Families Surrey East Sep/Oct 2920 (Print)

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Issue 78 September/October 2020 familiesonline.co.uk

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IN THIS ISSUE

Easter activities & What’s Ons * Win chocolates for Mother’s Day & family day out tickets * Play café guide * School open days * Reader offers

Issue 10 March/April 2020

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Contact Us Editor Tamar Pearson editor@familiessurreyeast.co.uk Design Rebecca Carr rebecca@familiesmagazine.co.uk Printed by Print Mates Next issue November/December Booking deadline 16 October Cover Image ©Depositphotos

In This Issue 4.

Local News

5.

Education News

6.

Education

9.

School Open Days

10. Clubs & Classes 12. Halloween 13. What’s on

Contents

Welcome - We’re Celebrating!

There are some reasons to celebrate as we head into autumn.

Firstly, we’re back in print for the first time since March. Whilst we’ve been busy online for the last few months - you may have read our digital “lockdown” issues - it feels great to be able to provide you with a hard copy of our magazine as usual.

And this autumn is also special as it marks the 30 year anniversary of Families Magazine, first launched in London in 1990. Throughout the next 12 months, we’ll be inviting our readers to mark this milestone with us in lots of fun and interesting ways.

To get the ball rolling, we’re proud to offer you the chance to win a family holiday to Santa’s Lapland in Finland! See below for details.

In the meantime, we hope you find this issue useful in negotiating the start to the new school and nursery year.

Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of this magazine are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Print Ltd. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine but Families Print Ltd, its distributors, franchisees and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequences thereof.

Win a magical break to Santa's Lapland in 2021 Enjoy a Reindeer sleigh ride, sledging with huskies, exploring a real igloo and much more, including a once in a lifetime private visit with Santa himself!

To enter, visit SantasLapland.com/families by 30th October 2020.

Terms & conditions apply, please see website for details.

familiesonline.co.uk

Families London Surrey Borders 3

Local News

Wildcat kittens at The British Wildlife Centre The Scottish Wildcat is Britain’s last remaining wildcat species and one of the UK’s rarest species. The fierce and independent Scottish wildcat is the only wild animal to be totally untameable, even if hand-reared from a kitten. Weight for weight this super-predator is the most aggressive cat species in the world, earning it the well-deserved nickname, ‘Highland Tiger’.

The British Wildlife Centre is part of a conservation programme to try and save these beautiful mammals from extinction. It’s been a wonderful year at the Centre for new-borns; wildcat mums, Kendra and Hilda have both given birth to a litter of two kittens. Hilda is a first-time mum and she’s done a wonderful job, the kittens are thriving and growing fast. Wildcat kittens are born with gorgeous bright blue eyes which slowly turn green as they grow older. Of course, the cute kittens been a huge hit with visitors over the summer! www.britishwildlifecentre.co.uk

Local business owner Amy Yiannakou tells us all about her world of yummy cupcakes!

PandiBakes is a local business specialising in cupcakes, cupcake toppers and cupcake bouquets, set up by the talented Amy Yiannakou.

No matter the design asked, whether it be for a special occasion, such as a birthday or baby shower, PandiBakes can make any cupcake unique to your request that will bring the wow factor to any event.

As well as being an excellent baker, Amy is also mummy to her beautiful little boy Alfie, which is one of the many reasons why she is passionate about being able to get children and families baking together.

As well as making delicious cupcakes, Amy also has online classes for anyone, no matter their age, to learn incredible techniques to design their own cupcakes and cakes.

She also does private classes, in a one-on-one setting for a general cupcake design class or if you want to learn something a little more specific.

With rave reviews from all her happy customers and recommendations abound, PandiBakes delivers a high-quality service and creates beautiful and delicious cupcakes that anyone will love. www.pandibakes.co.uk

Playtime with Dad May Improve Self-control Children whose fathers make time to play with them from a very young age may find it easier to control their behaviour and emotions as they grow up, according to new research. The study carried out by Cambridge University and the LEGO Foundation looked at how mothers and fathers play with children ages 0 to 3 and how it affects child development. Although there are similarities, it found that fathers tend to engage in more physical play like tickling, chasing, and piggy-back rides, which researchers claim appears to help children to learn to control their feelings.

Running • Jumping • Throwing • Fun

Professor Ramchandani, one of the authors of the study, said: “Physical play creates fun, exciting situations in which children have to apply self-regulation. You might have to control your strength, learn when things have gone too far – or maybe your father steps on your toe by accident and you feel cross.” www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/ S0273229720300307

Comprenant l’étude de la langue écrite et orale.

Programme pédagogique français.

French classes to in all Sept 2016 New French classes opening school children for primary all primary school children.

Le samedi après-midi à Wray Common School, Reigate RH2 0LR Contactez-nous 07913 811345 info@petite-ecole-reigate.co.uk | www.petite-ecole-reigate.co.uk 4 Families London Surrey Borders

• From 21/2 - 8yr olds • Classes Weekly • Birthday Parties • Holiday Camps

Visit athletixkidz.com for class bookings and more information familiesonline.co.uk

Education News

A level and GCSE success for Dunottar School Dunottar School pupils are celebrating a strong set of GCSE and A lever results this summer.

These results are a testament to the pupils’ hard work and the school’s unique focus on pastoral care.

Every pupil is encouraged to achieve their best possible outcomes, academically and beyond the classroom. Pupils have not only demonstrated Warrior Learning characteristics during their year, but they are also committed sportspeople, talented musicians and performers and enthusiastic contributors to our extensive cocurricular programme.

Headmaster, Mr Mark Tottman, commented, ‘I am incredibly proud of our pupils’ achievements. This year’s excellent results reflect pupils’ continuous hard work and commitment throughout the duration of their courses and the dedication, flexibility and support of our teaching staff. www.dunottarschool.com

Academic Excellence at Lingfield Collage Lingfield College is an independent, fully co-educational day school with over 900 boys and girls aged from 2 to 18. It combines tradition and innovation to give academic excellence.

Lingfield is situated within 40 acres of attractive grounds, overlooking Surrey’s greenest countryside. It borders the three counties of Surrey, Sussex and Kent.

We pride ourselves on being progressive and innovative whilst being family focused and rooted in the local community. The School has grown significantly in the last 20 years and our facilities are modern and well resourced. Academic standards are high and the school has an outstanding reputation for pastoral care.

For more information, please contact our Senior School on 01342 832407 or our Prep School on 01342 833372.

Virtual Open Morning at Banstead Prep School Banstead Prep School is a coeducational prep school and nursery for girls and boys aged 2 – 11 where there’s more to a good education. Our senior school standard facilities enable us to offer an exceptionally broad curriculum.

We’re thrilled to be back at school again (having already opened to all year groups for two weeks before the summer holidays) providing our full range of specialist teaching and opportunities to the children, including Forest School, Life Skills and Swimming, all on-site. Our full programme of co-curricular clubs, breakfast club and after school care is also available to extend the school day for working parents, whether you’ve gone back to the office or are still working from home.

Whilst we can’t offer open mornings this term, you can visit at a time to suit you by experiencing our virtual Open Morning, available 24/7 at www.bansteadprep.com/admissions or call Mrs. Adrienne Forster, Head of Admissions on 01737 363600.

familiesonline.co.uk

Full Steam Ahead for Downsend School It’s full steam ahead for Downsend’s youngest children this Autumn, with a new name, a new Head and a renewed energy for innovation!

Previously known as Pre-preps, the schools will now be known as ‘Little Downsend Ashtead, Epsom and Leatherhead’. In the simplest terms – little schools for little people, with very big ideas.

Each Little Downsend is overseen by the inspirational Mrs Vanessa Conlan and her experienced teams, who live and breathe the innovative STEAM curriculum whilst creating a warm and caring feel at each school.

Situated a stone’s throw from the main school campus housing Downsend’s Junior and Senior Schools, each provides a similar home from home environment for children, with creatively zoned areas both inside and out for playing, learning, exploring and experimenting whilst gently building confidence and encouraging curiosity and resilience.

To arrange a socially distanced personal tour of Little Downsend Ashtead, Epsom or Leatherhead, visit www.downsend.co.uk/ admissions or call 07903 728915 to find out more.

Creation of Imaginary Worlds More Common Children are far more likely to create imaginary worlds than previously believed, according to new research.

A University of Oregon study found 17% of children ages 8 to 12 invented imaginary worlds in detail, with many sharing their creations with friends, who added complexity.

While varying widely in content, all imaginary worlds included details about an environment (eg: forests, lakes, caves), the inhabitants (eg: bandits, goblins, animals) and mystical components, such as a fountain that sprayed honey.

The author, Professor Marjorie Taylor says: “We can be really impressed by the creativity of children left to their own devices. It is important to give them some time free of a schedule because they will come up with things that they really enjoy and will share with others.”

More info: https://around.uoregon.edu/content/uo-studyfinds-healthy-creativity-kids-imaginary-worlds

Children’s Laureate to Remain for Further Year Cressida Cowell’s time as Children’s Laureate will continue for an additional 12 months due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The best-selling author of the How to Train Your Dragon series took the role in July 2019 and had been due to step down next year.

However, organisers BookTrust said the “exceptional circumstances” created by the pandemic meant Cressida will serve a three-year term, staying until June 2022.

Cressida plans to continue with her ambitious campaign to make the magic of books and reading available to everyone by making a library in every school in the UK a compulsory legal requirement. www.childrenslaureate.org.uk Families London Surrey Borders 5

Education

Five “Must-Do’s” When Choosing a School for your Child

By Judith Judd

When my daughter was four, she came with us to visit several primary schools. Afterwards, we asked which she liked best.

“The one with the shoe shop” she said. As it happened, we also liked the one with the (pretend) shoe shop and so that is the school we chose.

Maybe it doesn’t always make sense to take a 4 year old’s advice when choosing a school but it’s always important to put your child at the centre of the process. Parents know better than anyone how different individual children can be.

The first rule for choosing a school is to ignore the label.

Research about different types of schools – academies, specialist, free, grammar - reveals that the type of school doesn’t guarantee the level of the education.

The second is to visit the school. When you do, check out the relationship between children and teachers. Do teachers pay attention to what the children are saying? Do they respect them?

You want your child to be happy at school and the relationship with teachers matters.

Find out what progress pupils make during the time they arrive at school and by the time they leave. Schools’ exam results at GCSE and in national tests at age 11 give an idea of the sort of children who attend the school but they don’t indicate progress. You can get an idea how good a school’s teaching is by looking at progress measures available on government websites for that school.

Look at the Ofsted report. Inspectors give ratings: outstanding, good, requires improvement, inadequate. But equally important is their assessment of how different groups of children fare.

A school may do well with able children but not those who struggle and vice versa. The reports also give an idea of a school’s strengths and weaknesses. That’s particularly important for older children who may have particular talents and interests.

Talk to the Head Teacher. Leadership is crucial to a school’s success. It’s important that you have confidence in the Head and that she/he impresses you with their engagement with staff and pupils.

Whilst choosing a school feels like a daunting process, bear in mind also that research shows that whilst schools and teachers are important in helping children thrive, parents’ support at home matters more.

Judith Judd is co-author, with Wendy Berliner, of the book How to Succeed at School: Separating Fact from Fiction: What Every Parent Should Know. Published by Routledge and available from Amazon and good book stores.

A Word about Grammar Schools

Reception Testing Delayed to 2021

This may not be something you need to worry about.

Assessment (RBA) will be delayed until September 2021 because of the disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Concerned that there are no grammar schools in your area?

A big study from Durham University suggests that bright children do just as well in non-selective schools as grammar schools. Professor Stephen Gorard says: “Dividing children into the most able and the rest does not appear to lead to better results for either group.” He says that there is no evidence that a particular type of school leads to better attainment.

However, he adds that parents may choose grammar schools for the reason that they tend to cream off the more advantaged pupils in an area so that the neighbouring schools have to cope with a disproportionate number of disadvantaged and more challenging children.

6 Families London Surrey Borders

The government’s plan to introduce Reception Baseline

In September 2017, the Department for Education announced that a new start-of-school assessment for children ages 4 and 5 would be introduced as a baseline measure to track progress during primary school.

The test is due to eventually replace key stage 1 SATs in providing the baseline on which pupil progress scores are based. The new tests have been criticised by some teachers, Head Teachers and parents, who claim it is unnecessary, will cause distress and could damage children’s future learning.

More info: www.gov.uk/guidance/reception-baselineassessment familiesonline.co.uk

Education

EARLY YEARS DIRECTORY Essendene Lodge Preparatory School and Nursery

Brambly House Montessori Merstham RH1 3DB Montessori school for boys and girls 2.5 - 5 years. Open from 8 am to 6pm with morning and afternoon sessions www.bramblyhouse.co.uk Daisy Chain Montessori Reigate RH2 8LZ An independent day nursery and pre-school, taking children from 18 months to 5 years old. The day nursery is open throughout the year from 7.30am until 6.00pm every day. www.daisychainreigate.co.uk First Steps Nursery Redhill RH1 3LS Exceptional care and education for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers from 3 months to 5 years in a fun, stimulating learning environment. http://firststepsnursery.com Horley Nursery, part of the Toad Hall Nursery Group Horley RH6 7DQ Full and part time sessions for children from 3 months to 5 years www.toadhall-nursery.co.uk/daynurseries/nursery-horley Leigh Lollipops Nursery Reigate RH2 8NP A happy and caring learning environment for girls and boys aged 2-5 years. www.leighlollipops.org

Oxted Preschool Oxted RH8 0AA Oxted Pre-school has been playing a role in our community for over 50 years, offering sessions of a mixed age group for children between 2 and 4 years old. Monday – Friday 9.15am – 2.45pm term time only. www.oxtedpreschool.co.uk Shapes Day Nursery Reigate, Epsom & Banstead An independent family business operating out of three beautiful well-located and fantastically resourced settings, Shape create an atmosphere of happiness.

Each Nurseries can take up to 100 children from 0-5 years. www.shapesdaynursery.co.uk

e

Good Provider

Are you looking for more than just day care?

Are you looking for full time or part-time 51 week nursery for your child?

Are you looking for a competitive all inclusive rate?

Essendene Lodge School now has provision for 2 year old children. We have a child centred approach that ensures your child is ahead of age related expectations.

Tadworth Tots Nursery Tadworth KT20 5RU Offering both morning and afternoon sessions to children aged 2 to 5, Tadworth Tots Nursery is located within The Children’s Trust School in Tadworth. www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk/ our-services/early-years/nursery Tots Village de Stafford School in Caterham Tots’ Village Nursery is a small, friendly, independent nursery for children 3 months to 5 Years old.

Monday–Friday 8am –6pm. www.facebook.com/pages/ category/Education/TotsVillage-Nursery Wise Owls Nursery Warlingham, CR6 9RB Wiseowls provide a nurturing and caring environment ,where they create excitement and curiosity about the world enabling your child to learn and explore with confidence. A variety of funding options are offered. www.wiseowlsnursery.co.uk

We start our reading programme and focus on giving the pupils structure as well as play based opportunities to extend their learning.

Come and visit our friendly school and find out what makes our children stand out from the crowd!

Telephone:01883 348349 for more information or to arrange a visit to the school or email office@essendenelodge.surrey.sch.uk Free Stay and Play Sessions every Tuesday Term TimeCome Early 9.00am-10.30am. and Years, have a chat KS1ourand KS2 also with friendly staff places and see for yourself how much fun our children have! available.

Open 3 October 10am-12 noon ComeMorning to ourSaturday Free Stay and Play Sessions Essendene Lodge School, Essendene Road, Caterham, Surrey, CR3 5PB

Call 01883 348349

office@essendenelodge.surrey.sch.uk www.essendenelodge.co.uk

SENIOR SCHOOL OPEN DAY SATURDAY 26 SEPTEMBER

NURSERY & PREP OPEN DAY SATURDAY 10 OCTOBER By appointment only Call 01342 838153 or email admissions@lingfieldcollege.co.uk

To advertise your school or nursery in our next issue, call Tamar on 07947 535986

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Good Provider

www.lingfieldcollege.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

Families London Surrey Borders 7

Education

Why Bribing Children is Bad for their Education

By Wendy Berliner Many parents have been there. They have a child who will not eat vegetables or won’t tidy their room. Or any other behaviour from a long list!

With battle lines drawn and no significant improvement from hectoring or cajoling, bribery can follow. If you eat your broccoli, you can have your pudding; if you put your dirty laundry in the washing basket, you get extra pocket money.

It seems so simple, especially if it gets results. But should you be doing it? The answer from half a century of research is a resounding NO. Bribes and their frequent partner, punishment, don’t help children become capable of their most creative work.

A highly influential motivational theory known as selfdetermination developed in the 1980s after research found that paying students for solving puzzles actually demotivated them.

In essence, students offered money for solving Soma puzzles (precursors to Rubik’s Cube) lost interest when they were given extra unpaid time at the end of experiment to carry on solving puzzles. Students in a separate test who were not offered money carried on trying to solve the puzzles after they were told the test had finished.

Subsequent research with children and students of different ages with differing tasks has repeatedly confirmed the phenomenon.

The nub of the theory is that by offering rewards or bribes you undermine the value of the task and the motivation to do it.

There are two types of motivation – extrinsic and intrinsic (also known as controlled and autonomous). Rewards and punishment form extrinsic motivation. Someone is doing something to you to make you do something. It isn’t something you are doing by choice.

Intrinsic motivation comes from within and is what is needed to become an independent learner capable of your best work.

It means you do things because of the enjoyment, interest and value you get from them not because someone tells you to.

A child who spends hours playing computer games is intrinsically motivated – it’s just not the kind of motivation that is necessarily good for them.

So how do you develop that all-important intrinsic motivation in your children?

The theory argues humans require certain needs to be met before they can become motivated from within.

Competence – we need to feel confident and effective in what we are doing. We have a human need to build our skills. To facilitate this, don’t tell your children they are no good at things if they struggle. That includes when you are trying to be kind – a comment like “I wasn’t any good at maths either” is telling them they aren’t competent.

Relatedness - we need to feel a sense of belonging to others, to feel cared for by groups that are important to us and to care for others. So make the atmosphere at home kind and supportive.

Audiobooks Improve Literacy

Audiobooks can benefit children’s reading skills, according to new research published by the charity, the National Literacy Trust.

The report looks at the advantages of listening to a recording of a novel being read, and the impact on young readers.

The research suggests that listening to a recorded story requires the same mental skills as reading in print, so audiobooks can help with understanding words and remembering information. They can also give children access to a broader range of texts and engage readers who might be reluctant, struggling or developing.

Emily Best, from the National Literacy Trust, said: “Audiobooks can be the key to unlocking a child’s love of reading. They enable children of all reading abilities and interests to access and explore the incredible world of stories, which are brought to life by a range of exciting voices, different accents and sound effects.”

More info: www.literacytrust.org.uk 8 Families London Surrey Borders

Autonomy – we need to be able to decide what we do rather than be coerced. To assist with this, help your children learn to take responsibility for what they are doing, so that they can make good choices by themselves on how to use their time.

That last one is really important. The child who understands the importance of getting good grades at school if they want a worthwhile and interesting career, may internalise those arguments and do their homework willingly because they see the value of doing so; they have become autonomously motivated.

Over to you!

Wendy Berliner, with co-author Judith Judd, are authors of the book How to Succeed at School: Separating Fact from Fiction: What Every Parent Should Know. Published by Routledge and available from amazon and good book stores.

Sources Deci, E. L. (1971). ‘Effects of externally mediated rewards on intrinsic motivation’. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 18(1), 105-115. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/h0030644 Deci, Edward L., Ryan, Richard M. (1985) ‘Intrinsic Motivation and SelfDetermination in Human Behavior’. Springer Science & Business Media. familiesonline.co.uk

Education

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL OPEN MORNINGS Open events require advance booking, so please call the school to check.

Aberdour School Burgh Heath, KT20 6AJ www.aberdourschool.co.uk Fri 2 Oct, 9.30am – 12 noon

Caterham School Caterham, CR3 6YA www.caterhamschool.co.uk Sat 19 Sep, 9.30am - 12noon Chinthurst School Tadworth, KT20 5AP www.chinthurstschool.co.uk Sat 10 Oct, 9.30am & 11.30am

Banstead Prep Banstead, SM7 3RA Co–educational Prep school Pupils 2–13 yrs www.bansteadprep.com Virtual Open Tours Available

Belmont School Dorking, RH5 6LH Co-educational Independent Day and Boarding School Pupils 2–16 yrs www.belmont-school.org Fri 2 Oct Box Hill School Dorking, RH5 6EA www.boxhillschool.com 3 October, 10am – 12noon

Croydon High School Croydon CR2 8YB www.croydonhigh.gdst.net Sat 10 Oct, 9.30am - 12.30pm

Downsend School Leatherhead, Ashtead and Epsom Co–educational Pre prep school Pupils 2–6 yrs www.downsend.co.uk Personal Tours Available

Dunottar School Reigate, RH2 7EL Co-educational day school Pupils 11-18 yrs www. dunottarschool.com Wed 14 Oct, Tue 3 Nov & Thu 19 Nov Essendene Lodge Caterham, CR3 5PB Co–education day school Pupils 2–11 yrs www.essendenelodge.co.uk Sat 3 Oct

Lingfield College

Lingfield, RH7 6PH Co-educational Pupils 2-18 yrs www.lingfieldcollege.co.uk Senior School Open Day Sat 26 Sep Nursery & Prep Open Day Sat 10 Oct

Manor House School & Nursery Little Bookham, KT23 4EN www.manorhouseschool.org Sat 3 Oct, 10am Oakhyrst Grange Caterham, CR3 6AF www.oakhyrstgrangeschool. co.uk Fri 9 Oct, 10am - 12noon Reigate St Mary’s Reigate, RH2 7RN www.reigatestmarys.org Sat 3 Oct, 9.30am & 11.30am St John’s School Leatherhead, KT22 8SP www.stjohnsleatherhead.co.uk Fri 25 Sep, 5pm – 7pm Sat 26 Sep, 9am – 11am Warlingham Park School Warlingham, CR6 9PB www.warlinghamparkschool.com Contact to arrange a personal tour Whitgift School South Croydon, CR2 6YT www.whitgift.co.uk Tues 6 Oct

Marvellous minibeasts, building with bread and whittling elder. Just another normal day at Little Downsend.

Downsend’s STEAM focus is nurtured from day one.

Little Downsend is an innovative group of schools in Ashtead, Epsom and Leatherhead.

Each school cares for children from Nursery to Year 1, before joining Downsend in Leatherhead in Year 2. We nurture and care for children at Little Downsend whilst preparing them for the future with a creative and problem-solving approach to learning that not only inspires young minds but fosters bravery, sparks imagination and creates opportunity every day.

To arrange a socially distanced personal tour of Little Downsend Ashtead, Epsom or Leatherhead, visit downsend.co.uk/admissions or call 07903 728915 to find out more. familiesonline.co.uk

Families London Surrey Borders 9

Clubs & Classes

Out of School, Not Out of Action

By Andrew Campbell As children move through primary school, the number meeting the recommended amount of physical activity for healthy development and weight drops by an astounding 40%.

This poses parents with a challenge. How to find their children physical activities they enjoy, feel successful doing and, crucially right now, are available in a safe, socially distanced way? Bear in mind, that whilst government guidance on social distancing allows for certain sports activities to be pursued, there is likely to be limited availability in many areas.

Here’s our checklist of out of school sports that can currently be pursued: Badminton is a great way to get into racket sports, badminton helps develop coordination, agility and balance. It can be played indoors over winter. To find a local club, visit www. badmintonengland.co.uk Cycling is part of growing up. It gives children independence and keeps them fit too. Local cycling clubs offer expert coaching, some amazing cycling facilities as well as an opportunity to make cycling buddies. To find a local club, visit www.britishcycling.org.uk Dancing allows kids to express their creativity, imagination and emotions. Dancing can also increase your child’s flexibility, range of motion, physical strength and stamina.

Football as well as being the most popular sport in the world, football is one of the most well-rounded sports developing a

host of physical and cognitive skills. To find a local club, visit www.thefa.com Gymnastics is a demanding sport that requires perseverance and discipline. It develops strength, speed, power, coordination, flexibility and balance. The sense of accomplishment gained from mastering complex physical feats helps children face and overcome their fears.

To find local clubs, visit www.british-gymnastics.org/discover Swimming - If your child has shown an aptitude for swimming during lessons, they may enjoy the thrill of competitive swimming in a local club. Bear in mind pools are re-opening slowly; some may not re-open this year. To find a local club, visit www.swimming.org Tennis helps children develop valuable life skills like respect, fair-play and concentration. It can be played all year round and into adulthood. To get started locally, visit www.lta.org.uk

Perform returns with Covid Safe Confidence Building Fun Families talks to Perform’s Principal, Lucy Quick.

Children Banned from Heading Footballs Children under the age of 12 have been banned from heading footballs during training and practice, although they will still be allowed to use their heads during matches.

The move follows comes after a study showed former footballers were three-and-a-half times more likely to die of neurodegenerative disease than members of the general population of the same age.

The new guidelines apply to children in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. In Wales, the Football Association of Wales said its guidance for coaches on children heading the ball was currently under review with the findings being made available later this year.

The ban does not apply to matches because of the limited number of headers which occur in youth games but the new guidelines recommend a graduated approach to heading in training for those aged between 12 and 16.

We’ve always put children at the heart of everything we do, and we’re thrilled to be back in real life with classes filled with laughter, fun and confidence-boosting activities.

We’ve put enormous effort into adapting our class content to ensure that we follow the latest government health guidelines whilst making sure the children can still sing, dance, act and have the best fun of the week.

To help children get back to enjoying the things they love most, our autumn term is packed with games and activities which build confidence, boost concentration, develop communication and help coordination. We have left no stone unturned when it comes to health and safety but the children will be having so much fun that they will barely notice a difference. Whilst there won’t be hand-holding games this term, there will be lots of eye contact, funky moves, fantastic diction and learning about how to be a great friend.

Perform runs drama classes for 4-7s and 7-12s as well as Perform At Home, our popular online classes.

Book a FREE no-obligation class by visiting the website www.perform.org.uk/try

www.thefa.com 10 Families London Surrey Borders

familiesonline.co.uk

Clubs & Classes

CLUBS & CLASSES DIRECTORY PRESCHOOL AND TODDLER Aquatots Various locations The most comprehensive swim programme available for children form 10 weeks to 7 or 8 years. www.aquatots.com Busylizzy Various locations The UK’s leading family club offering pregnancy, postnatal fitness sessions, baby and toddler classes, talks and family events. www.busylizzy.co.uk Dorking Ducklings Swim Lessons St John School Dorking Baby and Child Swimming Lessons www.dorkingducklings.co.uk Leatherhead & Dorking Gymnastics Club Kindergym and preschool classes are structured parent participation classes. 18 months - 5 years.

Starting 28 September. www.leatherhead-gymnastics. org.uk Rugbytots Various locations Rugbytots is a fun and dynamic Pre-School play programme designed to build confidence and enhance core skills for boys and girls 2 – 7 years www.rugbytots.co.uk Sing Along Banstead, Wallington, Coulsdon and Caterham Lively and fun singing group for the under 5’s. www.singalong.org.uk Sing & Sign Various locations Baby signing with Sing and Sign is easy and fun! Your baby will recognise important words sooner and can use the signs to “talk” to you before speech. www.singandsign.co.uk PERFORMING ARTS C & C Dance School Nutfield and Reigate C&C Dance School offers a wide range of classes in dance & drama for pupils aged 18 months to adults. www.candcdanceschool.co.uk Caterham Performing Arts Caterham Caterham Performing Arts provides a high standard of dance education for all ages in acrobatic arts, ballet, jazz, modern, musical theatre, tap and cheerleading. www.caterhamperformingarts.co.uk East Surrey Dance Redhill, Woldingham and Blenchingly East Surrey Dance offers dancers of all ages and abilities the chance to develop their fitness, familiesonline.co.uk

confidence and creativity through movement and music. www.eastsurreydance.co.uk Godstone Dance Academy Godstone Dance classes and workshops in Godstone. NEW drama classes starting for children 6+. Free trial offer. www.godstonedanceacademy.co.uk Inspire Academy of Dance Reigate, Dorking, Horsham and Horley ISTD Ballet, Tap and Modern as well as Musical Theatre, Contemporary and Street Dance. 2 years to adults. www.inspireacademyofdance.co.uk Judith Essex School of Dancing Oxted, Hurst Green and Bletchingley All styles of dance taught Ballet, Modern, Tap for all ages and abilities. www.judithessexschoolofdancing. com Perform weekly drama, dance and singing classes Purley, Caterham, Reigate, Oxted Confidence building fun for 4-12s. A unique mix of drama games, dance and singing specially developed to bring out every child’s true potential. Classes are kept small to ensure lots of individual attention.

To book a FREE class go to perform.org.uk/try Stagecoach Performing Arts Various locations Boost Confidence and Creativity Through Dance, Singing, And Acting. Open to Ages 4-18. www.stagecoach.co.uk The Katie Cox Dance Studio Warlingham An exceptional school providing dance and musical theatre training that aims to inspire young dancers, foster talent, and engage dancers in a fun and inclusive atmosphere to become the best dancers they can be. www.katiecoxdancestudio.com ACTIVE SPORTS Active 1st Various locations Gymnastics, football, dance, multi-sports and cheerleading academies. www.active1st.co.uk Athletix Kidz Reigate & Caterham The ONLY athletics play programme for children from 2½ to 8 years old. www.athletixkidz.com

Axten 1-2-1 Private Football Coaching Across London and Surrey 1-2-1 football coaching with UEFA B License football coach for beginners to professionals. www.axtenfc.com Caterham Allstars Cheerleading Caterham Caterham Allstars offers professional cheerleading training for all ages and abilities. www.facebook.com/ caterhamallstarscheerleading Flexi Flics Gymnastics Coulsdon, Reigate, Warlingham and Kenley Flexi Flics teach gymnastics on a recreational level for children 4 years and onwards. Sessions are fun, challenging, and engaging. www.flexiflics.co.uk Great Waves Swimming Academy Various locations Lessons for swimmers of all ages and abilities. 1-2-1 and 2-2-1 lessons are available. www.greatwaves.co.uk Reigate Sporties Sporties offers a range of sports and activities for children preschool - year 6. www.sportiesclub.com Star Tastic Gymnastics Epsom, Stoneleigh, and Reigate Star-Tastic Gymnastics provides gymnastics, trampolining, and parkour classes for a range of ages and abilities. www.startasticgymnastics.com ART, LANGUAGE AND MUSIC Art K Various locations Art K cater for art learning both in the studio and at home, to suit every pupil who loves art! www.art-k.co.uk Kidslingo Coulsdon, Tadworth, Redhill, Reigate and Banstead Fun French classes suitable for children of all ages from birth to 11 years. www.kidslingo.co.uk Kingswood Surrey Music Teaching subject of Music education, Singing & Performance skills, Piano & Music Theory. Choir sessions starting September. www.kingswoodsurreymusic.co.uk Krafty Kids Club Various locations Krafty Kids Club is an Arts & Crafts club for children of all ages. https://kbrind.wixsite.com Petite Ecole Reigate Reigate La Petite École de Reigate offers French classes every Saturday, for children from 4 – 16. www.petite-ecole-reigate.co.uk

Rock Project Croydon Caterham and Purley The Rock Project teaches 7-11 and 12-18 year olds Drums, Guitar, Bass Guitar and Vocals. www.therockproject.com/ croydon Surrey Sound of Music School Fun, enjoyable lessons in piano, singing, flute, violin, saxophone, clarinet, drums & guitar! Mobile tutors teaching all ages & abilities.

1st lesson free! www.thesurreysoundofmusic.co.uk ACADEMIC TUITION First Class Learning Various locations First Class Learning provides expert English and maths tuition for children of all ages and abilities. www.firstclasslearning.co.uk Kumon Kumon’s unique maths and English study programmes support children by building (and developing) a solid foundation in their literacy and/or numeracy skills. www.kumon.co.uk Learn Grow Create Dorking Private tutoring for 5-18 year olds.

A fantastic Tutor Centre in the heart of Dorking. www.learngrowcreate.com Maths Masters Epsom, Tadworth & Redhill Maths Masters provides professional, affordable maths tuition clubs for children at Key Stages 1-2. Fun and friendly, small groups 1-3 ratio. www.maths-masters.co.uk Morton Tutoring Reigate All Key Stage 1, 2 and 3 tuition in literacy and maths, SATS preparation, eleven and thirteen plus exam preparation and verbal and non-verbal Reason www.morton-tutoring.co.uk Starlight Learning Kenley, Caterham, Purley and Coulsdon Starlight Learning is a small tuition group designed for children who are in Years 3- 6. www.starlightlearning.co.uk The Learning Club Reigate Nurturing a love of learning through private tuition classes for 4-11 year olds. English and Maths classes. www.facebook.com/ TheLearningClubSurrey

Families London Surrey Borders 11

Halloween

PandiBakes Ghost Cupcakes

Halloween Half Term at Hever Castle Hever Castle & Gardens, TN8 7NG Sat 24 Oct – Sun 1 Nov Spooky Halloween fun is ensured at Hever Castle this Autumn Half Term.

Don your best creepy costume for a pumpkin trail in the grounds or keep your eye out for pumpkin masterpieces on display from Hever Castle staff. Visitors have a chance to vote for their favourite with the winner of the most popular pumpkin announced at the end of Halloween at Hever.

Join in by sending in pictures of your pumpkin masterpieces with the chance to receive a treat (or a trick?!) on social media, using #HalloweenatHever by Friday 30th October 2020.

Finish your visit off with a spooky treat from the restaurants onsite or grab a ghoulish gift from the Hever Shop. www.hevercastle.co.uk

You will need: •

Cupcake and buttercream

•

Piping bag and piping nozzle or just a knife is fine.

•

Large circle cutter 7cm but any circle will do just change the size of your sausage shape.

•

White fondant icing or rolling icing

•

Green fondant icing or rolling icing

•

Black fondant icing or rolling icing

•

Halloween sprinkles

•

A little water

Method: 1.

Roll out a small sausage shape of white icing and cut off one end to make it flat.

2. Roll out the white icing to about 2mm thick.

3. Cut out a circle using your circle cutter.

4.

Coat the sausage slightly (not too much) with water this will help the icing to stick to the other icing.

5. Place the circle of icing over the sausage shape, pulling out the bottom slightly so it starts to look like the sheet of the ghosts.

6. Next roll to small green balls, pea sized and then two smaller balls in black.

7.

Again use a little water to stick the green balls onto the white sheet at the top and then the black in the middle of the green, to make the ghosts eyes.

Sat 24 Oct – Sun 1 Nov Halloween Shriek Week Drusillas Park, East Sussex, BN26 5QS I www.drusillas.co.uk Get ready to come face-to-face with g-g-ghosts, ghouls, witches and more at their fang-tastic Shriek Week! Keep your eyes peeled for the mummy lurking in Mungo’s Maze and get ready for a new 2020 surprise!

Sat 26 Sep –Sat 31 Oct Pick your Own Pumpkins Tulleys Farm, West Sussex RH10 4PD I www.pumpkinfarm.co.uk Lace up your boots, slip on your gloves and head out into the fields of rambling vines to pick the perfect pumpkin.

Sat 24 Oct – Sun 1 Nov Wizards and Witches Week at Bocketts Farm Bocketts Farm Park, Leatherhead KT22 9BS www.bockettsfarm.co.uk Enjoy a full packed programme of fun and freaky activities this half term including a fun, spooky Quiz Trail and Reptile Roadshow, where you’ll get the chance to meet awesome creepy crawlies up close! Plus, they’ll be amazing science and slime shows from Einstein’s Entertainers as well as hundreds of pumpkins on sale! Daily activities include tractor and trailer rides and small animal encounters, plus you can meet and feed all the animals in the Discovery Barn. Online booking essential as visitor capacity is limited.

Visit www.bockettsfarm.co.uk for full details of visitor guidelines and to buy tickets.

Welcome to the yummy world of PandiBakes

Selling Bespoke Cupcakes, Cupcake Bouquets, Cake and Cupcake Toppers & Cupcake Classes for all ages.

8. Pipe the buttercream onto the cupcake or if you don’t have a piping bag and nozzle, use a knife to spread the buttercream onto the cupcake.

9.

If you piped the buttercream, sprinkle some sprinkles over the top and place your ghost in the middle.

10. Alternatively, dip your spread buttercream cupcake into the sprinkles in a bowl and put a little buttercream at the bottom of the ghost and place in the middle of the sprinkled top.

PandiBakes make a delicious range of bespoke in cupcakes, cupcake toppers and cupcake bouquets for all occasions.

For more information please visit www.pandibakes.co.uk

12 Families London Surrey Borders

For more information contact Amy Yiannakou amy@pandibakes.co.uk 07516 961799 www.pandibakes.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

What’s on

What’s on

Before setting out please check details with the venue in case they have changed since we have gone to print. Some venues have strict restrictions in place and may need to be pre-booked. Don’t forget to tell them you saw them in Families Surrey East!

Sutton’s Historic Houses http://suttonculturalservices. eventbrite.com Whitehall Historic House & Honeywood Museum in Cheam and Carshalton are now open.

Available with advanced booking, visitors can enjoy days out viewing the new exhibitions and children’s activity packs.

Rhymetime Online with Sutton Libraries www.facebook.com/ suttonlibrarieslondon Small children have great fun with Sutton Libraries’ Rhymetime & Storytimes. Tune into their Facebook page, every weekday at 11.15am to let your young ones clap, sing along and enjoy themselves.

Sutton Heritage Activity Booklet https://bit.ly/2QRPJqA Learn about the history of our local area with free downloadable sheets, ranging from informative to fun, aiming to enable everyone to enjoy heritage the way that suits best.

Free downloadable walks around Box Hill www.nationaltrust.org.uk/box-hill Now is a fantastic time to explore Box Hill; step out for some fresh air, exercise and a great chance to breathe deep and enjoy the season. Please help to care for this beautiful place by taking your litter home, parking at designated sites only and keeping your dog under control; please no BBQs. Claremont Spartan School Claremont Landscape Garden, Esher, KT10 9JG www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ claremont-landscape-garden Did you know Spartans lived at Claremont? Well sort of, the children of the exiled French Royal Family ‘were brought up on Spartan lines’, when they lived there. Spartan schools

demanded loyalty, discipline and physical toughness from boys and girls. Have a go at the Spartan challenge on your way around Claremont.

Champion Tree Trail Winkworth Arboretum, Godalming GU8 4AD www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ winkworth-arboretum Champion trees are those that are either the tallest, widest (or both) for that species. They are separated in County, Country, and Britain & Ireland. Winkworth has an extraordinary number of these trees, and they invite you to come and meet them this autumn.

The Dinosaur Project www.theherdtheatre.co.uk Dinosaur activity packs to download at home. All of the pack are free to download and contain fun crafty tasks you can easily do in your home. Once you’ve done the pack take a photo of what you created and share it with them to help make their next show! 3-7yrs.

Tue 1 – Wed 30 Sep Guildford Walkfest www.guildfordwalkfest.co.uk/ Now in its 14th year, this month long celebration of walking is designed to get people of all ages and abilities out and about, in and around our beautiful town and the surrounding countryside.

Red squirrels l Pine martens Otters l Badgers l Foxes Owl display l Deer park Wildcats & more

Every Wed, Fri and Sun throughout Sep, 12pm-2.30pm Music in the Marketplace! https://mgso4festival.org/musicin-the-marketplace Go Epsom has teamed up with MGSO4 Epsom & Ewell Arts to bring some live music back to Epsom, to enjoy.

Mon 7 Sep – Sun 4 Oct Forest Listening: Liz K Miller Limnerslease Woodland www.wattsgallery.org.uk/whatson/forest-listening/ Surrey Hills Arts presents the Forest Listening project by artist Liz K Miller, in collaboration with Watts Gallery Trust. Wander through Limnerslease woodland and experience the hidden sounds of a rainstorm recorded from beneath the forest floor. Then find the display of blueprints, hanging from the trees, each one a visualisation of the forest rainstorm sounds.

Thu 17 Sep – Tue 22 Sep Zippo’s Circus Figges Marsh, London Road, CR4 3LB www.zippos.co.uk Fun under the big top is back, with acrobats, aerialists, comics and daredevil motorcyclists all ready to astonish and entertain! Minimum 2 ticket is required. £11-£13.

Sun 20 Sep Epsom Antique & Brocante Street Market Epsom Market Place, KT19 8EH https://acvrevents.co.uk/epsom A market full of surprises.

Antiques, vintage and flea market.

Sun 27 Sep & Sun 25 Oct, 10.30am - 3.30pm Epsom Vegan Market Epsom Market Place, KT19 8EH www.surreyvegan.co.uk Come along and visit the Vegan Market in Epsom the 4th Sunday of the month for vegan foodstuffs, drinks, skincare and more.

Sun 4 Oct, various times Gatton Park Open Day Gatton Park, Reigate, RH2 0TW www.gattonpark.co.uk Enjoy a walk and explore the beautiful park and gardens.

Sun 4 Oct & Sun 1 Nov, 9.30am – 1.30pm Epsom Farmers Market Epsom Market Place, KT19 8EH www.surreymarkets.co.uk The ever-popular Epsom Farmers Market is held on the 1st Sunday of each month in Epsom Market Place.

BOCKETTS FARM PARK

IS OPEN!

Until 16 Oct Travel the World at Kew Gardens www.kew.org Take a one-day trip around the world by exploring Kew Gardens’ breath-taking botanical landscapes. You will guided across six continents, through designated locations set within the UNESCO World Heritage landscape. By highlighting beautiful plants from 10 countries and regions, visitors will be transported to these parts of the world through sights, smells, and spirit of place.

British Wildlife Centre l l l l

Until 31 Dec Sculpture at Wisley RHS Garden Wisley, Woking GU23 6QB www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley Standing proud at nearly 5m tall, the figures are 3-D interpretations of paintings by 16th-century Italian artist Giuseppe Arcimboldo. The exquisitely detailed pieces imagine Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter in human form, rendered with exuberant arrangements of seasonal fruit, vegetables, flowers and crops.

Enjoy a fun and safe day out with acres of play to explore & hundreds of animals to meet.

The indoor play barns are now open too with reduced capacity and frequent sanitising.

Over 40 different species!

ADVANCE TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED ONLINE ON OUR WEBSITE

Open every weekend & during state school hols

Half term open: Sat 19 Oct - Sun 3 Nov

We’re on the A22, Newchapel, nr Lingfield, Surrey RH7 6LF

01342 834658 www.britishwildlifecentre.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

FG/SPRING2019

1 child FREE with this advert - save £8.50!

Valid to Sun 3 Nov 2019 with one full paying adult - No cash alternative One voucher per party - No photocopies - Not to be used with other offers (FSE 09-19)

www.bockettsfarm.co.uk Families London Surrey Borders 13

What’s on Thu 8 – Sun 11 Oct Satisfied Eye International Film Festival Epsom Playhouse, KT18 5AL and Epsom Racecourse http://seiff.shp.media/festival Already rated as one of the BEST new film festivals in the world, the Satisfied Eye International Film Festival (SEIFF) returns to Epsom.

Ranked in the top 100 out of over 8500 festivals around the world, it’s the first time a festival has managed this within its first two years.

Sat 24 Oct until Sun 1 Nov The Dragons are returning to Painshill Painshill, Cobham KT11 1JE www.painshill.co.uk Huge dragons have taken over the landscape at Painshill!

Release your inner knight and take on our dragon quest to find each statue. Find all the dragons and you might win a prize!

Tue 27 to Sat 31 Oct 5 Day Gift Market Bourne Hall, Spring Street, Ewell www.thebestof.co.uk/local/ epsom-and-ewell/events A varied assortment of stalls and always something different and unusual. Entry is FREE and parking available at Bourne Hall Sat 7 Nov Banstead Cricket Club – Fireworks Display SM7 2PP www.facebook.com/ bansteadcricketclub Come and enjoy the friendly atmosphere at Banstead Cricket Club fireworks display.

Sat 7 Nov. 5pm–8.30pm Round Table Carshalton Fireworks Ruskin Road, SM5 3 London www.carshaltonfireworks.org.uk Enjoy one of the largest charity fireworks displays in the South East of England.

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS NOW OPEN

Fun at the Farm Bocketts Farm Park www.bockettsfarm.co.uk Enjoy a safe and fun day out at Bocketts Farm with acres of play to explore and hundreds of animals to meet. Small animal encounters sessions and tractor rides run daily, and you can enjoy feeding the animals in the Discovery Barn. Outdoor play includes jumping pillow, gokarts and ride on tractors, whilst indoors, the giant soft play barns are now open with controlled visitor numbers and enhanced cleaning. Advance booking is now essential. Open daily form 10am – 5.30pm.

arrive & drive sessions need to be booked, call 020 8337 5550.

Godstone Farm Godstone RH9 8LX www.godstonefarm.co.uk Discover, explore and have fun at Godstone Farm, the perfect family fun filled day out! See a variety of over 500 animals including highland cows, reptiles, llamas, giant rabbits and lots more.

Hever Castle and Gardens Edenbridge TN8 7NG www.hevercastle.co.uk Experience 700 years of history at the romantic double-moated castle once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn. Discover magnificent award-winning gardens set in 125 acres of glorious grounds. Children can enjoy the playground, while visitors of all ages enjoy the challenge of finding their way through the Water Maze, which are all now open following government guidelines.

GO Laser Tag London GO Action Forest, Whyteleafe CR3 0HB www.golasertaglondon.co.uk You’ll be geared up with the industry’s newest Laser Tag Gun technology and equipment, using 3 different Laser Tag weapons, playing on our professionally designed Laser Tag Forest game maps, all whilst being targeted by your family!

DAY OUT AT THE MUSEUM

GO Paintball & Laser TagLondon Whyteleafe CR3 0HB www.gopaintball.co.uk Be prepared to storm fort strongholds, infiltrate village compounds, lead assaults for control of fuel stockpiles, and scavenge for resources in the fallout wasteland!

National Science Museum www.sciencemuseum.org.uk Pre-book your free ticket and take in exhibits from Wonderlab, the Equinor Gallery, Medicine, The Wellcome Galleries and Driverless, Who’s in Control? Don’t forget Science City & Mission to Mercury! Free entry, exhibits extra.

Jungle Island Adventure Golf Horton Park Golf Club, KT19 8QG https://hortonparkgolf.com/ adventure-golf Great day out for adults, children.

The British wildlife Centre Eastbourne Rd, Newchapel, Lingfield RH7 6LF www.britishwildlifecentre.co.uk Home to the finest collection of native species in Britain with over 40 species of wild animals living in large natural enclosures. Come and discover Britain’s wonderful wildlife. It’s a REAL natural history experience!

London Transport Museum www.ltmuseum.co.uk Learn all about the history of London transport either in the museum or online. The children will enjoy the stunning exhibits and historic vehicles.

Horniman Museum and Gardens www.horniman.ac.uk Enjoy The World gallery, garden walks, the grasslands and sunken gardens, the Butterfly House, the animal walk (alpaca, goats, guinea pigs, rabbits) Permians Monsters: Life before dinosaurs. Meet monsters from 252 million years, family-friendly exhibition.

Horniman Market every Sunday, direct from independent and local producers.

All visitors need to pre-book for a free, timed entry slot. Some interactive exhibits have been removed or covered up.

National History Museum www.nhm.ac.uk Pre-book your timed ticket and enjoy some family favourites like whales, dinosaurs, fossils and volcanoes. Don’t forget to visit the Ostro Stone and the Giant Sequoia as well as Sophie the Stegosaurus – all solo, selfguided tours. Can’t come to the museum? Explore the Museum from home by taking a virtual tour and seeing up to 300,000 specimens. Alternatively flick

Hobbledown Horton Ln, Epsom KT19 8PT www.hobbledown.com 50 acres of adventure awaits.

From jumping pillows to imaginative indoor play, Hobbledown offers a fun-filled family day out.

Dragons Quest Adventure Golf 175 Long Lane, Addiscombe, Croydon CR0 7TE https://worldofgolf-uk.co.uk/ dragon-quest-adventure-golf An 18hole adventure course of fun for everyone in a wonderful landscape of caves, waterfalls and dragons. Adventure Golf suits families and friends of all ages, from 3 to 83!

Surbiton Raceway Riverhill Estate, Worcester Park KT4 7QB www.surbiton-raceway.co.uk Brand new Bambino track for your little racers to get started.

Electric karts with speed limiters for 4-6-year olds and Junior cadet track is a dedicated circuit for children from 1m 20cms in height up to 11 years. Cadet and Bambino familiesonline.co.uk

14 Families London Surrey Borders 2439-Halloween-2020-87x130mm-AW.indd 1

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What’s on through Wildlife Photographer of the Year images at your own pace or join the Nature Live Online team on Tuesdays at 12.00 and Fridays at 10.30 for interactive talks with our scientists. Free entry, exhibits extra.

While the new and improved theatre doesn’t open until Spring 2021, Polka Online is full of stories to watch and family activity packs, like making your own shadow puppets or your own model box.

Royal Museums Greenwich Queen’s House, Royal Observatory, Cutty Sark, National Maritime Museum www.rmg.co.uk Housed in historic buildings forming part of the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site, the Royal Observatory Greenwich, the 17th-century Queen’s House and Cutty Sark work to illustrate the importance of the sea, ships, time and the stars and their relationship with people.

On Saturdays and Sundays free performances and workshops entertain family visitors, while on Tuesdays pre-schoolers can make music and play with parents and carers.

The Great Explorer is an interactive game for families.

Borrow a tablet device and set sail across The Great Map to explore distant lands and discover treasures from all around the world. Where will you visit and

FUTURE EVENTS

what will you find? 11am-4pm, free.

Saturdays Character encounters Join an exciting performance and journey bringing maritime history to life. 12noon, 1, 2 and 3pm.

Pre book a timed slot online in advance.

The Museum of London and Museum of London Docklands www.museumoflondon.org.uk Open once again to ticketed visitors, young and old can explore the museum in person or take part in some of their online activities and learn more about London!

HOLIDAY CLUBS Mon 19 – Fri 23 Oct & Mon 26 – Fri 30 Oct, 9am - 4pm Next Thing Halloween themed camp https://nextthing.education Kids Holiday Camp in Caterham. If the chance to dive into the world of artificial intelligence, code new robots and gain a deeper understanding of HTML coding sounds like something your kid would love then we have the perfect holiday camp for them!

5 – 12 years.

Mon 26 Oct - Fri 30 Oct, 8.30am – 4.30pm Future Gymastics Halloween Camp Carshalton www.futuregymnastics.co.uk Join Future Gymnastics for a spooky week of fun.

Nov 21 – Dec 13 (Wed-Sun) Dec 14 – 24 (Daily) Christmas at the Castle

Mon 26 Oct - Thu 29 Oct, 9.30am-4pm Wild Explorers Holiday Nower Wood Educational Nature Reserve, Mill Way, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 8QA This year, due to the cancellation of our summer programme, we are running a four day Holiday Club in October half term.

Each day has a theme and is jampacked with outdoor adventures to keep your wild ones busy! www.surreywildlifetrust.org/ events/2020-10-26-wild-explorersholiday-club-october-half-term Halloween Workshop with Hedges and Hurdels Birtley Woodland Art Space, Bramley, Guildford Blueberry Barn, Priory Farm, South Nutfield https://hedgesandhurdles. com/experiences/halloweenworkshops Hedges and Hurdles will be running selection of crafts activities for you to choose including the following: Pumpkin Carving, Halloween Wreaths/ Willow Halloween Lantern, Witches broom, spider web dream catcher and more.

Hever Castle and Gardens, Edenbridge TN8 7NG www.hevercastle.co.uk With welcoming log fires, and beautiful decorations in the Castle, a Christmas trail to follow and the chance to see Father Christmas – be enchanted by the magic of Christmas at Hever.

1 Dec – 23 Dec Twilight Christmas at Hever Castle Hever Castle and Gardens, Edenbridge TN8 7NG www.hevercastle.co.uk For a magical after dark experience, wrap up warm and enjoy a walk under the stars at Twilight Christmas. Witness the enchantment of the Castle and gardens festooned with fabulous colours and twinkling lights, capturing the spirit of Christmas.

Bring torches and pop on your wellies to see much loved landmarks lit up with glorious colour washes. Explore the captivating Christmas trail and wander through illuminated gardens.

Walk through the Castle adorned with beautiful decorations and welcoming log fires. In front of the Castle, ride the carousel and enjoy vintage fairground stalls.

Everything you need under one roof!

redhillbelfry.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk 2420-Christmas-2020-87x130mm-AW.indd 1

Families London Surrey Borders 15 07/09/2020 18:11

Year 7 2021 Taster Morning: Saturday 10th October Register by 30th September to secure your child’s place.

Early Years to GCSE Flexi or weekly boarding Bespoke day options from 7.30am—8pm Minibus service

Visit: www.dunottarschool.com/admissions for more information and to complete the online registration form.

Call our Admissions Team on 01737 761945.

Incredible

Unbeatable

Independent school and nursery for girls and boys aged 2-11, where there’s more to a good education.

Click to take a virtual tour of our school.

SUTTON LANE | BANSTEAD | ADMISSIONS@BANSTEADPREP.COM | 01737 363600

16 Families London Surrey Borders

Memorable Belmont is an independent, day and boarding school in Holmbury St Mary Tel: 01306 730852 Email: admissions@belmont-school.org

www.belmont-school.org familiesonline.co.uk