Rome Kids Activity Guid 2010

€3

•

•

Culture Sports Pet therapies Special needs Languages Parties

•

•

ities guid v i t c a ’ s e kid

contents Supplemento al numero 11/2010 di Wanted in Rome del 9 giugno 2010

2

Discovering ancient Rome

5

Off to the sea

9

New therapies

Marco Talia

Direttore responsabile: Franco Venturini Executive editor: Mary Wilsey

Gabrielle Bolzoni

Editrice: Società della Rotonda Srl Sede legale: Via delle Coppelle 9

CamillaVan Staaden

Progetto grafico: Marco Viola Copertina: Marco Talia Fotocomposizione e stampa: Beta Tipografica Srl Via Casilina Vecchia 119 a/b Diffusione: Emilianpress Scrl Via delle Messi d’Oro 212 Registrazione al Tribunale di Roma numero 118 del 30/3/2009 già iscritta con il numero 131 del 6/3/1985

11

Helping those with special needs CamillaVan Staaden

14

Learning a language

16

Let’s celebrate

19

Expecting in a foreign country

Gabrielle Bolzoni

Gabrielle Bolzoni

Finito di stampare il 07/06/2010

Laura Clarke

Via dei Falegnami 79, 00186 Roma • Tel. 066867967, fax 066872996 • advertising@wantedinrome.com • editorial@wantedinrome.com

kids’activities guide

wanted in rome

1

MARCO TALIA

D iscovering ancient Rome One of the most enjoyable things that adults and children can do in Rome is explore the places that make up the city’s ancient history. Huge parks, magnificent villas and majestic buildings: choosing an archaeological site or museum to visit is not always easy.

Rome is a city rich in history and often the large number of monuments can be confusing for a family that wants to spend some time exploring.The keyword is planning.All the archaeological sites are, in fact, easy to visit but if you want to enjoy a special outing that will be appreciated by the kids you need to choose dates and places where initiatives for children are well organised. In Rome there are several associations that organise cultural entertainment and educational services designed exclusively for children.

Here is a brief presentation of cultural associations and archaeological sites and museums in Rome for families wishing to spend a pleasant few hours or - why not - a whole weekend exploring ancient Rome.

2

wanted in rome

Associazione culturale Amici di Roma.

This association specialises in historical and archaeological tours in Rome for Italians and foreigners. It offers a programme for children including a special visit to the exhibition on gladiators at the Colosseum, which runs until 3 October 2010. It also proposes several outdoor itineraries. Via Gregorio XIII 54 (Boccea), tel.

0661661527, www.amicidiroma.it.

Associazione culturale Arteincittà. Guided tours in Rome for children only, accompanied by specialised staff are provided by this association. Children are helped to discover museums and monuments through observation, discussion and games. Via Portuense 95 (Portuense), tel. 065835818, 328/5661732, www.arteincitta.it.

Associazione culturale Flumen. From the website you can download a varied programme of visits designed especially for children, such as a boat trip to Ostia Antica or a guided tour of Via Appia Antica. Booking is compulsory and the fee is €7 per child excluding entrance fees. Piazza Pompei 14 (Appio Latino), tel. 0670493877, 347/5702256, www.flumen.it. kids’activities guide

Associazione culturale i Gatti del Foro.

This association offers guided tours of monuments, museums and exhibitions in Rome and its surroundings, according to regular schedules available on the website. Particular attention is given to little-known sites in order to offer unusual tours that are full of charm. Via Guido Alfani 23 (Camilluccia), tel. 062426184, www.gattidelforo.it.

Associazione culturale La Serliana.Art historians and archaeologists who are specialised in working with children offer a very flexible programme and also provide guided tours according to specific customer demands. The most characteristic visits are a tour of the working-class neighbourhood of Testaccio or a walk along the ancient Roman walls. Art history and archaeological workshops are also organised. Via B. Telesio 26 (Prati), tel. 06452215171, www.laserliana.it.

Babytime animazione. Organises visits for children aged from five to ten to discover and appreciate the historical and artistic beauties of Rome. Destinations include St Peter’s basilica, the Isola Tiberina and the Pantheon. Visits cost €7 per person excluding entrance fees. Tel. 349/8649796, www.babytime.it.

Cemea del Mezzogiorno. A team of educators and actors guide children through a “time trip” to discover the customs and daily life in ancient Rome. The programme includes a visit to the ruins of the ancient Roman villa discovered during construction of Renzo Piano’s Auditorium, Parco della Musica, and recreational activities. Visits are open to families on Sat and Sun by appointment only. Via Fortebraccio 1/A (Pigneto), tel. 0627800523, www.mezzogiorno.cemea.it.

Mercati di Traiano. You don’t need a time machine to take a walk around the places where public and daily life took place in ancient Rome.

Just visit one of the city’s most beautiful archaekids’activities guide

ological sites: Trajan’s Markets. This was a real district of ancient Rome and, despite a series of transformations, today it is almost completely intact. Via IV Novembre 94 (historic centre), tel.

060608, www.mercatiditraiano.it.

Museo della Civiltà Romana. This is one of the most stimulating museums recounting the development of Roman civilisation. It contains plaster casts of inscriptions, reconstructions of objects used in ancient Rome and enormous architectural models showing the various stages in the development and growth of the city. Piazza G. Agnelli 10 (Eur), tel. 060608, www.museociviltaromana.it.

Scavi archeologici di Ostia Antica. Today you can see the remains of this impressive city, which was the port and commercial hub of ancient Rome. A visit to Ostia Antica can be combined with a trip to the Museum of Roman ships in Fiumicino, where you can admire the remains of five Roman boats found in the area of the port of Claudius. Via dei Romagnoli 717 (Ostia), tel.

0656352830, http://archeoroma.beniculturali.it.

Museum of Roman ships: Via Alessandro Guidoni 35 (Fiumicino), tel. 066529192.

Terme di Caracalla. This is a large and well preserved ancient thermal complexes. It was built in the southern part of the city on the initiative of Caracalla and was not just a place to bathe, swim and practice sports, but also a place for general health care, walking and study. Viale delle Terme di Caracalla 52, tel. 0639967700, http://archeoroma.beniculturali.it.

Villa Adriana. The location of the ancient villa of emperor Hadrian, surrounded by a large park near Tivoli just a few kilometres to the east of Rome, makes a particularly pleasant visit in the summer months. Numerous architectural models illustrate the magnificence of this vast imperial residence. Via di Villa Adriana 204 (Tivoli), tel.

0639967900, www.villaadriana.com. wanted in rome

3

Via Vito Sinsi 5 - tel/fax 0633266703 www.greenwoodgardenschool.com greenwoodgarden@libero.it

Early Childhood ages 2-6 08.30 - 15.30 (lunch included)

Learning Centers computer - singing - arts & crafts o u t d o o r p l a y g r o u n d - P R E - R E A D IN G & W R IT IN G S K I L L S - S TO R IE S

Greenwood Garden International School 4

wanted in rome

kids’activities guide

Little kids have summer fun at Raloce.

Off to the sea GABRIELLE BOLZONI Along Rome’s coast (Ostia,Fregene and Maccarese) there are numerous private beach establishments equipped with umbrellas,deck chairs and changing cabins, but not all have special areas for kids.Here is a list of those that have playgrounds with castles,slides and swings and staff who supervise games,sports,group activities and workshops.The activities begin when schools shut in June and last until August/September.

Mini-clubs allow working parents to leave their kids all day with competent staff and some places offer a shuttle service from the city. A day at a mini-club costs around €20-€30; a week about €100-€150 (lunch included). Some clubs also have a swimming pool.

Il Corsaro. From June to August this beach establishment hosts a mini-club with entertainment for children aged from four to 12. Activities include craft and theatre workshops, recreational activities, music and sports tournaments. Daily 14.00-17.00. Lungomare Amerigo Vespucci 164 (Ostia), tel. 065600317, www.ilcorsarobeach.it.

La Pinetina. From June to August La Pineta, which is the largest and oldest bathing kids’activities guide

establishment on the Rome coast, offers wellequipped facilities with entertainment and activities on the theme of the sea for children aged from three to 13. There is a shuttle service from Rome on request. The €20 registration fee includes insurance. Weekly or monthly packages are available. Daily 08.00-13.00, 08.00-17.00. Lungomare Lutazio Catulo 6 (Ostia), tel. 0656470161, www.nuovapinetapinetina.com.

wanted in rome

5

L’Ancora. Throughout the year this establishment has a well equipped sandy beach with slides, swings and castles for children. Via Praia a Mare (Maccarese), tel. 066670998.

Raloce. Open June until September Raloce hosts a summer camp for kids aged from four to 12. The programme offers recreational activities, games and sports, such as children’s yoga, as well as creative workshops and theatrical activities. It can host up to 80 kids a day under the supervision of a team of entertainers. MonFri 08.00-17.00. Lungomare di Ponente 49 (Fregene), tel. 338/8150437 (contact Stefania).

Il Riviera. From 14 June to 6 August Il Riviera hosts an English summer camp called Summer Fun for kids from three to eight. Children are entertained all day long with artistic activities, group games and swimming in the pool and in the sea. Daily €25, weekly €100, monthly €385. Mon-Fri 08.30-17.00. Lungomare di Levante 70 (Fregene), tel. 066685149, 349/7435454 (contact Laura Bisceglie).

mothers, as well as swimming lessons for children aged three and over. Lungomare di Ponente 19 (Fregene), tel. 0666560442.

Zenit. A mini-club for children aged from three to 13 is held in a well equipped play area from June to August. The extensive programme includes a theatre workshop, touch games, a baby circus and more traditional games. There is a shuttle service from Rome on request. The registration fee of €20 includes insurance.

Weekly or monthly packages are available.

Daily 08.00-13.00, 08.00-17.00. Lungomare Amerigo Vespucci (Ostia), tel. 0656307626, www.zenitostia.com.

Zoomarine. This aquatic park offers rides and water slides for children. Kids can also watch the half-hour shows with dolphins, sea lions, parrots, birds of prey and acrobatic divers. Children under a metre in height enter free, children under 10 pay €18 and others pay €25. Daily 10.00-17.00/19.00. Via Zara (Torvajanica), www.zoomarine.com.

Rio. Throughout the summer this family-run establishment organises swimming courses for children from two years old. It also hosts a well-equipped beach with slides, inflatables and other equipment. Lungomare di Levante (Fregene), tel. 066680907.

Sogno del Mare Village. This beachfront facility organises beach tennis and surf classes for children from six years old from June until September. It also has a baby park equipped with slides, castles and climbing frames and a swimming pool for children. Lungomare di Ponente 25 (Fregene), tel.

0666562812, www.sognodelmare.com.

Toni. This establishment has a well-equipped children’s area with swings and slides, a swimming pool and a football pitch. In addition, baby swimming classes are organised for infants with 6

wanted in rome

kids’activities guide

kids’activities guide

wanted in rome

7

8

wanted in rome

kids’activities guide

New therapies CAMILLA VAN STAADEN For children who have experienced grief or loss, physical or sexual abuse or suffer from mental health problems, emotional problems, learning disabilities, behavioural problems, autism, psychosis or other issues, communicating with a therapist may be easier said than done. In recent years the experts have also been using pet therapy and expressive arts therapies, such as dance, art and music, to assist disabled children.

Photo at L’Auriga - Centro di Attività Equestri Integrate

A.I.CO.TE. (Associazione Interdisciplinare COTErapie). This association works in health and social contexts. Its goal is to promote animal-assisted therapy for children. The animals involved in pet therapy projects are dogs, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, chinchillas, donkeys and horses. Tel. 320/4559165, www.aicote.org.

A.N.U.C.S.S. (Associazione Nazionale Utilizzo del Cane per Scopi Sociali). This association designs pet therapy programmes for the rehabilitation of children and disabled people and in all cases where it is necessary to improve the quality of life. Via Cresila 30 (Casalpalocco), tel. 0664531205, www.anucss.org.

Fed.I.M. (Federazione Italiana di Musicoterapia). Music therapy for children and preadolescents who suffer from severe forms of disability and for those who have learning difficulties, communication problems, difficulty in social relationships and attention deficits. Piazza di Porta Portese 7/9 (Trastevere), tel.

0658334006, 348/8846590, www.fedim.it.

IgArt (arte terapia teatro). IgArt developes programmes for the prevention of and recovery from all forms of social and psychological discomfort. It also works to combat the social exclusion of disadvantaged and disabled children kids’activities guide

through art therapy, and provides theatre workshops for children and teenagers. Via Lucania 13 (Pinciano), tel. 348/6508433, 0642010030 (Thurs only), www.ig-art.it.

I Musicanti di Brema. This association offers music therapy projects for disabled and nondisabled children. The main goal is to provide new forms of communication for children and facilitate their integration. Via Facchinetti 42 (Tiburtino), tel.

340/3651236,064391921,www.musicbrema.it.

I.T.A.C.A. (IstitutoTerapie e Attività con Animali). Animal-assisted programmes and water activities for disabled children and adolescents, in particular for those suffering from autism spectrum disorders and for their families.

The association provides pet therapy with Terranova dogs in water. Piazza Ippolito Nievo 5/D (Trastevere), tel. 339/7275016, 065818243, www.itaca-pet-therapy.com.

L’Auriga - Centro di Attività Equestri Integrate. Founded in 1993, L’Auriga (see photo) is a non-profit organisation focused on integrated equestrian activities. The association provides pet therapy with horses and donkeys aimed at improving self awareness by recognising the diversity of others. Via Lonato 62 (Labaro), tel. 0633612710, www.lauriga.it. wanted in rome

9

Britannia International School of Rome • • • •

Age range 3-11. British Curriculum Bus Transport Extra-curricular activities The school opens at 8.30 am and closes at 3.15 pm.

Lessons start at 9.15 am

Situated in the south of Rome in a modern villa.

Small classes ensure that children receive the help and stimulation needed to achieve their maximum potential.

A carefully structured Kindergarten provides a varied programme, including the preparation for learning basic skills, in a happy family atmosphere.

Via E. Parisi 11 - Rome britanniainternational@hotmail.com www.britanniainternationalschool.it 10

wanted in rome

kids’activities guide

H elping those with special needs

CAMILLA VAN STAADEN This is an updated version of an article first carried in the 2009 Kids’Guide,which many readers found very useful.

In Italy there are 2.6 million people (approximately five per cent of the population) who suffer from different and more or less severe forms of disability.* Although a law on disability** was passed 18 years ago ensuring the right to equal opportunities, Italy is far behind other countries in research, support and assistance for the disabled.

Here is a quick guide to the various services available in Rome for disabled children and their families.

kids’activities guide

General information Comune di Roma – Sportello H. Website created by the city’s V Department (social and health services) providing a guide to the services available for all disabled residents. www.sportelloh.comu ne.roma.it.

Italian Schools The right to education for the disabled is governed by law 104/92, which guarantees the inclusion of disabled children aged 0-3 in nursery school and the right to primary, secondary and university education. Integration into the classroom aims to develop children’s learning, communication, relationship and socialisation skills at all levels with the support of specialised teachers.

How to get learning support: the family of a disabled child must ask the local health wanted in rome

11

authority (Azienda Sanitaria Locale, ASL) for a functional diagnosis, a clinical diagnosis and a psychological and social evaluation to identify the child’s capabilities. The functional diagnosis must be given to the school at registration.

This should be followed in the first few months of school with a profile indicating the physical, mental, social and affective characteristics of the child. The profile highlights both the learning disabilities and the possibilities for the support and development of the child, in line with the cultural choices of the family.

After this an Individualised Education Plan (IEP) should be written by the health professionals identified by the ASL, the teaching staff and, where possible, with the participation of the educational psychologist, in conjunction with the parents.

International Schools Hardly any of the international schools in Rome are equipped for disabled children. They lack facilities, don’t have lifts, don’t provide specialised support teachers and don’t have special needs programmes. Many of these schools have long waiting lists, which makes admission for disabled children almost impossible. If you manage to get your child accepted, you often have to pay separately for the special services.

Associations AID (Associazione Italiana Dislessia). This association provides parents with training courses, self-help groups and helplines. There are twice-monthly meetings on specific issues that concern those who suffer from dyslexia and their families. The association also provides profes12

wanted in rome

La Locanda dei Girasoli in Via dei Sulpici 117/h provides work for people with Down Syndrome. www.lalocandadeigirasoli.it

sional and networking support for teachers and technicians.

Via dei Lincei 93 (Laurentino), help line 345/4004132 MonFri 16.00-19.00, www.dislessia.org/SezRoma/.

A.I.P.D. (Associazione Italiana Persone Down). A.I.P.D. was founded in Rome in 1979 to protect the rights of people with Down syndrome, to develop their physical and mental capabilities, to integrate them into the community and to promote awareness and understanding of the syndrome. Via Fulcieri Paulucci de’ Calboli 54 (Prati), tel. 0689016450, www.aipdroma.it.

Centro Regionale S. Alessio Margherita di Savoia per i ciechi. This centre was founded in 1988 to provide rehabilitation and assistance for the blind and partially sighted. Viale Carlo Tommaso Odescalchi 38 (Ardeatino), tel. 800980162 or 065130181, www.santalessio.org.

E.N.S (Ente Nazionale Sordi). This organisation works to integrate deaf people into the community and promote their growth, independence and potential. Piazzale A. Tosti 4 (Ardeatino), tel. 0651607361, www.silentpoint-ensroma.it/.

Lega del Filo d’Oro. The name of the association was chosen to signify “the golden thread that links the deaf-blind person to the outside world”. Lega del Filo d’Oro provides assistance to and works for the education, rehabilitation and integration of people who are deafblind and have multisensory difficulties. Via kids’activities guide

Giulietti 3 (Piramide), tel. 065755055, www.legadelfilodoro.it.

the disabled. Via delle Tre Fontane 1 (Eur), tel.

065921507, www.ciplazio.it.

MPDF (Mason Perkins Deafness Fund). The MPDF is a non-profit organisation that works to produce a positive environment for deaf and deaf-blind children and to strengthen the support network for them through professional training. Via Nomentana 56 (Nomentano), tel.

0644234511, www.mpdf.it.

Roma per tutti. Service centre for tourism, information and mobility for the disabled in Rome. Tel. 0657177094, www.romapertutti.it.

U.I.C. (Unione Italiana Ciechi). This association works to integrate blind people into society. It offers numerous services to stimulate the genuine and active participation of blind people in all forms of social life. Via Mentana 2/b (Castro Pretorio), tel. 0644361173, 064469321, 800705705, www.uiciechi.it.

Leisure time Associazione Museum O.N.L.U.S. The Museum Volunteers Association has long worked to promote Italy’s rich cultural heritage among the disabled, for whom access is still limited. With the support of the city authorities it organises tactile tours for the blind and partially sighted using relief plans and labelling, Italian and English Braille texts, relief sketchbooks, explanatory audiotapes and multi-sensorial and multidisciplinary perception of painting for the visually impaired, as well as activities for children with Down syndrome. There are also various workshops for children with other disabilities.

Via Ignazio Guidi 75 (Ardeatino), tel.

338/1485361, www.assmuseum.it.

C.I.P. Lazio (Comitato Italiano Paralimpico Regionale Lazio). C.I.P. Lazio promotes, regulates and controls sport in Lazio for the disabled, who have equal rights to participate in all sporting activities. Visit the site www.ciplazio.it and click on “Elenco società” in the window on the left of the page for a detailed list of the main organisations in the region that provide sport for kids’activities guide

Transport Mobility card. A new personal mobility card is available for the blind and those with physical disabilities. It has been introduced to improve the existing transport service run by Trambus for the blind and those with physical disabilities and has a fixed monthly fee (depending on the mileage of the route). The service runs Mon-Fri 08.00-13.00 and is not available at weekends. Free access to the service is for study, travel, work and rehabilitation therapy only and must be authorised by the V Department of the city council. To apply you need to go to Viale Manzoni 16 Mon-Fri 08.30-13.00; also Tues and Thurs 14.00-17.00.

For further information tel. 0667105393, www.trambus.com, www.atac.roma.it.

Amico bus. Transport service for the disabled who are resident in Rome. The transport used is appropriately equipped for the disabled in wheelchairs, thus allowing users to get on, get off and travel easily and safely. A contribution of €5 including VAT for each trip is paid directly to the operator. Book by calling the toll free number 800550333 Mon-Fri 08.00-19.00 and Sat 08.00-13.00. www.amicobus.it. notes * Source: National Statistics Institute (ISTAT), “Condizioni di salute e ricorso ai ser vizi sanitari”, www.istat.it/strumenti/rispondenti/indagini/famiglia_soci età/salute. ** Legge 5 febbraio 1992 n. 104, “Legge-quadro per l’assistenza, l’integrazione sociale e i diritti delle persone handicappate”.

wanted in rome

13

L earning a language GABRIELLE BOLZONI The number of parents who decide that their children should learn a foreign language is growing quickly.At an early age children can learn a second and sometimes a third language easily.It is important that small children,usually starting at three years old, learn a foreign language through simple communication and games with other children.That is why most schools or institutes prefer to organise group lessons in a relaxed and stimulating environment that combines learning and entertainment.For the youngest participants, language courses mean workshops rather than lessons.

The language is introduced through stories,fairytales and legends,songs,rhymes and sometimes also manual and artistic activities,which help children’s participation and concentration.The teachers, who are mostly qualified and mother tongue or bilingual,start with easy language skills related to the children’s routine.For children aged over six the learning includes simple literacy with special emphasis on pronunciation and intonation. Most schools in Rome organise both individual and group courses, although groups are better for children aged up to ten.Usually the classes last from six months to a year and take place once a week for a maximum of two hours in groups of no more than ten children. Courses generally run from September/October to May/June but some institutions also offer intensive classes during the summer.

Anglo-American International School. This school organises English courses for children over three years old.

There are both American and English mother tongue teachers and classes are limited to 14

wanted in rome

no more than five children. Lessons take place once a week for one hour. €10-€15 per hour. Via Modena 5 (Via Nazionale), Via Tacito 7 (Prati), tel. 0647824891, www.angloamerican.it. kids’activities guide

Austrian Institute. This institute organises German lessons from October to February and from March to June. Children are divided into groups of between five and ten and lessons, lasting 45 minutes, are held once a week. Children aged from three to five learn the language through games and music, while children from six to ten follow a course based on games and writing. €154 for 15 lessons.

Viale Giulio Cesare 47 (Prati), tel. 063213483, www.oesterreichinstitut.it.

Berlitz. A language centre which offers individual and group lessons in 54 languages.

According to the school’s motto “learning by doing”, children from four years old are divided into groups of four to six and can take lessons in English, French, German, etc. Lessons are held once a week and last 45 minutes for children up to six years old and an hour and a half for older children. The focus is on stimulating conversation related to topics that interest the young participants. €50 monthly. Via Fabio Massimo 95 (Prati), tel. 066872561; Viale Pasteur 77 (Eur), tel. 065920900, www.berlitz.it.

British Campus. English, French and Spanish classes are organised for children from six years old by this school. Mother tongue teachers divide the kids into classes of four to eight, but the school also offers individual and semi-individual lessons. Classes are given once a week and last an hour and a half. €300 for about 40 hours. Via Salaria 89 (Salario), tel.

064880333, www.britishcampus.it.

British School. Individual and group English courses for children from seven to ten are available at this language school. Kids are divided into groups of three to ten and are taught by mother tongue teachers. The classes take place once a week and last an hour and a quarter. €750-€850 for 70 hours. Via Barletta 29 (Prati), tel. 0633220960, www.britishschoolroma.it. kids’activities guide

Goethe Institut. This cultural institute organises German courses for children from six years old. Mother tongue teachers divide the children into groups of no more than eight.

Classes are once a week for an hour and a half. €380 for 20 hours. Via Savoia 15 (Pinciano), tel. 068440051, www.goethe.it.

La Maisonette. From October to May La Maisonette, located inside Palazzo Brancaccio, organises language workshops in English, French and Arabic for children from three years old, divided into groups of a maximum of 12. Classes take place once a week and last an hour and a half. €200 for two months. Viale del Monte Oppio 7 (Colosseo), tel. 064873185, www.lamaisonnette.net.

New English Teaching. English courses are available for children from three years old, divided into classes of no more than ten. Teachers, both mother tongue and bilingual, give lessons once a week for an hour. €400 annually.

Via Mar della Cina 19/1 (Eur/Torrino), tel.

0652272329, www.new-english-teaching.it.

The British Institute of Rome.

During the academic year this institute organises English courses for children from seven years old with American and English mother tongue teachers. Classes are held once a week for two hours and children are divided into groups of a maximum of eight. €780 for 60 hours. Via delle Quattro Fontane 109 (Repubblica), tel. 064881979, www.britishinstitute.org.

The English Centre. This language centre organises English courses for children over seven in classes of four to eight. Lessons are given by qualified mother tongue teachers for one hour twice a week. From €8 per hour. Via dei Colombi 183 (Casilino), tel. 0689016176, www.englishcentrerome.com. wanted in rome

15

L et’s celebrate GABRIELLE BOLZONI Children’s parties are often very difficult and stressful to organise. In fact, it is not easy to find specially designed locations that provide good catering and fun entertainment to make the day memorable for both children and parents. Here is a list of places in attractive settings around the city,which can help parents give fun parties at reasonable prices. Some offer only the location, while others have packages that include entertainment, games and food.

The party's ready at Vivibistrot.

Bioparco. Rome’s zoo organises birthday parties for children from four years old, which include a reception and a two-hour tour of the Biopark with its 1,000 animals. Parents can choose between games based on nature, treasure hunts and didactic workshops for groups of at least 12 kids. It is possible to use the park’s own catering service or bring food from home. MonFri afternoon, Sat-Sun morning and afternoon.

Park entrance and entertainment €15 per child, €4 per adult, excluding catering. Viale del Giardino Zoologico 20 (Villa Borghese), tel.

065816816, www.ilflautomagico.net.

Casina di Raffaello. This cultural play centre in the heart of Villa Borghese offers birthday parties combined with an educational trail.

Usually parties start with a small snack, after which the children visit an exhibition by a contemporary artist followed by a creative workshop based on the artist’s work, which lasts an hour. There is also an outside playground for the youngest children. Mon-Fri afternoon, Sat morning and afternoon, Sun morning. €18 per child, catering included. Viale della Casina di Raffaello (Villa Borghese), tel. 060608, www.casinadiraffaello.it.

Casa del Parco. This regional nature reserve organises environmentally sustainable parties.

Entertainers offer two different workshops dedicated to the creative use of recycled items and games in close contact with nature. Tues-Sat 10.30-18.30. For 20 children €400, for 30 children €546, for max 40 children €689 including organically grown food. Via del Casaletto 400 (Monteverde-Portuense-Gianicolense), tel.

0645476909, www.valledeicasali.com.

Cinema dei Piccoli. This small movie theatre in the heart of Villa Borghese has screened films for children for over 30 years. It is possible to rent the cinema for birthday celebrations and watch one of the movies on the programme or a DVD of your choice in any language. After the screening, which generally lasts an hour, tables are available for the party in a garden in front of the cinema and parents can bring their own food.

Mon-Fri €180-€240, Sat morning €200, Sun

16

wanted in rome

kids’activities guide

morning €240. Prices include cinema rental and are independent of the number of children. Viale della Pineta 15 (Villa Borghese), tel. 068553485, www.cinemadeipiccoli.it.

Dadò Chalet. This cafeteria is in a small chalet in the verdant Modigliani area close to St Peter’s. For kids’ parties it offers a gazebo with a great view, a garden and a baby area, and drinks but no food are provided. Wed-Mon afternoons.

Max €5 per child. Via Sabiniano 30 (Piccolomini), tel. 339/4441090, www.dadochalet.com.

Explora. Parties for children include nearly two hours of play inside the children’s museum, which hosts a child-sized town with a supermarket, a post office, a bank, a fire engine etc. Parents can also choose other activities for a further half hour of games and entertainment. Prices range from €10-€12 per child. The museum’s catering service also offers four different menus, which cost €100 for the first 20 kids and €40 for every additional five children. Each package includes free entrance for parents, free parking, the birthday invitations and a small gift for all participants. Via Flaminia 82 (Flaminio), tel.

063613741, www.mdbr.it.

La Fattorietta. This teaching farm and cultural association on four hectares near St Peter’s rents out three different outdoor areas that are fully equipped for children’s birthdays. Kids can visit the farm and participate in a long list of creative games, including making toys from recycled items, painting, taking part in ceramics workshops, playing with clay and making bread, pizza and fresh pasta. €10 for single membership and insurance, €25 for family membership.

Parties from €150. Vicolo del Gelsomino 68 (St Peter’s), tel. 338/2916918, www.passeggiatadelgelsomino.org.

Nella Vecchia Fattoria. On weekends this school and play centre offers a variety of colourful locations for kids’ parties. In good kids’activities guide

weather there is a large garden with tables, benches and umbrellas. Parents can provide their own food and activities. From €300. Via Casale della Crescenza 12 (Cassia-Due PontiFlaminio), tel. 0633220472, 334/6440802, www.scuoladueponti.it, www.asilodueponti.it.

Villa Iris. It is possible to rent a large gazebo in this private villa on Via Appia Antica and give a party surrounded by centuries-old trees and contemporary works of art. For 20 kids €500 for site rental, entertainment and food; for 40 kids €200 for site rental, €500 for the site and food, €700 for the site, entertainment and food. Via Appia Antica 107 (Appio Latino), tel.

334/7743287.

Villa Sospisio. This old private villa on the Gianicolo hill offers two large, well furnished rooms and a great garden for kids’ parties. It is possible to book entertainment and inflatables and choose from a variety of different menus. €500 + VAT for the site only. Via S. Francesco di Sales 22 (Trastevere), tel. 338/3618356.

Vivibistrot. From March to October this cute bistrot in the heart of Villa Pamphilj, which sells only organic products, organises parties with tables under the umbrella pines or rugs on the grass, picnic-style. €80-€120 for the site, organic catering from €7.50 per child, activities from €120, cross-country solution €150 with sack games, tug of war and capture the flag. Via Vitellia 102 (Monteverde), tel.

065827540, www.vivibistrot.com.

Wonderlab. This kindergarten offers two different locations for parties: a covered porch with fake grass, and a movie-theatre/disco for children. Maximum 40 children. Entertainment is not included, but is mandatory for children aged three and over. Catering available. €230-€250 for the site. Via Antonio Serra 102 (Fleming), tel. 063340539, www.wonderlab.it. wanted in rome

17

18

wanted in rome

kids’activities guide

E xpecting in a foreign country LAURA CLARKE Pregnancy can be a challenging time for any woman, but perhaps never more so than when it is experienced in a foreign country.There are different procedures and protocols and a different medical culture to contend with, and all in a language that is not your own.Here is a brief guide to help you find your way.

One of the most striking aspects of pregnancy in Italy is how highly medicalised it is. You will be made to have an infinite number of blood tests and other examinations during gestation.

Many are available free of charge on the national health service (servizio sanitario nazionale,SSN),while for others you will have to pay a prescription charge (ticket).

Ultrasound scans (ecografie). The Italian ministry of health prescribes three ultrasound scans during pregnancy, which are available free of charge: the first (used to date the embryo and diagnose a possible multiple pregnancy) is carried out during the first trimester, the second, called the morfologica (used to identify possible foetal malformations), at 20-22 weeks and the third, known as the flussimetria (measuring the blood flow to the foetus), at 30-32 weeks.

Demand is high so it is advisable to book well in advance (see below) – otherwise you may find that you have to have the scans at a private facility or at a public hospital but on a private basis (intramoenia).

Laboratory tests (analisi). These are prescribed on a regular basis and typically include tests for toxoplasmosis, cytomegalovirus, gestational diabetes and other possible complications during pregnancy. Lab tests can be done at your kids’activities guide

local hospital or health authority (ASL) or at an authorised laboratory.

Optional tests include amniocentesis, an invasive exam that is performed around the 16th week of pregnancy to diagnose possible genetic disorders such as Down syndrome. In Italy it is recommended for women over 35, when the risk of chromosomal abnormalities is higher, although many expectant mums choose to have it irrespective of their age.

The gynaecologist (ginecologo). This is a key figure during your pregnancy. You can expect to have regular monthly check-ups (more often for high-risk pregnancies), when he or she will answer any questions, measure your weight and blood pressure, and prescribe the necessary lab tests and other exams (note that the actual prescription, or impegnativa/ricetta, needed to have these tests, must be obtained from your GP). The midwife (ostetrica) will make an appearance later on in your pregnancy, during your antenatal course (see below) and obviously in the delivery room. If you do not already have a gynaecologist when you discover you are expecting, you may want to first decide where you want to give birth (see below) and then make an appointment to see a gynaecologist there.

wanted in rome

19

Booking exams. Exams can be booked directly at a particular hospital or clinic or through a central booking system (centro unico di prenotazione, CUP). In Lazio this operates on a regional basis and the telephone number is 803333 Mon-Fri 07.30-19.30, Sat 07.30-13.00.

The same procedure applies for all specialist visits and examinations.

Deciding where to give birth. There is no shortage of hospitals and authorised clinics in Rome. However the facilities and level of maternal and neonatal care can differ considerably, so it is worth thinking about what you might need before making your decision. For a full list see www.vitadidonna.it/sanitapubblica_000053.html.

In choosing a hospital, you might also want to consider the possibility of donating blood from the umbilical cord after delivery for use in treating child leukaemia and other life-threatening diseases. This service is only available in some hospitals in Rome; contact the Associazone Donatrici Italiane Sangue Cordone Ombelicale (ADISCO), www.adiscolazio.it, for information.

Antenatal classes. Many hospitals and clinics run antenatal courses for expectant mums, as do all consultori familiari run by the local health authorities; for a complete list see www.vitadidonna.it/copia_di_vita_di_000022. html. Courses usually start around the sixth or seventh month and typically provide information about the practical, medical, emotional and psychological aspects of labour, delivery and early childcare. Most, but not all, are free.

Maternity leave (maternità). Employees with a permanent or fixed-term contract are obliged to take five months’paid maternity leave on 80 per cent of their last monthly wage. This is usually paid by the employer and reimbursed by the national social security institute, INPS. Under many contracts the employer is also required to make up the difference to the full monthly salary.

20

wanted in rome

In addition employees (both mothers and fathers) are entitled to take a total of 11 months’ parental leave (congedo parentale) before their child’s ninth birthday on 30 per cent of their salary. There are also special provisions for breastfeeding and caring for sick children.

Women on project-oriented contracts (Co.Co.Pro) are entitled to five months’ maternity leave; however, this is paid only in the event that they have accumulated at least three months’ social security contributions in the 12 months prior to abstaining from work, and the payment is calculated on the basis of the number of contributions made. It is the responsibility of the worker to ensure that her employer has paid her social security contributions and in the event of irregularities INPS can deny payment.

Some of the self-employed and unemployed categories are also entitled to five months’ maternity pay. Tel. 803164 or see www.inps.it for details.

The birth (parto). According to the latest figures from the Osservatorio Nazionale sulla Salute della Donna, 38 per cent of births in Italy are by Caesarean section (the World Health Organisation recommendation is 15 per cent), with much higher rates in southern regions and private clinics. In some cases a C-section is necessary for medical reasons, but often lack of human and structural resources, cultural attitudes, economic factors and lack of information lead doctors and expectant mothers to opt for surgery rather than a natural birth.

Induced labour is also common in Italy and is often used for the convenience of the medical staff rather than out of physiological necessity.

Epidural anaesthesia, which provides pain relief during labour, should be available free of charge at all public hospitals and authorised clinics, but this is not always the case. kids’activities guide