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London-Kent Borders ISSUE 29: January February 2016

LONDON–KENT BORDERS

THERE’S MORE TO SCHOOL THAN LESSONS PLUS:

Education Health Travel New Year Events Diary

CHOOSING THE PERFECT HOLIDAY

T H E E S S E N T I A L M AG A Z I N E F O R PA R E N T S O F C H I L D R E N AG E D 0–T E E N S For families living in the Bromley & Bexley boroughs, Dartford & the surrounding areas of Kent

87mm x 130mm high_Layout 1 15/12/2015 16:58 Page 1

B ROMLEY H IGH S CHOOL

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Kent style 11+ KENT GRAMMAR SCHOOLS Dates: Wed 17.2.16 Wed 30.3.16 Where: Crofton Halls, Crofton Rd, Orpington BR6 8PR From £22.50 per paper including detailed feedback and free online software trial

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www.explorelearning.co.uk 2

JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2016 www.familieslondonkent.co.uk

Families London–Kent Borders Magazine or Twitter @familieslkb

In this issue... ISSUE 29: JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2016

07 High quality care and education settings across London. Caring for babies from 3 months to children up to 5 years of age. 0333 920 0411 brighthorizons.co.uk parentenquiry@brighthorizons.com

Choosing the perfect holiday

04 News & Views 05 Education: There’s More to school than lessons 07 Travel From relaxing retreats to surprising Safari’s

10 Baby development milestones Learn how your baby will grow in their first year

11 Win an Enchanted Fairy Photoshoot 12 New Year New You?

The importance of how you breathe

13 Annoying or deadly?

How intolerances and allergies can make your child’s life a misery

14 Out & About The best of What’s On near you Front cover: Image Studio Editor: Mima Walia 020 8466 6977 07792 006546 editor@familieslondonkent.co.uk

What’s On Editor: Louise Kettlety Design: Kevin Smith

Families London-Kent Borders Magazine is part of Families Magazines Ltd a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families ® is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks, SL8 5TD. The contents of Families London-Kent Borders Magazine are fully protected by copyright and non of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of the publisher. We take every care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.

www.familieslondonkent.co.uk JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2016

News & Views

Start as you mean to go on Sport Relief is calling on the people of the South East to step away from the stuffing, reject those spare sprouts and start the New Year as they mean to go on by signing up for the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Games, taking place on Friday 18th to Sunday 20th March. With hundreds of local events taking place across the region, there is bound to be one near you. It’s the ideal incentive to get the gang back together and help each other stick to those New Year’s fitness resolutions. Maintaining that motivation until March will be a walk in the park. Half of all the money raised by the public is used to make a difference right here at home in the UK, with the other half used to fund projects in the world’s poorest communities. You can enter the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Games now for a limited 25% off entry* at sportrelief.com. *Terms apply, see sportrelief.com/terms

meminio are here to help parents beautifully keep and share their children’s special moments. Mums Marie and Alison experienced first hand the struggle to keep memories safe, to keep them organised! “We couldn’t find anything that was practical and beautiful enough for all of their treasure. With our products we can cherish all of those moments as a family”. The Art Memories Folder is a luxury A3 folder in which to keep everything from art and certificates to first scribbles and tickets. With a personalisable cover in a contemporary colourway, the folder contains 80 pockets in A3, A4 and A5. New for 2016 are the Memory Cases. Find us at www.meminio.com.

Fine (Not Fine) Having experienced postnatal depression (PND) following the birth of each of her two sons, Londoner Bridget Hargreave believes it is time for the truth to come out about PND, to remove the mask of motherhood, open up the conversation about baby blues and post traumatic stress disorder, PND, anxiety and psychosis. New book Fine (Not Fine) is so much more than a journal of Bridget’s experiences of PND, it is also a record of her journey to explore, challenge and unpack the reality and challenges of PND and other perinatal mental health conditions. Out now from Free Association Books, Fine (Not Fine): Perspectives and experiences of postnatal depression is available online and from all good book shops now.

FUNKY MONKEY 2016 -

NEW YEAR, NEW LOOK, NEW OFFER! Funky Monkey Keyboard Classes, founded in 2003 by oboist and pianist Ali Edwards, keep going from strength to strength and we are delighted (and excited!) to be launching our cheeky new logo and shiny, easy-to-use website for 2016. To celebrate, we are offering a FREE TRIAL and FREE LESSON per child during January 2016. Our group based electronic keyboard lessons are a perfect introduction for 4-11 year old beginners to reading, writing and playing music to first grade. Both our term classes and holiday courses are inventive, creative, educational and present music making in such a way that children just keep wanting to come back for more! We have centres across South East & parts of South West London and West Kent and are growing all the time. We are not franchised or licensed therefore providing a level of personal service that is second to none with no annoying registration fees or expensive extras. Book any time from now and there is absolutely no obligation or commitment. Visit www.funkymonkey.info for more details (and T’s & C’s), email Ali at mail@funkymonkey.info or call 0800 107 7949 to book and we look forward to seeing you at our classes very soon!

Help us reach 100,000 signatures

20%

Stephen Realf passed away from a brain tumour in August 2014, aged just 26. One year on and his sister, Maria, told her family’s devastating story to the national press and launched an e-petition calling for greater funding for brain tumour research. This has already received over 33,000 signatures and has prompted the committee’s first-ever parliamentary inquiry. An enormously significant milestone for brain tumour research in the UK. However we need 100,000 signatures by 3rd February 2016 for the issue of lack of funding for brain tumour research to be considered for debate in Parliament.

of all cancers spread to

the brain

Brain tumors are the biggest cancer killer of UK children

JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2016 www.familieslondonkent.co.uk

Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer... yet just 1% of the national spend on cancer research is allocated to this devastating disease. We must change this. Please sign Maria’s e-petition today and ask your friends and family to do the same: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/105560 Together we will find a cure.

Education

There’s more to school than lessons By Liat Hughes Joshi

These days, education is about much more than what goes on in the classroom. Most schools – whether state or private – offer a range of extra-curricular and enrichment activities and these can be fun, educational, sociable, confidenceboosting or all of these. So how can you ensure your child capitalises on the opportunities on offer but still gets the balance right between work, rest and play? CHOOSING ACTIVITIES Follow your son or daughter’s lead when deciding which classes to sign up for – most kids have a strong feel for what appeals to them. That said, it’s also worth pointing them towards something you think they might benefit from, such as drama sessions for a shy child. DON’T FORCE A SQUARE PEG INTO A ROUND HOLE It might be ‘daddy’s dream’ for your son to be the next Beckham but if your

little boy hates the idea, it’s unwise to force him into the football club. Making children take up an activity that they really don’t feel good about, in the hope it’ll grow on them, can be counter-productive. ENCOURAGE PERSISTENCE Some of us have flighty children who get super-excited about an activity but within weeks, lose enthusiasm – unfortunately only once you’ve coughed up a whole term’s fees. Consider having a rule that your child does have to see the period you paid for out before they can give up – they might well change their mind back after a few weeks anyway! HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH? There’s no set answer about how many activities are optimal – it varies for each child. Some will get more tired than others and find just one or two classes suffice, others embrace a packed schedule of karate to clarinet without losing energy.

If your child is struggling:

Particularly if he or she finds their class work difficult, it might be worth putting additional effort into building skills at home or with a tutor. Talk to their teacher about what help they need to focus on. Perhaps they can suggest fun but educational games, or workbooks. Tutoring can be expensive and you need to check the tutor’s credentials (because anyone can set up and call themselves a tutor) but one-to-one attention can have a remarkable impact on learning. Try www.tutorhunt.com to search for local tutors.

Taking things to the next level:

if your child is coping well with all that school throws at them and they’ve found their passion – be it gymnastics or music – you could contact local clubs and associations to see how they can take their talent to the next level, with matches/ performances or extra training. NEEDS CHANGE OVER TIME Certainly most reception children are exhausted enough from school for the first term or so, without lengthening their day by adding extra activities. Keep things simple at this stage. Older primary children have a decent opportunity to learn a few different skills and enjoy classes, whereas once they start secondary, longer commutes, more homework and exam pressures might mean reining things in. RELAXATION TIME IS VITAL TOO Watch out for activity overscheduling – quiet contemplation and scope to be creative and relax is just as important as that second musical instrument or third sport. If your child doesn’t have space to just play and chill out, consider cutting back. Liat Hughes Joshi is a parenting journalist and the author of four books including ‘New Oldfashioned Parenting’ and ‘How to Unplug Your Child’ (both published by Summersdale) and Raising Children: The Primary Years (Pearson).

www.familieslondonkent.co.uk JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2016

Education

SHANGHAI MATHS IN ACTION! and adapt in order to find the solution to complex problems. Students at Harris Academy Beckenham have been experiencing mathematics from the other side of the world as we host two guest teachers, Ms Huang and Mr He, from Shanghai. As part of a national project, four classes from years 7 and 8 have been learning concepts ranging from the properties of a parallelogram to calculating with fractions in lessons designed and delivered in the Shanghai style. Shanghai are currently ranked top of the worldwide PISA tables for the teaching of mathematics and as part of a national Maths Hubs initiative, led by the NCETM and

Department for Education, Harris Academy Beckenham is researching the elements of their lessons and how they develop such fantastic mastery of mathematics within their students. Earlier this year, as part of 68 secondary school teachers from across England, I visited Shanghai in order to witness their lessons first hand. Each lesson was truly inspirational student activities, be it as an individual or part of a group, allowed students to gain a deep understanding of the concepts introduced. As a result, students were not only confident in their mathematical ability but could explore a range of possible strategies

Is your child ready for the 11 plus exam? January offers the perfect opportunity to set goals for the coming year. With over 10 years of experience, KSOL can help your child achieve with a personalised online tuition programme. This is why they have a 98% approval rating and are a multi award-winning tuition company. Anita Dhunna, Director of Education at KSOL says: “Children who start their 11 plus preparation now have plenty of time to identify and tackle any weak areas whilst progressing steadily and improving their skills. “Our online courses ensure that no stone is left unturned. With full tutor support, you and your child will remain on track for the Grammar and Independent entrance exams.” KSOL’s award-winning online courses enable children to complete a series of daily online tests in Maths, English, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning to increase knowledge and skills. By highlighting weaker areas and addressing them with personalised testing, many KSOL students have gone on to experience successful and rewarding secondary school careers. Don’t miss out on KSOL’s New Year Offers for online tuition courses for children in years 4 & 5. Look out for KSOL’s range of 12 activity packs with detailed explanations and separate answer booklets. For more information www.ksol.co.uk or call 020 3633 0071.

JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2016 www.familieslondonkent.co.uk

Our students have had some wonderful experiences in lessons so far and I am truly excited now for these strategies to be further developed and adapted within our lessons going forward. Mr Whitehead – Mathematics. Harris Academy Beckenham, BR3 3SJ 020 8650 8694 info@harrisbeckenham.org.uk www.harrisbeckenham.org.uk

G ET A H EAD START ON THE H AL F T E R M See page 14 for our guide to What’s On over the half term

Travel

Choose the

perfect holiday for the whole family at

Delphina Hotels & Resorts, Sardinia If you’re looking for a holiday offering stunning scenery, luxury facilities and plenty to keep the kids entertained, then look no further than Delphina Hotels & Resorts. A collection of eight properties nestled on the northern Sardinian coast in Gallura; Delphina has captured the spirit of the land and promises an unforgettable holiday for all ages. The Resort & Spa Le Dune 4* is home to the wonderful Fantasy Village, complete with exciting play areas, swimming pool, creative workshop and cinema. Fine dining at Le Dune is not just for adults to enjoy: the resort has 10 restaurants including children’s only restaurant Peter Pan, offering child-friendly and nutritionally balanced meals. The exclusive Play & Learn program on offer educates children about Mediterranean plants at the Resort’s ecological fruit and vegetable garden, allowing younger

Nadine Mellor, Editor of the i-escape Kids Collection, gives her top tips on travelling with baby: Anyone travelling with baby should ensure they’re prepared for all eventualities in their hand luggage, just in case checked-in luggage goes astray. A couple of changes of clothes for baby, a few nappies, a few muslins for spills and chills and a favourite blanket or toy will ensure you’re equipped should the airline let you down; giving you a sturdy back-up plan and peace of mind to boot. Another important thing to keep in mind is not to bring the whole house plus the kitchen sink- it’s more than likely that there will be shops and laundry facilities at your destination (unless you’re really heading off grid) and the extra unnecessary load will cause you more stress than it’s worth. Once you’ve arrived, it’s also a good idea to keep as much of baby’s routine as possible; be it feed, nap or bed times. Although it can seem tempting to change things up when you’re on holiday, this may well disturb your baby’s ability to sleep properly at night, so keep things as close to normal as possible.

guests to nurture and harvest their own fruits and vegetables. The Resort Valle dell’Erica Thalasso & Spa 5* is also well known for keeping children of all ages entertained. The resort has a free nursery on site with bottle service open 24 hours a day and equipped with extensive facilities.The Mini Club, suitable from 3-9yrs, is open from 9am to 11.00pm daily providing a variety of recreational and sporting activities from 5-a-side football to watersports and rock climbing. The resort also offers an exclusive Adventure Day experience, complete with Robinson Crusoe style canoe excursions around uninhabited areas of the coast to visit undiscovered beaches, flora and fauna and alfresco lunch.

From babies and toddlers, through to teens and beyond, Delphina Hotels & Resorts offer fun-filled daily schedules and five-star service to guarantee an unforgettable family holiday. Within easy reach of Olbia and Alghero airports, flights are available from London, Bristol, Manchester and Leeds. Rates for a family of four, for one-week on a half board basis start from £880 which includes a 15% discount on bookings made before the 31st January 2016 (excluding flights). For more information or to book visit www.delphinahotels.co.uk

Where memories are made

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing retreat in beautiful surroundings or an action-packed fun break, awardwinning five-star Sandy Balls Holiday Village has it all. Escape to the 120acre estate nestled in the breathtaking New Forest National Park.

Feel yourself unwind, then, with something new waiting for you every day, begin your adventure on the perfect getaway. Archery, swimming, building dens; spend precious time with the family on a host of activities. In a world where we spend more time in front of the TV and computer screens, at Sandy Balls everyone can be outside more than in. During school holidays, family entertainment can be enjoyed by everyone. This is the place where memories are made, friendships created and new adventures experienced by all! With accommodation to suit all needs and budgets you can chose a luxury lodge or a funky camping pod. To find out more, simply visit www.sandyballs.co.uk or call 0844 693 2949.

www.familieslondonkent.co.uk JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2016

Travel

Looking for something different for your next holiday?

Take a Safari... In Normandy

Something exciting and educational for the kids? What about a short trip across the Chanel to Normandy, then onto the plains of Africa? Sounds impossible but that’s what’s on offer when you book a Safari break with Four Seasons France - www.fourseasonsfrance.co.uk. August prices for families of up to 6, staying in self-catering lodges, (with wild animals close by!), costs £575 for 4 nights, £850 for 7 nights and these prices include ferry crossings to/from Calais. You have flexibility of start day and the freedom of your own car to explore the surrounding area including seaside resorts of Honfleur and Deauville and the history of Bayeux and D-Day landing beaches.

Great value holidays for animal mad families Timber lodges surrounded by wildlife and near coast

Four Seasons France 0113 2564373 www.fourseasonsfrance.co.uk

Animal mad children will love waking to the roar of lions, being greeted by a friendly wallaby as they eat croissants and then discovering over 100 different species of wild animal in the neighbouring Safari Park. www.fourseasonsfrance.co.uk

New Year New Job? See page 13 for details

2 O sp of h 0 y ver ok ig e e s h q ar w ua s im li le ty ss on s

Easter Intensive week 4-8 April 8.15am-10.15am

Places available at 8.15 - start the day with a swim!

Book now to avoid disappointment info@aquakids.co.uk

Swimming is an essential life skill - so make sure you get it right!

Visit our website: www.aquakids.co.uk Follow us on Twitter: @aquakidsuk Connect with us on Facebook: Aquakids

Swimming Lessons that last a lifetime 8

JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2016 www.familieslondonkent.co.uk

Babies A BABY BOUNCER & SWING TO SWOON OVER Babymoov’s innovative new baby bouncer and swing – Swoon Up & Swoon Motion - take baby’s comfort and well-being to new levels, combining sleek, modern, compact design, with easy-to-use functionality! Swoon Up helps put baby at the heart of family life. The unique, height-adjustable design elevates baby away from floor-level and cold drafts, up into parent’s sight-line, enabling them to benefit from reassuring interactions with the family and engage fully with the environment around them. Swoon Motion provides fun and comfort in one. The 5-speed motion control and two rocking modes (side-to-side / forward-backward) can be adjusted to suit baby, whether active or resting, while the intuitive motion detector works to trigger the controlled rocking when baby begins to cry – particularly useful when settling a fractious or colicky baby. Parents can choose between eight, digital quality melodies and natural sounds to help calm or stimulate baby. Both Swoon Up and Swoon Motion are suitable from birth up to 9kg and are available in two colours: Aluminium or Zinc. For further information visit: www.babymoov.co.uk

Purrfect!

Cuddledry have teamed up with the World Wildlife Fund to create this spectacular snow leopard design for their must-have bamboo cotton baby and toddler towels, with money from each sale going to help conserve this beautiful animal. African animals are not left out either, as sales of the everpopular giraffe print Cuddledry products also contribute to WWF projects. PURRFECT!! Made with ethically sourced cotton and natural bamboo fibre, Cuddledry towels are silky soft and super warm – ideal for snuggling and cuddling your little one dry. Cuddlepaw Toddler Towel is £34.99 Snow Leopard Print Cuddledry Baby Apron Towel £34.99 Available from www.cuddledry.com

Monkey Music… Nurturing a Lifetime of Music

At Monkey Music we know that your time with your baby is precious and that the activities and classes that you choose should help your baby to blossom into a confident and happy child. Based on an exciting and progressive curriculum, our award winning classes are relaxing, entertaining and educational. Monkey Music is imaginatively taught by specialist teachers, many of whom are professional musicians and parents themselves, who gently encourage social and musical skills within a fun, stimulating and friendly environment.

SING AND SIGN is a fun, relaxed class to teach you simple signs through music, props, rhymes and song, which aids communication with your baby before they can talk. The key word in the sentence is spoken and signed eg milk, to support and promote speech development and understanding. Simple signs allow a baby to ask for a biscuit or drink, say they have pain, express how they feel, what they have seen and things that interest them. You will be amazed at what your baby is able to tell you before they can talk! Classes designed for babies from 6 months to 2.5 years, run in Bromley, Beckenham, Petts Wood, Chislehurst, Otford and Sevenoaks. Contact Karen at singandsignbromley@gmail. com or visit www.singandsign.com

To book your FREE introductory session please contact Monkey Music Dartford & Bexleyheath on 01322 862021, email us at bexley.dartford@monkeymusic.co.uk or visit www.facebook.com/MonkeyMusic DartfordAndBexleyheath

MICROSPORT -real sport for under 5 s CELEBRATING 24 YEARS! A fun & educational introduction to ball sports: soccer, tennis, hockey, cricket, rugby & more. Trained adult coaches & lots of classes.

AGES 2,3 & 4 (& up to 7yrs in our Beckenham After School Sportsclub) For classes in Bromley, Beckenham & BigginHill: angela@micro-sport.co.uk 01689 600992 For classes in Sevenoaks, Pembury, Orpington, Dunton Green, Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells: jnoble@micro-sport.co.uk 07863 330200

www.micro-sport.co.uk www.familieslondonkent.co.uk JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2016

Babies

Baby’s development milestones Learn how your baby will grow and change in her first year

As your newborn ‘uncurls’ from the foetal position she will stretch out her body and her muscles will begin to strengthen. At first she will have no control over her head, but as her neck muscles become stronger she will start to lift her head and be able to hold it for a few seconds at a time. You can help to encourage this by giving her short periods of time on her tummy. By three months she will probably be holding her head up quite steadily. Rolling around Once your baby can control her head she will begin to move her body - first from side to side and then from back to front, or front to back. At first these movements are accidental, but your baby will soon realise that they allow her a different view of the world and she will practise them over and over again until she’s able to control them. Getting ready to crawl By the time she’s four or five months old your baby will be able to lift her head, shoulders, arms and legs off the floor when you put her down on her front. These new movements are the early stages of crawling. Although

she won’t be going anywhere yet, she’ll keep practising until she is able to move herself, either forwards or backwards, probably at around seven or eight months. By the end of her first year she’ll probably be on her feet, ‘cruising’ round the furniture. Once she can stand it won’t be long before she begins to walk unaided. Sitting up This requires a different set of movements and it’ll probably be around eight months before your baby can sit unaided and can reach out for things. Before this, once she has neck control, you can prop her up surrounded by cushions. This way, if she topples over she doesn’t hurt herself. Developing other senses Your baby needs plenty of sensory experiences, such as touch and sound, in order to develop her senses. Playing sound-tracking games, using rattles and toys that make a noise, will help her to learn how to locate different sounds. ‘Feely’ toys that your baby can press, stroke and crinkle, as well as those with different textured surfaces, will help her find out about touch.

Cheeky Chompers is expanding its range with an exciting new product and four new stylish designs in collaboration with British fashion house Joules. New Cheeky chewable hippo, Chewy, is the new must-have teething accessory. The lovable chewy hippo is made from soft natural rubber, and not only provides your baby with a unique sensory experience: tactile, textured chewable features, soothing smell

JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2016 www.familieslondonkent.co.uk

During these early months your baby will also begin to develop hand-eye co-ordination and manipulative skills. She will be attracted to bright primary colours and the sharp contrast of black and white patterns. A mobile hung over the cot, a baby gym with toys hanging from the bars that she can reach out for and a safety mirror placed where she can see herself, will give hours of entertainment. Choosing toys Any toys your baby has should always be appropriate to her age. Toys for older children will be too complicated and may have small parts which could be dangerous to a young baby, while toys that are too young will quickly become boring. Libraries often have toys that can be borrowed, but do sterilise anything that may end up in your baby’s mouth. Emma’s Diary is the UK’s most trusted and influential pregnancy and baby channel. Working in partnership with The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) for more than 23 years, they provide parents-to-be and new parents with the very best medical and practical information. Visit www.emmasdiary.co.uk

and an audible squeak to stimulate all the senses. Following its highly successful collaboration with British fashion and lifestyle brand Joules, Cheeky Chompers is launching its famous Neckerchew and Comfortchew in four brand new designs in iconic Joules prints. Cheeky Chompers have distribution for the Neckerchew in 30 countries to date, over 100 independent retailers and many national retailers including John Lewis, Marks and Spencer, Boots, Jo Jo Maman Bébé, and Mothercare. Available on www.cheekychompers.com

Competition

Image Studio opens a second

Competition

studio and there’s magic afoot! The Image Studio is opening a second studio at the Beaverwood Club in Chislehurst. The bespoke Studio has been designed for Enchanted Fairy Shoots and Photo Shoot Parties and is already in popular demand. The Enchanted Fairy set takes little ones into a magical world of pixies and fairies where guests can dress up in a wide range of stunning, handmade costumes, complete with beautiful fairy wings. As they journey through the enchanted forest they will be able to sit on the fairy toadstool and tiptoe across the magical bridge as they pose for their special photos. The other section of the Studio will be dedicated to Photo Shoot Parties where guests will spend a funpacked hour posing with numerous props, followed by a delicious lunch prepared by the Beaverwood Club’s in-house chef. Guests will be able to view the photos will eating and take home a lovely souvenir of the day.

The Enchanted Fairy Shoots are suitable for children aged 6 months to 11 years and start at £29.99 (including a free 8”x6” print); gift vouchers are available also. Special Half-Term sittings take place on 15-18 February 2016. The Photo Shoot Parties are from £200 for a party of six, with various packages available and the opportunity to add extra guests. To book one of these fantastic experiences, or for more information, call the Studio on 020 8309 9406 or visit the website at www.theimagestudio-uk.com

Win a photoshoot

Image Studio is offering one lucky reader the chance to win a fabulous Enchanted Fairy Shoot with a FREE 16”x12” framed image (worth £395) and five runners up a FREE sitting with a FREE 8”x6” print (worth £115).

worth £395

To be in with a chance of winning, simply answer the following question: In which town is Image Studio located? Please enter online www.familieslondonkent.co.uk Closing date 29 February 2016.

www.familieslondonkent.co.uk JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2016

Health

Ever thought about how you breathe?

We hear so many people talk about being healthy, but what does good health mean to you? A good diet, exercise, positive attitude and good sleep perhaps? Have you ever considered the importance of the breath in the facilitation of movement, not just of your joints, but also of your organs, as an integral component of good health?

were to utilise this space we would access a healing quality which can be calming and supportive as it enables the spine and its connective tissues, including the discs to move within us. All organs, joints, skin and fascia (the connective tissue that surrounds the entirety of the body) rely on the magic of the breath to create movement within us, which hydrates, lubricates and keeps us healthy and youthful. I am inspired to breathe three dimensionally, allowing my rib basket to expand like a balloon because it allows me to move with more ease as my body is more relaxed. I am finding that exercises that had once defeated me now flow with ease and less effort. I have been working with my clients in this way, teaching them to breathe three dimensionally and it’s been beautiful to see them move into exercises such as the roll up, or teaser, which they have struggled with previously. I have had so many lovely emails and text messages from clients telling me that they felt their lungs had been “hoovered out” and their back pain lifted following this new breathing technique. Breathing three dimensionally is truly intoxicating!

Ever thought about how you breathe? If we are true to ourselves we probably never think about that – it’s something that just happens. It’s true to say, that most of us hardly breathe. We take short breaths, hardly moving our ribs as we scurry along with our day to day activities, really creating the effect of a cage like structure. But do you want a ribcage or would you rather have a structure that moves like a basket allowing your lungs to actually expand and move. So I invite you to think of your ribcage as a rib basket and consider how and where you breathe into.

If you would like to experience ease of movement, a healthier body and spine utilising three-dimensional breathing, I invite you to join me and experience Pilates with a difference. Email me for more details at Ismini@isminiphillips.com, www.isminiphillips.com, 07711 906750. Classes are held at Ismini Phillips Pilates & Body Movement Studio at the Studio, 95 High Street, Chislehurst BR7 5AG

Are you taking shallow breaths or deep breaths? Do you breathe into the upper part of your chest, or do you breathe into the sides of your ribs, or your abdominals? What about breathing into the back of your rib basket? What about breathing three dimensionally? After all, we are not a two dimensional being and as the lungs are primarily situated at the side and back of the rib basket it makes sense that we should inhale deep and wide, back and forth, up and down, creating a balloon effect. Our rib basket was created with the ability to move and naturally there is more movement at the front of it because of the way it is constructed, giving it more flexibility through its openness. It’sPhillips true to-say thatMagazine we have less awareness Ismini Familys advert AW 2710914_AW.pdf of breathing into our back, the front of our spine, but if we

New Year - New Career

Why not train as an ASA Swim Teacher or coach? Loads of new courses for 2016 for new and qualified teachers. Take a look at the website or contact us 29/09/2014 21:18 www.aquabilityttc.co.uk admin@aquabilitytttc.co.uk

Swimmers needed! Teaching, Training Developing New February Halfand Term & Competent Swimming Instructors &

4 day course School Teachers

2.15 – 2.45pm, 2.45 – 3.15pm Swimmers needed for an ASA Level 2 £35 per course teachers course. 27 - 30 July 2015: Easter Intensive 2.15pm - 3.45pm lessons are half an hour. 3 - 6 August 2015: Swim Course 2.15pm - 3.45pm lessons are half an hour. 4 day course

Book–before June 7th–and get the early 2.15 2.45pm , 2.45 3.15pm bird per pricecourse of £25 for one course of £50 for £35 both courses. After 7 June - £30 for one course and £54 for both. New Year - New Career - why not train Small classes with a teacher in the water as an ASA Swim Teacher or coach? Suitable 4 years andfor upwards and all Loads offor new courses 2016 for new abilities. Diving and Lifesaving skills for and qualifi ed teachers. more advanced swimmers.

CMY

Eric Liddell Sports Centre, Eltham College, Grove Park Rd, Mottingham London SE9 4QF

JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2016 www.familieslondonkent.co.uk

Take a look at the website or contact us To book email: www.aquabilityttc.co.uk admin@aquabilityttc.co.uk admin@aquabilitytttc.co.uk 07802 660516 | www.aquabilityttc.co.uk

Health

LONDON–KENT BORDERS

New Year - New You -

NEW JOB? If you are a Mum or a Dad looking for a fun, creative and worthwhile business opportunity within your local community then a Families franchise could be for you.

• M otivated and ambitious? Is it time to move beyond the corporate world and work for yourself? • A re you sales driven, and enjoy building relationships? • W ould you like to work flexibly around your children, now they are your top priority? • E ver thought of running your own business, juggling your own hours, becoming your own boss, whilst keeping the profits for yourself? • Would you enjoy the satisfaction of producing a high-quality local magazine that parents regularly call “a life saver”? • Would you appreciate having a backup team for support and advice while retaining full control of your business? If this sounds like you then a Families franchise could be your future.

What do you get when you buy a Families franchise? • A n established, respected and ethical brand • B usiness practices which have been developed and adapted over the last 25 years. • A business which has successfully come through two recessions. Highly regarded as an effective marketing tool. • L ow cost entry and low overheads for a territory large enough for future growth. • A wealth of working documents including our unique, specially created, software package used to run your business. • Full induction and training programme, including sales training. • A ccess to regular training days, business growth workshops and in-house support. • N ational sales bookings via our sales team and cross sales from within the group. • Access to high-quality articles and features written by professional journalists; to help you broaden the local content you create. • Access to constant advice and support from Franchise Directors. • T he opportunity to achieve the perfect work/life balance allowing quality time with your children during term-time and the school holidays. • A chance to run your own business, from home. • O pportunities for further business growth on Families Online. • Y ou become part of a friendly and supportive community of editors. • Y ou are building an asset to sell in the future. For more information on becoming an Families Franchisee contact editor@familieslondonkent.co.uk Over a million UK readers enjoy Families magazine across the country. Altogether about 800,000 copies of the magazines are currently distributed at least six times a year. So that’s nice.

Annoying or Deadly?

How intolerances and allergies can make your child’s life a misery By Radhika Holmstrom

Everyone’s heard of an ‘allergic reaction’ but what does it mean? What’s the difference between an allergy and an intolerance? An ‘allergic reaction’ isn’t caused by the ‘allergen’ but by your immune system reacting to something. These defence chemicals produce symptoms like inflammation and irritation and at worst anaphylactic shock, with a rash and swelling in the throat which can cut off the airways. COULD IT BE MY CHILD – AND WHAT SHOULD I DO? If your child’s showing an allergic reaction to foods, take them to the GP and a referral to a consultant. If they do have an allergy, they will be prescribed an EpiPen (it injects adrenaline into the body to relax airways and muscles so they can breathe but get them straight to hospital too. You must also avoid the allergen. INTOLERANCE Some people have a food ‘intolerance’ and get a reaction but not an allergic one. Intolerances are harder to identify and there are only a few reliable tests. They are not lifethreatening. Talk to the GP and get a referral to a dietitian, especially if you suspect coeliac disease. DON’T DIY Allergies can be deadly. Don’t diagnose it yourself, or with the help of a ‘kit’ from a company. Get the professionals on board. You may find it’s different from the one you suspected; and you may find that your child doesn’t have an allergy or an intolerance at all. Radhika Holmstrom has a strong background in health journalism. She has also written for many consumer and specialist magazines. Whilst she focuses on health, parenting and learning issues, she has also written widely on environmental and ethical issues. She is a visiting lecturer at Middlesex University, lecturing to undergraduates and postgraduates on feature-writing.

www.familieslondonkent.co.uk JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2016

TH E B EST OF W H AT ’S O N N EAR YOU

Out & About

L AST C H A N C E PA N TO !

Jack and the Beanstalk: The Family Pantomime!

Erith Playhouse, 38 – 40 High Street, Erith, Kent, DA8 1QY 01322 350345 www.playhouse.org.uk

The Family Pantomime, where our hero goes on many exciting adventures. Jack’s mum sends him on an errand to sell the milk cow for as much money as possible. This is the beginning of a very special day for Jack! His adventures take him high and low, and he often needs your help. Be prepared; there is excitement, adventure and magic, that is PANTOMIME!! 2 January to 16 January Saturday 2pm, 5pm and 8pm Sunday 2pm, 5pm Wednesday & Thursday Friday 7.45 pm (no performance Monday and Tuesday). £9 Wed/ Thurs £11 Fri/Sat/Sun

1 JANUARY

Until 21 February 10am - 4pm. Free event (Normal admission applies)

Sevenoaks Museum, Library and Kaleidescope , Buckhurst Lane, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 1LQ 03000 41 31 31 www.whatsoninkentlocal.com

9 JANUARY

“What’s Your Passion” Exhibition

Come along to see ‘What’s Your Passion?’ which is the new exhibition at Sevenoaks Museum (inside Sevenoaks Library). It’s all about the hobbies, sports, collections and activities which make engage local people’s interest and make them happy. Until 12 March Opening hours (Monday to Wednesday and Friday 9AM to 6PM, Thursday 9AM to 8PM and Saturday 9AM to 5 PM)

E V E R Y S AT Bromley parkrun

Norman Park, Hayes Lane, Bromley, BR2 9EF 0300 303 8658 www. parkrun.org.uk/bromley

Weekly free 5km timed run. Come along and join in whatever your pace! Please register before your first run. From 2 January. 9am

9 JANUARY

Churchills Great Escape Family Trail Chartwell, Mapleton Road, Westerham, Kent, TN16 1PS 01732 868381 www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Explore the gardens and woodland finding out about Churchill’s escape from a prisoner of war camp in South Africa during the Boer War. Plan your own great escape, will you choose to climb over a wall, dig to safety or escape in a lorry?

Mummers Plays adapted for Chatham, with storytelling and folk music by Kentish Band Larkspur. £6 for adults and £3 for children (children under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult) in advance as places are limited, and last year’s event was very popular! *booking fee applies.

11 JANUARY

Giselle - Russian State Ballet of Siberia Churchill Theatre Bromley, High Street, Bromley, Kent, BR1 1HA 0844 871 7620 www.atgtickets.com

The story of Giselle and her aristocratic but duplicitous lover Albrecht is set to a glorious score and brought to life by the magnificent costumes and virtuoso performances of the Russian State Ballet of Siberia.

Wassailing

7.30 pm. Tickets £28.40 - £48.40.

Fort Amherst, Khartoum Road, Chatham, ME4 4UB 01634 847747 www.fortamherst.com

12 JANUARY

Wassailing is an ancient custom that is rarely performed today. The word ‘wassail’ comes from the Anglo-Saxon phrase ‘waes hael’, which means ‘good health’. Fort Amherst, for the second year, will be performing the Wassailing ritual, toasting the apple trees with Cider on the Belvedere Lawn, complete with traditional Morris dancing and the firing of cannons and muskets to ward off evil spirits. Then retire to the underground tunnels for an evening of Kentish

Sleeping Beauty - Russian State Ballet of Siberia Churchill Theatre Bromley, High Street, Bromley, Kent, BR1 1HA 0844 871 7620 www.atgtickets.com

Every child’s favourite fairy tale, this is the classic story of love and innocence, mystery and magic set to Tchaikovsky’s sublime score. Stunning choreography, sumptuous costumes and wonderful sets form the fantasy world in which the Lilac Fairy struggles against the evil Carabosse. 7.30pm.

Moscow City Ballet:

The Nutcracker The Orchard Theatre, Dartford, The Orchard Theatre, Home Gardens, Dartford, Kent, DA1 1ED 01322 220000 www.orchardtheatre.co.uk

Artistic Director Smirnov-Govolanov’s version of Nutcracker has an innovative freshness and the orchestra, choreography, interpretation, beauty and outstanding virtuoso performances win repeatedly rave reviews. Tchaikovsky ‘big story ballets’ are the essence of Russian culture - composed, choreographed and premiered in the country. Seeing performances by Moscow dancers never fails to add that magical ingredient of Russian soul. 21 January to 23 January. 2:30pm & 7:30pm / Tickets £20* - £36* Family Ticket £80* (Exc. Sat eve)

JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2016 www.familieslondonkent.co.uk

Tickets £28.40 - £48.40.

18 JANUARY Once Upon A Time

The Orchard Theatre, Dartford, The Orchard Theatre, Home Gardens, Dartford, Kent, DA1 1ED 01322 220000 www.orchardtheatre.co.uk

Enjoy an evening that celebrates stories from around the world! Over the last few months local dance and theatre companies have been sharing stories and exploring different ways of using movement to tell their chosen tales. Once Upon A Time presents a collection of pieces that celebrate the beauty of dance and the tradition of stories. 8.15pm. Tickets £7.00

25 JANUARY Annie

The Orchard Theatre, Dartford, The Orchard Theatre, Home Gardens, Dartford, Kent, DA1 1ED 01322 220000 www.orchardtheatre.co.uk

Annie, the world’s favourite family musical, comes to Dartford for one week only, starring Birds of a Feather star Lesley Joseph as the tyrannical Miss Hannigan! With its awardwinning book and score, this stunning new production includes the unforgettable songs Hard Knock Life, Easy Street, I Don’t Need Anything But You and Tomorrow. Don’t miss Annie – you can bet your bottom dollar that you’ll love it!

Out & About

Until 30 January 7.30pm, 2.30pm Wed & Sat / Tickets £22.00* - £38.00*

29 JANUARY The Wedding Fair

Bluewater, Greenhithe, Greenhithe, Kent, DA9 9ST 01322 475475 www.bluewater.co.uk

Everything you need for your big day is covered at The Wedding Fair; from venues to favours, transport to catering, stationery to cakes, and much more. Try, buy & book everything for your perfect day from over 150 of the South East’s finest wedding suppliers and experts. Plus, don’t miss the beautiful catwalk shows with stunning gowns for every style and budget, free expert workshops and live entertainment acts. Until 31 January Friday: 5pm - 8:30pm, Saturday: 10am - 5pm, Sunday: 10am - 5pm. Advance tickets available online.

30 JANUARY

RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch Hall Place and Gardens, Bourne Road, Bexley, DA5 1PQ 01322 621238 www.bexleyheritagetrust.org.uk

Help the Bexley branch of the RSPB to identify some of the River Cray’s birdlife. Have a go with their spotters and binoculars and learn about local wildlife. 10am - 2pm. Free event.

Go on an adventure through the grounds of the magnificent Castle estate in search of clues to help you find the magical ‘Golden Tickets’. Charlie’s Chocolate Trail is £1 per person to enter and includes a chocolate prize at the end. Until 21 February Normal admission also applies.

13 FEBRUARY

February Half-Term Family Fun Ightham Mote, Mote Road, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN15 0NT 01732 810378 www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Have fun outside with a winter activity pack including some of the most popular 50 things activities and other games. Inside, warm up with storytelling, traditional games and crafts. Until 21 February 11am - 3pm / 50p per trail sheet, plus normal admission price.

13 FEBRUARY Living with Birds

Hever Castle & Gardens, Hever, Hever, Nr Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 7NG 01732 865224 www.hevercastle.co.uk

Enjoy some family fun this Half Term and give a bird a home during National Nest Box Week. There will be various activities from bird box building to a bird craft workshop as well as a bird spotting trail taking place in the grounds.

Big Garden Birdwatch

Last year over half a million people took part in the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch, spotting more than 8.5 million birds across the UK, and the organisers are hoping this year’s watch will be a record-breaking event. This year’s survey takes part on 30 and 31 January. To take part, simply spend one hour counting the birds in your garden or local park, and record the highest number of each bird species seen at any one time. The morning is the best time to look, when the birds are out and about feeding after a cold winter night. To sign up for a free Big Garden Birdwatch 2016 pack, go to www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch.

Join your ultimate arts and craft hero Mister Maker, for his first ever live theatre tour! Mister Maker will be joined by The Shapes and a team of allsinging, all-dancing friends. This interactive arty adventure is fun for all the family! Until 16 February

Childrens nearly new sale

See website for admission prices.

1.30am, 4pm and 10.00am Tues / Child £11.00* Adult £14.50* Family Ticket £46.00* (Must include 1 adult and 1 child)

Hurst Community centre, Hurst Road, Bexley DA5 3LH

15 FEBRUARY

8 FEBRUARY

Free parking, free entry and good pram access 10am - 12 midday

Until 21 February

Fairytale Castle

Dover Castle, Castle Hill, Dover, Kent, CT16 1HU www.english-heritage.org.uk

A Day Out With Thomas is an enchanting experience, full of entertainment the whole family can enjoy. Open at 10am. Trains run at frequent times throughout the day.

Open the book on the characters from England’s story and explore the tales of the castle. Step into the castle’s real fairytales with storytelling brought to life in spellbinding adventures. Come dressed up as your fairytale hero with the chance for a prize to be bestowed upon those who dip into their imagination. Journey into our realm where fairytales and England’s past collide.

13 & 14 February and 20 & 21 February

Until 19 February

Tickets £13-£17 Family ticket £51.50 Babies [under 18mths] are carried free of charge providing they do not occupy a seat.

10am - 3pm. English Heritage members Free, Adult £18.00, Child 5-15 years, £10.80 Concession, £16.10 Family £46.80

13 FEBRUARY

15 FEBRUARY

Leeds Castle, Maidstone, Maidstone, Kent, ME17 1PL 01622 765400 www.leeds-castle.com

The Orchard Theatre, Dartford, The Orchard Theatre, Home Gardens, Dartford, Kent, DA1 1ED 01322 220000 www.orchardtheatre.co.uk

13 FEBRUARY A Day Out With Thomas

Kent & East Sussex Railway, Tenterden Town Station, Station Road, Tenterden, Kent, TN30 6HE 01580 765155 www.kesr.org.uk

Charlie’s Chocolate Adventure at Half Term

Mister Maker

Superhero February Holiday Activity Hall Place and Gardens, Bourne Road, Bexley, DA5 1PQ 01322 621238 www.bexleyheritagetrust.org.uk

Come dressed up as your favourite superhero and make your very own hero fly in our super craft to take home. Until 18 February 10am & 2pm (1hr sessions) £4 per child, adults free All tickets in advance.

16 FEBRUARY Discover with Darwin

Down House, Luxted Rd, Downe, Kent, BR6 7JT 01689 859119 www.english-heritage.org.uk

Join the man himself – Charles Darwin - and explore evolution at its birthplace as you delve daringly into the mysteries of science. Ever wondered why giraffes have long necks? Why a penguin can’t fly? Why a monkey has a tail? Discover all this and more as you grab your lab coat and dust off your craft

kits at Down House. Until 20 February 11am, 12pm, 1pm & 2.30pm. English Heritage members Free, Adult £10.60, Child 5-15 years £6.30, Concession £9.50, Family £27.60.

28 FEBRUARY Mrs Wolfe’s Recipes

Quebec House, Quebec Square, Westerham, Kent, TN16 1TD 01959 567430 www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Try out some homemade treats from the eighteenth century. 1pm-4pm. Normal admission applies.

1 MARCH

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Churchill Theatre Bromley, High Street, Bromley, Kent, BR1 1HA 0844 871 7620 www.atgtickets.com

Retelling the Biblical story of Joseph (Joe McElderry), his eleven brothers and the coat of many colours, this magical musical is full of unforgettable songs including Those Canaan Days, Any Dream Will Do and Close Every Door To Me. Until 5 March Tue-Thu eve 7.30pm, Fri – Sat Eve 5pm & 8pm, Wed- Thu Mat 2.30pm, Sat Mat 2pm. Tickets from £12

Want more? There are just too many fun, family ideas to fit in so head online for the full list at:

Familiesonline.co.uk

www.familieslondonkent.co.uk JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2016

For Years 4 & 5

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020 3633 0071 ksol.co.uk/10 Maths

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