Children First - October 2014

Westminster

Issue 22, October 2014

Children first

Turn over to read Edit

Win tickets to see Horrible Histories!

Back to work support Top tips for healthy lunches

There are lots of ways to recycle Your collection service is just the start.

Take a look at how to recycle other items.

YES PLEASE:

NO THANK YOU: Black bags

Food

Polystyrene

Clothing

Please do not put these items in your recycling bag or box. It means all your efforts to recycle are wasted as nothing in the bag or box can be recycled.

Clothing and small electrical items Find your nearest recycling bank online.

Garden waste

Plastic bags

Order a discounted compost bin or put it in your rubbish bin.

Reuse your plastic bags when shopping.

Questions? Contact us: Visit: westminster.gov.uk/recycling • Call: 020 7641 2000 • Email: recycling@westminster.gov.uk

for London

Dear parent or carer Children First has a new look.

Turn over and you’ll find Edit, our new magazine for young people.

We made this change after young people told us they didn’t realise Children First had news for them too. If there are teenagers in your family, turn the magazine upside down and point them towards some of the great CV writing tips we’ve got in Edit, or the exciting activities happening this autumn.

For parents and carers, Children First is still packed full of news, events and offers.

There’s information on getting back into work, news on how you can access free childcare and healthy lunchbox ideas.

And there are now more regular ways you can hear about the exciting events and discounts available for your family.

• sign up to our Families First monthly enewsletter westminster.gov.uk/families-first • find us on Facebook facebook.com/WestminsterParents • go paperless. Email us at childrenfirst@westminster.gov.uk and ask to receive Children First by email instead – before it hits doorsteps!

Contents 5 6 8 9

Get back into work Follow our top tips for healthy lunches Learn more about fostering Help us support young carers

what’s on 10 Discover in Westminster

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Enjoy great family discounts

Win to see tickets Ho Histor rrible ie Page 1 s!

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There’s so much happening in Westminster.

I hope these changes mean more people of all ages can get involved.

Soleen Rashed Youth MP Westminster

Contact Soleen at westminsteryouthmp@ westminster.gov.uk Westminster Children First, Issue 22, October 2014

Shake up and get active with your favourite Disney character s on Page 7 3

The latest news from around Westminster

FIRST WORLD WAR STORYTELLING Hear the story of the 1914 Christmas Truce, the day enemy soldiers met in No Man’s Land to play football and celebrate Christmas. Meet a costumed WWI soldier and get hands-on with fascinating objects from the National Army Museum.

Storytelling takes place at Pimlico Library on 28th October and Paddington Library on 30th October.

Booking is essential, visit westminster. gov.uk/remembers

Check your smoke alarm when the clocks go back The clocks go back on 26th October. Why not use the clock change as a reminder to test your smoke alarm?

NEW

S

Apply now for school places in 2015 Our admissions brochures are step-by-step guides to applying for primary and secondary school places and are now available online. For more information and to apply visit westminster. gov.uk/admissions Don’t forget, the deadline to apply for a secondary school place is 31st October 2014. The deadline to apply for a primary school place is 15th January 2015.

The way you register to vote has changed The head of the household used to register everyone who lived there to vote. That changed this summer and now each individual is responsible for their own voter registration.

Find out more at westminster.gov.uk/register-to-vote

Funded childcare for two-year-olds If you have a two-year-old child you may be eligible for 15 hours of council-funded childminding a week. Find out more and check if you are eligible at westminster. gov.uk/pre-school 4

Follow @CityWestminster or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ WestminsterParents for the latest news, offers and events for families.

Westminster Children First, Issue 22, October 2014

FACING THE JOB MARKET TOGETHER Getting into employment after a long time out of work can be daunting, especially for families who are experiencing difficulties in other areas of their life.

Aresma Haile cares for her three children and has been out of work for nine years.

Through our Families and Communities Employment service (FACES) she receives one-to-one interview preparation, assistance with job applications, vacancy alerts and free training.

“I feel more confident now as a person and less stressed about finding jobs and applying for them.

“I find it really difficult to express myself and approach employers, and I feel uncomfortable with my spelling which has always put me off applying for jobs.

Now my coach is helping me with all of these things and emails me vacancies so I am able to apply for these roles straight away, which is really helpful.

“I was also having difficulties with my son, but with the support of my coach who takes him to activities we are managing better as a family, and I have more time to myself to focus on finding a job.

“My hope for the future is to find the right job which is suitable for me and makes me independent.”

FACES provides one-to-one support to help you move into employment and make positive changes that can benefit your whole family.

To find out more visit westminster.gov.uk/faces or call the team on 020 7641 3336.

Westminster libraries run regular drop-in sessions for residents looking for employment advice and help with CV writing. Visit westminster.gov.uk/employment-advice

Westminster Children First, Issue 22, October 2014

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THINK OUTSIDE THE LUNCHBOX Every child in reception, Year 1 and Year 2 now receives a free school lunch. Evidence shows that when children eat better, they do better, so it’s important to make sure that packed lunches for older children are just as healthy.

Our top tips for healthy school lunches

REMEMBER…CREATIVI TY IS THE SPICE OF LIFE A healthy lunch keeps kid s alert and focused and gives them the nutrition they need every day. Bu t no matter how healthy your child’s lunchb ox is, it won’t provide any nutritional val ue if it doesn’t get eaten. Sometimes all it takes to get creative is changing how you present the ingredients you know you r children like.

Swap sliced bread for wh olemeal tor tilla wraps or crisps for plain popcorn.

FRUIT AND VEG If they won’t eat vegetable s in their lunchbox, try them in sav oury muffins – beetroot, carrot or cou rgette are surprisingly delicious an d you can make them together. Or put fruit and vegetables into their san dwiches.

Hummus with grated car rot or cheddar cheese with ap ple work well.

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Westminster Children First, Issue 22, October 2014

HAVE FUN Ask your children to jud ge your new recipes, X Facto r style. They’ll feel involv ed and independent and you can sneak in two or three of their five-a-day.

SCRUMPTIOUS SNACKS Try whizzing up this sim ple berry blast smoothie for a fantastic school time snack or healthy break fast to jumpstart their day.

Blend together:

IT’S THIRST Y WORK

• two handfuls of baby spinach • 200g frozen mixed berri Learning is thirst y work. es • 240ml plain Greek yog Steer clear of sugary dri urt nks and opt for one of these • 240ml milk – soy, alm ond healthier options instea or coconut milk work too d: water, milk, pure fruit • one tablespoon of ho ney. juice and occasional, we ll diluted, high-juice squash .

OL MEALS FREE SCHO

ar 2 ar 1 and Ye ception, Ye re in hild s c il r p u u All p ls. Yo school mea e e fr r l o fo o h fy c ee s quali ligible for fr e e b o r ls o a l o y ma scho in nursery re y’ e th if d il ls r ch is mea check if you To . p u d n a Year 3 stminster. ply visit we p a to d n a eals eligible e-school-m gov.uk /fre

Change4Life has teamed up with all your favourite Disney characters to create 10 minute shake ups – fun ideas to get your kids active.

Tigger’s bounce-off 1. split into two teams and mark out a racecourse 2. at the start line each team stands, one behind the other, bouncing on the spot with their feet together 3. on the word “BOUNCE” the team leaders bounce to the end of the course and back 4. when they get back the second person in their team goes – and so on 5. the team that finishes first are the bounce-off champions.

Visit nhs.uk/change4life to receive a free pack with activity cards, Disney themed wall charts and stickers, access to online activities and more ideas, games and offers.

Under 19s get free swimming at Westminster’s five swimming pools with an ActiveWestminster card.

Apply at westminster.gov.uk/sports-andleisure-discounts Westminster Children First, Issue 22, October 2014

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The foster carer diaries We need more people to come forward to be foster carers to give children a loving and supportive home.

Cathy, a foster carer for the council, has found that fostering has brought her family closer together. She says: “I was a bit worried about jealousy among my children when I first thought about fostering. But I’m so pleased I didn’t let this stop me as the children have taken to it really well. I’ve been really open and involved them all along, so they understand why we are caring for the children. My social worker also helped prepare them.

“My children have never complained or moaned.

They love it, they love having a baby around.”

“Fostering has brought us closer together as a family. I can’t get rid of my mum now, she loves babies. My children have never complained or moaned and they understand why sometimes they need to go to an after-school club if I have an appointment with the baby. They love it, they love having a baby around.”

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Most people are eligible to foster so if you’ve been thinking about it take the first step and find out more.

Call 0800 169 3497, email fostering@rbkc.gov.uk or sign up for a fostering information event: 23rd October, 6-8pm Westminster City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, SW1E 6QP 13th November, 6-8pm Kensington Town Hall, Hornton Street, W8 7NX 26th November, 10am-12 midday Hammersmith Town Hall, King Street, W6 9JU 5th December, 6-8pm Hammersmith Town Hall, King Street, W6 9JU For more information visit westminster.gov.uk/fostering

Westminster Children First, Issue 22, October 2014

g n u o y a w o h S c a r e r yo u c a r e There are thousands of young people who balance school, homework and looking after their family. These young carers take on the responsibilities of adults and often miss out on enjoying time with their friends, but we can help.

There’s lots of support for young carers and their families in Westminster, from free activities, to help at school and breaks from caring. We’re not looking to change things at home, just to make things a little easier for young people managing a caring role.

To find out more or to refer a young carer for our support call 020 8969 7812.

Our young carer services are delivered by Spurgeons.

Visit spurgeonsyc.org/london

Aarron Langaigne, 20, is a young carer who helps care for his grandmother and uncle who has multiple sclerosis.

“It’s not easy being a young carer, but it’s easier with the help of my suppor t worker . They are really nice and are always there to help me.

They just get stuff done.

“I now get respite ev er y two weeks and I ge t to go to places and do th ings I never had time to do before. I hadn’t had time to myself for so lon g. I also go to a young carers group with my broth er and we go bowling , to the cinema and parks.

It’s nice to be with other young carers, they’re all co ol.”

“It’s easier with the help of my support worker.”

Aarron Langaigne

Westminster Children First, Issue 22, October 2014

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There are lots of fun things to do in Westminster this half-term Monday 27th October

Tuesday 28th October

Wednesday 29th October

Make a scary monster from the past at dinosaur crafts Time: 10.30am-12 midday and 2.30-4pm Age: 5+ Venue: Maida Vale Library, Sutherland Avenue, W9 2QT Cost: Free 020 7641 6200

The Witches’ Brew Halloween party Time: 2.30pm Age: 5+ Venue: Paddington Library, Porchester Road, W2 5DU Cost: Free 020 7641 6200

Waterbabies Time: Check with venue Age: 0-3 Venue: Queen Mother Sports Centre, 223 Vauxhall Bridge Road, SW1V 1EL Cost: £5.85 or £2.05 with a Westminster City Save card 020 7630 5522

Build your own mini greenhouse Time: 2.30-4pm Age: 3+ Venue: Marylebone Library, 54 Beaumont Street, W1G 6DW Cost: Free 020 7641 6200

Kids activities camp Time: Check with venue Age: 5-12 Venue: Beethoven Centre, Third Avenue, W10 4JL Cost: Free 020 8825 1067

Friday 31st October Come to our Halloween party dressed in your scariest costume Time: 4.30-6pm Age: 5+ Venue: Maida Vale Library, Sutherland Avenue, W9 2QT Cost: Free 020 7641 6200

For more events find us on Facebo ok facebook.com/ WestminsterPare nts or sign up for our monthly families enewslette r westminster.gov .uk/ families-first

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Westminster Children First, Issue 22, October 2014

offers and discounts for westminster residents

50% off at Ripley’s Believe it or Not! London and two family tickets to be won

WIN Win a family ticket to Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain Part Two at the Garrick Theatre Can you beat Boudicca?

Has William Wallace met his match?

Can evil Elizabeth entertain England?

After last year’s sell-out success, don’t miss your chance to see the most horrible show in the West End this Christmas!

How to enter: For a chance to win, like our Facebook page at facebook.com/WestminsterParents and tell us your favourite place to spend a family day out in Westminster. You can also send a postal entry with your name and email address to Children First competition, Westminster City Hall, 18th Floor, 64 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 6QP. Competition closes on 14th November 2014.

Terms and conditions: Prize is valid for a family of four for a minimum of one adult and one child. Valid on all performances from 13th December 2014–4th January 2015. Prize is as stated and cannot be transferred or exchanged. Subject to availability.

Westminster Children First, Issue 22, October 2014

Win

Offer: Celebrate the weird, wacky and bizarre and enjoy an unbelievable 50% discount for up to four people at Ripley’s Believe it or Not! If that wasn’t crazy enough, we’ve also got two sets of family tickets to give away.

How to claim: Show your Westminster City Save card to claim your 50% discount yearround. To enter the Ripley’s competition visit westminster.gov.uk/citysave Venue: Ripley’s Believe it or Not! London, 1 London Pavilion, Piccadilly Circus, W1 0DA

70% off tickets to West End musicals Offer: Westminster residents can save up to 70% on West End musicals including Matilda, Billy Elliot and Wicked.

How to claim: Book tickets via the Westminster City Save website. Open to Westminster City Save card holders only.

Venue: Various across London

Free dance classes Offer: Children and adults can enjoy a free jazz, tap or ballet class in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Susan Zalcman School of Ballet.

How to claim: Mention Westminster City Save when booking your class and show your Westminster City Save card on arrival.

Venue: Various venues including at St. John’s Wood, Maida Vale and Covent Garden Apply for your free Westminster City Save card at westminster.gov.uk/citysave or call 020 7641 6000 (Mon-Fri, 8am-6pm).

Terms and conditions apply. Visit westminster. gov.uk/citysave for all offers and more details.

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Adult learning

in the heart of Westminster

Enrol now for new 2014 courses

We offer courses at over 80 locations across Westminster, and with hundreds of courses from accounting to fine art, you are sure to find a course you’ll love.

For more information visit www.waes.ac.uk or call 020 7297 7297 Find us at 219 Lisson Grove London NW8 8LW.