Families North London March/April 22 Digital

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North London

IN THIS ISSUE Great competitions Unique animal encounters Ice Cream Farm walk Why play is so important Four pages of What’s On

Issue 153 March/April 2022 familiesonline.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk 1

Receive a FREE DoodleJamz toy for your child*

Age 3+

Endless creations at their fingertips!

Draw, squish, sculpt, shape, erase and repeat with this mess-free drawing pad!

APPLY HERE *while stocks last T&Cs apply 2 March/April

Magazine

Familiesonline.co.uk

s Box of Flit

THE LOST PROPERTY OFFICE

Edie and the

Lost and Found London Transport Museum

N22

Easter Holidays 2-18 April Discover the curious world of London Transport’s Lost Property Office.

LTM

Meet children’s authors Emily Rand and Kate Wilkinson on selected dates.

Book at ltmuseum.co.uk

2022.012_M_Easter Lost and Found_Print ad_Families Mag_180x130mm_AW.indd 1

KIDS GO FREE

16/02/2022 13:41

An independent Catholic school for girls aged 4-11 with a brand new co-educational nursery for children aged 2.5 to 4.

St. Anthony’s Schools provide a nurturing and intellectually stimulating environment where children flourish academically, socially and spiritually.

To book a private tour, please contact 020 3869 3070 info@stanthonysgirls.co.uk Ivy House, North End Road, London, NW11 7SX SAG and Nursery Fabric half page v1.indd Familiesonline.co.uk

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Scan here to visit our website 13/10/2021 13:43:53 March/April

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CONTENTS

In this issue

Welcome

6 Education 10 Mindfulness colouring 13 Win! Little Supernovas May hol workshop (make that workshop place, if it Get out and about with the family again. Plan a unique UK wildlife encounter and find those lesser-visited will fit, please) location spots in our Travel section.

14 Ice Cream Farm walk 15 Win! A Map of Wonders With cost-of-living increasing, saving money on 19 Top apps every parent everyone’s mind. Read our top tips in Family life needs section.

20 Easter craft Do you have a child starting school in September?

Then you’ll want to download our free School Starters 26 What’s On Family Theatre Planner taster edition.

27 What’s On Events Finally, we have lots of DoodleJamz toys to give away! 28 Easter Holiday Clubs So make sure you apply for this squishy, squashy, sensory but mess-free drawing pad for your child. And 30 Spring Make ‘n’ dos sign up at familiesmag.co.uk/go to receive every issue Get in touch of this magazine free to your inbox.

We’re really looking forward to spring here at Families and in preparation, here’s our Easter magazine. Find Easter crafts, cooking, outdoor fun and our yummiest Easter egg selection!

Competition winners from our November/December issue

Amanda Greenley

Email: editor@familiesnorthlondon.co.uk Phone: 07359 133954.

Congratulations to all our winners. You can find a list here.

Two Smoby KS Slides to give away!

Perfect for summer fun!

Magazine 4 March/April

Worth £77.99 each APPLY HERE

T&Cs apply Familiesonline.co.uk

Join New London Children’s Choir and develop your singing and musical skills.

Rehearsals every Sunday afternoon at All Hallow’s, Gospel Oak.

Are you aged between 7 and 18?

Do you like to sing?

www.newlondonchildrenschoir.org.uk Familiesonline.co.uk

For more info contact membership@newlondonchildrenschoir.org.uk March/April 5

EDUCATION

Is your child starting school in September?

Plan a successful start with the School Starters Planner 2022/23 What’s in the planner?

Daily planning calendar What’s coming up – month by month School contact details and login pages

The full 12 month planner covers the entire 2022/23 academic year.

Vital information you will need for school from the experts at Every Day’s a School Day

Buy it HERE

Get a 4 month taster planner for FREE

DOWNLOAD HERE

6 March/April

Familiesonline.co.uk

EDUCATION

A unique new Early Years experience

Outstanding north London prep school launches new 4+ provision Successful north London school group, North Bridge House, is introducing a new entry point to its high-achieving prep school at the edge of Regent's Park. From September 2022, fouryear-olds will be able to join the independent co-ed day school. Its current provision for seven to 13-yearolds is rated Outstanding by Ofsted, and now Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 classes will be added.

North Bridge House Prep School is renowned for its impressive track record of 11+ and 13+ exam results and celebrated 15 scholarship offers in 2021.

‘It will continue to prepare children for entry to the UK’s top senior schools, now with a new Early Years curriculum designed specifically around this longterm goal,’ said headteacher James Stenning.

‘Reception is the start of pupils’ whole school career here at North Bridge House Prep School, and our Early Years

Children are prepared for the learning challenges ahead Familiesonline.co.uk

curriculum has been mapped around pupils’ educational journey from start to finish,’ he said.

The new Early Years and Key Stage 1 provision will expand on its specialist, individualised curriculum, maintaining small class sizes and incorporating everything from philosophy and Forest School, to French, drama, music and sport. Children will benefit from a rich and varied academic and extracurricular programme, progressing to a Key Stage 2 curriculum designed to further build cultural literacy.

‘Our curriculum is grounded in the strongest evidence about how children learn and retain knowledge in the long-term,’ said Mr Stenning. ’Initiatives such as Forest School and Philosophy teach soft skills that aid higher cognitive abilities, including critical thinking and information processing, while key problem-solving skills are embedded into all aspects of children’s work,’ he added.

The new facilities are innovative with multi-functional indoor and outdoor teaching spaces, including the children’s very own rooftop science garden so they can learn and play among nature.

North Bridge House Prep School is a popular choice among North London parents who want the option of the UK’s leading destination schools, or a stress-free all-through education which does not compromise on academic excellence. Internal students are prioritised for places at the highachieving NBH Senior Schools.

Mr Stenning added: ‘By accommodating children from the start of their school journey, NBH Prep presents a seamless approach to individually preparing pupils for every path to success.’

Book a visit at northbridgehouse.com/ open or call 020 7428 1520 for more information

Pupils benefit from a rich and varied programme to build cultural literacy

March/April 7

EDUCATION

So you didn’t get the school place you wanted.

What next?

Watch advice from Emma Lewry at Every Day’s a School Day

Help, we didn’t get our school choice!

By Emma Lewry

In England, secondary school places are announced on 1 March. Then, during April, primary school applicants find out their designated school. Very high percentages of families receive one of their listed preferences or even their firstchoice school. But what can be done if you are unlucky?

READ MORE 8 March/April

Familiesonline.co.uk

EDUCATION

Does spelling matter?

By Jemma Zoe Smith As a dyslexic tutor, my answer does not fit squarely on one side of the fence. Spelling is a recognised core skill which helps with reading, processing and pronunciation. But should anyone be penalised for having important and novel ideas, simply because they struggle to write them down?

In UK primary schools, children are given regular spelling tests and spelling is tested at each stage of pupils’ lives. 11+ exams, SATs, GCSEs and even some job interviews require a writing task without spellcheck. So yes, spelling must matter because it is tested at so many points in the UK (although not so much in the USA). Fail to master spelling and it is harder to make it to top universities or careers.

READ MORE

Familiesonline.co.uk

March/April 9

EDUCATION

Mindfulness colouring for kids

Download these mindfulness colouring sheets for kids who need some quiet, focused time to be calm or help with anxious or worried feelings.

Lion

Simple mandala

DOWNLOAD HERE

DOWNLOAD HERE

ug A 8 2 – l u J 12

KIDS GOICE* HALF PR * Mon-Thurs, excl Band AA. Subject to availability.

Offers may be withdrawn at any time.

10 March/April

openairtheatre.com Familiesonline.co.uk

FUN FRENCH LESSONS Est. 1993

Innovative immersion programme



Unique method with fantastic results

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Suitable for all levels of French

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In person & online lessons

Featured in BBC, ITV, Daily Telegraph, Daily Express and The Huffington Post

www.clubpetitpierrot.co.uk

020 3969 2642

www.bilingualnurseries.com

Mars Montessori in Angel

Ages 18 months – 4 years

Les Trois Oursons in Paddington

Ages 10 months – 4 years

Familiesonline.co.uk

4 Collins Yard, (off Islington Green), LONDON N1 2XU

Lower Ground Floor, 170 Gloucester Terrace, LONDON W2 6HS

March/April 11

EDUCATION

Games to improve visual perception

Can your child make sense of what they see? Visual perception is essential for your child’s reading, writing and movement. Here are some games that help with this important skill.

Peppa Pig Guess Who?

Paddington Spot the Difference

Wooden Pick Up Sticks

Pixy Cubes

Match It Head to Tail

Dive into Shapes!

Helping children discriminate carefully between features.

Ages 6mths-3yrs.

Encourages visual attention and sequencing and spatial relationships.

Ages 6+.

Code & Go Robot Mouse Activity Set Copying mazes develops visual perception skills, Ages 4+

12 March/April

A fun family game involving spotting the differences between pictures. Ages 5+.

Aids visual discrimination, visual attention and visual memory. Ages 3+.

iTrax Critical Thinking Game

Copying and building designs boosts visual perception skills.

Ages 6-10.

Encourages a focus on details, ignoring extraneous visual information. Ages 3+.

Develops visual perception skills involved in handwriting and reading. Ages 6-10.

Lets Go Code Activity Set

Hop, turn, step and move through a gross motor maze. Ages 5+.

Familiesonline.co.uk

HEALTH

Win! Be a Little Supernova Imagine you’re a fox: Performing arts fun is only a whisker away are a great way for children to explore who they are and for learning to interact with others, as well as having fun, and what better way to get immersed in that than a holiday club?

We love the arts, so Families North London has teamed up with Little Supernovas to offer readers the chance to win a place on their May holiday workshop.

Little Supernovas has run creative, imaginative holiday clubs for almost a decade. In their action-packed sessions, children create art, props and even better - their very own stories!

The award-winning holiday clubs, for children aged 4 to 9, end with a short performance which is sent to parents via email.

‘Every school has beautiful, high-quality crafts, lots of fun and interactive storytelling. All staff are trained, enthusiastic and DBS checked,’ said Brooke Dunbar, founder and director.

Little Supernovas is running an Easter School and a May School at All Saints Church, Highgate, with a lovely outdoor space. For a chance to win one place on the May Holiday School – that’s the whole three days – go to bit.ly/compMA22. This offer is open to children 5 to 8 years. Entry closes on April 20.

See terms and conditions at bit.ly/ SupernovasTCs Easter Holiday School, from April 4-8. May Holiday School from May 30 to June 1. Day bookings and week bookings. Early drop-off and late pick-up can be booked. A sibling discount code must be requested by email (hello@littlesupernovas.com) before booking. littlesupernovas.com

Familiesonline.co.uk

The Grove Nursery and Preschool

Springing back at The Grove Parents are being invited to attend nursery with their children, at The Grove, Islington, to make something amazing together in creative workshops, and the nursery is reaching out to parents in other ways. It has a ‘swap facility’ for exchanging children’s items and provides support and advice to families, with focuses such as children’s health and behaviour.

But it’s the children who have the most fun. The highlyrespected nursery runs weekly sessions of Forest School, sports school, yoga, diddi dance and music, as well as French and Spanish, and, after all the excitement, children can relax in The Grove’s cosy dens, in each of its rooms.

‘Our last Ofsted found staff have ‘high expectations of all children’ and ‘adapt activities effectively to meet each child’s next steps in learning’,’ said director Rebecca Browne.

‘At The Grove you can feel assured that your child is in safe and loving hands within a caring and supportive environment,’ she added.

The Grove is taking bookings now for personal tours. Register early to avoid disappointment.

Call 02072264037.

March/April 13

OUT & ABOUT

Sundae walk

Get out and about for an egg-stra special treat with a walk and trip to an Ice Cream Farm – yes you did read that correctly.

Use our directions, below, to enjoy a country walk ending with a well-deserved indulgence at Lewis of London, Galley Lane, Barnet. Or just park up and enjoy! And from April 2 to 18, the ice cream farm has an Easter Eggs-plorer event every day with Easter activities and special ice cream flavours, among the 30 to try, as well as lambs and chicks to see.

Ice cream is made in small batches on the family-run dairy farm and includes a dairy-free moo-less range. If you fancy an extra special treat, the ice cream parlour also serves waffles and sundaes, and you can enjoy a cup of coffee while the little ones explore the outdoor children’s playground and have a run around in the field.

Open: Weds to Sun 10am to 4pm. From March 28, open seven days a week 10am to 5pm. Nearest postcode EN5 4AL READ MORE

LOOKING FOR CHILDCARE? Multi award-winning Holiday Camps for children aged 4-11 Offering only the best in childcare and music

www.thestringsclub.org | 0121 369 1950 14 March/April

The Grove

Nursery and Preschool Space to Explore and Grow

Specialist providers of education and childcare for 0-5 year olds The Grove 91 Shepperton Road Islington London N1 3DF Tel: 02072264037 www.thegrovenursery.co.uk Familiesonline.co.uk

OUT & ABOUT

WIN! A Map of Wonders and let adventure unfold There are so many amazingly adventure-filled things to do in Britain that it’s hard to understand them all without a ginormous map!

That’s where ST&G’s Amazingly Adventure-Filled Great British Map of Wonders comes in. Budding explorers will discover 1,000 of the funnest things to do and places to go around Britain on this massive map – from theme parks, festivals and museums to brilliant beaches, cycle routes and cool castles.

And that’s not all JOIN US THIS EASTER HOLIDAY FOR AN ACTION-PACKED – there are great WEEK OF FUN AND FRIENDSHIP games to play, tick boxes and notes to Multi-Activity Camp for Ages 4 to 13 fill in, and even a Monday 4th – Friday 8th April huge map you can St Andrews CE Primary School Southgate, 297 Chase Road N14 6JA colour in, on the back.

And we have FIVE of these wonderful maps to be won.

TO BOOK: FUTUREINYOURHOUSE.CO.UK | CALL 020 4534 3939 For your chance to win go to bit.ly/ compMA22. Entry closes on April 30.

See T+Cs at bit.ly/ mapTCs. Indoor & Outdoor Games

Group Activities

Singing, Drama & Dance

Arts & Crafts

KS1 SATs Revision for Year 2

Meet Live Exotic Animals

CHILDCARE VOUCHERS ACCEPTED

ST&G's Great British Map of Wonders is available at marvellousmaps.com – from £14.99 for the double-sided fold-out version. Marvellous Maps are dreamed up, designed and made in sunny Britain.

Familiesonline.co.uk

March/April 15

EDUCATION

Future authors publish family past Pupils at Hyland House School are getting their first taste of being published authors. The school, in Tottenham, is taking the work from a whole-school project and turning it into a book. Children were asked to write about a family member or hero who migrated to England from abroad, detailing their loved one’s journey to success along with nuggets of wisdom that their special person has for the younger generation.

“It’s so great to see these children training to be future international authors,” said Headteacher Jessica Lemonius.

Email: info@hylandhouseschool.org Website: hylandhouseschool.org Click on the picture for video.

Chillax at Red Stairs soft play and cafe A great way for kids to de-stress and have fun is soft play, and there is a new kid on the block. Red Stairs Soft Play and Café has opened its doors.

Based in Barnet High Street, it’s the ideal place to meet up with friends and catch up over a coffee and a bite to eat.

Find Red Stairs at 101-107 High Street, Barnet, EN5 5UZ. Access is from the High Street, just inside the passage next to the Halifax. redstairssoftplay.co.uk

Top of the Pops One of North London’s own, Sashe Christopher, has been honoured in f:entrepreneur #ialso100’s list of inspirational female founders for her sustainable baby clothing – and to celebrate, Sashe is offering Families North London readers a 20 per cent discount on the entire range.

Pop My Way features ingenious mix-and-match essentials with interchangeable accessories designed to “pop” onto the garment. Add a splash of colour with a collar or bib and keep socks safe thanks to clever ankle poppers. The range is certified organic so everything is measurably sustainable - including cotton harvesting, environmental and social standards, packaging, and beyond with the Pop My Way Preloved scheme.

Use code FAM20 at checkout (for T&Cs see her website’s FAQ). Thank you, Sashe. popmyway.co.uk Instagram: @pop_my_way 16 March/April

Familiesonline.co.uk

EDUCATION

Free 11+ book offer

Mock Test Masters is a specialist in knowing just how to help children.

As thousands of children prepare Sandra Nicol, of Mock Test Masters to sit the 11+ exams for entry into which has mock test dates coming popular grammar schools such up, said: ‘Our comprehensive as Dame Alice Owen’s. Henrietta feedback reports not only highlight a Barnett, St Michael’s, Queen child’s strengths and weaknesses but Elizabeth’s Boys’ School, The Latymer also the specific skills that the child School to name a few, parents are needs to master. The report is quite always on the lookout for useful detailed and unique.’ resources to assist them.

For your copy of ‘How to use Leading 11+ mock test provider Mock mock tests to gain a competitive Test Masters is offering Families North advantage in the 11+ exams’ London readers a FREE copy of its visit www.mocktestmasters.co.uk ebook.

Perform classes build your child’s confidence Perform puts children’s social development at the heart of their weekly sessions for 4-7s and 7-12s.

Using performing arts-based games and inspiring activities, their classes are designed to boost confidence, build concentration, develop communication skills and hone coordination – and are brimming with fun and laughter too.

Run by professionally trained actors, dancers and singers, classes are kept small to ensure individual attention, with regular progress reports provided. Fantastic termly resources – such as free apps, music downloads and dance videos - support each theme, meaning the fun continues at home. But don’t just take Perform’s word for it, see what parents say by visiting www.perform.org.uk Familiesonline.co.uk

“The beaming smile you see when Annabelle finishes a class is so wonderful to see. She has grown in confidence and thoroughly enjoys it’. – Katie Pashley Children can join at any point during the term and will still take part in the end of term performance. Classes are for all abilities; children just need to arrive ready to have the best fun of the week!

Book a no-obligation FREE trial class to get started at perform.org. uk/try. Families readers receive a £40 discount when booking before 31st March, just quote LN310322.

Contact: T: 020 7255 9120 / enquiries@perform.org.uk perform.org.uk/try March/April 17

North Bridge House

New tion 4+ Recep ep, r entry to P Regent’s Park

North Bridge House is on a constant journey of getting to know and understand every child as an individual, realising their true academic and personal potential through specialist provision at every school stage.

NURSERY & PRE-PREP WEST HAMPSTEAD 2 - 7 YEARS FRIDAY 25 MARCH

NURSERY & PRE-PREP HAMPSTEAD 2 - 7 YEARS TUESDAY 22 MARCH (NURSERY) THURSDAY 24 MARCH (PRE-PREP)

PREP SCHOOL REGENT’S PARK 4 - 13 YEARS FRIDAY 11 MARCH

SENIOR HAMPSTEAD 11 - 16 YEARS THURSDAY 17 MARCH

SENIOR CANONBURY 11 - 18 YEARS THURSDAY 24 MARCH

Book an open day at northbridgehouse.com/open or call 020 7428 1520

EARLY YEARS

Top apps every parent needs Overwhelmed by the number of apps available in the App Store? Ari Last, founder of the Bubble app shares his recommendations. Get these on speed dial to make parenting and family life a little easier.

Mush

Find friends with kids the same age nearby.

OLIO

Allrecipes Dinner Spinner

The Wonder Weeks

Kidday

Family Locator

A week-by-week guide to Solving the endless ‘what your baby’s development – pregnancy to after can I make for dinner?’ birth. question.

Give away unwanted kids’ items to other local parents.

Store your photographs in one place. Share albums with friends/ family.

Track the location of older children/teens when out and about.

CBeebies

Bubble

Sound Sleeper

Educational games and classic cartoons for when you just need a break!

Familiesonline.co.uk

Find, book and pay local sitters/nannies recommended by friends/other local parents.

Help your baby fall asleep with this collection of calming sounds.

March/April 19

EASTER

Top Easter craft ideas Easter brings with it some fantastic opportunities to get out the paints and craft materials and create lovely eggs, chicks, cards and bunnies!

Easter trees

Potato Easter egg stamps

Egg carton chicks

Easter bunny headband

Easter scene jar

Stitched Easter bunny card

Pompom bunny bonnet

Easter egg pinata

No sew sock bunny

20 March/April

Familiesonline.co.uk

EASTER

Easter cooking Fill the kitchen with delicious smells and make some yummy Easter treats with the kids.

Chocolate cornflake cakes

Hot cross bun trifle

Easter bunny KitKat house

Easy hot cross bun ice-cream

Easter marshmallow bubble slice

Greek Easter cookies

Chick biscuits

Choc chip hot cross buns

Lemony Easter chicks

Familiesonline.co.uk

March/April 21

HEALTH

One snack too many?

Even if your child is a healthy weight, it’s not great if they eat little nutritious food and get most of their energy from unhealthy or sugary snacks.

Public Health England advises parents that sticking to two packaged snacks a day and keeping them each at under 100 calories (kcals) or 418 kilojoules (kJs) is really important for children.

The food label usually states how many calories are contained in 100 grams or 100 millilitres of the food or drink you are buying, so do compare the calorie content of

different products. The free NHS Food Scanner app helps you scan product barcodes to find healthier alternatives.

You’ll be surprised at how high the energy intake is for some common snacks.

Calories in popular packaged kids’ snacks Nature Valley Crunchy Oats & Honey Bar Packet of Walkers Ready Salted Crisps 32.5g KitKat 2 Finger Bar Soreen malt lunchbox loaf Cheestring McVities Ginger Nut Biscuit Mini Milk Ice Cream Lolly Froot Shoot Orange Juice Drink Fruit Shoot hydro water Useful online resources Better Health – tips, tools and apps to help you improve your family’s health.

The Eatwell Guide – how much should you eat from each food group? Plus healthy snacks ideas.

BMI healthy weight calculator - calculates healthy weight.

22 March/April

823kJ 706kJ 436kJ 380kJ 253kJ 196kJ 134kJ 40kJ 8kJ

or 196kcal or 169kcal or 104kcal or 90kcal or 61kcal or 47kcal or 32kcal or 10 kcal or 1.8kcal

Calling all young Scientists!

Help us discover how babies & kids learn!

We’re recruiting infants from birth to school age to take part in fun studies at Birkbeck’s Babylab & ToddlerLab in central London. Our prime locations are easy to reach and we refund travel expenses. We also have online studies you can do from the comfort of home www.cbcd.bbk.ac.uk/online-studies

020 3926 1207 babylab@bbk.ac.uk www.cbcd.bbk.ac.uk Familiesonline.co.uk

FAMILY LIFE

Having incredible conversations with your child

By Jane Gilmour and Bettina Hohnen You: How was your day?

Your Child: Fine.

Want something a bit more?

Timing. Try not to pounce on your child with questions straight after school or nursery. Kids often need time to decompress. Wait and read the room. Start conversations when they are rested and well fed.

Setting. Many kids find face-to-face talking a bit intense. Weave your conversations into another activity eg when they are drawing.

and so on - the top of the mountain is the best, the bottom is the worst.

Expectations. Learning to communicate meaningfully together is a skill that takes time to build. Not all conversations will go smoothly Get real. Pre-teen children find but, in time, if your bids are gentle abstract concepts difficult and often ADVERTISEMENT BOOKING SIGN and genuine, your relationship willOFF don’t have the vocabulary to reflect thrive. their experiences. If you want to find out how your child is, draw a READ MORE mountain. Ask your child to use the mountain to show how they are feeling today, how they feel usually Truly communicating with your child is a great privilege for a parent. More than that, building a strong relationship with them improves their quality of life by protecting their mental and physical health.

How to Have Incredible Conversations With Your Child by clinical psychologists Jane Gilmour and Bettina Hohnen can help you further with this.

Familiesonline.co.uk

Mock Tests 11+ 111+Mock Tests T

LATYMER 11+11+ Dame Alice School at THE LATYMER St Michaelʼs Grammar 11+ SCHOOL 11+ SW Consortium

QE BOYS / HENRIETTA QE Boys 11+ Orpington/Kent BARNETT Henrietta Barnett 11+ ST The MICHAEL’S /Schools DAME11+ ALICE Grammar Latymer School

Dates:

Dates:

CEM style 11+ Bexley Tests

Dates: Sat 19th March 2022 Sat 20th July 2019 Thu(Weekend) 25th July 2019 Sat 10th Aug 2019 Tue 13th Aug 2019 Sat 7th April 2022 (Easter) Location: Mon 30th May 2022 (HalfLocation: term)

At The Latymer (Grammar) School, At Woodhouse College, Where: Woodhouse London N12 9EY Enfield N9 9TN College, Woodhouse Road, Finchley N12 9EY

Fee: £22.50 per £18.75 paper including detailed Fee: From £45 for 2from papers including feedback and Fee: perdetailed paper

online software to practise.

Fee: From £30feedback per paperand including feedback & FREE online tests.* access todetailed all questions.

BOOK NOW

www.mocktestmasters.com FEEDBACK includes

ü ✓ Ranked table of results

ü childʼs strength and weaknesses report ✓ Your ü ✓ Access to mock test questions & answers

March/April 23

TRAVEL

Unique UK animal encounters Create lasting memories with a UK animal encounter. Compiled by Yonder, a new travel brand offering nature-rich stays and experiences.

Spot badgers in Dorset

Go whale watching See wild boar in the in Scotland Forest of Dean

Stay: Shepherd’s Hut, Blandford Forum

Stay: Tirlaggan Studio, Oban

Watch beavers in Cornwall

Walk alpacas in East Sussex

Stay: 2 Pencoose Barns, Truro

Herd sheep in the Lake District Stay: Winster Fields, Windermere 24 March/April

Stay: Gun Hill Cottage, Heathfield

Spy red squirrels in the Yorkshire Dales Stay: Mary’s Cottage, Hawes

Stay: Danby Lodge, Coleford

Kayak with seals in Pembrokeshire Stay: Maerdy Lodge, Haverfordwest

Spot African animals in Kent Stay: Shore, Hythe

Familiesonline.co.uk

OUT & ABOUT

Outdoor adventures Enjoy the great outdoors this spring and get the kids to try some of these great activities.

Try the string walk

Plant a tree

Join a fossil hunt

Take a family walk

Try orienteering

Make a stone cairn

Go pond dipping

Play Poohsticks

Go canoeing

Familiesonline.co.uk

March/April 25

WHAT’S ON

WHAT’S ON!

To have your event listed on these pages email the details to editor@ familiesnorthlondon.co.uk Disclaimer: We aim to be as accurate as possible, but these listings are compiled several weeks beforehand and may be subject to change. Please check before setting out.

Family Theatre What’s On Every Friday Planet Play Until March 25. Restarts April 22. Magical, interactive, sensory show with songs, music and movement for 0-3s. Chicken Shed, Southgate, 10am & 11.30am. Adults £7.50, children & babies, free, must book. chickenshed.org.uk Every Saturday Tales from the Shed Until March 26. Restarts April 23. Vibrant, inclusive, informal and educational show.

Suitable for 0-6s. Chicken Shed, Southgate, 10am & 11.30am. Adults & children £7. Under 6mths free, must book. chickenshed.org.uk Until April 16 Handa’s Surprise Travel to Kenya as Handa takes seven delicious fruits to her best friend Akeyo in the next village. But seven animals have other ideas. Suitable for 2-5s. Various times. Little Angel Studios, Sebbon St, N1. Adult £13.50, 1-17s £11.50, Fridays at 4.45pm £8. littleangeltheatre.com Until April 24 The Singing Mermaid A singing mermaid is tricked into joining the circus. How will she get back to the sea?

Suitable for 3-8s. Little Angel Theatre, Dagmar Passage N1. Various times. Adult £13.50, 1-17s £11.50, Fridays at 4.45pm £8. littleangeltheatre.com March 5 Baby Barrier Reef Show for 0-3s by Little Supernovas and Onceupona at Pickled Pepper Books, Enfield, EN2 6SN, 10am & 11.30am. From £7. pickledpepperbooks.co.uk 26 March/April

March 5 I, Elizabeth Using only Elizabeth I’s words, this play explores the queen’s struggle, at 25, to reconcile womanhood with the duties of sovereignty. Suitable for 10+. Arts Depot, North Finchley. N12, 7.30pm. From £12. artsdepot.co.uk March 5 & 6 The Tinderbox & Other Nordic Tales Join storyteller Grethe Mangala Jenson for fun, interactive adaptations of Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales. Suitable for 3+. 11am & 2pm. Jackson’s Lane, N6. £5 Jacksonslane.org.uk March 6 Hebrew Children’s Theatre Festival Including The Lion and the Mouse, The Emperor’s New Clothes and an original play for teenagers, Until Further Notice. £5 per show.

JW3, Finchley Road, NW3. Various times. jw3.org.uk READ MORE A FIERYLIGHT & LITTLE ANGEL THEATRE CO-PRODUCTION

EASTER HOLIDAY TREAT!

A musical adaptation of the bestselling book by

SAT 2 - TUE 5 APR www.artsdepot.co.uk

The Smartest Giant in Town © Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler 2002 – Macmillan Children’s Books

Familiesonline.co.uk

WHAT’S ON

Every Saturday, Tuesday and Thursday Dad’s drop-in group T on The Green, Bruce Castle Park, N17. Sat 12-1.30pm, Tues and Thurs 3.30pm-5pm.

Free children’s refreshments. tonthegreen.co.uk Sundays Crafternoon Until March 27, except March 20, and from April 24. For 3-8s and their families. 2pm4.30pm. JW3, Finchley Road, NW3. Free.

Drop in. jw3.org.uk Family Art & Craft Bruce Castle Museum hosts art, crafts and poetry led-workshops, Suitable for 4-12s, must be accompanied. Free. Plus it has a Mystery Manor Trail with sticker booklet for £1, and a Tree Trail. bit.ly/brucecastle Tuesdays (except April 5) Interactive Storytelling Engaging, sensory stories for children age 0-5, with Little Supernovas and Onceupona, 10am and 10.35am, The Woodman, N6. £6 for adult and child. £10 for adult and 2 children. littlesupernovas.com Tuesdays and Fridays in term-time Singing and Story Sessions London Transport Museum, WC2. For under5s. Various times. ltmuseum.co.uk Ongoing Mac’s Indoor and Outdoor Trails Family discovery trails at Kenwood House, Hampstead Lane, NW3. Family Events have been on hold, but check out english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/kenwood/families/ Forty Hall, Enfield, EN2 Features interactive children’s exhibition about the lives of children who may have lived and worked there. Free. Or help Rip the dog find his bones and win a small prize. £2.50. Open 11am-4pm Sat and Sun. From Familiesonline.co.uk

April, open Thurs to Sun. fortyhallestate.co.uk RAF Museum Colindale. Has several family trails, interactive exhibits in RAF: First To The Future – Free entry. And paid-for exhibits, 4D theatre, flight simulator and Spitfire Experience. Open every day. 10am -5pm. Parking charge. rafmuseum.org.uk Grant Museum of Zoology Get to know your dodo from your quagga.

Tues-Fri 1pm-5pm. Sat 11am-5pm. Free, no booking required. 21 University St, WC1. ucl.ac.uk/culture/grant-museum-zoology Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology Amazing artefacts tell the stories of ordinary people from Ancient Egypt and Sudan. TuesFri 1pm-5pm. Sat 11am-5pm. Free, no booking required. Malet Place. WC1. ucl.ac.uk/culture/petrie-museum READ MORE

THE PERFECT EASTER TREAT

Illustrations © Jim Field 2014

Events What’s On

Based on the bestselling books by

LIVTEAGE

ON S

TUE 12 - SAT 16 APR artsdepot.co.uk

March/April 27

WHAT’S ON

There are so many great holiday activity camps in North London.

Whatever your child is into, there’s bound to be something for them.

Here is just a small selection of what’s on offer.

Adventure Barracudas. Multi-activity camps for 4-14s.

High Barnet. Swimming, art, motorsports track and archery (7+), large inflatables. April 4-14. barracudas.co.uk/camps/barnet Art appreciation Vincent & Frida. The World of Colour. April 1114. Learn about the dazzling art of Vincent Van Gogh, Henry Matisse, Andy Warhol and Yayoi Kusama - with distinct styles, united by the love of bright colours. Held at Parsons Green Prep School, SW6. yellowbirdeducation.com/book-and-payworkshops-courses/art22vf Cookery Gill’s Cookery for children. Develop cookery skills, knowledge of healthy eating, and enjoyment of food. Hampstead Garden Suburb.

April 1-20. gilljroberts.wordpress.com

Coding Code Ninjas. In-person. With sites in Enfield, North Finchley and Belsize Park. Various themes.

Check website for details. codeninjas.com Perform Join Perform, enter the mysterious world of Misselthwaite Manor and discover the excitement of reawakening a long-abandoned garden in their drama, dance and singing holiday courses based on The Secret Garden.

Packed with adventure, these three-day courses are designed to nurture the creativity, confidence and communication skills of 4–10 year olds, ending with a fantastic show on the last day.

April 4-6, and 11-13. 10am-3pm. Venues: East Finchley, Hampstead Garden Suburb, Highbury, Primrose Hill and St John’s Wood. Contact: 020 7255 9120, enquiries@perform.org.uk perform.org.uk/secretgarden READ MORE

Part of Family Weekend 2022

balletLORENT The Lost Happy Endings

15 – 16 April

15 & 16 April Xenia Aidonopoulou & Georgia Tegou – Underwater, Lillian Baylis Studio created for babies 0-24 months and their grown up’s 28 March/April

Familiesonline.co.uk

Purple Pages After School Club / Education

Entertainment Red Stairs Soft Play & Café 101-107 Barnet High Street, EN5, next to Halifax. A great place for children and adults to unwind and have fun. Check online for details. redstairssoftplay.co.uk

EMENT BOOKING SIGN OFF Clarssroom Highly sought after and recommended professional tutoring, experienced in developing and preparing children to learn, lead and succeed all around.

Reading, English, Maths, verbal and non-verbal reasoning, ages 3 ½ -13.

Book a trial and free assessment today 0203 991 6110 www.clarssroom.co.uk

Stagecoach Highgate aims to bring out the best in your child and we’re not just talking about their new-found skills in dancing, singing and acting. Our students also develop excellent communication skills, grow in self-esteem and enjoy the benefits of improved confidence! We welcome children of all abilities from the age of four to 16 years and offer two-week trials. To find out more visit our website at www.stagecoach.co.uk/highgate

Music and Movement

Colourstrings For a brilliant start and long-term success in music! Develop your child’s musical talent in Kodaly-based music kindergartens and instrumental 11plus Mock Test Masters programmes from six months – 19 11plus Limited and Mock Test Masters years. Call 020 8444 9435 for a trial of are specialist information BOYS / HENRIETTA3 discounted lessons or email LATYMER 11+ providers ofQE and resources for the 11+ entrance admin@nlcolourstrings.co.uk BARNETT at THE LATYMER exam. They demystifyST and ease the 11+/ DAME ALICE www.nlcolourstrings.co.uk MICHAEL’S SCHOOL preparation process for parents and their children. BIG 11+ events are run Dates: Dates: in local centres in Finchley and Barnet.

Sat 20thAlso July available 2019 Thu 25th July 2019 are Holiday Learning Mock Test Review Sessions, Pass Sat 10thClubs, Aug 2019 Tue 13th Aug 2019 Club – Saturday tuition and Weekly Practice Tests.

Location: Location: New London Children’s Choir www.mocktestmasters.com At The Latymer (Grammar) School, At Woodhouse College, Making music for over 25 years, one of Enfield N9 9TN Finchley N12 9EY the finest and busiest young choirs in London. Offers ages 7-18 the unique Fee: £22.50 per £18.75 paper including detailed Fee: From £45 for 2from papers including feedback and opportunity to enjoy all kinds of music Fee: perdetailed paper feedback and online software to practise. access to all questions. and make close friendships. Includes Training Choir, Senior Choir, Youth BOOK NOW Choir and New London Barbers. No www.mocktestmasters.com audition necessary for Training Choir.

Vincent &FEEDBACK Frida includes Meets in Gospel Oak, NW3 every Art appreciation Sunday in term. lessonsü Detailed feedback report üChild’s strengths & weaknesses are designed to üAccess to mock test questions & answers ignite in your child a love for art and its stories. Art will become much more than pictures to them and your child will enter the world of wonder. We offer private lessons, holiday workshops and family sessions. Discover more at The Strings Club... Mock Test Masters www.vincentandfrida.com ...has inspired thousands of children aged 4-11 through a range of multi award-winning music programmes.

11/06/2019 We offer Ofsted-registered Holiday Camps, Online Lessons plus School Music Support. Our wish is that each R ISSUE: 137 (July/August andIssue every child who joins us, develops 2019) a lifelong love of music-making – and Club Petit Pierrot we believe that journey starts with us.

Fun French lessons & tuition taught Locations in Hampstead, Hackney, Size C 1/6 page (87x85mm) Online and in person where children Islington and Muswell Hill. flourish and learn French naturally! The specially devised immersion programme offers children the opportunity to learn FF: effortlessly with teachers who are fun, dynamic and caring. From age 1 year St Kiernan’s Gaelic Football Club... +. Hampstead and Primrose Hill. More ...is an inclusive, fun environment for information at kids and adults to learn how to play this www.clubpetitpierrot.co.uk REQUIRES APPROVAL BY THE ADVERTISER. PLEASE READ AND CHECK THIS PROOF CAREFULLY. high intensity game. We have teams DAYS OF RECEIVING THE PROOF, OR AS SPECIFIED. IF APPROVAL OR AMENDMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN to ranging from under-6s through senior men and ladies of all abilities. WE TIME, THEN IT WILL BE TAKEN THAT APPROVAL HAS BEEN GIVEN. welcome newcomers to all age groups EMAILED - WHICH IS A VERY GOOD REPRESENTATION OF FINAL PRINT QUALITY. ANY and the sport canQUERIES be picked up easily from ourTIME excellent coaches. OF AS QUALITY OF IMAGES OR LEGIBILITY OF TEXT, SHOULD BE RAISED AT THIS AS APPROVAL Sue Walder Summer training is at our new facility at PPROVAL OF FINAL PRINT QUALITY. Naming Celebrant Joyous, bespoke Kind George Playing Fields, Barnet Lane, naming ceremonies to celebrate new EN5. Winter training is at Woodhouse arrivals to your family. I create unique, College, North Finchley. Contact Chris memorable celebrations that can Byrne on 07984 184003 or Declan Ryan include poems, parental promises, on 07818 023639. the appointment of guideparents, and much more. Perfect for babies, first birthdays, and to welcome adopted children.

Call me to find out more on 0796 9272235. www.sue.walder@ humanistceremonies.org.uk

11+Mock Mock Tests 11+ Tests

CEM style 11+ Bexley Tests

Orpington/Kent Grammar Schools

Little Supernovas run creative and imaginative actionpacked children’s holiday clubs where the children create art, props and their very own stories! Our schools run every School Holiday for 4-9 year olds. Sibling discount available. www.littlesupernovas.com/ holiday-schools

Baby & Toddler and Nurseries

Sports and Excercise

Children’s Parties and Celebration

Theatre and Performing Arts

Coffee and Crayons Café (Ballards Lane, Finchley, N3) is a fantastic café with soft play area available. The café is also available to hire for birthday parties, special occasions and clubs/classes. www.coffeeandcrayonscafe.com tel 0208 343 1333 info@coffeeandcrayonscafe.com Zebra Ceramics (N10) Pottery painting studio, loved by all ages!! Whether it’ s a mug, plate or bowl being painted, we will help all party goers to create something they will treasure forever. Our parties are designed for ages 5 and above. You may also visit us if you are not organising a party, we are open 7 days a week.

Tel 0208 442 1314 or visit our website www.zebraceramics.co.uk

Familiesonline.co.uk

Perform Classes Confidence building fun for 4-7s and 7-12s. A unique mix of drama games, dance and singing specially designed to boost confidence, communication, concentration and coordination. Visit www.perform.org.uk/try to book a FREE class. Use code LN310322 for a £40 discount when you book before March 31 2022.

Venues: N1, N2, N4, N5, N7, N8, N10, N11, N12, N14, N16, N19, N20, N21, N22, EN5 EC1, NW1, NW3, NW5, NW6, NW7, NW8, NW11 020 7255 9120 enquiries@perform.org.uk www.perform.org.uk

Mars Montessori Bilingual Nursery (N1) Mars Montessori in Angel is a small bilingual French-English Montessori secondary blue blue nursery. dark We aim to provide very #496CB2 #1F438F high-quality childcare in a nurturing environment in two languages. In light violet light blue September 2018, we also introduced an #7E85C0 #9AD4F3 Introduction to Mandarin program, and we are proud of the brilliant take up. In April 2018, we were given the highest possible rating of OUTSTANDING by CENTURY GOTHIC REGULAR CENTURY BOLDsingle category.

Ofsted inGOTHIC every FONT FAMILY

020 7099 0452 www.bilingualnurseries.com

Baby College Do you have a Newborn or a busy toddler? Do you want to bring your baby to a fun class that has new challenges & exciting learning games every week? Join us in singing, dancing, baby sign language, yoga, massage, music play, language exercises & more fun activities that follow the EYFS framework & help your baby reach their developmental milestones.

Book now & meet new friends at Baby College!

The Maria Montessori School offers authentic Montessori education for 2-12-year-olds in 5 locations: Abbey Road, Hampstead, Bayswater, Notting Hill and Hornsey Rise. Join a school open day event to learn about the Montessori approach and watch demonstrations of Montessori materials.

You will also meet teachers and be able to ask questions. To register for an event please go to - https://www. mariamontessori.org/my-montessori/ my-school/register-for-a-parentinformation-session/

Hyland House School A Christian, independent school. We empower our 2 to 11-year-olds to aim high and dream big. Our children are achieving excellence. Our Early Years is Ofsted-graded Outstanding. Years 1-6 are graded Good. Please contact us for more information or to arrange a visit.

See more at bit.ly/HylandVid Hyland House School is at 97 Holcombe Road, Tottenham, London, N17 9AB. 020 8520 4186 email info@hylandhouseschool.org Website: www.hylandhouseschool.org

The Grove

The Grove Nursery and Preschool offers space to explore and grow.

Specialist providers of education and childcare for 0-5 year olds. Offering flexible childcare options; Forest school sessions; Yoga, music, drama, French and Spanish. Open 8-6.30pm Monday to Friday all year round. Organic home cooked food Quality Assured, HEY (healthy early years) nursery with good and outstanding Ofsted reports. Based in Islington, N1 3DF. 02072264037 www.thegrovenursery.co.uk

"I"I saw saw you you in in Families Families magazine magazine and..." and..."

www.babycollege.co.uk/haringey Online subscription available.

Humpty Dumpty Singalong Come and sing with your little one at The Humpty Dumpty Singalong! With live ukulele music, puppets, bubbles and much more! Sessions for under 5s and under 1s, in Islington and Tufnell Park, advanced booking only, via Happity, at www.happity.co.uk/the-humptydumpty-singalong.

Contact Debs via Happity or email thehumptydumptysingalong@hotmail. co.uk for more information.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @thehumptydumptysingalong. Happy singing!

Tiny Talk Learn to communicate with your baby before they can speak, at an awardwinning TinyTalk baby signing class.

Each class includes: Weekly themes giving you the signs you need to share baby’s world, using British Sign Language (BSL). An interactive music class with hands-on sensory activities developing all-round communication skills and stimulating your baby’s senses, Time to relax with a cuppa making new friends whilst your baby enjoys playtime More information at www,TinyTalk. co.uk/zahrak

To appear in purple pages get in touch

07359 133954 editor@familiesnorthlondon.co.uk

March/April 29

SPRING OUTDOORS

Spring make n’dos Enjoy nature and garden-themed activities with the kids - perfect to while away some hours at the weekend or during the school holidays!

Weave a nature loom

Make a spring sensory bin

Make a garden gnome

Spot early signs of spring

Grow potatoes in a tub

Make a butterfly feeder

Make easy pine cone hedgehog

Grow microgreens

Make simple garden wind chimes

30 March/April

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