Families London Surrey Borders Mar/Apr 2016

March/April 2016

Issue

67

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a c opy

London Surrey Borders

Easter Activities Education Focus Feature – The Prep Years Who is New in the Zoo, a Spring celebration Mitcham Advert.qxp_Layout 1 11/12/2014 14:57 Page 1

Enrolling now! Call your local school for details

Cheam Coulsdon Croydon Epsom Merton Park

020 8773 4242 0845 078 0805 0845 265 7083 01372 730 363 020 8942 3502

Mitcham Shirley Sutton Worcester Park

Age 4-18 Fun, confidence-building, educational classes in acting, singing and dance. www.stagecoach.co.uk

020 8942 3502 020 8949 1116 013 7274 01737 2700284 060 020 8773 4242

QUALITY TRAINING

ESTABLISHED 1988

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March/ April 2016

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I AM SPRING I AM ALL THE THINGS YOU COULDN’T WEAR IN WINTER

www.families-LSB.co.uk

Editor’s welcome

London-Surrey Borders Magazine Editor: Tamar Pearson 01923 775680 editor@families-LSB.co.uk www.families-LSB.co.uk Next issue: May/ June 2016 Booking deadline: 15 April 21,000 Copies printed and 42,000 readers per issue.

Printed by The Manson Group, Tel: 01727 848440 Designed by Rebecca Carr, Tel: 07789 882467

In this issue...

4

Local News

6

Clubs and Classes

8

Education News

10

Education Focus Feature – The Prep Years

11

Prep News Boards

12

Prep and Junior Departments Directory

13

Open Day Directory

15

Book reviews Spring spectacular

16

Clubs and classes for pre-schoolers

18

Who is New in the Zoo, a Spring celebration

20

Easter Holiday Camps and Activities

22

Easter Egg Hunts and Activities

24

What's on

Disclaimer: Families London Surrey Borders Magazine is part of Families Magazines Ltd a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families ® is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families LSB Magazine is fully protected by copyright and non of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of the publisher. 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.

So Spring is finally upon us. Yay. Enjoy all the new faces as the peep out the soil, dance under the confetti petals left behind by the blossom trees and romance on all the twitterpating creatures preparing for the next generation. Toil the soil, get dirty and begin the garden beds for an early summer harvest. Embrace every moment and opportunity to feel the sunshine on your skins and get your children outdoors to enjoy it all with you. Those are my wishes for you.

Tamar xx

A brief glimpse into Mother's Day History Although the origin of Mother's Day goes back to the era of ancient Greek and Romans in celebration of their annual spring festivals, the roots of Mother's Day history can also be traced in UK where a Mothering Sunday was celebrated Here is the UK, the history of Mothers Day dates back to 1600s where early Christians celebrated a Mother's Day of sorts during the festival on the fourth Sunday of Lent in honour of the Virgin Mary, the Mother of Christ. In England the holiday was expanded to include all mothers. It was then called Mothering Sunday.

Today Mothers Day , or Mothering Sunday is celebrated in several countries including US, UK, India, Denmark, Finland, Italy, Turkey, Australia, Mexico, Canada, China, Japan and Belgium. People take the day as an opportunity to pay tribute to their mothers and thank them for all their love and support.

Mother’s Day keep sakes ideas in celebration of YOURSELF Capture a moment in time, with Fingerprint Art. Fingerprint Art captures moments in time by creating unique pieces of art from your child’s finger or handprints.

Glazed All Over - Parent and Baby Day

Each piece is individually designed into the style and colour you desire and may be personalised with handwritten messages or photos.

Every Tuesday is parent and baby day, where Glazed All Over offer 20% off prints on pottery and clay imprints.

Booking advisable, but clay imprints must be booked at least 24hrs in advance.

You can choose from wall mounted perspex, canvas, gloss prints or standalone glass blocks for presentation. www.fingerprintart.me.uk Facebook/ Fingerprint Art

For a forever imprint of your little visit www.glazedallover.co.uk to book your session

London Surrey Borders

3

News & views

News

“For us it’s obvious that children should be able to play freely without limiting gender boundaries. It’s an important part of our toy philosophy and our Swedish heritage. We support Let Toys Be Toys and we are happy to see the impact they have had across the industry’’, says Sophie Elvefors, Commercial Director at BRIO. www.lettoysbetoys.org.uk

WICKED to host dedicated Autism-Friendly performance on Saturday 14 May 2016, in partnership with the National Autistic Society

WICKED, the classic West End musical that tells the incredible untold story of the Witches of Oz, is proud to announce its first ever Autism-Friendly performance on Saturday 14 May 2016 at 1:30pm.

The production is working closely with the National Autistic Society, the UK's leading charity for people on the autism spectrum and their families, to create a friendly and supportive environment in which to enjoy the show. The specially adapted performance is suitable for people with autism, with trained staff on hand in dedicated quiet and activity areas should anyone need to leave their seats. For more information, or to purchase tickets visit www.WickedTheMusical.co.uk

Let toys be toys

Let Toys Be Toys will be awarded the BRIO Prize 2015 in recognition of their outstanding grassroots campaign, designed to persuade retailers and toy manufacturers to start categorising toys by function rather than by gender. ‘’Toys are for fun, for learning, for stoking imagination and encouraging creativity.

Children should feel free to play with the toys that interest them. Isn’t it time that shops stopped limiting our children’s imagination by telling them what they ought to play with?

The answer is simple – we’re asking retailers and manufacturers to sort and label toys by theme or function, rather than by gender, and let the children decide which toys they enjoy best. Let toys be toys – for girls and boys.”

29 April, the country will unite in a day of completely uncoordinated clothing chaos, with the launch of Oxfam’s exciting new fundraising event, Dressed by the Kids Day. What could be more fun?

How wacky people choose to go with their outfit is limited only by the kids’ creativity and the outlandish items they’re able to find in the back of your wardrobe.Those that want to unite the family in something truly fun and unique are encouraged to sign-up via www. oxfam.com/dressedbythekidsday

The UK’s first supermarket ‘wonky vegetable’ box, on sale now.

Sutton has a winner in New Covent Garden Soup Company search to unearth community ‘Souper Stars’

Emma Creasy, local Wonder Woman to the Sutton area, has been named as a winner in New Covent Garden Soup’s search for the nation’s unsung community heroes – those who go above and beyond to help others locally or those who have achieved something special.

She was nominated by her friend and colleague Roisin Lloyd for her endless energy, unlimited capacity for generosity and kindness and everything she does for the community.

As if working full-time as a therapy radiographer was not full on enough, Helen is also a leader at the local Brownies, coaches junior gymnastics and co-ordinates a community running group. On the award, Helen commented; ‘I was so surprised and shocked to have been nominated and to win is such an honour’.

Oxfam Let The Kids Take Control With The Launch Of Major New Fundraising Event “Dressed by the Kids Day”

One Day. Your Outfit. Their Rules - Transform your look and help transform people’s lives.

Ever wondered what it would be like to let the kids take control of your wardrobe? To give them complete power over your outfit selection? Well now is your chance. On

The ASDA ‘wonky vegetable’ box is filled with in-season winter vegetables and salad ingredients at a price that is far cheaper than standard lines, containing enough ugly potatoes and knobbly carrots to feed a family of four for an entire week for just £3.50.

The vegetables - currently carrots, potatoes, peppers, cucumber, cabbage, leeks, parsnips and onions - have been selected from farmers’ crops because they are misshapen, have growth cracks or are smaller or larger than average. The produce is washed but the discount reflects the fact that customers may need to spend extra time peeling it or they might not be able to use the whole vegetable.

Reading Well launching Shelf Help initiative for young people in Surrey Libraries April 2016

‘Shelf Help’, a new initiative from Reading Well, champions a fantastic range of titles to support mental health. The list covers a range of issues common among young people, such as ADHD, anxiety, ASD, bullying, confidence and self-esteem, depression, body-image and eating, mood swings and anger, OCD, stress and self-harm.

Young people with first-hand experience of the issues covered have also endorsed the selection, ensuring variety, accessibility and even humour. Most importantly the books help tackle difficult issues head-on. Shelf Help offers a varied mix of fiction and non-fiction titles, with many available in a range of audio

www.dolphinswimschools.co.uk 020 8640 4488 4

March/ April 2016

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and eBook formats, so you can read or listen wherever you happen to be.

Developed by The Reading Agency in consultation with the charity Young Minds, each title in Shelf Help has been endorsed by health professionals, so you can be sure you’re getting the right advice, www. readingagency.org.uk. www.youngminds.org. uk

All the money raised will go towards brand new world-class facilities, providing muchneeded space for a parent or carer to stay by the child’s bedside. To sign up to take part in the 2016 RBC Race for the Kids or for more information about the event, please visit the website at www.raceforthekids.co.uk

Fantastic new gym NOW OPEN at The Sports Village, Sutton

Formerly Sutton Junior Tennis Centre, The Sports Village is pleased to announce the launch of its brand new gym: The Sports Village Health & Fitness.

RBC Race for the Kids 2016 to take place at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford The 2016 RBC Race for the Kids 5k family fun run will be bigger and better as it moves to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford, home of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Suitable for all ages and abilities, this inclusive event is taking place on Sunday 15 May and will see children, parents and grandparents run, walk or jog around the iconic 5k course in support of the world-famous children’s hospital.

The new gym not only offers two floors of state-of-the-art Technogym equipment and technology but exciting cardio and free weight areas, a dedicated strength area with two Olympic Lifting platforms, a fantastic new functional training area and over 70 classes per week across two refurbished fitness studios plus a dedicated new spin studio.

The friendly team of staff are on hand to help all members achieve their fitness goals, whatever their age or ability. Move Better. Live Better. Play Better at The Sports Village Health & Fitness. For more information visit www. thesportsvillage.org.uk

Everyone Active Joins the World’s Biggest Swim

Westcroft Leisure Centre and Cheam Leisure Centre are urging the local community to sign up and join in with the World’s Biggest Swim, taking place on 18th -20th March.

The centres are offering a range of distances and challenges to suit swimmers of all fitness levels.

Swimmers looking for a helping hand with their swimming technique or with putting together a swimming training plan can visit Westcroft Leisure Centre and Cheam Leisure Centre, where Everyone Active fitness motivators are on-hand to provide training advice leading up to the April event. On the day of the event the Everyone Active team will be out in force to encourage and support swimmers.

Everyone Active was named Facility Operator of the Year at the annual ASA Swimtastic Awards in 2015 - the fifth time that they have scooped the accolade - and are committed to encouraging as many children and adults as possible to get active through swimming.

For further information on the Swimathon and to register, visit www.everyoneactive.com or www.swimathon.org.

London Surrey Borders

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Clubs & Classes

Clubs & Classes news Fingerprints Handprints Profiles Unique artwork created from your finger or handprint printed onto canvas, perspex or etched onto glass.

Contact: Jacque on 07790 447820 or Email: fingerprintjac@yahoo.co.uk Facebook: Fingerprint Art

www.fingerprintart.me.uk

MultiSports Sutton and Cheam promise hours of fun with the launch of their new Easter and Summer Holiday Camps MultiSports Sutton and Cheam (formerly SportsCoach Cheam) are excited to announce that, due to the demand of their popular and unique Saturday classes, they will be offering holiday workshops in both the Easter and Summer 2016 holidays, which will follow the same great format as the Saturday classes.

Join the Fun and learn to

speak French with Petit Poucet on Saturday mornings in a

completely French environment.

Classes are for children from

3 to GCSE level, bilingual to beginners. Competitive prices.

Call Elodie on

07957 972 355

020 8642 5828 We offer free introductory

lessons to schools and nurseries.

PURLEYPOINTES SCHOOL OF DANCE

LET PROFESSIONAL BALLET DANCERS NURTURE & INSPIRE YOUR CHILD

MultiSports Sutton and Cheam provide the opportunity for children ages 4 – 16 to experience a wide variety of sporting activitiess. ‘’We firmly be lieve in the value of our classes and the importance we place on deve loping sportsmansh ip, respect and teamwork.’’

Being exposed to many different sports provides children the opportunity to develop a wide range of sporting skills, under expert supervision by qualified and trainee PE teachers.

Fantastic Opportunity!

Learn French amongst French!

Petit Poucet is a French club for children from 18 months to GCSE level.

Lessons are taught in a fun way and are designed to instil the love of French. A variety of lessons are taught in nurseries, schools, pre schools and after school clubs.

The Saturday morning bilingual school will be opening its door in April to children who would like to learn French in a completely French environment. There will be a GCSE class as well as a beginner's classes for younger age groups. This is a unique opportunity for your child as she will be part of the bilingual school, with its fantastic array of resources and books.

If you would like more information, please contact Elodie on 07957 972 355/ 020 8342 5828 or info@petitpoucet.co.uk

Monkey Music Leatherhead and Dorking under new management.

Visit www.multisportssutton.co.uk or call 01293 774051 for further information.

Monkey Music Leatherhead and Dorking s u Join have been e onlin providing first www.families-lsb.co.uk class pre-school music classes in the local area for the past four years and are delighted to introduce new Principals 55x70_alison_pauline_Layout 2 19/08/2015 16:02 Emma Playle and Tina Parsons.

Free Tri al Available

For classes of pure MADness, join MAD Academy

Birthday Parties too!

Babies from 3 months action songs and sensory stimulation Walkers to 2 years music, movement and motor development 2 to 4 years dance, musicality and beat competency

Classes in Croydon & surrounding areas

Call Alison on 020 8407 1726 alison.storey@madacademy.com

PURLEYPOINTES.CO.UK AT COULSDON COMMUNITY CENTRE PURLEYPOINTES@GMAIL.COM

Classes in Sutton & surrounding areas

Call Pauline on 01372 372 942 pauline.llewellyn@madacademy.com Movement • rhythms • songs • instruments • games

CALL 07958 725862 FOR YOUR FREE TRAIL Emma Northmore is an ex-English National Ballet dancer & vocational ballet teacher PDTD QTLS LLUK

6

March/ April 2016

madacademy.com Music And Dance and a whole lot of fun!

Ballroom and Latin Dance Classes Friday classes

Saturday Classes

Beginners 6-10 yrs Beginners 11-16 yrs

Beginners 5-10 yrs

at Vestry Hall, Mitcham CR4 3UD

at Royal Russell School, Croydon CR9 5BX

www.ballroomfever.co.uk Call 07765 657438 For more information

www.families-LSB.co.uk

Clubs & Classes

Emma has taught Monkey Music for the past couple of years and previously attended as a parent with her daughter. She is an accomplished West End performer with a beautiful voice and loves creating a stimulating learning environment, which is also great fun!

Tina has a background in Occupational Therapy and rehabilitation management. She also attends class with her son. Together they are very excited to move the franchise forward.

To book a complimentary class please call: 0208 4320811 or visit www.monkeymusic.co.uk

Stagecoach Epsom - Brand new exciting Mini Stages class will start in the summer term 2016 Due to high demand, Stagecoach Theatre Arts Epsom is launching a new class for 2-4 years olds and their carers called "Mini stages". This brand new exciting class will start in the summer term 2016 at The Playhouse Studio Theatre Epsom. The class is a 45 minute teacher/parentled class that incorporates singing, dancing and acting following six weekly themes.

The sessions have been written to focus on confidence, speech, coordination and listening skills all key skills for nursery and school.

BANSTEAD, CLAYGATE AND ESHERS AREAS E: banstead.claygate@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 01932 223 309 OXSHOTT, LEATHERHEAD AND DORKING AREAS E: leatherhead.dorking@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 020 8432 0811 SOUTH CROYDON AND CATERHAM AREAS E: southcroydon.caterham@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 0203 251 1061

Mini stages has also won an award for the best pre-school resource.

Classes are filling up so if you fancy joining them for next term with your little ones, then please give Rachel Crouch a call on 01372 730363 or email epsom@stagecoach.co.uk for more information.

Search for members of new National Youth Folk Ensemble comes to London A nationwide search for talented young musicians to become the first members of the National Youth Folk Ensemble will come to London later this year.

Applications have opened for a Sampler Day at Cecil Sharp House ​in Camden​on June 3 for young musicians aged 14 to 18. Each Sampler Day will include creative workshops with a team of professional folk artists, individual auditions, and a question and answer session with Ensemble staff. Places on the Sampler Day are free but limited and booking is essential at www.efdss.org/ nationalyouthfolkensemble.

Picture credit English Folk Dance and Song Society, Roswitha Chester

London Surrey Borders Magazine To book a space to promote your business in our next Clubs & Classes news Call 01923 775680

London Surrey Borders

7

Education News League table criteria change - Government announces an end to judging schools on GCSE results From 2017, schools will not be judged and ranked on their raw GCSE results but will instead be measured by a broader range of criteria across eight subjects. The government says this will toughen standards.

Currently, if fewer than 40% of a school’s pupils get five GCSEs at A* to C grades, the school is considered to be “underperforming.” The number of those schools has remained stable in the UK at 312.

Head teachers have complained that basing a school’s performance on GCSE results alone was unfair and unrepresentative, as it did not take into account factors such as a school’s intake. Disadvantaged children often achieve poorer results, with just 36% of children who receive the pupil premium attaining five good GCSEs. Gender differences are apparent, with 60% of girls receiving good GCSE results compared to just 50% of boys.

The new ranking system will see schools judged on a system called Progress 8. This replaces the five or more GCSEs benchmark with a system that studies progress made by students between Key Stage 2 tests (taken at the end of primary school) and performance in eight subjects at the end of secondary school.

Malcolm Trobe of the Association of School and College Leaders said: “Measuring schools on GCSE attainment does not take into account the fact that children are at different points when they start their secondary education. Schools may be doing a fantastic job in helping struggling pupils make great progress but judging them on GCSE results does not reflect this because it is based on the grades achieved rather than the progress made.

“This particularly penalises schools in challenging areas. It can unfairly stigmatise schools which are actually doing superb work in difficult circumstances and this can be damaging to the morale of school leaders, staff, pupils, parents and communities,” he said.

Wildlings Forest School, Parent and Toddler Group at Sutton Ecology Centre Wildlings Forest School is pleased to announce their new Parent and Toddler Forest School Group at Sutton Ecology Centre every Thursday morning 10-11.30am or afternoon 1-2.30pm Come along and have lots of fun playing, exploring and learning in the outdoors! Each week we will enjoy woodland crafts, muddy play, stories, singing, a drink and snack plus much more! Make sure you dress for the weather and come and join us for fun in the woods!

All sessions are run by a Wildlings Forest School Leader. In line with the Forest School approach, these sessions will run in 6-week blocks and are bookable in advance.

Suitable for children aged 2-5 years old but younger children are very welcome. Cost: Children 2-5 years, 6-week block £36*, Under 2s, £5 per session. Sibling and Childminder discount available. The 6-week block must be booked in advance. * Pay on the day also available for £7 a session.

Please note that these sessions are not bookable through Sutton Ecology Centre. For more information, email wildlingsforestschool@ gmail.com. Find us on Facebook.com/wildlingsforestschool 8

March/ April 2016

Get Happy – Get Outside! Forest School Parent and Toddler group comes to Surrey Bring along your little adventurers to help them explore and have fun in a beautiful woodland setting. Wood Chips Forest School hold Parent/Carer and Toddler sessions each Wednesday and Thursday in Chipstead, where they share woodland activities, stories, singing and lots more.

The sessions are very relaxed and follow the Forest School ethos of being child-led. Run by Susie Timms, a fully qualified Forest School Leader, and experienced staff whose passion for the outdoors knows no bounds. So come along and have fun in the natural environment, make new friends and discover the joys of getting muddy occasionally!

Email: woodchipsinfo@btinternet.com or call 07982 1984 51 for more details.

Double success in national competitions for Greenacre School Sixth Form Biologists Following the success of BBC2’s Great British Bake-Off, Sixth form girls from Greenacre School’s Physiological Society organised their “Bio-Bake Off” to coincide with National Biology week. The girls in Year 10 and the Sixth Form were busy baking various cakes in the shape of body organs in the School’s Cookery room and uploaded the photos onto the Physiological Society’s website.

Much to the school’s delight, the Sixth Form cake titled “Bun in the Oven”, which depicted pregnancy at three and seven months, won the hearts of the national online public vote in October. On the panel of judges was Richard Burr (GBBO winner 2014) who said, “Impressive fondant fetus! (Now, there’s a sentence I never thought I’d say!)”.

In the lead-up to Christmas 2015, the Sixth Form were granted the opportunity to attend the Royal College of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians’ Christmas lecture and symposium. Their poster on “Surrogacy” was awarded second place. Mrs Chambers, Head of Biology commented, “I’m really proud of the girls. Their enthusiasm for the subject, their hard work and co-operation sets a great example for our younger students”.

The planning of events at Greenacre School for 2016 is well underway with “Science Is Fun” evenings for National Science and Engineering week in March. Invitations will be sent out to local Primary Schools with details shortly.

www.families-LSB.co.uk

INSPIRE | NURTURE | ACHIEVE An independent co-educational day school for pupils aged 3-18

Ewell Castle School With an ethos in which each child’s achievements are acknowledged, valued and celebrated, pupils thrive academically as a result of a varied curriculum, an extensive extra-curricular programme and outstanding pastoral care.

Open Events - Whole School Friday 4th March 9am - 10.30am Friday 29th April 9am - 10.30am

Open Events - Prep School Wednesday 8th June 9am - 10.30am

Open Events - Senior School Thursday 16th June 6pm-8pm For further details and to pre-register pleasevisit our website ewellcastle.co.uk 020 8394 3576 admissions@ewellcastle.co.uk

Achievement and confidence for all

Greenacre School Sutton Lane, Banstead, Surrey SM7 3RA www.greenacre.surrey.sch.uk admin@greenacre.surrey.sch.uk

Greenacre School is a successful school that challenges, develops and nurtures each individual girl to be the very best she can be and to achieve beyond her expectations. Our uniquely supportive atmosphere and small class sizes enable us to work closely with every girl so that they all have the opportunity to develop and grow with confidence.

If you would like to visit the school, please telephone for an appointment or join us for one of our prospective parents’ mornings.

For further information please contact our Admissions Registrar on 01737 352114.

London Surrey Borders

9

Education

Prep School Education – The Prep Years

by Claire Thurlby, SEN Adviser from the Independent Prep School Association. a securely attached child feels confident that, should they feel anxious, their parent or carer will respond, leading to positive mental health in adulthood. The key processes we as parents and teachers can provide and impart are:

Children can enter Prep School at the age of 3 and stay until they are 13, allowing years of crucial childhood development to take place in a bespoke environment designed specifically to enhance and nurture just that.

Preparatory School does what it says on the tin – it prepares children for life beyond those important early years and it does it in superb style.

Prep Schools today are traditionally fee paying establishments, providing an independent education with the same basic principles as their Victorian predecessors.

It is within the well-resourced surrounds of the Prep School that you will discover an all-round education that has evolved and continues to develop its ability to provide opportunities for children to discover what they are good at and how to succeed in things they find more challenging.

If you enter your child into the system, you can expect a wealth of outstanding resources, facilities and specialist teachers.

Pupils will study core academic subjects – English, Maths, Science and Humanities, Modern Foreign Languages, Computing, Art, Music and Drama and then there are the other opportunities – Engineering, Classical Languages, Textiles, Home Economics and rich PSHCE programmes for example. In addition there is the renowned Physical Education side of course with its plethora of available sports.

Your children will be offered opportunities for excursions galore, often abroad and always exciting and enriching.

What really sets the modern Prep School apart though? It is not just the endless supply of new equipment and the technical wizardry of a working theatre or music labcum-recording studio they might be able to provide, fantastic though they are; it is the nurture, the attention to detail of every single child who comes into its care that 10

March/ April 2016

really helps.

Good mental health, according to one definition, is ‘the strength and capacity of our minds to grow and develop, to be able to overcome difficulties and challenges and to make the most of our abilities and opportunities’, and it is within the walls of a time honoured school system that parents will find just that for their little ones.

To have positive life-long mental health, children need to grow up with the core skills of good emotional regulation, the ability to problem solve, to have trust and to have empathy. The Prep School system provides children with a multitude of situations that challenge sufficiently to build resilience, to understand that it is important to succeed, but it is important to fail – it is being able to fail at times and know that you have the power to deal with it that really matters and this possibility comes from feeling secure and cared for in the first place.

Staff have the time to pay attention to the individual needs of each and every child. Parents can feel reassured in the knowledge that the classes are small and the attention to their offspring is individual.

Problems will be spotted and supported.

Knowing the modern world is moving at an unstoppable pace and pressure is invariably increasing for all of us and especially our young, Prep Schools are fast adopting schemes and incentives to prevent problems with emotional well being from arising, including Mindfulness being adopted onto curriculums in some schools, as well as Yoga, Reading Time, and just old fashioned Quiet Time in the day.

It is the ‘ordinary magic’ though that promotes the best mental health in children at this age. At a recent training day provided by the children’s mental health charity Young Minds, delegates were reminded that anxiety is a normal human state and

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atonement (putting yourself in someone else’s shoes),

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reciprocity (listening and responding),

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containment (sometimes taking the problem away),

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behaviour management (creating boundaries and discipline)

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attachment (making sure they know someone can be there for them even though not always physically present)

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reflection and’ mind mindedness’ (learning to empathise and sympathise – that everyone has mental health)

The basics of the ‘Resilience Framework for Children and Young people’ (Oct 2012 adpt Hart and Blincow with Thomas 2007 ) includes the fact that children should have a healthy diet, exercise ,fresh air, enough sleep and leisure time. ‘Childhood should be about joy’, says Roger Catchpole of Young Minds and adds that ‘stress impairs the capacity for joy’.

Prep school promotes the traditional values of childhood, nurturing and supporting children to become well rounded individuals who relate well to others and show an intellectual curiosity and flexibility of mind well suited and resilient to the demands of our fast-changing society.

We owe it our children to enable them to feel joy without stress: it is their chance to develop into grounded, resilient young people who can face the world and move it forward successfully for us.

The Independent Association of Prep Schools (IAPS) is a schools association with around 650 of the world’s leading prep schools in membership.

Schools must reach a very high standard to be eligible for membership, For further with strict criteria in fo rmation on on teaching a the IAPS, an broad curriculum, d different cour maintaining ses they offer visi excellent standards t www.iaps.uk/ of pastoral care courses and keeping staff members’ professional development training up to date. www.families-LSB.co.uk

Prep School Newsboard 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. Levels 1 and 2 focus on laying down the foundations of a broad vocabulary, Opposites 1 and 2 take an intense look at antonym pairs, and the fifth box supports work on tricky Compound Words.

Pupils from St Thomas Becket School, Croydon, and Tweeddale Primary School in Surrey enjoy the first assembly in an Internet safety roadshow, as Google launches an internet safety tour for 10,000 children in the UK

The flash 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.

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

For more information please visit: www.vocabularyflashcards.co.uk

Google has launched a new assembly for 8-11 year olds on the theme Internet legends - how to be safe and epic online.

The Learning Factor launches at IKEA Croydon

Developed in partnership with Parent Zone, and under the expert guidance of an advisory board including the NSPCC, John Carr, the Oxford Internet Institute and Childnet, the scheme is based around four key themes which comprise the “Internet Legends” Code:

The Learning Factor offers group Maths and English tuition for children aged 4-11 years old, combining digital tools with traditional teaching methods (part book/part computer, 40/60) as well as using programmes wellknown in schools, such as The Maths Factor and Bug Club.

• • • •

As part of your child’s learning session, they will also engage with other children in the Activate Area. Children can choose fun activities to do such as acting or team games in an effort to foster creativity, and engage young minds on multiple levels.

To finish off their Learning Factor session, icards are reward for good behaviour and achievement, encouraging children to move up The Learning Tree.

Think before you share Protect your stuff Check it's for real Respect each other

The Internet Legends Tour is designed for pupils in Key Stage Two, giving them the information they’ll need as they start to discover the online world.

Alongside the assemblies Google has developed lesson plans, teacher resources and communications materials for parents.

For more information visit www.parentzone. org.uk/article/google%E2%80%99s-internetlegends-tour

Improve 11+ vocabulary in a flash Looking to boost your child’s vocabulary ahead of the 11+ exam? The exam demands strong vocabulary and comprehension skills. Farquhar’s Vocabulary Flash Cards have been

11 Plus Tuition Directory 11+ MockTest Masters 0208 669 2197 www.11plusbraintraining.com www.writingmasters.com As leading providers of 11+ services, MockTestMasters (MTM) offer group tuition for pupils preparing for the 11+ on Saturday morning Mrs Jones Education 0208 390 6076 www11plustuition.co.uk www.11plusmockexam.co.uk Our 11 Plus Tuition Courses prepare Year 4 and Year 5 pupils for their 11+ Entrance Examinations into State Grammar and Private Schools.

Southern Tutors Ltd. 07986564651 www.southerntutors.co.uk Southern Tutors classes are suitable for children between 8 – 11 years who need to work to achieve high levels in English and Maths.

Top Tutors (London) Ltd 07580423418 e-mail toptutors5@gmail.com Specialising in Maths and English for children aged 7 to 11+. Top Tutors are different from other tuition services as they do not only offer the regular learning and coaching services for exam preparation but also try to have lively discussion and debating sessions to boost confidence.

For more details visit: www.thelearningfactor.co.uk VOCABULARY FLASH CARDS

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11

Education

Prep Years Directory or theatrical. But choosing a school with an ethos that is right for your child, with the right balance of support and challenge, is most critical. A school that delivers this balance can facilitate achievement and confidence for all, whatever their individual talents and strengths still emerging.’’ Mrs Julie Windett, Head of Juniors, Greenacre School

Priory Prep

Priory Preparatory Bolters Lane, Banstead, SM7 2AJ 01737 366920 Independent day school for boys Pupils aged 2 – 13 years. www.prioryprep.co.uk What can a single sex school offer for boys?

Priory Preparatory School is an independent day school for boys aged two to eleven years.

Being a smaller school allows us to get to know the boys really well and to forge a strong relationship between school and home.

We recognise that boys develop and learn in different ways and at a different pace from girls. Boys understand concepts and retain information best by doing, which is why our lessons are tailored to allow the boys to discover through experimentation and experience. We understand that boys need nurturing and encouraging; parents often comment to us that our teachers are able to bring out the best in their boys. We also believe in developing the whole child and it is no coincidence that our most popular clubs are art and music.

Greenacre School

Croydon High

Croydon High School

Old Farleigh Rd, Croydon CR2 8YB 020 8260 7508 Independent girls’ day school Pupils aged 3 – 18 years www.croydonhigh.gdst.net

12

March/ April 2016

As a leading provider of dedicated support for the individual child we have a Study Centre with specialist tutors. Speech and Language Therapists help meet specific learning needs and give appropriate support providing one‐to‐ one or small group tuition.

GO – ED – Girls Only Education. This is how Croydon High describes their attitude to the education of girls and the unique culture that has been developed at Croydon High Whilst visiting the Junior School at Croydon High, you will notice two aspects of the school in particular; the first is just how happy, confident and well-mannered the girls are. The second is the sense of purpose and focus on their work that the girls have.

Croydon High believe in giving their pupils every opportunity to be part of a community where they nurture a love of learning through a vibrant mix of academic and enriching extracurricular activities, and believe this will be the foundation of their personal journey through life.

Greenacre School

16 Sutton Ln, Banstead SM7 3RA 01737 352114 Independent day school for girls.

Pupils aged 3 – 18 years www.greenacre.surrey.sch.uk ‘’In the junior years, children grow and learn best in a secure, positive, warm and welcoming environment. When they are stretched and challenged, when they are treated as an individual, and when they are taught by staff who inspire and motivate and who care about each and every one they can achieve beyond their expectations. They should be encouraged to excel and fulfil their personal potential. As your child is moving up from infants to juniors, from pre-prep to prep, consider class sizes and the individual attention that is possible, whether single-sex or co-education might suit them best and what facilities are available to support their interests whether sporting, creative, musical

Everyone is challenged to succeed and our small class sizes, friendly atmosphere and first-class teaching ensure our pupils flourish academically and outside the classroom.

Kingswood House School has always prided itself on providing a nurturing and caring environment for boys to learn and grow. Our mission is to equip every boy, regardless of learning style, with the skills he needs to fulfil his potential, academically and otherwise.

We feel passionately that every boy is entitled to a rigorous and inspiring learning environment, with teaching tailored to how he learns best. We challenge our pupils to achieve the best they can in every aspect of school life.

Kingswood High

Kingswood House School, Epsom 56 West Hill, Epsom, KT19 8LG 01372 723590 Independant day school for boys.

Pupils aged 3 – 13 years www.kingswoodhouse.org

Kingswood House School is one of the most successful prep schools in Surrey. We are a thriving community in the heart of Epsom catering for boys through to age 16.

Ewell Castle

Castle Ewell

Ewell Castle Junior and Senior Church St, Ewell, KT17 2AW 020 8393 1413 Co educational day school.

Pupils 3 – 18 years www.ewellcastle.co.uk The Preparatory School at Ewell Castle consists of Chessington Lodge and Glyn House. Michelle Phillips, the Headteacher, and staff take the responsibility towards the children very seriously and strive on a daily basis to provide them with not only a top quality education, but also a safe and secure environment in which to flourish, develop self-confidence and become independent. potential.

At Key Stage 2, children's potential and talents are nurtured in small classes through a broad, balanced curriculum within a differentiated structure, to meet each child's needs in every aspect – academic, artistic, musical and sporting.

The new playground and sports field sit within several acres of beautiful grounds. Added to which, the Preparatory School pupils enjoy the benefits of the many facilities at the Senior School, in particular, the Sports Hall and the additional playing fields. Pupils also enjoy educational day trips each term for each year group to museums and theatres .

For information contact Preparatory School Administrator, Ms Noble on Telephone 020 8394 3579 to arrange an informal tour. www.families-LSB.co.uk

All deta ils are correct at printing time of . Ple check e ase school p ach rior to visiting.

School Open Day Directory Croydon High School , CR2 8YB 020 8260 7508 admissions@cry.gdst.net www.croydonhigh.gdst.net Junior Open Doors week .Mon 14 – Fri 18 Mar Reception Taster Day .18 Mar Downsend Prep School Leatherhead, KT22 8TJ 01372 372311 Fri 6 May Downsend Pre Prep Ashtead KT21 2RE 01372 385439 Leatherhead - Leatherhead , KT22 8ST 01372 385437 Epsom -Epsom, KT17 3AB 01372 385438 www.downsend.co.uk Sat 7 May. 2. - 4.00 pm Elmhurst School for Boys, CR2 7DW 020 8688 0661 www.elmhurstschool.net Sat 12 Mar. 10 – 12pm Essendene Lodge, CR3 5PB 018 8334 8349 www.essendenelodge.co.uk Thurs 21 Apr Ewell Castle Junior and Senior KT17 2AW 020 8393 1413 www.ewellcastle.co.uk Open Events - Whole School Fri 4 Mar 9- 10.30am Fri 29 Apr 9 - 10.30am Open Events - Prep School

Greenacre School, SM7 3RA 01737 352114 www.greenacre.surrey.sch.uk Fri 18 Mar. 9.15am - 11.10 am Reception Open Morning Wed 20 Apr. 9.30– 11.30am.

Thursday 12 May, 9.15am - 11.10 am

Sat 7 May 2 - 4 pm Open Events - Senior School Sat 23 Apr 2- 4 pm

Priory Preparatory , SM7 2AJ 01737 366920 www.prioryprep.co.uk Open Morning Sat 5 Mar 10 am Pop-in Morning Fri 18 Mar 9 -11 am.

Fri 22 Apr. 9 – 11 am Sat 14 May. 10 - 12 noon

Homefield Preparatory, SM1 2TE 020 8642 0965 www.homefield.sutton.sch.uk Thurs 10 Mar at 9.20 am Thurs 21 Apr at 9.20 am Headmaster's talk 9.20am, tours depart 9.40am

Royal Russell Junior School Coombe Lane, Croydon, CR0 5BX 020 8651 5884 www.royalrussell.co.uk Nursery and Junior School Open Day Wed 16 Mar. 9 – 2 pm

Kingswood House School, KT19 8LG 01372 723590 www.kingswoodhouse.org Thurs 5 & Sat 7 May

Seaton House School, SM2 5LH 020 8642 2332 www.seatonhouse.sutton.sch.uk Open Morning – Sat 5 Mar. 10 - 12.30 pm Drop-In Morning – Tues 8 Mar. 9.30 - 11.30 am

Wed 8 June. 9 - 10.30 am Open Events - Senior School Thurs 16 June. 6 -8 pm

Manor House School & Nursery, KT23 4EN 013 7245 7077 www.manorhouseschool.org Tues 26 Apr Oakwood School and Nursery, CR8 2AN 020 8668 2895 www.oakwoodschool.org.uk Sat 5 Mar Old Palace School of John Whitgift Preparatory, CR2 7YN Senior, CR0 1AX 020 8688 2027 www.oldpalaceofjohnwhitgift.org Open Events - Prep School Sat 5 Mar 2 - 4 pm

St Christopher's School , KT18 5HE 01372 721807 www.st-christophers.surrey.sch.uk Thurs 3 & Sat 5 Mar St David’s School, CR8 3AL 020 8660 0723 www.stdavidsschool.co.uk Sat 23 Apr. 10 – 12 pm Sutton High Seniors ,SM1 2AX 020 8642 0594 www.suttonhigh.gdst.net Thurs 10 Mar

Admissions for Reception 2016 now open

Open Mornings Saturday 5th March Friday 18th March Friday 22nd April Saturday 14th May

10am - 12 noon 9am - 11am 9am - 11am 10am - 12 noon

“ A hidden gem of a school, traditional but forward-looking, and turning out confident, likeable, happy and well-informed young men” The Good Schools Guide Please contact Su Brailey, Admissions Manager if you would like to attend an Open Morning or arrange a tour of the school. sbrailey@prioryprep.co.uk | 01737 366 942

Bolters Lane Banstead Surrey, SM7 2AJ www.prioryprep.co.uk

London Surrey Borders

13

How to boost your child’s literacy and numeracy

by Liat Hughes Joshi Find out about the methods their school uses to ensure consistency If you want to do some work at home, it will help your son or daughter greatly if the methods you use are consistent with those they’re being taught at school – otherwise you can do more harm than good by confusing them.

Literacy and numeracy are central to your child’s learning in primary school and will underpin many of the subjects they’ll cover during their secondary education. They are of course crucial to later life too.

Whether they’re already acing their algebra or still struggling with basic sums, here are some ideas on how to give these key skills a boost.

A little extra learning at home can work wonders…but don’t go overboard!

Realistically, it isn’t always possible for teaching staff in busy classrooms of 30 pupils to provide the one-on-one attention children benefit from – perhaps looking at improving handwriting or listening to reading daily. By sitting with your child and working on specific areas, you can make a huge difference to their attainment. Keep it sensible though – even just ten or fifteen minutes a day for Key Stage 1 children can have an impact, yet still leaves hours and hours for Lego building, climbing trees or playing with friends.

Reading and aspects of numeracy are both typically taught quite differently to when most of us were children, so do attend any curriculum information evenings the school holds, or ask their teacher for more information about methods.

Employ tech to your advantage There are some brilliant educational apps and websites out there with masses of kid appeal.

Try to find ones which align with the National Curriculum (or at least use British English to avoid conflict with what’s done at school).

Many of the best apps have an in-built system of rewards and some even provide parents with progress reports. [Link: https:// www.familiesonline.co.uk/locations/national/ education-childcare/education-and-schools/ eight-of-the-best-educational-apps-for-primaryschool-children].

Encourage reading Reading opens the door to almost endless learning and enjoyment. Some children are naturally enthused by books, others need more nudging to get the reading bug. Firstly,

Liat Hughes Jo

shi

is a parenting jou rnalist and the author of four books including 'New Old-fashioned Pa renting' and '‎How to Unplu g Your Child' (both publis hed

by Summersdale) and Raising Children : The Primary Years (Pearson).

encourage any reading at all – be it comics, magazines, the back of the cereal packet – without worrying much about what they are reading. Also try and home in on your child’s interests and give them books that work with these – reluctant readers might gain confidence with non-fiction relating to their hobbies, or a football-mad child might enjoy some sporty tales and then decide fiction is for them.

Bedtime stories are a crucial opportunity to snuggle up discussing books together. They’re still beneficial even once children can read independently - parents of older kids could take on a more challenging classic together, taking it in turns to read a page before talking about what’s going on.

Incorporate ‘stealth learning’ into everyday activities Sneak some maths and literacy into their day-to-day life and you can improve their skills without it feeling like schoolwork. Adding up the cost of the shopping, dividing the bill in a restaurant, playing Monopoly or snakes and ladders, budgeting for that much-longed for Christmas present or helping with cooking are all brilliant but subtle numeracy activities.

For literacy, writing shopping lists, sending a postcard or email to the grandparents, or finding a pen pal might all help.

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www.explorelearning.co.uk 14 March/ April 2016

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Trie Tes d te Lov d ed by

Spring Book Review Spectacular

®

I think it is fair to say that I am a nature enthusiast, and truly believe that the secret to a happy childhood is sunshine, dirt, the possible half-digested worm and the sound of laughter wherever you go, so I have put together some of the latest publications to hit the shelves to encourage families to do just that.

The Big Book of Bugs

by Bug expert Barbara Taylor, illustrator Yuval Zommer and published by Thames & Hudson The Big Book of Bugs is a delightfully illustrated publication that will equip any young bug enthusiast with volumes of information about the wild world of bugs.

An easy read due to the detailed colour illustrations, and well researched, beautifully presented content. Bug expert, Barbara Taylor and illustrator Yuval Zommer have created a factual publication that will appeal to a wide range of ages, and because of the high level of information within the publication, The Big Book of Bugs will be a child’s favourite for many years as they can return back to it time and time again as one’s growing mind explores and understands more and more of what is around them.

I really recommend The Big Book of Bugs as an essential addition to any growing mind’s bookshelf.

The Big Book of Bugs by Yuval Zommer is published on 21 March at £12.95. Available for pre-order on Amazon: www.amazon.co.uk/Big-Book-Bugs-YuvalZommer/dp/0500650675/ref=sr_1_1/2782444728-2782436?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=14 55788358&sr=1-1&keywords=9780500650677

Cut and Colour Playbook: Seasons

illustrated by Anouk Biosrobert and published

by Ivy Kids Cut and Colour Playbook: Seasons is a beautifully illustrated mastermind of a kids art activity book. Perfectly designed to encourage recognition on of the seasons, with an innovative and magical twist on standard colouring books.

Children are taken on a creative adventure, combining their drawing, colouring and craft skills to create a layered paper diorama of the four seasonal landscape scenes. The front of the pages contain line illustrations to which children can add details and colour. On turning the page cut lines are shown, with instructions on which area of the page to cut away. As each page is finished, a layered landscape is slowly created, and at the end, when the

reader flips back to the first page, the complete scene will be revealed in all its glory.

A really fun and interactive way to teach children about the seasons and wonderful world around them in a manner that will imprint on their memory banks for years to come.

To purchase your little one a copy of Cut and Colour Playbook: Seasons please visit www.wordery.com/cut-and-colour-playbookseasons-anouck-boisrobert-9781782403159

The Children's Garden - Loads of Things to Make & Grow

by Matthew Appleby and published by Frances Lincoln Publishers Matthew Appleby has put together a fantastic publication, with 52 family projects designed to inspire parents and their children to play and learn in the garden together.

In today’s world where children fear rain, and many prefer computer games to the wild outdoors, The Children’s Garden – Loads of Things to Make and Grow is a perfect tool to encourage parents and children to stand up, get outside, and feel the earth beneath their feet, mud oozing between their fingers.

I cannot encourage families enough to spend time together outside with the wind in their hair and feet firmly planted on the ground, and The Children’s Garden is a brilliant tool to achieve just that.

The Little Book of Woodland Bird Songs

To find out about Frances Lincoln Publishers and their amazing range of publications please visit www.franceslincoln.com

Most parents have had one of those books with a selection of buttons, completely irrelevant, that when pressed make some horrendous noise, which for some reason unbeknown to us, our children delight in.

Hello Nature

published by Fine Feather Press

Well, The Little Book of Woodland Bird Songs is just one of those books, EXCEPT it is not horrendous in any way at all – The Little Book of Woodland Bird Songs is in fact everything otherwise.

The solid board pages are chunky enough for the smallest of hands to manage, and include beautifully illustrated information about each featured bird, as well as describing their habitat, feeding habits and physical appearance. It is a highly educational publication, and what brings it to life is the sound bar, which enables you to identify each different bird by its song.

The Little Book of Woodland Bird Songs is suitable for children and grown-ups aged 3 and up. www.finefeatherpress.com

by Nina Chakrabarti and published by Laurence King After receiving my review copy I totally fell in love with this publication. It encouraged me to purchase a selection of different colouring mediums for my son, and together they made a perfect Christmas present. A perfect excuse for me to take time out of my busy day and get lost in the wonderful world of nature and creativity.

Hello Nature is truly a fantastically illustrated activity book all about nature. With her

beautiful, distinctive illustrations, Nina Chakrabarti urges you to explore the weird and wonderful things you can find all around you – whether you’re out in a park, your back garden or sitting in your living room at home! Hello Nature is truly your very own nature scrapbook.

Reader

Families LSB has a 30% off Offer discount code for Hello Nature, valid until 30 June. Enter the code FAMILIES30 at checkout from www.laurenceking.com.

London Surrey Borders

15

Sally J. Hall is a writer and editor who ha s written for all the main parenting titles as well as The Independent and The Mail. She is autho r of Eco Baby and contribu ting author to Watch My Baby Grow (Dorl ing Kindersley).

Clubs and classes for pre-schoolers

By Sally J. Hall

We take a look at the kinds of activities you can find near you to keep your pre-schooler amused.

Arts and Crafts There are lots of places to drop in to get involved in crafting with your kids. They can learn skills such as painting, gluing, cutting out and sticking and of course the art of adding glitter.

environment. As they get older, they can start to take more serious classes and enroll for certificates like those run by the British Gymnastics Association (british-gymnastics. org).

"I brought my little girl along when she had just started walking and found the sessions to be the best paid class I had done with her. It really is excellent. She's grown in confidence and loves climbing! It's a great class and I heartily recommend it to anyone with a toddler." - Tumble Tots

Music

From nursery rhyme sing-alongs in the Local Park or café to learning a simple instrument, teaching a very young child to love music will give them a lifelong gift.

Swimming

Learning to swim is a great and useful life skill and it seems that the younger you start, the less likely it is that you will be nervous in water. Many local leisure centres run mother and baby swim sessions where you can start to teach your child how to gain confidence in the water.

Aly said her three-year-old son, Finlay, loved Moo Music. “It’s something we look forward to all week”. “The classes are creative, stimulating and, above all, lots of fun.” – Moo Music “I have been going to Monkey music classes with both my daughters for the last 5 years. We all love Monkey music! Emma and Carl have been fantastic and it is always a highlight of our week! We have also adopted our own pink monkey who both my girls love, he is like my third child!! I would wholeheartedly recommend Monkey music classes to other parents, great fun, builds confidence, educational and a great way to meet other Mums.” - Monkey Music “Viv is fantastic! I started taking my first daughter Rebecca when she was 6 months - she loved her Jo Jingles classes and was very sad when school meant she had to give up at 4yrs. My youngest, Jessica, loves her class as much as her sister did. She gets so excited when I say "shall we go to music". We love our weekly classes - thanks Viv!” – Jo Jingles

Theatre & Dance

It’s never too early to start treading the boards and there are lots of drama and acting clubs for even quite small kids. They teach self-expression, working within a group and confidence.

Teaching grace, strength and movement and dancing is a great form of exercise and can be enjoyed from a young age. Look for a class that is not too formal at first so that the emphasis is on play and enjoyment. If your child shows promise, they can go on to take Royal Academy of Dance certificates later on.

“This is a lovely class that Sam has loved from the start. It is a good mixture of music movement and learning, and he repeats many of the songs and dances at home all the time. Thank you for lots of fun.” - MAD Academy

“My daughter thoroughly enjoys the creative weekly themes at SDA classes. Her new creative movement skills have also helped develop her imagination, self- confidence, and listening and communication skills. I would highly recommend these classes.” – Sutton Dance Academy at The Sports Village

Ball Games

Little ones can learn how to kick and control the ball, use gross motor skills and understand teamwork. Mini rugby is always gentle and does not involve contact and the skills and size of the pitches are suited to the kids’ ages. Look for a local club which may allow kids to go into more serious games as they grow.

“My daughter Amy thoroughly enjoyed Dramabuds from 21/2 years old. I think the experience of drama at a young age has had a positive effect on her confidence.

She is now a very confident and outgoing 4 year old who loves role play.” Dramabuds

“Thank you for making Ezeesport so much fun! My girls love it. We always play Ezeesport games in the garden which reflects the impact your instruction has on the children. Well done!” Ezee Sport

Gymnastics

Indoor gym activities are good for rainy days and help with flexibility and strength. Look for classes suited for very young kids that show them how to roll, jump and use gym equipment in a safe and controlled I’m too young to talk yet, but you’ll be amazed at what I can tell you.

What does your baby want to say?

Join our classes in Coulsdon to find out

Book early to avoid disapointment Contact Tee Paul for details

020 8660 9208 07904229112 teepaul@singandsign.co.uk

I’m hungry I’m tired Change my nappy

...and more

To all at Spotlights, I just wanted to express how grateful we are for all the effort that went into making this morning's performance such a great success. We (this includes brother, sister and grandparents) thoroughly enjoyed it and we know Jonah had a wonderful time performing on stage and indeed at all the Spotlights sessions. We very much look forward to the next show! Thank-you very much! Spotlights Theatre School

Languages

Children from bilingual families seem to cope well with two languages from a very early age. Even if you and your partner both speak English, you may want your child to learn a second language from an early age to stand them in good stead for their later education and also if you have family or a holiday home in another country. Find a small group or one-to-one sessions where your child has fun and plays games in a second language.

“My daughter has been learning French with Petit Poucet for 3 years and I am amazed at her progress. She loves her lessons and her level of French is now way better than mine!” - Petite Poucet

www.singandsign.co.uk

16 March/ April 2016

www.families-LSB.co.uk

Learn to dance, act & sing Little Stars (4 – 6 years) Stars 1, 2 & 3 (7 – 16 years) New classes in South Croydon

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17

Who is new in the zoo?

Emperor Tamarin Monkies at Battersea Park Children's Zoo

Meet Battersea Park Children’s Zoo heroes, Pablo and Murphy Great things may be expected of Pablo and Murphy, two Emperor Tamarins at Battersea Park Children’s Zoo in London. As part of a European Breeding Programme, which ensures healthy bloodlines in captive populations of endangered animals, they may one day be sent off to New Zealand, Sweden or elsewhere to do their duty for their species. Named after the German Emperor Wilhelm ll because of their distinctive long white moustaches, Emperor Tamarins normally dwell in the rainforests of Peru, Bolivia and Brazil and are threatened by habitat destruction.

Another endangered species, the Bolivian squirrel monkey, has been affected both by habitat loss and the pet trade, so those at Battersea, named Spongebob, Quince, Fudge, Toffee, Tiffin and Caramel, may also one day be chosen to breed.

Conservation and education are at the heart of Battersea Park Children’s Zoo’s work with children and animals, in association with its sister parks The New Forest Wildlife Park in Hampshire and the Chestnut Centre in Derbyshire. The centres were the first to breed the highly endangered giant otter in the UK and are also involved in conservation programmes for Scottish wildcats, harvest mice, pine martens, European polecats and Eurasian otters.

The result of ZSL’s Asiatic lions fundraising campaign which also supports ZSL’s international conservation efforts to protect Asiatic lions, Land of the Lions will provide the perfect home for the big cats, and promises an enthralling new experience. To find out more about ZSL London Zoo’s Land of the Lions exhibit and the Zoo’s conservation campaign to help protect Asiatic lions, visit www.zsl.org/lions.

African Experience at Port Lympne

Education at Battersea is designed with fun in mind, so that children can develop a passion and respect for animals and an interest in conservation. Over the Easter holidays children can take part in a Rabbit Day and two Hedgehog Days, where they can enjoy story time, animal-themed craft activities and meet a real hedgehog or rabbit close up.

There are plenty of other fun activities year round, including animal craft sessions with the Zoo’s artist in residence Beatrice von Preussen, as well as quizzes, keeper talks, feeding sessions, animal encounters, Easter egg trails and special days devoted to giant snails, snakes, cotton-top tamarins and others.

In the Barley Mow Farm children can meet Kune Kune pigs Wiggle and Piggle, donkeys Smokey and Dusty, and Shetland pony Feather. Emus Ant and Dec are enormous fun to watch, along with the cheeky Asian short-clawed otters and mischievous meerkats.

With ring-tailed lemurs, wallabies, Scottish wildcats, agouti, mara, chipmunks, gerbils, rabbits, guinea pigs, harvest mice, giant snails, snakes, African grey parrots, finches, lovebirds and more, there are lots of animals to see.

Keeper Experiences are new at Battersea for 2016, and don’t forget the amazing adventure playgrounds. See the website for further details www.batterseaparkzoo.co.uk.

LAND OF THE LIONS Amazing new experience opening Easter 2016 at ZSL London Zoo ZSL London Zoo’s biggest and most breath-taking experience ever will be unveiled to the public this Easter, as the doors open to Land of the Lions on Friday 25 March 2016.

Male Asiatic lion, India (c) Raj Amin ZSL

18

March/ April 2016

Home to a pride of endangered Asiatic lions, the Land of the Lions features an awe-inspiring ‘windowless-view’ of the big cat’s enclosure.These Wild Asiatic lions are found only in the Gir Forest region of India.

Port Lympne Reserve, celebrating its 40th birthday throughout 2016 Port Lympne Reserve, one of Kent’s most popular and award winning visitor attractions is celebrating its 40th birthday throughout 2016. Originally opened to the public in 1976, The Reserve, near Ashford is home to over 700 rare and endangered species and along with sister park, Howletts near Canterbury is regarded as a breeding sanctuary for rare and endangered species, with a view to returning animals born at the Reserve, to protected areas in the wild.

Plans for 2016 have been revealed at the popular visitor attraction, which will see the arrival of the county’s first ever breeding pair of spectacled bears, heralding the start of a brand new breeding programme for the Kent Reserve.

Set over 600 acres, Port Lympne is home to the UK’s most authentic safari experience, The African Experience – 100 acres alive with African animals. The popular safari experience now incorporates an Asian theme, where water buffalo will roam with other Asian animals, whilst new arrivals are expected across the park as successful breeding programmes continue.

Visitors to Port Lympne Reserve this Easter holiday are guaranteed a cracking day out of Jurassic proportions, as the long awaited Dinosaur Forest at the Reserve, opens to the public where visitors can marvel at mighty dinosaurs and discover life sized and anatomically correct prehistoric creatures including mammals, birds and amphibians as they journey through the Dinosaur Forest.

For more information visit www.aspinallfoundation.org/port-lympne

www.families-LSB.co.uk

Marwell Zoo © Natasha Jeffries

London Wetland Centre founder Sir Peter Scott brought a pair of Nenes – also known as Hawaiian Geese - to the UK and bred them until there was a large enough flock to return birds to the island of Maui, where they had previously lived. The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) continues to breed them today and you can come nose to beak with them at London Wetland Centre. They are distant cousins to the Canada geese which are so common in London.

And make sure you don’t miss our new arrivals at London Wetland Centre, a pair of young white-naped cranes. These 4 ft tall, elegant birds live in Mongolia and Russia, but are related to the wild Eurasian Cranes which, thanks to WWT and our partners, can now be seen again on the Somerset Levels after being extinct in the UK for 400 years! Other birds to keep an eye out for while you’re at London Wetland Centre are the beautiful red-breasted geese, Laysan teal and Bewick’s swans – all of them part of WWT conservation programmes throughout the world. Not to mention all the wild ducklings you’ll see now that Spring is here!

Marwell Zoo Wild Explorers

Marwell Zoo Wild Explorers

Egg-citing Wild Egg Hunt at Marwell Zoo A visit to Marwell Zoo, near Winchester in Hampshire, is a chance to get close to the wonders of the natural world and play a big part in helping to save them.

WIN

a day o ut at Marwe ll Zooo

Take part in their egg-citing Wild Egg Hunt over the Easter weekend, meet the Easter Bunny and collect your free chocolate egg! Marwell’s Big Bird Bonanza continues throughout the Easter holiday, creating egg-tastic fun for all the family. With high hopes for babies this year, you may even hear the pitter patter of tiny animal feet.

What’s more, their newest and biggest ever exhibit, Wild Explorers, is now open! Home to white rhinos, Grevy’s zebra and scimitarhorned oryx, the £3.6m immersive exhibit is five times bigger than any other at the zoo. Awaken your inner explorer and begin your adventure as you experience the African Wilderness first hand.

Remember to collect the stamps in your Explorers Trail on the way!

Visit marwell.org.uk for more information.

We have a family ticket to giveaway for you to enjoy Marwell Zoo in Hampshire this summer. To enter go to www.families-lsb.co.uk/competitions The closing date 30th April. T & C apply. See our website for details.

© Nick Cottrell London Wetland Centre

Love a duck at WWT London Wetland Centre

For more information on the London Wetland Centre please visit www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/london/

Howletts Wild Animal Park Howletts Wild Animal Park, Kent’s most successful and multi award winning Animal Park, offers visitors the chance to experience real conservation, throughout 2016.

Howletts is a breeding sanctuary for some of the most rare and endangered species in the world, including the largest collection of critically endangered western lowland gorillas and the largest herd of African elephants in the UK . With over 450 animals and over 50 individual species, plus plenty of new births and arrivals, including adorable baby black rhino, Kasungu - the first black rhino to be born at the park, visitors have the opportunity to see real animals whilst being part of real conservation in action.

From Friday 25th March to Sunday 10th April 2016, visitors will be able to take part in free activities, focusing on two very special lemurs, Gasy a distinctive black lemur and Teddy, one of the park’s popular red bellied lemurs as they turn nine and twelve years old respectively.

For more information visit www.aspinallfoundation.org/howletts Pictured: Baby black rhino at Howletts Wild Animal Park Spectacled bears set to move in at Port Lympne Reserve

There are hundreds of wild ducks, geese and swans at WWT London Wetland Centre but not many people realise it’s also home to some of the world’s rarest birds.

The Nene (pronounced nay-nay) is the world’s rarest goose, driven to near extinction in the early 1950s when only 30 individuals were left in the world, all on Hawaii Island.

London Surrey Borders

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Easter Holiday Camps 29 Mar - 8th April Tuesday - Friday, 3-4pm Glazed All Over 102 Stafford Road, Wallington SM6 9AY 0208 6476463 A range of fun craft activities for all abilities, including clay work pottery painting and textiles.

Limited availability for each workshop, booking essential.

Please see our website for further details. 6+. £6 with 15% sibling discount. For more information visit www.glazedallover.co.uk Mon 4 Apr – Wed 6 Apri MultiSports Sutton and Cheam Holiday Workshop Nonsuch School, Cheam Surrey SM3 8AB 01293 774051 The same great Saturday school, but in the holidays.!

MultiSports invite your child to experience a specialist sports workshop with a difference. All students work in age specific squads with qualified/experienced trainee PE teachers and rotate through four different exciting sports each day that will include:Volleyball, Tag Rugby, Basketball, Badminton, Cricket, Pop Lacrosse, Mini Fencing, Netball, Athletics, Rounders and exciting

Team Challenges. Main School 9 – 4pm, (ages 6 – 16). Little Sporties 9 – 12pm, (ages 4 - 6).

For more information visit www. multisportsustton.co.uk Mon 4 – Fri 8 April Pull the Other Theatre Education: Holiday Shakespeare THE TEMPEST Drama Workshop Epsom Playhouse, Ashley Road, Epsom.

07525 116764 A fun and dynamic drama workshop on 'THE TEMPEST' introducing Shakespeare's last comedy; inspired by English colonial adventures, full of magic, forgiveness and generosity, we'll follow the usurped and exiled Prospero, Duke of Milan along with his daughter, Miranda, a spirit, Ariel, and slave, Caliban to see what a storm can truly bring!

Meet new friends, learn about making a play and create a workin-progress performance for your friends and family.

PtO’s excellent drama practice is delivered by professionally trained Drama UK accredited actors and directors whose mission is to hone individual talent encouraging team work with selfconfidence, creative expression and imagination. 10-16 years. £155 (10% sign up with a friend discount).

ALPINE HOLIDAYS FOR FAMILIES

Mon-Thu 10.15 – 3 pm Fri 10:30 (staging 17:30) For more information please visit www. ptotheatre.org.uk Don't forget to say you saw these advertised in

WWW.PREMIERE-SUMMER.COM London-Surrey Borders Magazines

Tues 29 Mar– Fri 8 April The Sports Village Easter Holiday Camp Rose Hill Park, Rose Hill, Sutton, SM1 3HH 020 8641 6611 The Sports Village is offering a variety of camps for children aged 3-12. 9 am - 5pm daily.

Tots Tennis teaches the basic core skills while helping develop co-ordination, balance, movement and racquet control.

Gymnastics is suitable for all levels; from newcomers to existing SGA members all learning core skills and using the gymnastics equipment including air track, bars, beam and vault.

Sutton Dance Academy, in partnership with trash percussion specialist Beatlab, is offering an exciting dance and music workshops using a variety of everyday scrap materials, culminating in a performance for friends and family.

Football camp runs throughout the holiday with players taking part in football and Futsal training and games.

Tennis and multi-sport camp runs structured but fun tennis sessions in the morning and a variety of sports in the afternoon including basketball, cricket, dodgeball, football, hockey and much more.

For more information please visit www.thesportsvillage.org.uk

Mon 4 – Thurs 7 April Stagecoach Sutton Easter workshops 4-6 years and 6-18 years Carshalton High School for Girls, West street, Carshalton, Surrey, SM5 2QX 01372 740 284 4-6 years 9.30-12.30 6-18 years 9.30-4 pm Join the fun. Make friends and build confidence at this fantastic Easter workshop. Superb teachers will work with students to develop skills in the performing arts, boost confidence and put on a full scale, costumed production at the end of the workshop for friends and family to enjoy.

For more information please visit www.stagecoach.co.uk/sutton

Easter Holiday Camps Super Camps www.supercamps.co.uk Super Camps is the UK’s no.1 for childcare during the schools holidays. They have been entertaining children and reassuring parents at their activity camps for 20 years, and run at over 80 schools in fantastic and convenient locations.

Northwood College for Girls Maxwell Road, Northwood, HA6 2YE Putney High School 35 Putney Hill, London, SW15 6BH Royal Russell School Coombe Lane, Croydon, CR9 5BX Tiffin School Queen Elizabeth Road, Kingston upon Thames, KT2 6RL

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March/ April 2016

www.families-LSB.co.uk

Book by 1st March

NEW!

discover experience enjoy

in

Sutton High Street SATURDAY 26TH MARCH 10am-1pm & 2pm-5pm From fencing, zorbing and tennis to archery, art and cookery - a new experience every day! See online for dates.

Come and visit our High Street farm full of your favourite furry friends.

www.ultimateactivity.co.uk 0844 870 7077

WE HAVE SH E E P AN D L AMBS TO CU DDLE , NAUGHT Y GOATS AN D KI DS, PIGLE TS TO TICKLE AN D A MI N IAT U RE DON KE Y TO GROOM .

TH E RE’LL AL SO BE BU N N I ES, GU I N E A PIGS AN D CH ICK S TO SIT ON L APS, COLOU RFU L CH ICKE N S AN D QUACK Y DUCK S TOO.

Free Face Painting

C hildre n’s E aste r Bunny Hunt Arts & crafts

by Sutton C ollege H O L I D AY C A M P S Enjoy Sutton is brought to you by Successful Sutton, Sutton’s Business Improvement District. For more information, please visit www.successfulsutton.co.uk

Book now on 020 8641 6611 or visit www.thesportsvillage.org.uk for full details Rose Hill Park, Rose Hill, Sutton, Surrey, SM1 3HH @sportsvillageuk | The-Sports-Village

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Easter Egg Hunts reserve to discover where they are hiding. Admission fees apply www.wwt.org.uk

Mon 28 Mar – Sun 10 Apr Easter Fun with The Battersea Park Children Zoo , SW11 4NJ 020 7924 5826 Includes Easter Egg Trail, Spring Trail, Rabbit Day, Hedgehog Day and much more. Entrance fees apply. www.batterseapark.org Fri 29 April Sutton Ecology Centre, SM5 3NY 02087705820 I 10am to 2pm Easter Bunny Hop: Where have those cheeky bunnies hidden the eggs this time? Can you help find them? Join them for our Egg Hunt, Easter craft and stroke a bunny. £4 per child, Suitable for families with children 2yrs+. www.sutton.gov.uk/biodiversity 25 Mar - 10 Apr The Big Easter Break at Penshurst Place,TN11 8DG 01892 870307 Trails: 25th Mar- 10 Apr daily from 10.30am – dusk. Crafts: 25th Mar - 10 Aprl daily from 12noon – 4pm Storytelling: 27th & 28th from 2pm – 4pm. Down The Rabbit Hole: garden trail, funny bunny stories and Easter crafts Dive down the rabbit hole at Penshurst Place and embark on an entertaining garden trail to uncover interesting facts about the native British animals and plants that thrive in a life spent underground. Then hop on over to the Old Coach House to craft a pop-up rabbit puppet and a sunflower or frog mask. www.penshurstplace.com Sat 25 Mar- Sun 10 Apr Easter Duck Hunt The London Wetlands Centre, SW13 9WT 020 8409 4400 Spring is a wonderful time to visit WWT London Wetland Centre as new life is bursting out all around with babies, bugs and buds in abundance. But some of their ducklings have gone missing – can you help find them?

Follow their GIANT Easter duck trail around the beautiful nature 22

March/ April 2016

Sat 26 Mar. 12-4 pm The Children’s Trust Tadworth Court, Tadworth, Surrey KT20 5RU 01737 36 5017 Come along to this eggcellent Easter Fair on Saturday 26th March 2016Adult entry tickets are £3.00 and Child entry is free.

There is a range of activities including an Easter Egg Hunt, Go Karts, Reptile Room, a Spring Farm, an Easter Shopping market, raffles, fair ground rides and so much more for the whole family to enjoy. www.thechildrenstrust.org. uk/easterfair 19 Mar - 10 April Hunt & Easter Family Fun. Hever Castle & Gardens, TN8 7NG 01732 865224 19 & 20, 23 March – 10 April: Lindt Easter Bunny Hunt only 25 March – 10 April: Lindt Bunny There’s family entertainment throughout the Easter holidays at Hever Castle & Gardens with a host of activities including an Easter hunt, craft workshops and an Easter Bonnet competition. www.hevercastle.co.uk Wed 23 – Mon 28 Mar Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, TN15 0RR 01732 459777 10.30am – 4pm. A firm family favourite. Hunt for the hidden bunnies amongst the rhododendron and earn yourself some chocolate egg rewards! www.riverhillgardens.co.uk Sat 19 March – Sun 10 April RHS Garden Wisley GU23 6QB 08452609000 Hop through RHS Garden Wisley on the trail of the Lindt gold bunny. Bring your family along for a full day of Easter fun every day and join in with arts & craft sessions with the ‘Garden Detectives’ theme. Follow the clues to lead you to a delicious treat for your best Easter ever! As activities vary daily please check the details on the website. www. rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley Wed 30 Mar Easter Fun at Birdworld GU10 4LD 11am – 4pm (park is open from 10am – 4.30pm). Crack the clues to claim your egg plus the

opportunity to win some other great prizes. Join in with some seasonal arty fun. Percy the penguin may even make an appearance, so keep your eyes peeled. www.birdworld.co.uk Sat 26 Mar -Sun 10 Apr Easter Egg Trail Honeywood Museum SM5 3NX 020 8770 4297 What came first, the chicken or the egg? Neither, it was the dinosaur! Drop in themed crafts, trail and more throughout opening hours. All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Admission is free. www. friendsofhoneywood.co.uk Fri 25 March –Sun 10 Apr Bocketts Farm Park KT229BS 01372 363764 10am – 5.30pm. Enjoy a great day out at Bocketts Farm this spring with baby animals galore including hundreds of new born lambs, chicks and ducklings. Daily activities include animal handling, goat milking, pig racing, pony rides and tractor rides. Plus, there’s a chocolate treat for each child completing the Easter Egg Trail. Don’t miss the NEW Treehouse Towers adventure play too, open this Easter. £9.50 adults, £9.95 children 3 – 17 years. www.bockettsfarm.co.uk 25 Mar - 3 Apr Day out with Thomas Mid Hants Railway Alresford, Hampshire Thomas & Friends return to the Watercress Line for more family fun. Shake hands with the Fat Controller, meet Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends, take part in Thomas themed activities and ride the big steams trains all day. Free Thomas sticker and certificate for every child. Free activities, bouncy slide, tea cup ride, children’ entertainer and Thomas tattoos. Free rides with Thomas, Toad and Diesel. It’s a great value family day out, not to be missed! Book your tickets online at www.dayoutwiththomas. co.uk/midhants to get your free gift or simply pay on the day.

Entry is by travel ticket only, which includes all day travel on the trains and all free entertainment.

Cadbury Easter Egg Hunts with the National Trust Yes, it’s that time of the year again when the National Trust team up with Cadbury to offer you the ultimate day out. Join them over the Easter weekend to unleash your inner explorer on a Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt.

What’s more, everyone will be rewarded with a delicious Cadbury chocolate treat at the end of each completed hunt, and every single Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt will help us care for our special places for future generations to explore.

Fri 25 – Mon 28 Mar 8am–6.pm Tues - 29 Mar 10am–5 pm Morden Hall Park, SM4 5JD 020 8545 6850 mordenhallparkevents@ nationaltrust.org.uk Fri 25 & Sat 26 Mar 10.30 – 4pm Claremont Landscape Garden KT10 9JG 01372 467 806 Sat 26– Mon 28 Mar, 11- 3.30 pm Hatchlands Park, GU4 7RT 01483 222482 Sun 27–Mon 28 Mar 10.30– 4pm Winkworth Arboretum, GU8 4AD 01483 208936 Sat 5 March – Sun 10 April between.10am - 3pm Polesden Lacey, RH5 6BD 01372 452048 Sat 26 – Mon 28 Mar 11am– 4pm Shalford Mill, GU4 8BS 01483 561389 Fri 25 Mar. 11am–5 pm River Wey Navigations, GU1 4RR 01483 561389 Sat 26 – Sun 27 Mar 10.30– 4pm Runneymede, SL4 2JL 01784 432891

www.families-LSB.co.uk

Easter Activities Fri 18 & Sat 19 March Easter Craft at Coulsdon Library, CR5 2NH Come and make bunnies and baskets to celebrate Easter. 3:45 pm Free. Advance booking Sat 26 March – Sun 10 April Easter Holiday Activities Honeywood Museum, SM5 3NX 020 8770 4297 What came first – the chicken or the egg? Neither, it was the dinosaur! Drop in themed crafts, trail and more throughout opening hours. All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Admission is free. Donations are very welcome.

Thur 24 Mar – Sat 9 Apr Easter Eggstravaganza Kingston Museum, KT1 2PS Come along and celebrate spring with some seasonal fun!

There will be free craft activities, Thumbs Up It’s Thursday, and the annual Easter egg hunt too. 1-4pm, Ages 5+, younger siblings are welcome.

Sat 26 March Farm Yard Fun - Sutton Town Square, SM1 1DU Come and visit this High Street farm full of your favourite furry friends. They have sheep and lambs to cuddle, naughty goats and kids, piglets to tickle and a miniature donkey to groom.

There’ll also be bunnies, guinea pigs and chicks to sit on laps, colourful chickens and quacky ducks. 10am-1pm & 2pm-5pm

Make your own Instructions

Easter Egg Bunny

1.

Take a freshly cooked and cooled hard-boiled egg.

2.

Cut shapes for the bunny’s feet and hands out of the yellow felt; then cut larger ears shapes out of yellow felt and smaller ones from the white.

3.

Stick the feet on the base of the egg, making sure the egg can stand upright on them.

4.

Stick the white ears onto the yellow and when they have dried a little, stick them on to the rear of where the face will be.

5.

Finally, draw a rabbit’s face on the front of the egg with the pens and decorate with patterns as your child likes.

What you’ll need:

Sat 29 March Easter Activity at Bradmore Green Library, CR5 1PE Come along to this Easter related children craft. Suitable for ages 3 years +.Free. Advance booking required. 3pm Thur 31 March Easter Activity Shirley Library, CR0 8BH Come along to this Easter related children craft. Suitable for children aged 3 years +.

Free. Advance booking required.

2:30pm

1 hard-boiled egg Yellow and white felt PVA glue Felt tips pens in yellow, orange and black

Sun 27 March Denbies Easter Holidays Events Denbies Wine Estate, RH5 6AA 01306 876 616 In association with the Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity Craft Activities available Monday – Friday throughout the Easter holiday from £1.50. 11am until 3pm. www.rainbowtrust.org.uk

Bocketts Farm Park 25th Mar - 10th Apr 2016

EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA FANTASTIC FAMILY FUN THIS SPRING!

OVER

300 B

WE’RE LAMBING

Hundreds of baby lambs due

AB LAMBYS DU

Meet the Shepherd

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Easter Trail with Chocolate treats

NEW

PLUS Animal handling, goat milking, tractor rides, pig racing and pony rides daily!

USE TREEHOERS W TO adventure Outdoor en end of play op rch!

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www.bockettsfarm.co.uk #

SPECIAL

OFFER

D AR AW WI NN ING !

£1 OFF full price farm entry per person* Valid from 1st - 24th March 2016.

Only with this voucher (*maximum 5 people).

FM

London Surrey Borders

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The Mid Hants Railway

What’s on pril March & A

MARCH Every Monday and Friday Food Growing Drop-in Sessions Carshalton Community Allotment SM5 2PW 020 8770 6611 Mon 1 -3pm, Fri 10.30am12.30pm Inclusive sessions for which parents are welcome to come along with children in the holidays or toddlers during term time.

Every Monday Little Explorers Morden Hall Park SM4 5JD 020 8545 6850 10:00 - 11:15 & 13:00 - 14:15 Little Explorers is a fun activity session for 18 months to 4 years.

Join the morning or afternoon session. £2.00 Every other Sat from 5 March Bourne Hall Museum: Museum Club Bourne Hall Museum, KT17 1UF 020 8394 1734 1pm to 2.30 pm. A club for children 8 to 12+ who have an interest in history. £4 per child per meeting.

Sun 6 Mar. 11am - 4pm Mother's Day Celebration Morden Hall Park, SM4 5JD 020 8545 6850 Treat mum to a special afternoon out with all the family. Enjoy a guided tour of the Rose Garden to learn more about the history of the park. Join them in the stable yard to make a special gift to take home. £2 per craft.

Sat 12 Mar. 9am - 5pm Herald of Spring Bourne Hall Museum, KT17 1UF 020 8394 1734 Fun and flowers for all the family 24

March/ April 2016

Before setting out please check details with the venue in case they have changed since we have gone to print.

in association with Ashtead Park Garden Centre! Free entry.

Sat 12 Mar. 9am to 1pm Wallington Farmers' Market Wallington Old Town Hall and Library Gardens, SM6 0NB Established in 1999, this is the borough's oldest Farmers' Market and hosts around 26 local producers stalls every month Sat 12 Mar. 11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm Women in History Trail Museum of Croydon, CR9 1ET 020 8253 1022 Explore the Museum and find out about women who from Croydon who have changed history.

Mon 14 Mar. Doors open at 10am Bach to Baby - The Golden Horn St. Mildred’s Church, Bingham Road, Croydon, CR0 7EB Join them to explore the music of

this most heroic of instruments, from Handel’s famous Water Music to a Russian Reverie and beyond! Concert lasts for about an hour. £12 for adults, all children come in for free.

Wed 16 Mar. 6.30-8.30pm Star gazing evening.

The London Wetlands Centre, SW13 9WT 020 8409 4400 Expand your horizons by discovering more about the stars and the planets in our solar system and the galaxies beyond.

They’ll start with a short talk in the theatre and then show you some of the wonders of the universe such as Jupiter and its moons, Venus, and a galaxy about 10 million light years away. £10.

Sat 19 & Sun 20 Mar.12 – 4pm Elizabeth I and The Armada – March Penshurst Place, TN11 8DG

For all those animal loving families out there!

National Pet Show 7 & 8 May 2016, ExCel London www.thenationalpetshow.com

WIN A Fam il Ticket y

With hundreds of different animals, fun and educational talks, training demonstrations and amazing animal action displays, the National Pet Show is the ultimate day out for pet lovers, owners and families.

Talk to the experts, get free pet care advice and shop ‘til you drop for all the latest pet products and quirky animal themed gifts you can’t find on the high-street. Don't miss out on the live shows too! With the spectacular SuperDogs Live talent competition, Eukanuba Suerpvet Live Tour (featuring Channel 4 Supervet Noel Fitzpatrick), Hill’s School for Dogs training ring, TopCats competition, duck herding and many more activities, the National Pet Show provides an educational and entertaining weekend for the whole family.

Families LSB has three sets of tickets on offer for this fun filled event.

To enter go to: www.families-lsb.co.uk/competitions Closes 30 April. T&C apply. Full details are online.

01892 870307 Step back in time to 1588 at Penshurst Place for a live demonstration by Aardvark Productions of the difficulties and luck that befall Queen Elizabeth I as she fights off an attack on England by the Spanish Armada.

Sat 26 – Mon 28 Mar Normans & Crusaders Arundel Castle, BN18 9AB 01903 882173 Tues 29 Mar. 11am and 2pm Creation Station Workshops Denbies Wine Estate, RH5 6AA 01306 876 616 Fabulously Fun Activities for all ages. £7.50 per child.

Accompanying adults free of charge Wed 30 Mar. 11am & 2pm Teddy Bears Fancy Dress Disco Denbies Wine Estate, RH5 6AA 01306 876 616 £7.50 per child / Accompanying adults free of charge Wed 30 March – Sun 3 April 11am – 4pm Riverhill Sweet Sculptures Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, TN15 0RR 01732 459777 Calling all budding artists and engineers to create amazing structures out of sticks and sweets. It may be the only time this holiday you’re allowed to play with your food!

Wed 30 Mar. 11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm Design a Tea Cup Museum of Croydon,CR9 1ET 020 8253 1022 Be inspired by Grangewood revisited, Heathfield remembered and design your own tea cup.

Thurs 31 Mar. 11am & 2pm Tropical Rainforest Roadshow Denbies Wine Estate, RH5 6AA 01306 876 616 www.families-LSB.co.uk

What's on £7.50 per child / Accompanying adults free of charge.

Brocketts Farm

Thurs 31 Mar. 11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm Fire Breathing Dragons Museum of Croydon, CR9 1ET 020 8253 1022 Make a fierce or friendly dragon.

Disney On Ice presents Silver Anniversary Celebration 13 – 17 April Wembley Area

APRIL Fri 1 Apr. 11am - 3pm with a main display at 12.30pm Henfold Birds of Prey Denbies Wine Estate, RH5 6AA 01306 876 616 Free of charge Sat 2 – Sun 3 April Life in a Medieval Castle Arundel Castle, BN18 9AB 01903 882173 Mon 4 Apr 10.30am-12noon & 1:30pm-3pm Story Time Sutton Ecology Centre, SM5 3NY 020 8770 5822 Spring is all about baby animals and there’s one baby animal who’s lost his Mummy. Come and listen to Julia Donaldson’s Monkey Puzzle, and see if you can help Monkey solve his puzzle in our Nature Reserve/ £8 per child 3yrs + Booking essential.

Tues 5 Apr. 11am-1pm Honeywood Mini Explorers Spring Honeywood Museum, SM5 3NX 020 8770 4297 New led sessions aimed at children aged 6-10 years. Each history discovery session will have lots of exciting, fun, hands on activities including crafts and stories. Must be pre-booked. All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Tues 5 Apr. 11am and 2pm Creation Station Workshops Denbies Wine Estate, RH5 6AA 01306 876 616 Fabulously fun activities for all ages. £7.50 per child.

Accompanying adults free of charge.

Tues 5 Apr. 10am-2pm Spring Trail & Sound Safari.

Sutton Ecology Centre, SM5 3NY 020 8770 5822 Join them for our Spring Trail, search for signs of spring in their wonderful Nature Reserve, and use your ears to listen for sounds in nature. Make a musical instrument from natural materials / £4 per child, Suitable for families with children 3yrs+. Drop in, no booking required.

Wed 6 Apr. 11am & 2pm Teddy Bears Fancy Dress Disco Denbies Wine Estate, RH5 6AA 01306 876 616 £7.50 per child / Accompanying adults free of charge

Thurs 7 Apr. 11am & 2pm Tropical Rainforest Roadshow Denbies Wine Estate, RH5 6AA 01306 876 616 £7.50 per child / Accompanying adults free of charge

Join Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as they commemorate 25 years of Disney On Ice across Europe in an actionpacked ice adventure that travels to four magical destinations.

and come to Honeywood to hunt the dragons. Lots of fun with themed crafts, trails and more.

Come dressed as a Knight or Princess for the occasion for a small prize. All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Fri 1 Apr. 11am - 3pm with a main display at 12.30pm Henfold Birds of Prey Denbies Wine Estate, RH5 6AA 01306 876 616 Free of charge

Told through an international team of award-winning skaters, breath-taking choreography and a musical score filled with familiar Disney hits and rock and-roll classics, the whole family is sure to experience a captivating journey to far-away lands without ever leaving their seats.

Sun 1 May. 5am – 7am Dawn Chorus Walk - Queen Mary’s Woodland Sutton Ecology Centre, SM5 3NY 020 8770 5822 Improve your bird call and song recognition with an early morning stroll to nature’s symphony. £5 per person

Sat 9 Apr. 9am-1pm Wallington Farmers' Market Wallington Old Town Hall and Library Gardens, SM6 0NB Established in 1999, this is the borough's oldest Farmers' Market and hosts around 26 local producers stalls every month

Disney On Ice presents Silver Anniversary Celebration will take audiences on a fun-filled tour, visiting seven cities across the UK from 16th March to 15th May.

Don’t forget to say you saw these event in Families London-Surrey Borders!

Mon 11 Apr - Doors open at 10am Bach to Baby Croydon St. Mildred’s Church, CR0 7EB Bach to Baby is the critically acclaimed classical concert series for babies, toddlers and their carers. Concert lasts for about an hour. / £12 for adults, all children come in for free

To purchase tickets please visit www.disneyonice.co.uk

GI ANT

Join our easter duck hunt Friday 25 March to Sunday 10 April

Sat 16 & Sun 17 Apr 10am-5 pm Sutton Local Produce Market Sutton Town Square, SM1 1DU Meet local famers and suppliers of a wide range of local produce at Sutton Farmers Market.

s Find wuin d an ize! a pr

And buy your own LEGO® brick duckling to build

23 Apr 10 am - 4pm St Georges Day Food Festival Sutton Town Square, High Street, SM1 1DU Live cookery theatre with demos from local restaurants/chefs, food stalls and street food.

Sun 24 Apr - 2pm Horton Springtime walk Horton Country Park, KT19 8PL Enjoy a walk through the woods of Horton Country Park LNR, taking in the beauty of spring Sun 24 Apr 2-5pm Knights, Damsels and Dragons Afternoon – Honeywood Museum, SM5 3NX 020 8770 4297 Fly the flag for St. George’s Day

For full details see wwt.org.uk/london Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes, SW13 9WT info.london@wwt.org.uk 0208 409 4400

Giant Duck Hunt 2016 130x85 AW.indd 1

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What’s on at the Theatre Secombe Theatre 42 Cheam Road, Sutton SM1 2SS Boxoffice: 020 3771 9055 www.suttontheatres.co.uk Sat 12 & Sun 13 Mar We’re Going On A Bear Hunt Join these intrepid adventurers on their quest to find a bear as they wade through the gigantic swishy swashy grass, the splishy splashy river and the thick oozy, squelchy mud!

Thurs 24 & Fri 25 Mar These Books Are Made For Walking In a deserted and old-fashioned library two people with an unusual fondness for books meet and embark upon a playful journey.

Wed 27 Apr Swan Lake By the ever popular Vienna Festival Ballet. Lavish costumes, stunning scenery, international stars, and the glorious music from Tchaikovsky make this a night not to be missed.

Charles Cryer Studio Charles Cryer Studio Theatre 39 High Street, Carshalton, Surrey, SM5 3BB Box office: 020 3771 9317 www.suttontheatres.co.uk Wed 30 – Thurs 31 Mar King Arthur and the Inglewood Deep in the enchanted forest, where supernatural beings abound and the realm of the dead crosses that of the living,

King Arthur is set the ultimate challenge: to uncover what it is that women most desire.

The Epsom Playhouse Ashley Avenue, Epsom, Surrey KT18 5AL Box Office 01372 742 555 www.epsomplayhouse.co.uk Tues 8 – Sat 12 Mar Grease It's time to dust off your leather jackets and pull on your bobbysocks as we join Danny and Sandy along with the rest of the gang at Rydell High for this electrifying rock ‘n' roll show.

Mon 4 April Pongo's Party Today is the day that Pongo the Pig has been waiting for - that's right, it's his birthday! Featuring Justin Fletcher as Pongo the Pig. Fairfields Halls Park Lane, Croydon, CR9 1DG 020 8688 9291 www.fairfield.co.uk Wed 23 – Sat 26 Mar The Railway Children Don't miss your chance to join Bobbie, Peter and Phyllis on the adventure of a lifetime as they tell the story of how they became The Railway Children in this wonderful new musical adaptation

by Stephen Kingsbury and Ben Sleep.

Mon 2 - Sat 7 May Annie ‘A cracking new production’ (Newcastle Chronicle) of ANNIE, the world’s favourite family musical, comes to Fairfield Halls for 1 week only, starringBirds of a Feather’s Lesley Joseph as the tyrannical Miss Hannigan!

Everyday 7.30pm Thu & Sat Matinees 2.30pm.

Tues 29 Mar Here Be Monsters Join the villainous Captain CutThroat and his fearsome crew in a sea-faring adventure packed full of magical story-telling, original music and thrills galore!

Wed 30 – Thurs 31 Mar The Wizard of Oz Dorothy and her cute dog Toto enter the wonderful Land of Oz. During their travels down the yellow brick road they meet some lovely friends including a Scarecrow, a Tin Man and even a Lion who really wants some courage.

Fri 1 – Sat 2 April Beauty and The Beast Starring national treasure Keith Chegwin, Anne Hegerty from ITV’s The Chase and the

legendary Basil Brush.

Polka Theatre 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB Box Office 020 8543 4888 www.polkatheatre.com Wed 23 Mar –Sun 10 Apr Snow White With endless meals to prepare, a never ending pile of dishes to wash - not to mention the huge mirror that needs polishing morning, noon and night - life’s never easy for the royal servants downstairs at the palace. And why does the Queen keep asking for more apples?

Sat 16 – Sun 17 Apr The Emperor's New Clothes A welcome return from skilful puppeteer Martin Bridle, who rummages in the washing basket to create this funny and imaginative version of The Emperor's New Clothes.

Fri 22 - Sun 24 Apr Rumpelstiltskin A fairytale favourite spun before your eyes in this woolly wonderland of a show with weaving, puppetry and music.

Win a family ticket to see Ballet Black’s production of Dogs Don’t Do Ballet at Fairfield Halls, Croydon on 27th or 28th May 2016

WIN

Biff is a dog, but he's not your usual kind of dog. Instead of chasing sticks and fetching newspapers, Biff loves tutus, tiaras and ballet!

Watch as Biff sneaks into the class of the fearsome ballet teacher, Miss Polly, practices pirouettes in the park and finally gets to go the ballet.

Join Ballet Black for their first family ballet, based on the bestselling book by Anna Kemp and choreographed by Christopher Marney, full of fun, magic and one very special dog! Suitable for the whole family.

To win a family ticket to see this wonderful show, please visit: www.families-lsb.co.uk/competitions Competition closes 30 April. T & C apply.

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