Rome Kids Activity Guide 2009

€3

kids’ activities guide 2009 • Outings • Playgroups Shopping • Special needs • Sports Culture

ivities guid t c a ’ s e kid

contents Supplemento al numero 12 di Wanted in Rome

2

Countdown to culture

5

Enjoying the great outdoors

9

A good way to socialise

Direttore responsabile: Franco Venturini Executive editor: Mary Wilsey Editrice: Società della Rotonda Srl

Sabina Zambon

Gabrielle Bolzoni

Sede legale: Via delle Coppelle 9 Progetto grafico: Marco Viola

Gabrielle Bolzoni

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 Finito di stampare il 12/10/2009

11

For those with special needs

14

A sporting life

16

Baby red tape in easy steps

19

Looking for clothes

Camilla Van Staaden

Gabrielle Bolzoni

Fiamma Giannetti

Comments and suggestions can be sent to editorial@wantedinrome.com

Gabrielle Bolzoni

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

kids’ activities guide

wanted in rome

1

C ountdown to culture

SABINA ZAMBON Now that the summer holidays are long gone and school is in full swing, it may be time to introduce a bit of culture into your children’s lives.Well, fear not: if you are convinced your child could be a budding Tennessee Williams, Steven Spielberg, Galileo or Meryl Streep, we have something here that will get their creative juices flowing.

ART Lo Zigolo Zagolo. Creative workshops in this small, colourful toy shop where your offspring can craft puppets, magic boxes and illustrated books. Via dei Corazzieri 26 (Laurentina), tel.

065911131, www.lozigolozagolo.it.

Sala 1. Paper, fabrics and photographs are just some of the materials put at the disposal of children aged 4-10 to allow their artistic imagination to run riot. At the end of the course a public exhibition of their work is held. Wed 17.0019.00, €50 per month. Piazza di Porta S. Giovanni 10 (S. Giovanni), tel. 067008691, 340/9008073, www.salauno.com.

Wonderlab. Two weekly art-based courses for children aged 3-10. The first is a new 2

wanted in rome

course teaching kids to make toys out of materials that would otherwise end up as landfill.

The second, Art Attack, is a more traditional art course. Both courses cost €7 per session.

Via Antonio Serra 102 (Fleming), tel.

063340539, www.wonderlab.it.

BOOKS Biblioteca Centrale Ragazzi. This library is specially designed for kids of all ages. It includes a video library and almost 2,000 foreign-language books as well as a multicultural section to help understand the history and culture of countries and peoples from around the globe. It also organises regular events. Section for toddlers: Tues-Fri 09.00-13.00, 15.00-18.30; Sat 09.00-13.00. Section for older children, teenagers and video library: Tues-Fri 09.00kids’ activities guide

19.00, Sat 09.00-13.00. Via S. Paolo alla Regola 15/18 (Campo de’ Fiori), tel. 0645460391.

Casa dei Bimbi. Library for children and teenagers including a wide variety of foreignlanguage books, ranging from English to German and Arabic. There are also readings on Monday and Wednesday afternoons and an English teatime workshop, L’ora del té, supervised by a mother-tongue English teacher. Mon 09.00-13.00, 15.00-19.00; Tues, Wed and Fri 09.00-13.00; Thurs 09.00-19.00; last Sun of the month 16.00-19.00. Via Libero Leonardi 153 (Torre Spaccata), tel. 0645460381.

Centro Culturale Libreria Bibli. Every Sunday throughout the year this bookshop hosts special events dedicated to children aged 3-7, in which parents are encouraged to take part.

Readings are followed by creative activities and fun and games. Events (usually at 17.00) cost €5 and booking is necessary. Via dei Fienaroli 28 (Trastevere), tel. 065814534, www.bibli.it.

Il BrucaLibro. Creative writing workshop for children aged 8-10 in which the world’s greatest children’s authors are explored to help unlock your child’s imagination. The group meets two Saturdays per month (11.00-12.30), Oct-Dec, at a cost of €10 per session. Via Nemorense 39/b (Trieste), tel. 068543931, www.ilbrucalibro.it.

FILM Video Ambiente. A course for budding cineastes aged 6-10, held every Tuesday from 16.4518.15 in which your offspring can learn the art of producing films for the silver screen. Occasional encounters at weekends, too, to edit their work. €55 per month. Via Ostiense 193/d (Ostiense), tel.

0697997869, www.videoambiente.it.

MUSIC Accademia Nazionale di S. Cecilia. This prestigious music academy once again opens kids’ activities guide

its doors to children of all ages with a series of concerts and workshops. Consult the academy website for full programme details.

Auditorium Parco della Musica, Largo Luciano Berio 3 (Flaminio), tel. 068082058, www.santacecilia.it.

Il Melograno. A course for tots aged 0-3 based on E. E. Gordon’s Music Learning Theory, which helps develop their musical aptitude through the expressive use of their bodies and instruments. 45-minute classes, weekly until 31 May, on Thurs or Sat, €50 per month. Via Saturnia 4/a (S. Giovanni), tel.

0670475606, wwww.melogranoroma.org.

THEATRE Piccolo Conservatorio dello Spettacolo di Roma. Courses organised for children of all ages in acting, voice coaching, phonetics, etc. Held all year, with attendance once or twice a week, courses cost from €65 per month. Via Tiburtina 74 (Tiburtina), tel.

0696840119, 347/7080852, www.aatmmroma.blogspot.com.

Teatro Le Maschere. Arte Giocando is a weekly theatre workshop for children aged 710 offering the chance to experiment with various scripts via the five senses of the theatre: words, movement, music, light and imagination. The course runs from October to May and ends with a show performed by the children. Wed 17.00-19.00. €60 plus a €25 enrolment fee. There is also a weekly theatre workshop in English for children aged 8-10. This includes socialisation exercises, voice and rhythm coaching and also ends with a staged show. Sat 10.30-12.30, price as above. Via Aurelio Saliceti 1/3 (Trastevere), tel.

0658330817, www.teatrolemaschere.it.

Note that other theatres in the capital also offer daytime programmes for children. 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

E njoying the great outdoors GABRIELLE BOLZONI Children are natural explorers; they love adventures and discover something new every day. Winter means that sometimes kids have to stay at home and they can become frustrated and irascible.The solution might be a daily walk in the park combined with something more exciting to do at the weekend or on holiday. However Rome offers some good opportunities for children. Activities range from a day at a farm to a visit to the zoo, from puppet shows to creative workshops in the park. The key is for parents to favour outdoor activities for their children at all times of the year.

Agricoltura Nuova Farm. Parents and children can have a great time at this organic farm, visiting the animals and learning how to grow organic products. It is also possible to purchase organic fruit and vegetables from the farm’s store. A cheap and healthy restaurant is open at lunchtime on Sundays. Entrance free.

Daily 08.30-18.00. Via Valle di Perna 315 (Trigoria, near exit 26 of the Grande Raccordo Anulare), tel. 0650828294, 065070453, www.agricolturanuova.it.

Bioparco. Rome’s zoo, with over 1,000 animals, organises special activities for children and their families at weekends (Sat and Sun 11.00-16.00). Kids can help feed the macaques, chimpanzees, hippopotami and farm animals, have close encounters with the reptiles or ride through Villa Borghese on an electric train (€1 per person). €8 for the zoo, kids’ activities guide

€2.50 for the reptile house. 28 March-25 Oct, Mon-Fri 09.30-18.00 (last entry 17.00); 26 Oct-31 Dec, Mon-Fri 09.30-17.00 (last entry 16.00). Viale del Giardino Zoologico 20 (Villa Borghese), tel. 063608211, www.bioparco.it.

Bowling Silvestri. This sports club has, among other things, an 18-hole mini golf course, the first in Rome with good facilities for children aged 4 and over, adults and disabled children. There are also tennis courts, a ping pong room and a pizzeria. €3.50 Mon-Sat, €4.50 Sun. Mon 09.00-13.00, 15.00-20.00; Tues-Sun 09.00-13.00, 15.00-01.00. Via G. Zoega 6 (Monteverde/Bravetta), tel.

0666158206, www.bowlingsilvestri.com.

Casa del Parco. This regional nature reserve organises numerous activities during weekends for children aged 4-10 to encourage respect for wanted in rome

5

the environment and a culture of recycling.

Environmental educators teach kids how to grow a vegetable garden, interact with farm animals and recognise different plants. There are also drama, art and music courses, as well as recycling and nature workshops. Booking is essential. €8 per child, including an organic snack. Sat and Sun 15.30-17.30. Via del Casaletto 400 (Monteverde/Portuense/Gianicolense), tel. 0645476909, www.valledeicasali.com.

Casina di Raffaello. This play centre, located in the heart of Villa Borghese, offers a great programme of monthly events including animated lectures, manual and creative workshops, cultural projects and educational activities for children aged 3-10. There is also an outdoor playground for the very young. €3. TuesFri 09.00-18.00; Sat-Sun 10.00-19.00. Viale della Casina di Raffaello (Porta Pinciana), tel.

060608, www.casinadiraffaello.it.

Go-Kart. Club Kartroma offers baby karts for children aged 3-7, who compete on a small, secure electric track (€10). There is also a professional circuit with karts for children over 10 and two-seater karts for an adult and a child under 8. €15 for 15 minutes. Mon-Fri 16.0019.30; Sat 11.00-13.00, 15.00-19.00. Via della Muratella (Ponte Galeria), tel. 0665004962, 335/8311718, www.kartroma.com.

La Fattorietta. On Sundays this farm and cultural association, on four hectares near St. Peter’s basilica, offers various activities for children over 4 including helping with the harvest, learning how to grow a vegetable garden, making bread, jam, fresh pasta and cheese and milking a kid. €10 for yearly membership and insurance. MonFri 08.00-17.00. Vicolo del Gelsomino 68 (S. Pietro), tel. 338/2916918, www.lafattorietta.org, www.passeggiatadelgelsomino.org.

Looney’s Entertainment Centre. This mega playground for children aged 0-14 6

wanted in rome

includes frames, trampolines, bouncy castles, etc. It also offers a babysitting service. €2.50 per hour in the morning, €4.50 per hour in the afternoon. Mon-Thurs 10.00-13.00, 15.0020.00; Fri-Sat 10.00-13.00, 15.00-24.00; Sun 10.00-22.00. Via R.B. Bandinelli 130 (Ciampino), tel. 0679321977, www.looneys.it.

Nella Vecchia Fattoria. During the Christmas and Easter holidays this school organises camps for children with Italian as well as English-speaking teams. There are games and sports tournaments, creative workshops, reading sessions, drama and treasure hunts. €35 per day, including breakfast, lunch and a snack.

Mon-Fri 07.30-19.00. Via Casale della Crescenza 12 (Cassia/Due Ponti/Flaminia), tel.

0633220472, 334/6440802, www.scuoladueponti.it, www.asilodueponti.it.

Teatro di Pulcinella al Gianicolo. This famous open-air puppet theatre, located on the Janiculum hill, has seen many generations of children grow up. On show are the adventures of Pulcinella and Colombina. Entrance free.

Show times depend on the weather and the number of children. Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi (Trastevere), tel. 065827767.

Vivibistrot. This bistro, located in the heart of Villa Pamphilj, sells only organic products.

It is possible to grab a picnic basket and organise a last-minute picnic in the park as well as to rent bikes. Daily 08.30-20.00. For information contact Crescere Insieme, tel.

0665742319, www.vivibistrot.com.

Zoo Marine. This amusement and aquatic park outside Rome offers performances with dolphins, parrots and other animals for children of all ages. It is also possible to rent little play carts. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. Via Casablanca 61, Torvaianica, Pomezia, tel. 06915331, www.zoomarine.it. kids’ activities guide

Are you looking for a small, dynamic, caring school where the standards are high but the children still have fun?

Then Kendale will certainly meet your requirements.

We offer:

A fully qualified English mother-tongue staff

A British-American curriculum

A strong values programme

Specialist teachers for French (7+ years), Music, Gym and Italian

Classes of 10-16 students

Extras available: Swimming, Piano, Guitar, Recorder flute.

Kendale Primary International School VIA GRADOLI, 86 VIA CASSIA Km. 10,300 ROMA – 00189 FAX, TEL.: +390633267608 E-MAIL kendaleprimaryschool@libero.it

kids’ activities guide

wanted in rome

7

8

wanted in rome

kids’ activities guide

A

good way to socialise GABRIELLE BOLZONI

Playgroups are informal social groups of children aged 0-4 and their mothers or anyone else who might accompany them.The idea is to help them integrate into the new community. Groups usually meet once or twice a week for a couple of hours, allowing mothers to relax over a cup of coffee and a slice of cake and get to know each other and share opinions and common experiences while their children play together and socialise.

Playgroups meet in churches, private homes and rented spaces or outside in the open air, in parks, gardens and villas.The common language is usually English, but this can vary if the organisers are from other countries. Each playgroup usually has its own routine and mothers are always invited to help by bringing snacks, cleaning up after the activities or organising side events such as monthly book clubs.

Families that have just moved to Rome and want to find out more about the nearest playgroup can call the information office of the embassy of reference for details. Foreign churches and international bookshops usually also have an updated noticeboard.

Below is a list of playgroups that meet in different areas around town.

Babas Playgroup. This informal playgroup of international mothers and children aged 0-4 meets for free once a week in different parks in the Aventino, S. Saba and Testaccio areas.

Contact bumpyalison@hotmail.com.

from experts. Yearly membership is €16 for mothers and €10 for children and includes insurance. Via Marmorata 169 (Testaccio), tel.

065758648, www.associazioneilnido.it.

Centro Il Fiume. This association and yoga centre hosts Spazio dei Bimbi, an Italian playgroup for mothers and kids aged 1-3, assisted by educational specialists who stimulate the children’s creativity and talent. Annual membership is €250, which includes kids’ insurance and a monthly meeting for parents. €10 per meeting.

Fri 09.45-11.30. Via dei Dalmati 37 (S. Lorenzo), tel. 064451244, www.okidoroma.it.

Ladybirds Playgroup. This well-established, informal playgroup is run by an international group of mothers and guarantees a great network for them and their children aged 0-4.

Songs, crafts, games and snacks are available. €5 per meeting. Wed and Fri 10.00-12.00. All Saints’ Anglican Church, Via del Babuino 153 (Popolo/Spagna), tel. 339/5679358, www.ladybirdsrome.com. There is also a branch in Trastevere (contact details as above).

Il Nido. This Italian association organises different types of activities for children and mothers and offers space for self-run playgroups. On Wednesday mornings from 11.00 a new area called Spazio Mamma offers free consultations on pregnancy and motherhood with advice

Mums and Tots Group. This English-speaking international group meets for free for coffee and cake at various members’ houses in the Casal Palocco/Infernetto area. Children aged 03 can play together. Tues 10.00-12.30. Contact sjbracey@alice.it.

kids’ activities guide

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 In Italy there are 2.6 million people1 (approximately five per cent of the population) who suffer from different and more or less severe forms of disability. Although a law on disability2 was passed 17 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 for disabled children and their families.

kids’ activities guide

Illustration by Marco Talia.

General information Comune di Roma – Sportello H. This new website created by the city’s V Department (social and health services) provides a guide to the services available for all disabled residents. It has updated and useful information about services, facilities and all kinds of problems related to disability. www.sportelloh.comune.roma.it.

Associazione pro-Disabili. This is a website specialising in legal information regarding various aspects of disability. www.associazioneprodisabili.it.

wanted in rome

11

Italian schools

Leisure time

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.

Associazione Museum O.N.L.U.S. The Museum Volunteers Association has always 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 with the support of relief plans and labelling, Italian and English Braille texts, relief sketchbooks, explanatory audiotapes, and the multi-sensorial and multidisciplinary perception of painting for the visually impaired, as well as activities for children with Down’s syndrome. There are also various workshops for children with other disabilities. Via Ignazio Guidi 75, tel.

338/1485361, www.assmuseum.it.

How to get learning support: the family of a disabled child must ask the local healthcare administration office (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 process an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) should be written by the health professionals identified by the ASL, the teaching staff and, where possible, with the participation of an 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 also 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.

12

wanted in rome

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 any sporting activity. 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 the disabled. Via delle Tre Fontane 1, tel. 065921507, www.ciplazio.it.

Transport A special service for the blind and those with physical disabilities is run by Trambus and can be booked by calling the toll free number 800469540 Mon-Sat 06.00-21.00. The service runs Mon-Fri 08.00-13.00, but 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. If you do not have your residence in Rome the cost of the service is €23 each way for trips within the city. For further kids’ activities guide

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

have multisensory deficits. Via Giulietti 3, tel.

065755055, www.legadelfilodoro.it.

Associations

MPDF - Mason Perkins Fund for the Deaf. The Mason Perkins Fund for the Deaf is a non-profit organisation that works to produce a positive environment for deaf and deafblind children and to strengthen the support network for them through professional training. Via Nomentana 56, tel. 0644234511, www.mpdf.it.

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 the daily lives of those who suffer from dyslexia and their families. It also provides professional and networking support for teachers and technicians. Via dei Lincei 93, helpline 345/4004132 Mon-Fri 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’s 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 Paolucci de Calboli 54, tel. 0689016450, www.aipd-roma.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, tel.

800980162 or 065130181, www.santalessio.com.

E.N.S – Ente Nazionale Sordi. To integrate deaf people into the community and promote their growth, independence and potential.

Piazzale A. Tosti 4, tel. 0651607361, www.silentpoint-ensroma.it.

Rome Independent Living Centre Centro per l’Autonomia. This centre promotes the fundamental rights and dignity of all disabled people and their families. The association’s goal is to strengthen the individual’s capabilities and autonomy and facilitate their integration into the community. Via Giuseppe Cerbara 20, tel. 0651604253, www.centroperlautonomia.it.

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

If you have any queries or require further information please contact camillavs@tiscali.it.

notes 1

Lega del Filo d’Oro. The name of the association was chosen to signify “the golden thread that links the deafblind person to the outside world”. Lega del Filo d’Oro provides assistance, education, rehabilitation and reintegration of people who are deafblind and kids’ activities guide

Source:

national

statistics

institute

(ISTAT),

“Condizioni di salute e ricorso ai servizi sanitari”, www.istat.it/strumenti/rispondenti/indagini/famiglia_societa/salute.

2

Legge 5 febbraio 1992 n. 104, “Legge-quadro per l’as-

sistenza, l’integrazione sociale e i diritti delle persone handicappate”.

wanted in rome

13

A sporting life GABRIELLE BOLZONI Sport is important for healthy growth and development and should start at an early age. It stimulates newborn babies and facilitates body awareness in small children. In older kids it fortifies the sense of belonging to a group, strengthens personal motivation and improves the child’s concentration.

Activities need to be chosen carefully and should respect the child’s natural aptitudes, tastes and preferences.

Here is a list of activities for the different stages of childhood.

0-3 YEARS Baby swimming Accademia del Nuoto. This swimming academy organises half-hour sessions for babies (after their first vaccination) and children up to 3 and their parents. Tues, Fri 11.30; Wed, Sat 16.50. Via Poggio Ameno 61 (Eur/Laurentino), tel. 065940169, www.accademiadelnuoto.it.

Movement Associazione Alchemia. This association organises a “Baby Moves Group” based on Infant Developmental Movement Education (IDME) for babies aged 1 month-2 years and their parents to enhance learning potential with the exploration of touch and natural movement. Piazza Ottavilla 10 (Monteverde), tel. 380/7911803.

Yoga Akhara Yoga Centre. This yoga centre organises classes of Kundalini Yoga for mothers with their newborn babies (at least 40 days old) and children under 3. Classes focus on posture during the post-natal months, helping the body regain strength, tone and emotional balance. €15 per lesson, €130 for 10 lessons.

Mon 10.00-11.30. Via Marcello Prestinari 19/a (Prati), tel. 333/5669367, www.naad.it.

3-6 YEARS Dance

Roma Uno. This public swimming pool organises baby swimming classes for children aged 0-3 and their mothers, as well as minivolleyball, mini-basketball, dance and football for children under 13. €75 for ten lessons. Sat 15.00-15.45. Largo Ascianghi 4 (Trastevere), tel. 0658332757.

14

wanted in rome

Insieme Per Fare. This association organises courses in modern dance, hip hop, break dance and classical ballet as well as karate and mini-basketball (minimum age 4). Lessons take place twice a week for an hour. €55 enrolment. From €45 monthly. Via Pelagosa 3 (Montesacro), tel.

068185374, www.insiemeperfare.it. kids’ activities guide

Yoga Centre Centro Fiume. This yoga centre organises expressive games and movement workshops for children aged 4-8. There is also daycare for babies aged 0-3 (Mon-Fri 09.00-13.30) and lessons on baby massage. €50 monthly, €120 for three months. Wed 16.15-17.15, 17.30-18.30. Via dei Dalmati 37 (S. Lorenzo), tel. 064451244, www.okidoroma.it.

Mini-basketball, mini-volleyball ASCR Dilettantistica Kronos. Courses in mini-volleyball and mini-basketball with professional teachers. Minimum age 5. Mon, Wed, Fri from 17.00. Scuola Media Edoardo de Filippo. Via Sesto Miglio 78 (Cassia). Tues, Thurs from 17.00. Scuola Media Massimo Gizio. Via Morro Reatino 45 (Cassia), tel.

063012211, 338/9011241, www.askronos.it.

Pony riding Excalibur Centro Federale Equitazione.

This pony club in the heart of the Appia Antica park organises riding courses for children aged 3-16. Activities include pony games, competitions and show jumping. Teachers speak English and French. €90 a month for one lesson a week, €150 a month for two lessons a week, €200 a month for three lessons a week.

Tues-Fri 14.00-19.00; Sat-Sun 10.00-13.00, 14.00-17.00. Via della Tenuta di S. Cesareo 61 (Appia Antica), tel. 065193907, www.clubexcalibur.it.

6-10 YEARS Circus Scuola Romana di Circo. This circus school organises a course for children aged 7-11 including circus, theatre, acrobatics and dance classes.

At the end of the year there is a final performance. €35 enrolment. €50 monthly. Tues-Thurs 17.3019.30. Centro Sportivo Aurelio, Via Boccea 360 (Boccea), tel. 338/3552831.

Climbing Associazione Sportiva Climbing Side. This sports association organises basic and competitive courses for children aged 6-18. Tues, Thurs 17.00-19.30. Via Cristoforo Colombo 1800 (Torrino/Mostacciano), tel. 335/6525473.

Football U.S. Boreale. This football school, founded in 1946, organises yearly courses for children (minimum age 5) with professional teachers. €500 for the year. Circolo Rai. Via delle Fornaci di Tor di Quinto (Tor di Quinto), tel.

339/6297714, www.usboreale.it.

Martial Arts Taramanni Kung Fu School. This academy teaches all kinds of martial arts to children, usually boys, aged 5-12. Disciplines include kung fu, judo, pre-boxing, karate, etc. €20 enrolment. €40-55 monthly. Mon, Wed, Fri 17.00-18.00. Via dei Fulvi 38 (Tuscolano), tel.

0676960268 (after 17.00), www.rtschool.it.

Sub acqua diving Tennis Circolo Tennis Oasi di Pace. This club in the heart of the Appia Antica park has 18 tennis courts as well as football pitches, a swimming pool with baby parking, etc. There are separate mini-tennis courses for children aged 5-9 and 10-14 twice a week. Private lessons with professional teachers are also available. €50 enrolment. €65 a month. Via degli Eugenii 2 (Appia Antica), tel. 067184550, www.ct-oasidipace.it. kids’ activities guide

Salaria Sport Village. This sports club organises underwater diving courses for children aged 8-10 with twice-weekly two-hour sessions in a swimming pool or in the sea off Tuscany’s Argentario peninsula. The courses last six weeks and children receive an international diving permit at the end. €35 enrolment. €280 for the course, including educational material and equipment. Via S. Gaggio 5 (Settebagni), tel.

328/9652101, www.salariadiving.it. wanted in rome

15

B aby red tape in nine easy steps FIAMMA GIANNETTI 1. Get your baby’s birth certificate All births in Italy must be declared at the local registry office. Even non-Italians in the country on a temporary basis are required to declare the birth of their children. Hospitals in Italy will not release babies that have not been properly registered.

The declaration of birth (dichiarazione di nascita) can be made by either of the parents if legally married; otherwise both parents must make the declaration at the local registry office.

Alternatively, parents can file the declaration via the hospital’s administration office within three days of a child’s birth. To declare your child’s birth and receive a birth certificate (estratto di nascita), you will need a valid ID and a document issued by the maternity ward with the date and time of birth and the baby’s gender. Babies born at home will require a written certificate from the assisting doctor or obstetrician.

For registry offices in Rome tel. 060606 or see www.comune.roma.it.

2. Get your child’s tax ID no.

A tax ID number (codice fiscale) is necessary to access most public services in Italy. It is gen16

wanted in rome

Apart from changing diapers and mixing formula, newborn babies mean lots of paperwork. Here is a brief rundown of the queues to stand in, forms to fill out and places to look for help. Note that you can get the hard part (steps one to four) out of the way during a single visit to the local registry office (anagrafe) provided you get there early enough.

All of the services described below are free of charge and apply to parents who are in Italy legally. Under the terms of the new immigration law those who have entered Italy illegally run the risk of being reported to the police. If they are not reported, parents whose baby is born in Italy may then have grounds for a permit of stay for family reunion (permesso di soggiorno per ricongiungimento familiare).

erated from personal data so you will need your child’s birth certificate in order to obtain one.

This too is done at the registry office.

3. Sign your baby up for residency Once you have a birth certificate, you can sign your baby up for residency (iscrizione all’’anagrafe). This is free of charge and the resulting certificate should be available on the same day.

Residency is not necessary to access public health services in Italy but it is a prerequisite for public day care and preschool care. All children born in Italy are eligible for residency whether their parents are residents or not.

4. Sign your child up for the national healthcare service All children born in Italy are eligible for the national healthcare service (servizio sanitario nazionale – SSN). If registered as a resident, your child will automatically be signed up for the national healthcare system and issued a health card (tessera sanitaria) which should arrive by mail within ten days. kids’ activities guide

Health cards for non-resident children must be requested from a healthcare administrative office (azienda sanitaria locale – ASL, see Step five) using your child’s tax ID number and birth certificate.

Health cards are necessary for vaccinations and paediatric hospital services and to receive subsidised rates on pharmaceuticals and health products.

5. Choose a paediatrician Parents of resident babies aged 0-6 must choose a paediatrician with the national healthcare service. This is done at your nearest healthcare administrative office using your child’s birth certificate and tax ID number.

You do not need to have received your child’s health card before choosing a paediatrician.

A complete list of healthcare administrative offices in Rome is available at www.regione.lazio.it/web2/contents/pos/asl.php.

6. Sign up for vaccinations In some hospitals, it is possible to make an appointment for your baby’s first round of vaccinations at the local vaccination centre (centro vaccinale) the day he or she is released.

Otherwise you can contact the vaccination centre directly.

Vaccinations in Italy start at three months.

Only those against hepatitis B, tetanus, diptheria and polio are required by law.

Others, against whooping cough, measles, rubella, mumps, chickenpox, meningitis, influenza and, more recently, the H1N1 virus commonly known as swine flu, are optional, but nonetheless free of charge.

Some optional vaccinations can be administered by a national health service paediatrician or even bought in pharmacies and administered at home. In either case, you will have to get your child’s vaccination record stamped at the vaccination centre. For a list of vaccination centres in Rome see www.vitadidonna.it/gravidanza_00005b.html. kids’ activities guide

7. Get your Carta Bimbo Families with children born in Rome between 1 January 2009 and 1 May 2010 are eligible for the city’s baby discount card (Carta Bimbo) with €300 of credit to buy baby products at participating stores and pharmacies. Once you’ve used up your credit, the card remains valid for discounts ranging from ten to 30 per cent until your baby is three months old. To apply for your baby discount card or find stores that accept it, tel. 800200105 or see www.cartabimbo.it.

8. Choose a family resource centre The wide range of free services offered by the psychologists, social workers, obstetricians, gynaecologists and paediatricians staffing Rome’s many family resource centres (consultori familiari) can be a big help during your first days as a parent. In addition to advice on finding a good paediatrician, they provide an open forum for women with workshops on sleep, breastfeeding, baby massage and stress management.

Personnel even make home calls for parents in distress. For addresses see www.vitadidonna.it.

Family resource centres are a service of the national healthcare system. To join, you will need your baby’s health card.

9. Visit the city help desk at Il Melograno Il Melograno is a non-profit organisation offering a wide range of activities from baby swimming to baby music appreciation, plus a number of post-partum workshops for couples, mums and dads. Il Melograno also operates the city’s birth and infancy help desk (sportello nascita e prima infanzia) providing support and information on deciding where you want to give birth, choosing a paediatrician, getting your children into daycare etc. Il Melograno, Via Saturnia 4/a (S. Giovanni), tel. 0670475606, www.melogranoroma.org, Mon, Wed, Fri 10.00-13.00; Tues 16.00-19.00. Birth and infancy help desk, tel.

800048048, www.sportellonascita.org. wanted in rome

17

Awakening the genius within We apply a diversified yet complementary teaching method with a base Foundation Stage Curriculum influenced by Waldorf Steiner philosophies, the Montessori method and the Reggio Emilia approach, in a green homely environment with international staff.

• Pre-school open Monday - Friday: 8:30-16:00

• Children's library

• 2 1/2 - 6 year olds

• Outdoor playground and indoor gym

• Computer

• Yoga - Dance - Swimming • Saturday school - Eurythmy • Summer school • Music lessons (violin, piano, cello, guitar) • After-school English language courses

Via Roma 84, Grottaferrata • 06.97245148 - 346.0823360 www.littlegenius.it • info@littlegenius.it

18

wanted in rome

kids’ activities guide

L ooking for the right clothes GABRIELLE BOLZONI Mothers are always looking for good shops for children’s clothes. It’s hard to find places that sell original and goodvalue items and are also run by friendly and helpful people. Here is a list of stores where mothers can confidently buy children’s clothes for all occasions and at all prices. As a rough guide, a low price for a pair of trousers for a 3year-old is €15, medium is €20 and expensive is €30.

Mon 16.30-19.30; Tues-Fri 10.00-13.00, 16.3019.30; Sat 10.00-13.00 by appointment. Via di Vigna Fabbri 25/27 (Appio), tel. 067827705, www.ilmondodeigemelli.it.

Country Store. This small outlet sells all brands for children aged 0-16. There are also some dresses for formal occasions and handmade knitwear. All items are 50-80 per cent below market prices. Mon-Sat 09.30-20.00.

Via Leone IV 36 (Prati), tel. 0639725872.

Viale Furio Camillo 12 (Furio Camillo), tel.

067824318.

Du Pareil Au Meme. This store is part of a well-known French chain specialising in clothes and shoes for children aged 0-12. All items are colourful, functional and good value. It also sells furniture, equipment and accessories for babies as well as baby care products. Great discounts throughout the year. Mon-Sat 09.3020.00. Viale Libia 199/201 (Trieste/Africano), tel. 0686399496, 0686399506. Via Tuscolana 793 (Tuscolano), tel. 066764885, 0676968598, www.dpam.com.

Dindolò. This colourful and cosy store, run by three mothers and frequented by foreigners, is a cultural association and has been promoting recycling since 1996. It sells new and secondhand clothes, accessories, equipment and furniture of all brands for children, as well as clothes for pregnant mums. All items are 50-80 per cent below market prices. There are also discounts on items for twins. €5 annual membership card.

I Vippini. Clothes in this shop are not for everyday wear but are dedicated to little VIPs. The shop sells only haute couture items for special occasions. All pieces have distinctive hand detailing and have been designed by famous international stylists. Medium-high prices. Mon 15.00-19.00; Tues-Sat 10.0013.30, 15.30-19.00. Via della Fontanella Borghese 65 (Spagna), tel. 0668803754.

Photo:The Milk Bar in Monti.

kids’ activities guide

wanted in rome

19

Linoceronte. This bright, light boutique sells colourful, original international brands for children aged 0-14. The choice ranges from modern and sporty to more elegant and unusual, though it is also possible to find more traditional items on the shelves. Viale Pinturicchio, 188/190 (Flaminio), tel.

0632600384, www.linoceronte.com.

Mettimi Giù Pulcini. This store sells international brands for children aged 0-16 as well as a good selection of shoes and original accessories. Each piece is tested for quality, durability, style and comfort. There is a stand with discount items throughout the year. Medium prices. Mon 15.30-19.30; Tues-Sat 10.0019.30. Via dei Due Macelli 59 (Spagna), tel.

066789761.

Nati Nudi. The items on sale in this small store for children aged 0-12 are the result of a continual and meticulous quest by the two young owners, Daniela and Flaminia, who seek out unusual brands from northern Europe, the United States, Japan, etc. Most are made of organic cottons and natural materials such as soya and bamboo and all are guaranteed. You will also find sportswear, shoes, accessories, bags and toys, as well as some pieces produced by the owners. Mid-range prices. Mon-Sat 10.0013.30, 16.00-20.00. Piazza S. Cosimato 65 (Trastevere), tel. 0658340014, www.natinudi.it.

Pizzi e Fragole. This store and information point, run by Camilla, a young mother, sells clothes for premature babies and children up to 12, as well as accessories and games. The more expensive items include international brands, which are colourful and modern and combine quality, comfort and price. There is always a stand with items on sale from previous collections. English, French and Spanish spoken. Medium-low prices. Mon-Sat 10.0020

wanted in rome

20.00. Via della Lungaretta 25 (Trastevere), tel. 065815023.

Quadrifoglio Outlet. This small outlet, located behind the Pantheon, sells fine clothes for babies and children from 0-10 for both formal and informal occasions. All pieces are handmade, according to the highest quality Italian tradition. There are no brands. It is also possible to order made-to-measure pieces and handmade knitwear. All items are 20-50 per cent below market prices. Mon 15.30-19.30, Tues-Sat 10.00-19.30, Via delle Colonnelle 10 (Pantheon), tel. 066784917.

Rachele. This small and colourful store, run by two Swedish mothers, is a workshop of handmade clothes for children aged 0-12. The articles are mainly in cotton and are hand stitched by the store owners themselves, who are inspired by the tales of Astrid Lindgren. All models are simple, colourful and often made from scraps of leftover materials. There is also a stand with discount items. Tues-Sat 10.30-14.00, 15.30-19.30.

Vicolo del Bollo 6/7 (Campo de’ Fiori), tel.

066864975, 329/648100, 329/6481004.

The Milk Bar. This store and meeting place, run by a mother, is dedicated to pregnancy, breast-feeding and motherhood but it also stocks some original items for children.

Products to make life easier for mums come from all over the world, such as portable diaper changing stations, baby socks which look like shoes, safe, muslin sleeping bags, etc.

Mon-Fri 10.00-18.00; Wed 10.00-20.30. Via di S. Martino ai Monti 34 (Monti), tel.

0697276418, www.TheMilkBar.it.

Tipimini. This tiny, lively store sells traditional Italian clothes, knitwear and famous international brands for children aged 0-14.

Low-medium-high prices. Mon-Sat 10.0013.30, 15.00-19.30. Via del Pellegrino 89 (Campo de’ Fiori), tel. 0668135840. kids’ activities guide