PREPARATORY SCHOOL

For boys and girls aged 2½-11 years

OPEN MORNING SATURDAY 1 FEBRUARY 2014 9.30 am - 12.00 noon Ofsted say that we are “Outstanding” Ofsted Report 2011

Breaside is celebrating another year of outstanding results for pupils who have successfully passed exams for entry to highly selective Grammar Schools and Independent Schools across several boroughs.

Destination schools include St Olaves, Newstead Woods, Dartford, Wilmington, Chislehurst & Sidcup, Dulwich College, Trinity and Bromley High.

Limited places available in certain year groups.

Registration will be strictly on a first come basis.

41 Orchard Road, Bromley, Kent, BR1 2PR 020 8460 0916 www.breaside.co.uk info@breaside.co.uk

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January/February 2014

Education

Fast becoming the school of choice in the Bromley area

Babington House School is an independent day school in Chislehurst. It accepts girls and boys to their Nursery and Preparatory School from the age of 3 to 11 years. The Senior School is for girls aged 11 to 16.

Babington House is an VOCABULARY FLASH CARDS outstanding school in every way. The 11+ VERBAL REASONING boys and girls receive first class VOCABULARY FLASH CARDS education in a supportive and academic environment.

Improve your The School is now an academically verbal reasoning skills and selective school with an Entrance achieve a higher 11+ score Examination for Year 7 entry. They Cards specifically select children on their academic created from recognised ability and potential, as well as 11+ material personal qualities. Once at Babington, pupils are expected to www.vocabularyflashcards.co.uk surpass their own expectations and they achieve excellent results.

Babington House is a modern Farquhars Vocab Cards Ad Portrait 70x55mm.indd 1 03/10/2013 school with traditional values. It has high standards of behaviour, dress and conduct, benefiting from small class sizes of no more than 20 pupils and a strong sense of community.

The staff are committed to achieving the very best for each child. They are committed to outstanding sport, music, drama, and the arts and offer a vast array of clubs and extracurricular opportunities.To learn more visit: www.babingtonhouse.com

To advertise in the March/April Issue of Families London-Kent Borders call

020 8466 6977

Babington House School Independent School for girls aged 3 – 16 & boys 3 – 11

Rated outstanding and excellent in ALL areas of school life (ISI Inspection).

Come and see for yourself Scholarships available

Open Morning Saturday, 8th March 2014 9.00 am - 12 noon

Headmaster’s address at 10.30 am

Grange Drive, Chislehurst, Kent BR7 5ES Tel: 020 8467 5537 Email: alee@babingtonhouse.com

www.babingtonhouse.com

020 8466 6977

www.familieslondonkent.co.uk 7

12:47

New Year, New You

New Year, New you with Pilates & Booty Barre

Helping parents back to work – The Work & Family Show

As we enter 2014, it is a good time to be thinking about our health and fitness and what better way than taking Pilates and/or Booty Barre with Ismini Phillips. Pilates and Booty Barre are both celebrity favourites and suitable for all ages from 16 upwards!

Ismini Phillips is a Pilates teacher, registered with REPS as a Level 4, Specialist Instructor in low back pain and breast cancer post operative recovery. She is a member of the Body Control Pilates Association, is a Back4Good Practitioner, registered with the Back Care Charity and a Pink Ribbon Program Instructor and Instructor Trainer.

Contact Ismini at Ismini@isminiphillips.comTel: 07711 906750 www.isminiphillips.com

The first ever Work & Family Show is set to launch in 2014. Taking place beside the hugely popular Baby Show at London’s ExCeL, the event will give working parents and career break women access to practical advice, inspiration and ideas to help them create a happy and healthy work-life balance.

Driving confidence and helping women get back into work, the event will be packed with inspirational experts and employers on the lookout for motivated staff.

Parents considering starting up their own business venture can also chat through ideas with industry experts and gain valuable career advice.

Organised by Clarion Events and My Family Care, it takes place on 21 and 22 February 2014.

For more information visit www.theworkandfamilyshow.co.uk

Children’s Ski School

Toton Ski is for Children aged 3 to 4 years. They have a maximum of 5 per class with 1 instructor and 1 nanny throughout the week. The Totons have 1 hour per day for 6 days a week.

Junior Ski Club is for children aged 5 to 13 years. It provides a variety of classes from beginners to race training with no more than 8 children per class. The lessons are for two hours, 6 days a week Snowbizz advert 1_8:and are constantly monitored by

the instructors to check everyone is happy.

Ski school plays a huge part in the children’s holiday so they aim for the week to go as easily as possible. Which is why they have the same Junior members of staff there each day to provide feedback for parents or just to give an encouraging smile to a nervous child. For the youngest skiers – the Totons – not only does an instructor go out with them but so does a nanny to help them with their first time on the snow.

Whether it’s singing songs or giving words of encouragement they feel it makes a huge difference in a child’s first experience of skiing.

For further information go to 13/12/13 16:21 Page 1 www.snowbizz.co.uk

ESTABLISHED 27 YEARS

The Family Ski Specialist

Private Snowbizz Ski School and Nursery Doorstep Skiing www.snowbizz.co.uk 01778 341 455

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To advertise in the March/April Issue of Families London-Kent Borders call

020 8466 6977

Balance your life forever!

Would you like to find a way of seeing more of your children without compromising your income? Are you worried about childcare after school and in the long school holidays? And what about those school fees? I can show you a way to address these issues!

For more information please contact me Ruth Odunuga Tel: 07931 908 995 www.benaturalbewealthy.flppro.biz Independent Distributor of Forever Living Products • You have nothing to lose – you (and your child) might just have a lot to gain!

Aloe Vera Drinking Gels, Supplements, Skincare and Personal Care Products Forever Living Products, Longbridge Manor Warwick CV34 6RB, members of the DSA

Revolutionary Route to Your Ideal Weight TRY CLEAN 9 & NUTRI-LEAN THE PATH TO A CLEANER AND HEALTHIER YOU

Clean 9 is a 9-day nutritional cleansing programme designed to cleanse your body of toxins and unnatural chemicals.Then follow with Nutri-Lean to help you achieve and maintain your ideal weight

Contact: Ruth Odunuga Tel: 07931 908 995

www.benaturalbewealthy.flppro.biz / ruth@benaturalbewealthy.flppro.biz Independent Distributor of Forever Living Products Aloe Vera Drinking Gels, Supplements, Skincare and Personal Care Products Forever Living Products are members the DSA

January/February 2014

Health & Beauty

Kent and London’s premier Healthcare Kent and London’s premier Healthcare Clinic established for over 14 years --- specialising in natural health, nutrition, weight/inch loss, detox and wellness.

New larger premises with air con and free parking and extra treatment rooms plus more cutting edge therapies and treatments than ever before

For the little ones; Kinesiology is a non intrusive holistic treatment which is a safe and effective drug free alternative natural health therapy. The treatment may include the use of natural nutritional supplements, it is a complementary health therapy which can work along side traditional medicine or can be effective if used on its own.

Kinesiology can be used to help both babies and children as well Mums and Dads!

• Parasites • Learning Difficulties • Pet Allergies

For the grown ups If you are looking for a guaranteed weight loss and detox plan where you wont go hungry, want to lose the Christmas bulge then book in now for your free in depth consultation and health scan for the unrivalled ultimate detox programme RejuvaDetox Guaranteed weight loss of 10-14lbs of toxic fat in 4 weeks (or a drop in clothes size). Average weight and inch loss 12-19 lbs and 16-27 inches in 4 weeks on their exclusive and unrivalled wellness programme RejuvaDetox Outstanding health benefits including IBS, diabetes, arthritis, back pain, hormone conditions, migraines, digestive , stress, fatigue

Children’s Clinic Many children come for Kinesiology with these conditions; • Behavioural problems/ADHD/Anger / Anxieties • Skin Conditions – eczema/rashes • Food Sensitivities/ Allergies • Viral Infections • Coughs/Colds • Digestive problems/Constipation/ Flatulence

Est. 1999

and lymph problems plus much more as their thousands of testimonials demonstrate!

As seen in Vogue, Marie Claire, Daily Mail, New Woman and Discovery Health. ‘10/10 The results are amazing!’ Bella Magazine ‘18 lbs lost and 26 inches plus all my cravings have gone!’ Martin Smith -Daily Express FREE weight loss consultation and health scan Check out their new, amazing website showing an abundance of other health treatments from Acupuncture and Advanced Laser Lipo to Kinesiology, Reflexology and training courses.

Founder Vanessa O’Sullivan Dip Ask. Dip Nutr. also teaches Kinesiology courses from both the Bexley Clinic and in London for both beginners to healthcare through to GP’s and healthcare practitioners.

Sign up to their newsletters and social media for exciting promotions and information on taster days and talks or book in for their informative free consultations. ‘One session of Kinesiology and my six year old Nathan has been transformed! The colour is back in his face, constipation and tummy ache gone! He is so much calmer too and so are we! www.healths-angels.com Tel: 01322 555600 23 Bourne Road, Bexley Village, Kent DA5 1LW

Kent’s Premier Complementary Health Care Clinic

Specialising in Weight Loss, Wellness and Detox Lose s 10-14 lbeed t n a r Gua st 4 In Ju !

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Established weight and inch loss system:

Business Mums Wanted Successful local business is seeking five partners to work part time from home without compromising family commitments If you have a Managerial, Sales, Marketing, Recruitment or Self-Employed background, and you wish to develop a more balanced lifestyle around your famil] s needs please call:

â—? Guaranteed results or FREE treatments

We also offer:

â—? Helps digestion, thyroid, blood

â—? Kinesiology

pressure, arthritis, back and joint pain, asthma, eczema, IBS, migraines and more � Voted ‘10/10’ Bella Magazine � “18lbs and 26 inches lost in 4 weeks plus no more cravings!�

â—? Advanced Laser Lipolysis â—? Skin tightening face/body â—? Other Complementary

Therapies

Martin Smith - Daily Express

To advertise in the next issue, call

020 8466 6977

Call now to kick start a new you:

01322 555 600 www.healths-angels.com

FRE

Weigh E Consultt Loss a Plus tion And LifScan es Anaysistyle

23 Bourne Road, Bexley Village, Kent. DA5 1LW

Katie 01737

or 07909 681884 Sabrina on 07968 395940

020 8466 6977

www.familieslondonkent.co.uk 9

Baby Feature

Bringing up baby...

The Baby Show

Smile Please Studio

UK Biggest Pregnancy and Parenting Event, returns to ExCel London from 21-23 February 2014.

With more than 200 exhibitors showcasing innovative baby and maternity products and services, as well as all of the leading brands for mums, babies and toddlers, The Baby Show is the nation’s most exciting and informative family experience. Visitors will also have access to exclusive offers and fantastic savings that can’t be found on the high street.

Tickets: Friday: Advance Ticket Price: £13.95; Standard Ticket Price: £20 Saturday & Sunday: Advance Ticket Price: £14.95; Standard Ticket Price £20 Grandparent Ticket: £11.50 (available for purchase with one standard adult ticket) Babies & Children under 12: FREE To book visit www.thebabyshow.co.uk

Baby Photography at Smile Please Studio.

The first few weeks of your baby’s life is very precious, so let Smile Please Studio capture your memories.

Smile Please Studio is offering a special package (babies up to 3 weeks old) for £100 which includes up to a 3 hour sitting, 1 of 10x8, 4 of 6x4 prints and 2 keyrings.

Gift Vouchers also available!

Tel: 02083315836 www.smilepleasestudio.co.uk

Curly Locks

Curly Locks children’s boutique offer inspiring and imaginative collections for birth to 12 years. Yana Trabalza, founder of Curly Locks, travels extensively to source the best in children’s clothing . Baby collections include Oilily clothes and their wonderful changing bags, Mini A Ture, Baby Mayoral and Emile et Rose.

Whether you’re looking for practical everyday clothing, special occasion wear or unique gifts for baby showers and birthdays the team at Curly Locks are on hand to give assistance or you can shop via the website.

Visit them at 340 Crofton Road, Locksbottom, Kent, BR6 8NN.Tel: 01689 860 490 www.curlylocksclothing.com

Monkey Music

RomaRose Photography

was born in 2011 after the birth of my daughter Roma, who came along after 3 sons. I specialise in contemporary newborn, child and family portraits and try to literally capture forever moments. I’m not a lover of posed traditional photography but instead aim to capture expression and emotion. Along with portrait work I also do weddings and as of 2014 I will be starting birth photography.

Tel: 07581 342104 www.romarosephotography.co.uk

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Monkey Music knows that your time with your baby is precious and that the activities and classes that you choose should help your baby to blossom into a confident and happy child.

Based on an exciting and progressive curriculum, our award winning classes are relaxing, entertaining and educational. Monkey Music is imaginatively taught by specialist teachers, many of whom are professional musicians and parents themselves, who gently encourage social and musical skills within a fun, stimulating and friendly environment.

Thousands of children come to have fun and learn with Monkey each week.

For more information and to book your FREE introductory session please contact Monkey Music Dartford and Bexleyheath on 01322 862021 or email bexley.dartford.monkeymusic.co.uk

Baby Signing

Before speech is well established, babies naturally use gestures and sounds to help their parents understand them. Introducing extra gestures, such as signing, will help your baby communicate before they are able to speak.

What makes Sing and Sign special is that every sign used in song relates to those important first words of a baby’s world and you will be amazed by what your baby is capable of telling you, before it’s able to talk!

For more information contact Karen at singandsignbromley@gmail.com

January/February 2014

Baby Feature

Baby Science The Babylab at Birkbeck College in London is always welcoming new recruits and is looking for babies who have an older brother or sister with ADHD and/or autism Harry is 14 months old and, like many babies of his age, he’s busy toddling around, rolling cars down a chute and smiling towards mum and dad in excitement every time the cars reach the floor.

But how did he learn to recognize mum and dad, and to correctly say the word “car”? Why did it take him 12 months to attempt to say this word, while Ella took 14 months? Harry and Ella are helping to answer questions like these during their visit to the Babylab. Harry is taking part in an eye-tracking study. We can see what grabs his attention when watching short movies or cartoons, because his gaze is “tracked” continuously by sensors that capture the light reflected by his eyes. Meanwhile, in a different room, we can see Ella’s brain activity while she is enthusiastically communicating with a researcher.

Centrally located in London, the Babylab is part of Birkbeck College and has, for the past 15 years, been busy figuring out how babies talk and walk and, more importantly, why some babies and children struggle with reaching these milestones. Researchers at the Babylab have shown that even at 6 months of age, infants that later develop symptoms of autism have difficulties interpreting another person’s gaze direction. This may explain why they later struggle with language, as gaze direction often tells infants what it is that we are talking about.

For more information on this research see: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/ health-16740758 In the New Year, the Babylab is launching a new study! STAARS (Studying Autism and ADHD Risk in Siblings) will follow the development of children that are at genetic risk for two common developmental disorders – autism and ADHD. Families from all over the country that have an older child with autism AND/OR ADHD and a new baby are welcome to join this study at any point between finding out they are pregnant and until their baby is 14 months of age. The babies will visit the Babylab a few times until their 3rd birthday. At every visit they will take part in a variety of studies very similar to the ones Harry and Ella have done. If they are tired they can have a nap while their parents fill in questionnaires or discuss their child’s development with the team of researchers. At the end of each visit children will

020 8466 6977

At every visit they will take part in a variety of studies very similar to the ones Harry and Ella have done receive a Babylab participation diploma and a very fashionable t-shirt (like the one Harry is wearing in the photo)! The Babylab reimburses all travel costs.

By studying these babies’ development early in life we will better understand how autism and ADHD develop, and this will help to diagnose these disorders earlier, and provide earlier and more effective interventions.

Researchers at the Babylab work hard to design clever and fun studies but, ultimately, it is the babies that are of most help! If you are expecting a baby or have just given birth please do not hesitate to contact the

Babylab about the STAARS Study if you have an older child with autism and/or ADHD. Web: http://www.staars.org/ Tel: 0207 079 0761

www.familieslondonkent.co.uk 11

Clubs & Classes

Award-winning tuition – New Explore Learning Centre in West Wickham!

Explore Learning provides inspiring tuition for 5 to 14 year olds of all abilities, in a unique and lively environment. West Wickham joins Explore Learning’s nationwide network of Education centres that provide maths and English tuition, and special courses in 11+ exam preparation.

The centres are open 7 days a week, and are Ofsted registered, meaning that families can use Childcare Vouchers to pay for membership.

Children attend up to twice a week on a drop-in basis, meaning that Explore tuition fits easily into busy family life.

As Explore members, children work with tutors who are great educational role models, enthusiastic about learning and fantastic motivators. Each child has an individualised learning programme tailored to meet their needs, and all Explore courses map to the National Curriculum. This combination of benefits has led to the company being named Supplementary Education Provider of the Year at the prestigious Education Investor Awards 2 years running.

There’s independent proof of the benefits too – research by Reading University showed that ‘Explore Learning members’ improvement in maths was 30% higher than that of the comparison group after controlling for gender, age, year group and special educational needs.’

Explore Learning has centres across the UK - try them for free to find out how your family can benefit! baby to communicate Help yourHelp babyyour to communicate To book your trial, call your local centre or visit speech with our award winning BEFORE BEFORE speech with our award winning www.explorelearning.co.uk MUSIC program.

MUSIC program.

Our unique musiccombine coursesaction combine action Our unique music courses andrhymes nursery rhymes with gestures songs andsongs nursery with gestures derived sign language. derived from sign from language.

01689 Contact Karen 837 Contact Karen 01689 905837 905 e: singandsignbromley@gmail.com e: singandsignbromley@gmail.com

in Beckenham Bromley, Beckenham & Orpington Classes inClasses Bromley, & Orpington www.singandsign.com www.singandsign.com

Spanish Amigos Dartford

To advertise your Clubs & Classes in the next issue, call 020 8466 6977 12

Multi-sensory, fun & cultural classes for children aged 2-12yrs School Clubs

Spanish with Mama y Papa

Nurseries/Preschool

Adult tuition

0208 1233028 michelle@spanishamigos.co.uk

www.spanishamigos.co.uk

January/February 2014

Clubs & Classes Dream it. Believe it. Achieve it.

First class performing arts training for over 70 years 13: The Musical, Fairfield Halls, September 2013

Chislehurst Studios Opening January 2014 Babington House School, Grange Drive, Chislehurst

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Classes in Musical Theatre, Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Acting, Singing, Commercial & Acrobatics Students accepted from three years old Classes for all abilities Regular examinations & large-scale shows Dynamic Adult Classes Classes from just ÂŁ3.75

AQUAKIDS www.aquakids.co.uk Small classes held at Bromley High School.

3 years and upwards. Teacher in the water.

TERM TIME CLASSES

TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY

EASTER CRASH COURSE 7-11 APRIL

INTENSIVE SWIM LESSONS FOR ALL AGES & ABILITIES. SMALL CLASSES AND HUGE PROGRESS. Bromley 020 8941 6073 Dartford 01732 750783 Orpington 01732 750783 Sidcup 01732 354007

CHECK WEBSITE FOR DETAILS BOOKING FORMS ON THE WEBSITE

aquakids@me.com

*Please note change of venue due to the refurbishment taking place at Bromley High’s pool

To advertise in the March/April Issue of Families London-Kent Borders call 020 8466 6977 020 8466 6977

www.familieslondonkent.co.uk 13

What’s On

What’s On THEATRE

CHURCHILL THEATRE Bromley, 08448 717 620, www.atgtickets.com/bromley 26 & 27 February What the Ladybird Heard Join the woolly sheep, the hairy hog, the fat red hen and the dainty dog in this brand new stage adaptation of Julia Donaldson & Lydia Monks’ colourful farmyard adventure. With live music, puppetry, plenty of audience participation and lots of laughs!

DICKENS WORLD Chatham Maritime ME4 4LL, 01634 890 421, www.dickensworld.co.uk Step back in time and experience life in the days of Charles Dickens. Attractions include the Great Expectations Boat Ride, Fagin’s Den, Peggotty’s Boathouse and the Haunted House.

HAMPTON COURT PALACE

FAIRFIELD HALLS Park Lane, Croydon,

Surrey, KT8 9AU, 0844 482 7777, www.hrp.org.uk/HamptonCourtPalace Top family activities include Ghosts at the Palace, A living Tudor world, costumed tours and presentations, the King’s Guard Chamber, the Maze and a family room for under 5s plus family audio guides and trails.

Until 12 January Ice at the Palace Enjoy ice skating in front of this splendid Tudor palace.

11 & 25 January & 1, 8, 15 & 22 February Family Ghost Tour Age 6+.

020 8688 9291, www.fairfield.co.uk 19-22 February Charlie and Lola’s Best Bestest Play

ORCHARD Theatre Home Gardens, Dartford DA1 1ED, 01322 220000 www.orchardtheatre.co.uk 17 & 18 January The Nutcracker Enjoy another breathtaking performance as the Moscow City Ballet performs The Nutcracker.

2 February Bananas in Pyjamas Join B1, B2, Amy, Lulu and Morgan in this brand new, all singing, all dancing show as you help the banana detectives solve their case.

23 February Chris & Pui Roadshow Enjoy CBeebies’ favourite double act as they bring songs, rhymes and comedy to the Orchard Theatre.

DAYS OUT

BEDGEBURY NATIONAL PINETUM & FOREST

Bedgebury Road, Goudhurst, nr Cranbrook, Kent TN17 2SJ, 01580 879 820, www.forestry.gov.uk/bedgebury ONGOING EVENTS Seasonal trails, family cycle trails (bikes for hire: 01580 879 694), horse riding (escorted hacks through the forest with Bedgebury Park Equestrian Centre: 01580 211 602) & Go Ape (www.goape.co.uk) Until 30 January Stick Man Trail Join Stick Man on an adventure around Bedgebury and hunt for clues and make your own Stick Man. Trail packs cost £1.

THE BLUEBELL RAILWAY Sheffield Park Station, East Sussex, 01825 720800, www.bluebell-railway.co.uk 8 & 9 & 15-23 February Kids for a Quid

BROMLEY MUSEUM The Priory, Church Hill, Orpington BR6 0HH, 01689 873826, bromley.museum@bromley.gov.uk Activities include board games, interactive play and making mosaics.

Until 21 February Here’s the Church, Here’s the Steeple… Enjoy historic and modern artworks of local churches from around the London Borough of Bromley.

THE CANTERBURY TALES St Margaret’s Street, Canterbury, Kent CT1 2TG, 01227 479 227, info@canterburytales.org.uk

14

entertainment in Dartford through the years, such as theatre, music hall, cinema and 1950s/60s pop music.

Cutty Sark: lots of nautical fun for all the family www.canterburytales.org.uk Accompany Geoffrey Chaucer and his merry band of pilgrims on their journey of discovery from The Tabard Inn in London to the shrine of St Thomas Becket at Canterbury Cathedral. Along the way, Chaucer’s colourful and entertaining stories of love, romance, jealousy and trickery are dramatically brought to life for you to enjoy.

CHISLEHURST CAVES Caveside Close, Old Hill, Chislehurst BR7 5NL, 020 8467 3264, www.chislehurst-caves.co.uk See website for opening times and special events.

Entrance to the caves is by guided tour only.

Tours last 45–50 minutes.

CUTTY SARK Cutty Sark Clipper Ship, King William Walk, Greenwich, London SE10 9HT, www.rmg.co.uk/cuttysark 1 & 2 February Family Fun Weekend: Chinese New Year: Animal Masks 2 February Family Fun Weekend: Meg the Horse and Other Stories How did Cutty Sark’s figurehead catch Meg the horse’s tail?

15, 20 & 21 February Lantern Lights Make a colourful lantern to guide you across stormy seas.

16 February Ahoy Captain Meet Captain Woodget, Cutty Sark’s most daring master, and learn about life on board this famous cargo ship.

17 & 19 February Dancing Dragons Bring a traditional Chinese decoration to life by making a colourful dancing dragon.

DARTFORD BOROUGH MUSEUM Market Street, Dartford, Kent DA1 1EU, 01322 224739, museum@dartford.gov.uk www.dartford.gov.uk/museum Discover more about Dartford and its history with the help of children’s activity sheets.

Until 22 February Entertaining Dartford The latest exhibition looks at various forms of

HMS BELFAST The Queen’s Walk, London, SE1 2JH, 020 7940 6300, www.iwm.org.uk During her time at sea, HMS Belfast was home to crews of up to 950 sailors. Discover what life was like on board and what it was like to serve in the far-flung places HMS Belfast visited during her years in active service.

18 & 19 January History in Your Hands 15-22 February Cracking Codes Join this family activity where you can intercept messages, map hazards on the sea chart and make up your own secret code.

THE HOP FARM FAMILY PARK Maidstone Road, Paddock Wood, Kent TN12 6PY, 01622 872068, www.thehopfarm.co.uk A fun day out with lots of indoor and outdoor attractions to entertain the whole family. Attractions include: Pirate Cove, Giant Jumping Pillows, Farmula One Driving School, Farmer Jack’s Magic Bean Factory, Shires & Friends Animal Farm, Victorian Carousel, Outdoor Adventure Play Area, Happy Hoppers Soft Play Area, Potters Barn Pottery, The Great Goblin Hunt 3D, Crazy Golf, Dig Out Zone and The Hop Story.

HORNIMAN MUSEUM 100 London Road, Forest Hill SE23 3PQ 020 8699 1872, www.horniman.ac.uk With six galeries exploring Anthropology, Musical Instruments and Natural History, plus a wonderful Aquarium and a 16-acre gardens there really is something for everyone. There are a number of regular activities (check website for dates and times) including: Storytelling, Art Makers, Family Art Fun, African Drumming Workshops for Children, Nature Explorers, Discovery for All sessions, Pond Dipping and: Busy Bees Lively sessions for under 5s with creative play, enchanting stories from around the world, simple art and craft, songs and lots of fun.

January/February 2014

What’s On

Hands on Family workshops Touch real museum objects from all over the world.

Until 1 September The Art of Harmony This free exhibition focuses on particular instrument traditions of Western classical music and features some of the finest examples of their types. The oldest instrument on display, the Jerome of Bologna harpsichord from 1521, is seen together with its red and gold tooled leather outer case. Many of the stringed instruments, including lutes and viols, have intricate inlay work in ivory, ebony and mother of pearl. Others, like the exquisitely carved octagonal recorder by Anciuti, are made entirely of ivory.

25 January Big Garden Birdwatch 17-21 February Family Art Fun 18 & 20 February Nature Explorers: Animals After Dark

KENSINGTON PALACE Kensington Gardens, London W8 4PX, 0844 482 7777, www.hrp.org.uk/KensingtonPalace There are lots of amazing things to see and do at Kensington Palace including the King’s Stage Apartments, the Queen’s State Apartments, Victoria Revealed, Luminous Lace, The Red Saloon, live performance by Coney and a visit to The Gardens.

Until 4 July 2015 Fashion Rules: Dress from the collections of HM The Queen, Princess Margaret and Diana, Princess of Wales

KENT LIFE Lock Lane, Sandling, Maidstone ME14 3AU, 01622 763936, www.kentlife.org.uk Check website for details of half term events.

HEVER CASTLE Hever, near Edenbridge, TN8 7NG, 01732 865224, www.hevercastle.co.uk See website for half term activities.

near Maidstone, ME17 1PL, 01622 765400, www. leeds-castle.com Pay once and visit all year round.

15-23 February Just Jesting at Half Term A week of merriment with Peterkin the Fool. Join in with acrobatics, stilts, daily fire breathing shows and learn the art of serious silliness at the Fool School.

NATIONAL TRUST Members free. For prices & opening times visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk CHARTWELL Mapleton Road, Westerham, Kent TN16 1PS, 01732 868381 Until 23 February Gift of Power Exhibition – Jock’s Family Adventure Trail Discover the animal gifts that Sir Winston Churchill received.

17-21 February Paint and Play Workshops £5 per child.

IGHTHAM MOTE Mote Road, Ivy Hatch, Sevenoaks TN15 0NT, 01732 810378 15, 16, 22 & 23 February 50 Things Winter Estate Trail

Classified

Bourne Road, Bexley DA5 1PQ, tickets must be booked in advance, 01322 621238, www.hallplace.org.uk 25 January RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch From 14 February Butterfly Jungle Visitors will be able to walk among stunning free flying butterflies from around the world in a rainforest environment full of beautiful exotic flowers.

21 February All About Owls

020 8466 6977

EAGLE HEIGHTS WILDLIFE PARK Lullingstone Lane, Eynsford, Kent DA4 0JB, 01322 866 577 www.eagleheights.co.uk Check website for events.

FOAL FARM ANIMAL RESCUE CENTRE Jail Lane, Biggin Hill, Kent TN16 3AX, 01959 572 386, www.foalfarm.org.uk 1.30pm–4.30pm (except Tues).

Check website for events.

WILDWOOD Herne Common, Herne Bay CT6 7LQ, 01227 712 111, www.wildwoodtrust.org Pre-book; charges apply.

15 February Grubby Gang Club! Let your kids go wild as they learn about animals and nature through different activities. £10. Age 7-11.

17 February Furry Friend House Build £2.

18 February Animal Games! £2.

19 February Spider Web Design £2.

20 February Slithering Snakes! £2.

21 February Edible Animal Crafts £2.

22 February Trees in Winter £3.

THE WOODLANDS FARM TRUST

FUN WITH NATURE

COOLINGS GREEN & PLEASANT Main Road, Knockholt TN14 7LJ, 01959 534386, www.coolings.co.uk Visit website to book Storytelling events.

RUXLEY MANOR GARDEN CENTRE Maidstone Road, Sidcup DA14 5BQ, 020 8300 0084, www.ruxley-manor.co.uk Check website for half term events.

TOWER OF LONDON

HALL PLACE AND GARDENS

Cudham Road, Downe Village, Kent BR6 7LF, 01689 861603, www.xmastreefarm.co.uk

331 Shooters Hill, Welling DA16 3RP, 020 8319 8900, www.thewoodlandsfarmtrust.org Closed Mondays.

Check website for half term events.

Tuition

Blackheath Avenue, Greenwich, SE10 8XJ, 020 8312 6565, www.nmm.ac.uk Shows include The Sky Tonight Live (daily), Space Safari (weekends, holidays & Tuesdays in term time), Solar System, Galaxy, Universe (Thursdays and Fridays in term time), Meet the Neighbours (Mondays & Wednesdays in term time) and We Are Aliens! (daily).

Historical Houses & Gardens

FUN WITH ANIMALS CHRISTMAS TREE FARM

LEEDS CASTLE

ROYAL OBSERVATORY GREENWICH

EC3N 4AB, 0844 482 7777, www.hrp.org.uk/TowerOfLondon Activities include a Medieval Palace family trail, Yeoman Warder tours Until 31 December 2014 Line of Kings Marvel at this magnificent collection of arms and armour, life-sized wooden horses and carved heads of kings.

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Services

SHORNE WOODS COUNTRY PARK Brewers Road, Shorne, Gravesend, DA12 3HX, 08458 247 600,www.kent.gov.uk/kentcountryparks Check website for half term events.

PAINTING & DECORATING

Interior / Exterior Experienced, Reliable, Clean Fully Guaranteed / Insured FREE ADVICE AND QUOTE John:- James & Lamont 020 8462 4646-07802 535695

WILDERNESS WOOD

Handyman

Hadlow Down, East Sussex TN22 4HJ, 01825 830509, enquiries@wildernesswood.co.uk, www.wildernesswood.co.uk See website for lots of fun weekend activities ranging from woodskills, storytelling in the woods and craft activities. All activities must be pre-booked and children must be accompanied by an adult.

For all your household repairs and odd jobs.

I offer a professional and courteous serivice.

www.shaunthehandyman.co.uk 020 8249 3264 or 07913 656 502

We have taken every care in preparing the listings in this magazine but sometimes events are cancelled or times changed, so please double check details before setting out.

www.familieslondonkent.co.uk 15

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www.explorelearning.co.uk

“Explore Learning members’ improvement in maths was 30% higher than that of the comparison group after controlling for gender, age, year group and special educational needs.”

Independent Efficacy Study by the Institute of Education at Reading University (2013). See www.explorelearning.co.uk/efficacy.

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