Issuu

ESTABLISHED 1996

ISSUE NO. 156

NEW YEAR 2014

familiesse.co.uk

south east london

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Confidence Building Fun Try a Free Drama Class

Watch your child’s self-esteem soar with our weekly classes for 4–12s Child development is at the heart of everything we do. So our drama, dance and singing sessions will boost your child’s confidence, improve their concentration and give them an outlet to have fun. Call 0845 400 1277 or visit perform.org.uk for a free class at your nearest venue.

WELCOME TO the brand-shiny new 2014. We’ve just about found the bottom of the Quality Street tin and are ready to start the year, cheeks chilled by winter but an optimistic look at what’s instore. If I have one resolution for this year, it’s that we stop closing the airing cupboard door on the cat - she loves a good game of hide and seek rather too much, bless her... Happy New Year everyone - we’ll be back in March. Robina Cowan, editor

LocalNews email your news to editor@familiesse.co.uk

Activities for Children

IN THIS ISSUE 2-3 Local News and Views After school fun for children; new year fitness for grown ups; storytelling together; and we have the best London library!

4-7 Education News Pre-schools, new schools, fundraisers and free maths tuition to be won

8 School Lunches Continuing the campaign for healthier lunchtime menus

9 What’s New Eczema support and helpful new products

10 Stress-free children Practical steps to help children suffering from stress, anxiety and depression; and local contacts

11 Family Health Infant scientists wanted for ADHD/ autism research; and a winter illness checklist for babies

12 The Book Page Curl up with a good book - Justine Crow reviews her favourite new year titles

13-18 What’s On Shake off the winter blues and explore London’s briliant museums; take in a show or join a busy-fingered family workshop

19 Start the Year...

Stagecoach in Sydenham It’s a new term, and a new Principal at Stagecoach Sydenham as Paul Taylor-Mills has taken over from Stuart Burrows. Paul is not new to Stagecoach, having previously taught at other venues across the country. He has also worked as the Associate Producer on the UK Tour of The Rise and Fall of Little Voice starring Beverley Callard, Ray Quinn and Joe McGann, and prior to that as one of Sir Cameron Mackintosh’s assistants, working with him throughout the Les Miserables 25th Anniversary celebrations. Paul says: “These experiences will no doubt aid me in my passion to ensure that Sydenham Stagecoach is the leading part-time stage school in the area. Stuart has been a friend of mine for many years and to take over a School which has been so expertly nurtured and cared about is a delight. The resources and staff at Sydenham are second to none, which made the big decision of taking over easier to make and therefore very little needs to change.” The staff, venue, times and structure will stay exactly the same. Term starts at Sydenham High School on Friday 17 January. For more information, call 020 7228 0981 or 0770 766 4039, or see www.stagecoach.co.uk for Sydenham and other local Stagecoach schools.

... as you mean to go on. New year’s resolutions for the family; and put the fun back in your life by joining the Pledge 2 Play campaign

20 The Back Page Local business contacts to make your life easier; and exclusive discounts on Baby Show tickets

Front cover: All girlswear from Fat Face, 0870 6000 090, www.fatface.com

Next Issue out: 6 March, deadline 17 February Families South East, PO Box 11591, London SE26 6WB 020 8699 7240, www.familiesse.co.uk, editor@familiesse.co.uk © Families South East. 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. Families South East is part of the Families group, established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence.

ACTING

SINGING

Ages 2.5 yrs - 19 yrs

STREET DANCE

Tennis 4 Kids Tennis-4-kids are bringing new lessons to the Honor Oak Community Centre after school on Tuesdays. The company offers a smashing time to children keen to learn tennis skills, from basic to advanced levels. Sessions are held in small groups for 21⁄2 to 11 year-olds, indoors and outdoors, depending on their age. To find out about the new and existing venues, and the half term sessions running in East Dulwich from 17-20 February, call 0787 7391 005 or see www.tennis-4-kids.com.

GLEE CLUB

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More Theatre Tots Theatre tots are adding new classes to their southeast London venues. Laura Sydonie’s award-winning company produces drama workshops, shows, books and resources for early years children and children with special educational needs. The newest classes will be held on Wednesdays in Lewisham and Sidcup. For information, call 0780 107 2776 or see www.theatretots.com.

Coming soon... A brand new, purpose built, 3,000 square foot dance studio is opening in southeast London this spring. Canada Water Studios will have professional dance quality sprung floor studios, with full sound proofing, and offer a range of dance and fitness classes for adults (morning and evenings) and activities for mummies and children during the day. For more information and to book early-bird class discounts, find Canada Water Studios on Facebook.

ents News for Par

Miracle Fitness in SE London Bootcamps have really taken off as a fun and effective way to focus on all the key areas needed to get you fit in the shortest time possible. Having run fitness bootcamps for the last eight years and with a loyal following, the friendly Miracle Fitness instructors offer lots of fun cardio drills with courses laid out to get you moving and burning those calories. Then it’s on to several types of toning equipment, followed by limbering up to promote flexibility. There will be a loud voice, lots of energy, commitment to the exercises, self-motivation to work harder, nutrition advice, and of course smiles. How does that sound? Are you ready to get fit? All abilities are welcome and there’s never been a better time to get started as Miracle Fitness are offering half-price bootcamps in January and February. Find out more at www.miraclefitness.co.uk.

Family friendly yoga National Storytelling Week This February brings seven days of reading, sharing and listening with the 14th annual National Storytelling Week. From 1-8 February, schools, drama clubs and performance groups across the country will hold events to celebrate the joy of storytelling. Over the past decade National Storytelling Week has gone from strength to strength, with all areas of the community taking part in creating and enjoying storytelling - in fact, Storytelling Week is estimated to reach an audience of 17,000 this year! Storytelling enriches lives everywhere, in nurseries and schools as well as community centres and theatres, and during Storytelling Week there will be a whole host of events to enjoy. See www.sfs.org.uk/national-storytelling-week

Lovely libraries Woolwich Library is not only London’s most popular library, it is also the UK’s fourth most-visited, with 889,504 visitors in 2012-13. According to the annual libraries survey carried out by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA), libraries in London filled seven spots in the top twenty UK libraries in 2012-13. This was despite London seeing a 3.9% drop in its total expenditure on libraries in the year. Greater London was also the only region in the UK where there was no change in the total number of public libraries.

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HALF PRICE BOOTCAMP IN JANUARY AND FEBRUARY

A stunning Victorian warehouse in West Norwood is home to a new yoga and Pilates studio. The Shala Yoga Centre is moving from its Clapham location to a beautifully refurbished space incorporating three studios for yoga, Pilates and other mind-body practices. They will offer energising dynamic yoga for all ages from babies up to seniors, as well as pregnancy classes and post-school drop off classes. The schedule will also incorporate children’s activities so they can try out yoga, dance, art or and karate while parents do a class. There is an introductory offer of unlimited 30-day class pass for £40. Shala Yoga Centre, 537 Norwood Road, West Norwood SE27 9DL, 07944 163 770 www.theshala.co.uk.

www.thameschristiancollege.org.uk

Thames – passion for learning, inspiration for life our exceptional independent school for boys and girls

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OPEN MORNING THURSDAY 6th MARCH 11.00-1.00 For full list of open mornings, enrolment and fee details contact 020 7228 3933 Thames Christian College, Wye Street, London SW11 2HB

january february 2014 - families south east

Education News

Education News Keeping up with the times (tables)

GCSE shake up

Award-winning Maths Doctor is the UK’s largest live online maths tuition company, with over 500 professional Macmillan-trained tutors available at the click of a mouse to help your child reach their full potential. Tailored for 7-18 year-olds, the tutorials are delivered live online, providing a personal tutor in the comfort of your own home, or wherever else suits you, any time you choose. For more information and a free online assessment, go to www.mathsdoctor.co.uk/families or call 0845 286 7770.

Will we see a revival of Charles Dickens and Jane Austen in Michael Gove’s new GCSEs? In the latest in a number of moves to make GCSEs more demanding, the Education Secretary has announced the introduction of a new curriculum. Under these more challenging examinations, students will be expected to memorise maths formulae and concentrate more on spelling, punctuation and grammar, plus studying more pre-20th century authors. The new curriculum, beginning in September 2015 with the first exams being taken in English and Maths in summer 2017, has the aim of improving pupils’ achievement, compared with their contemporaries in other countries. The Education Secretary said: “The new GCSEs in English and mathematics set higher expectations. They demand more from all students and provide further challenge for those aiming to achieve top grades.” The exams will also end the use of A* to G letter grades in favour of a numbered scale from nine to one, with nine being the highest grade. Course modules and assessments will be dropped, with grades determined by only one exam for most subjects. The new curriculum for the rest of the GCSE subjects will be announced this spring.

COMPETITION: Maths Doctor is offering Families readers the chance to win four hours’ free maths tuition for your child. To enter, email competition@mathsdoctor.co.uk with the answer to the question below, along with your name, phone number and age of your child. 7 - 10 + 3 x 4 = ? a) -15, b) 9, or c) 0? The Prize Draw closes at midnight on 28 February 2014. Four winners will be selected at random by midnight on 10 March 2014. Only one entry per person. See www.mathsdoctor.co.uk/prizedrawterms for full terms and conditions.

Nurseries and pre-schools Dulwich Wood Federation Dulwich Wood Nursery and Langbourne Primary school are coming together under one banner - the Dulwich Wood Federation. Following the retirement of Elizabeth Fleetwood as head of Dulwich Wood Nursery, Langbourne’s head Colin Lavelle will be executive head of both schools, bringing together two rich veins of experience and expertise. Colin’s vision for the future is to bring ‘an unbeatable standard of education and care’ to local children. He explains: “The Dulwich Wood Federation, consisting of a Children’s Centre, Nursery School and Primary School, is a federation that builds on experience. It will nurture and educate children from their first small steps in the community through to the start of their secondary education in the wider world.” The existing Langbourne site is being expanded and redeveloped to accommodate the growing intake, with new buildings and site landscaping set to begin in summer 2014. Local community groups are joining parents in an exciting redevelopment of the grounds as a resource for growing food, along with plans for ground-breaking new forest landscaping which include the recent acquisition of chickens and an eglu (the last word in chicken runs) at the school. For more information, call Langbourne Primary School on 020 870 5470 or see www.langbourneprimary.co.uk.

Lammas Green Nursery at St Barts Lammas Green Nursery was established in 1962 and cares for pre-schoolers in a roomy community hall with a secluded outdoor playspace behind Sydenham Hill. Thanks to a dedicated staff team and a great reputation, the nursery is now expanding with a new, second premises: Lammas Green at St Bartholomew’s. Opening on 6 January 2014, the new nursery will run from 9.15am-12pm Monday to Friday and 12.15-3pm Monday to Thursday during term times, with places for 24 children per session with six team members. Places will be available for children aged 21⁄2 to 5 years old, including those for 2 year old funding and for the 3 & 4 year old funding. For information, contact Lynette Jefferies on 07971 862 155, email lammasgreen.barts@live.co.uk.

families south east - january february 2014

‘The very best’ at Oakfield Make a date to see Oakfield Nursery when it holds open mornings on 7 and 28 January. Set within substantial former family homes in West Dulwich, the nursery is a place of wonder, curiosity and discovery, where children are supported in acquiring the skills and attitudes to create a lifelong love of learning. Establishing warm, trusting relationships between adults and children, as well as fostering partnerships with parents, are key elements to Oakfield’s success. Children play and learn in spacious indoor and outdoor environments, led by Mrs Jill Davey (at Oakfield for 34 years) and her team of highly qualified, experienced staff. Expectations are high and the school supports each child to become the very best that they can be: academically, personally, socially and emotionally. To book an open day place and for admissions information, call 020 3123 0183; and see www.oakfield.dulwich.sch.uk/ to find out more about the nursery and prep school.

Nursery inspections get tough Ofsted are to toughen up their inspections of nurseries, day-care facilities and pre-schools, as figures show that over 150,000 children are enrolled in substandard settings. In future, all nurseries will be expected to achieve an ‘outstanding’ or ‘good’ rating, while those with lower ratings will potentially face closure. Nurseries will now be in line with schools, in that there will no longer be a ‘satisfactory’ category. Instead, those considered to be under-performing must improve dramatically within two years, while those rated as inadequate will be re-inspected in a matter of weeks, with the prospect of being de-registered and ultimately closed. “I wouldn’t have wanted my child to go to an inadequate nursery and I don’t believe that any other parent would either,” said Sir Michael Wilshaw, chief executive of Ofsted. “So we’re going to be less tolerant. When we go back to re-inspect an inadequate setting and it hasn’t improved, it’s likely that we may take steps to cancel the registration.” This is all part of Ofsted’s overhaul of the early years inspection system, amid fears that too many young children are languishing in inadequate and substandard care. But is this move as positive as it sounds? Davina Ludlow, director of daynurseries.co.uk, commented, “While we believe that every child deserves the very best education, we are concerned about the impact this ‘downgrade’ could have on nurseries and hard-working staff members. The change being brought in by Ofsted risks adversely impacting staff motivation, resulting in more harm than good.”

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Education News Oakfield Preparatory School

125-128 Thurlow Park Road West Dulwich SE21 8HP Educating Boys & Girls Aged 2-11 for 125 years.

BROMLEY HIGH SCHOOL INDEPENDENT EDUCATION FOR GIRLS AGED 4‐18 YEARS

Tuesday 7th January 2014 Tuesday 28th January 2014 Please contact the Registrar to book a place on an Open Morning. admissions@oakfield.dulwich.sch.uk 0203 123 0183

JANUARY ASSESSMENTS, MARCH & MAY OPEN EVENTS, SCHOOL TOURS, TASTER DAYS Find out more about life at Bromley High School

4+, 7+, 11+, 13 + and 16+ Fees Assistance & Scholarships available in the Senior School admissions@bro.gdst.net Tel: 020 8781 7000 www.bromleyhigh.gdst.net

Maths & English tuition centre For 5 to 14 year olds of all abilities t Courses mapped to the National Curriculum. t Adapts to the individual needs of your child. t Convenient for families - Open 7 days a week. t Award-winning tuition - voted Education Investor Supplementary Education Provider of the Year. “Explore Learning members’ improvement in maths was 30% higher than that of the comparison group after controlling for gender, age, year group and special educational needs.” Independent Efficacy Study by the Institute of Education at Reading University (2013). See www.explorelearning.co.uk/efficacy.

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january february 2014 - families south east

Education News

New schools A new school of thought Leading regional law firm, Howes Percival, has produced a free guide for schools considering converting to academy status. Entitled A new school of thought - Converting your school to an Academy, the guide provides a step-by-step outline of the conversion process from application and registration, completion of the legal formalities, to the Academy opening. The brochure also offers schools practical tips on a successful conversion drawn from the law firm’s wealth of experience in this area. Howes Percival’s dedicated education team has successfully advised on the conversion of over 70 Academies, gaining a great deal of experience in converting schools to both single and multi-Academies. To download a copy of the guide, click the ‘resources and events’ tab at www.howespercival.com.

Bromley Bilingual school A group of volunteer parents in Bromley is working to set up a new Bilingual Primary Free School (French/ English). The Department of Education has approved the application; the site has been located on Westmoreland Road; and a Head teacher has been recruited. The school will open in September 2014, with 50% of admissions from the local catchment area, and the remaining pupils offered place through a lottery system regardless of where they live, as long as they have registered their children to attend the school. For more information, email info.bromleybilingual@gmail.com or find Bromley Bilingual School on Facebook.

Crystal Palace primary school Up the hill at Crystal Palace, work is underway to open a new school to address the current shortage of primary places in Crystal Palace; local schools are heavily oversubscribed, with between 3 to 10 applicants per place. The organisers say: “The children of Crystal Palace are at risk of not getting a place at a local school, forcing our children to travel further afield. We could have no choice at all about where our children go to school. We are trying to change this situation and open a new Crystal Palace primary school to serve local families.” See www.crystalpalaceprimary.org.uk for more details.

Fundraising fun Sydenham High’s Wacky Week

BBC’s Pudsey goes to school

Sydenham High School students ended the term with a Wacky Week which raised over £1,800 for the Philippines Typhoon Appeal. Every day had a different theme, offering the girls the chance to show their fun side, with wacky hair, ties, jumpers, legwear and nails, culminating with a Wacky Friday event at the Junior School. The school also approached local businesses to contribute to the appeal and the team at Robinson Jackson Estate Agents on Kirkdale in Sydenham started the ball rolling with a generous donation. Deputy Head Karl Guest, who organised the fundraising activity, said: “We have a long tradition of charitable fundraising here at Sydenham High and, having all been shocked by the devastation experienced by the people of the Philippines, the girls and staff were determined to play their part in contributing to the disaster appeal.” To read more about Sydenham High School GDST or to register for admission assessments, go to www.sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net or call 020 8557 7000.

Junior School pupils at Streatham & Clapham High School welcomed the BBC’s Children in Need mascot bear, Pudsey, to their Christmas Concert rehearsal. Pudsey’s visit was in recognition of the school’s fundraising activities during Children in Need week in November 2013. Junior and Senior School girls raised over £1200 for the charity through cake sales, karaoke films, dotty dressing and an animal themed quiz. The Junior and Senior School choirs also raised funds for Save the Children, to help victims of the Philippines disaster, through Carol singing at the newly opened Tesco store at the Hub on Streatham High Road. Streatham & Clapham High School GDST is an independent, academically selective school for girls aged 3-18. See more at www.schs.gdst.net or call 020 8674 6912.

families south east - january february 2014

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Outperforming expectations on a daily basis

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Junior School Open Days Tuesday

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6 May 2014

2 - 3.30 pm

Please register for Open Days on our website or contact us for an individual visit

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Nursery and Junior School (3-11) Wavertree Road, SW2 3SR 020 8674 6912 enquiry@shj.gdst.net

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admissions@syd.gdst.net january february 2014 - families south east

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School News

Food for thought

– school lunches The campaign for better food in Britain’s schools is getting yet another boost but what else needs to be done, and how can parents help? Joanna Moorhead investigates. Amazingly, it’s almost a decade since Jamie Oliver began his indefatigable campaign to revolutionise school lunches, taking TV cameras into schools and drafting in army cooks to teach the nation’s dinner ladies how to make good food on a large scale and to a tight budget. There’s no doubt that Oliver shone a torch into a dark corner of the school larder and found it wanting, and there’s no doubt at all that he had all the right instincts about educating children about good food and healthy eating; and educating teachers and support staff about why good food and understanding its production and preparation should be part of every child’s education.

What did the campaign achieve? Where has it left school food today - and what are the outstanding issues that still need to be tackled? Summer 2013 saw a government-commissioned school food review by the founders of the Leon restaurant chain. It called for a ban on packed lunches, which it says are almost always less nutritious than a cooked meal, and it called on heads to lower the prices of lunches to boost take-up. Hot on the heels of that report came an announcement that all children in Key Stage One (reception, Year One and Year Two) will get free school dinners from September 2014, whatever the family’s income level.

Hot lunch vs packed lunch Offering free school meals to the youngest children is a major step towards the really big task on the menu: getting more children to actually eat school food. Only around 38% of secondary school pupils and 44% of primary pupils currently take the option of school lunches, while the rest bring in their own:

and that matters, because a study carried out at Leeds University in 2010 found that only a paltry 1% of packed lunches meet basic dietary standards. In other words, it’s extremely challenging for parents to put together a lunchbox that’s anywhere near as healthy as the food schools can provide; and though many parents believe it’s cheaper to provide their own, another study found that in fact it probably costs around £2 a lunch, a sum very similar to the cost of a school-provided lunch.

Britain; today, there are more than 100, and at least 100 more schools have plans in operation to open one. Children learn at close quarters about how food is produced; they then go on to learn how it’s prepared and cooked, and then they find out how it tastes. And the big boom isn’t only in rural settings; schools in the very middle of cities now have patches of land where vegetables are grown and where chickens and other animals can be housed. Some schools even send their own animals to slaughter and put meat and homemade sausages on canteen menus or sell them through school shops. See www.farmgarden.org.uk, the website of the School Farms Network, for more ideas.

On the menu If school food wins out against packed lunches, what’s on the dining room menu still has a way to go. Only around 25% of schools provide at least one portion of fruit and veg per pupil per day, and despite all those years of the Oliver campaign a shocking 50% of all secondary schools continue to offer pizzas and starchy food cooked in oil on most days - although revised food-based standards are being rolled out this year. Beyond all this, though, there’s the even trickier subject of how you actually get children to make healthy choices. Even when healthy food is offered, around a third of pupils don’t choose it.

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At some schools, parents and carers are invited to eat alongside children one day each term or one day each year. It’s easier to talk to your child about the food they had at school if you’ve got a sense of where they eat, what the place smells like, and what the system is for them to choose their meal.

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More schools than in the past now have cooking classes and cookery clubs, and at secondary schools cooking is on the curriculum. Growing some or all of the ingredients for the cookery classes is usually possible - even using home-grown herbs help children make the connection between growing and eating.

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In some schools, the dining hall is now known by a more exciting name (‘Le Bistro’, perhaps) and children eat from china plates and have virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar to dribble on their salad. To make food more attractive, you have to boost the quality of the whole eating experience. If your child’s school is still providing plastic lunch trays or grubby melamine plates, ask them to think about an overhaul.

Parent power One huge advance the Oliver campaign brought about is the realisation among parents that they have a voice in the school dining room, and that policies on how food is sourced, how it’s prepared and what’s on offer can be shaped by their intervention. Here are some of the more imaginative and successful changes already in operation at some schools in the UK. If you like the sound of them, why not talk to staff and governors at your child’s school to see if a similar project is possible there? •

families south east - january february 2014

School farms are in the middle of a huge revival. In 2006, there were only 60 of them in

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What’sNew Ask a doctor... about eczema Organic clothing company Imago Dei has launched a new Q&A facility and interactive forum to help parents who have problems or concerns relating specifically to eczema and contact dermatitis. The professional advice is provided by Dr Bernard Obe, who has been a medical doctor for 14 years and a GP for 8 years. He is married and a father to two small children who both suffer from eczema. Imago Dei is committed to providing families with 100% organic garments and accessories that are super soft, hypoallergenic, breathable and kind to sensitive skin. The clothing is made from 100% organic Peruvian Pima cotton and is designed specifically to provide children with a fabric ‘second skin’ that creates a soft, comfortable layer against their bodies. To send a question to Dr Obe, and check out the Imago Dei range, go to www.imagodei.co.uk/question.

Fun, friendly and rewarding music classes for children aged 0-5. Classes in Lee Green, Beckenham and East Dulwich

Call now for a free trial class Contact Rebecca Vicary

Tel: 020 8852 0118 Email: rvicary@musicforlittlepeople.co.uk

www.musicforlittlepeople.co.uk

Baby you smell good! A survey of 4000 people in the UK by www.onepoll.com asked for ‘the top 20 smells that make people happy’. Ranking up there alongside freshly baked bread and ground coffee is the pure and simple smell of a baby. Why cover that gorgeous scent of a new born baby with perfume and synthetic fragrances? After spending nine months inside the womb, baby’s delicate skin is highly sensitive and largely defenceless against the chemicals that can be found in many mainstream baby products. Green People keep things pure, the way nature intended by using only the best organic and natural ingredients that support, nurture and enhance baby’s skin. Green People’s top selling Scent Free baby range includes Soothing Baby Oil, Mum & Baby Rescue Balm, Dry Skin Baby Lotion and Baby Wash & Shampoo, all designed to keep baby’s skin pure and soft just the way it should be, rrp £7.25 £10.95, 01403 740350, www.greenpeople.co.uk/

Digital thermometer making a splash The award-winning Ray Bath & Room Thermometer provides an accurate and fast bath water temperature, whilst doubling up as a tactile floating bath toy. It can also be used as a room thermometer, ideal for additional peace of mind in the nursery. The large, clear LCD display enables easy reading and if the temperature reaches 39˚C or above, the LCD will blink ‘HOT’, warning you that the water is too hot for your little one. A more comfortable bath temperature is 37˚C and this is printed above the screen display alongside the ‘water’ icon for your clear reference. When using as a room thermometer, the recommended ambient room temperature for a baby to sleep in is 19˚C is also printed above the screen display for your convenience. With an rrp of £14.99, The Brother Max Thermometer is available in a range of colours from Boots stores and online from www.brothermax.com. For more stockists, call 020 8387 4121.

Imagination for the Everyday Early years Drama www.theatretots.com

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Cosatto 3 in 1 bed Oh how clever - here’s a cot to bed to sofa, complete with a nappy changing station and underneath storage. And it looks funky enough to suit any baby space from loft living to cutesy cubby hole. Full of versatility, it can be used for years to come. Rrp £410 from www.cosatto.com or for stockists, call 01204 863 506.

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january february 2014 - families south east

Help your child overcome

stress, anxiety and depression The cold, dark deep winter months can be enough to test even the most optimistic person, and you probably won’t be surprised to hear that stress, anxiety and depression in children is worryingly getting more prevalent © Martinan - Fotolia.com

The Office of National Statistics has found that one in ten children now suffer from mental health problems, with children as young as five being treated for depression. With these shocking statistics, experts say it is going to become a major health problem in the future unless something is done now to tackle stress in children. Although stress is not the same as depression, prolonged periods of stress can lead to depression, and about half of people diagnosed with depression are also diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. The earlier we can reach the children showing signs of stress the better we can help them.

Stressful lives? Considering our own increasingly stressful lives, it is no surprise to learn that our children are suffering from rising stress. Parents under pressure and overwhelmed with their jobs, affects them at home. Rising unemployment and financial problems associated with the economic downturn increases tension that children pick up on. Heavily orchestrated schedules of extra activities can also leave little free time for children to be children, and to relax. School and social life also create pressures that can feel overwhelming for children. NSPCC research recently found that academic worries were the biggest cause of stress for nearly 50% of children. With an increase in the number of tests, and the pressure on schools to perform in league tables, is it any surprise that studying comes top of the stress list? Other common sources of childhood stress such as bullying, sibling rivalry and peer pressure are all fairly normal parts of growing up, but when children have less free time to relax, these ordinary problems can become magnified and less easy for them to deal with.

Spotting the signs Stress or anxiety in children can be difficult to spot. Signs to look out for would include a low mood, unhappiness, tearfulness or irritability not related to anything specific. Sleeping problems, clingy

behaviour, stomach aches and headaches are also signals. The main thing to look for is a change in behaviour. Trust your instinct. Erika Brodnock, one of the UK’s leading experts on the subject of raising happy, successful children says, “Don’t mistake your child’s behaviour for being naughty, when they may be feeling stressed and anxious.” As a parent, you can’t always protect your children from the stresses of our modern world, but you can help them develop healthy ways to cope.

child to speak privately and confidentially with their parent, knowing they can say anything without criticism or complaint, which builds trust and strengthens bonds.” This goes a long way towards protecting a young person against developing depression. As a parent, it hurts to see your child unhappy or stressed, but resist the urge to fix every problem for them and instead, focus on helping your child grow into a problem-solver, who knows how to roll with life’s ups and downs, put feelings into words, calm down when needed, and bounce back to try again. By teaching healthy coping strategies, you’ll prepare your children to manage the stresses that come in the future.

Notice out loud. Tell your child when you notice that something’s bothering them and name it, “Do you feel angry with what happened?” or “You must have felt worried about that.” Erika explains this as “Notice, it, own it, tame it.” She continues, “once you can identify the emotion you can then manage it. Without this, things are significantly more difficult.” Explore and empower. Once they understand the feeling they have, explore together what to do. Simple techniques can make a world of difference and have a profound effect on the way they feel. When children start to feel stressed, encourage them to ask for help for example. Be you! Look at your own moods, behaviours and energy levels. “We can all put a smile on our face at the end of a bad day but when the energy isn’t there your child will notice” says Erika Brodnock. “Parents need to learn to manage their moods too!” This is backed up by statistics that show 60-90% of what we learn is through non-verbal communication. If we want our children to manage their emotions effectively, we must model the behaviour we want them to embrace. Building stress-free kids. Exercise, a nature walk or dancing to music will all naturally release those ‘feel-good’ endorphins that help reduce stress. Eating well, drinking lots of water, a bedtime routine and set schedules so your child can rely on daily patterns, are all ways in which you can help. Erika recommends a 15 minute ‘Golden Moment’ every day with your child. “This is an opportunity for the

families south east - january february 2014

Many thanks go to Erika Brodnock who offered many insights and information in compiling this article. Erika is one of the UK’s leading experts on the subject of raising happy, confident children. She offers a wealth of knowledge and practical advice, along with an eBook which she offers free of charge to parents looking for useful and practical information and techniques. Erika is also launching some highly innovative new toys which can help children develop their self-esteem and confidence through play. For more information go to www.karismakidz.co.uk

More help •

•

The Vale Practice in East Dulwich offers a number of ‘mind’ therapies, including counselling, NLP and hypnotherapy, 020 8299 9798, www.thevalepractice.co.uk Nancy Secchi is an HPC registered therapist who offers child, teen and family therapy in southeast London, 07546 740 248, email ndsecchi@gmail.com Petra Velzeboer MBACP Msc has a private practice in SE15 to help parents who are stressed and need help with their children/ teenagers, 07970 323011, email petrabacp@gmail.com

familiesse.co.uk

Family health

Wanted infant scientists The Babylab at Birkbeck is always welcoming new recruits and are now specially inviting all those babies who have an older brother or sister with ADHD and / or autism Harry is 14 months old and, like many babies of his age, he’s busy toddling around, rolling cars down a chute and smiling towards mum and dad in excitement every time the cars reach the floor. But how did he learn to recognise mum and dad, and to correctly say the word “car”? Why did it take him 12 months to attempt to say this word, while Ella took 14 months? Harry and Ella are helping to answer questions like these during their visit to the Babylab. Harry is taking part in an eye-tracking study. We can see what grabs his attention when watching short movies or cartoons, because his gaze is ‘tracked’ continuously by sensors that capture the light reflected by his eyes. Meanwhile, in a different room, we can see Ella’s brain activity while she is enthusiastically communicating with a researcher.

Birkbeck Babylab research Centrally located in London, the Babylab is part of Birkbeck College and has, for the past 15 years, been busy figuring out how babies talk and walk and, more importantly, why some babies and children struggle with reaching these milestones. Researchers at the Babylab have shown that even

at six months of age, infants who later develop symptoms of autism have difficulties interpreting another person’s gaze direction. This may explain why they later struggle with language, as gaze direction often tells infants what it is that we are talking about. For more information on this research see www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-16740758.

New research study In the new year, the Babylab is launching a new study. STAARS (Studying Autism and ADHD Risk in Siblings) will follow the development of children who are at genetic risk for two common developmental disorders - autism and ADHD. Families from all over the country who have an older child with autism and/ or ADHD and a new baby are welcome to join this study at any point between finding out they are pregnant and until their baby is 14 months old. The babies will visit the Babylab a few times until their third birthday. At every visit they will take part in a variety of studies very similar to the ones Harry and Ella have done. If they are tired they can have a nap while their parents fill in questionnaires or discuss their child’s development with the team of researchers. At the

end of each visit children will receive a Babylab participation diploma and a very fashionable t-shirt (like the one Harry is wearing in the photo!) The Babylab reimburses all travel costs. By studying these babies’ development early in life we will better understand how autism and ADHD develop, and this will help to diagnose these disorders earlier, and provide earlier and more effective interventions. Researchers at the Babylab work hard to design clever and fun studies but, ultimately, it is the babies who are of most help. If you are expecting a baby or have just given birth please do not hesitate to contact the Babylab about the STAARS Study if you have an older child with autism and/ or ADHD. Call 020 7079 0761 or see www.staars.org/

Winter illness checklist Last year in the London area alone, over 3,000 babies were admitted to paediatric intensive care units, many of whom had respiratory tract infections. With babies born prematurely more susceptible to common illnesses, here is the advice from Bliss and Tamba to help parents keep their babies healthy and safe this winter: W - Wash hands regularly with soap and water especially before you touch your baby. Make sure siblings and visitors wash their hands too. Wash or wipe toys regularly to prevent the spread of germs I - Immunisations may be given to babies and children to build their immunity against certain illnesses including winter-related illnesses such as influenza, pneumonia, RSV. Some immunisations are given routinely according to an agreed schedule; others are given to high risk groups only. Your doctor will be able to advise you which immunisations your child should receive N - No smoking - ensure your baby is kept away from tobacco smoke. Never allow anyone to smoke around your baby. T - Tissues are better than hands for catching sneezes and coughs. Use disposable tissues

rather than cloths to capture and dispose of germs. Also, keep your baby away from other children and adults who show signs of a cold E - Examine your baby for signs of winter illness such as runny or blocked nose, cough, sneezing and rapid breathing. Other signs might be mild fever, loss of appetite, red eyes, fatigue and general crankiness R - Rest and recover – help your baby by making sure s/he has plenty to drink and gets enough sleep. You can remove any mucus from your baby’s nose and put a humidifier in the bedroom at night to make your baby more comfortable.

•

(0800 138 0509) provide suggestions for coping when one or more of your babies is ill The More Than a Cold website (www.morethanacold.co.uk) helps parents understand common winter illnesses and how to prevent them.

Other tips: •

•

familiesse.co.uk

If your baby is ill, contact a doctor or NHS Direct if his/ her temperature rises to over 38˚C (100.4˚F), if your baby has a persistent cough, if your baby starts wheezing, has breathing difficulties or a rash Bliss is a charity for parents of premature and sick babies offering a website (www.bliss.org.uk) and a help line (0500 618 140) for support and information Tamba is the twins and multiple births association and their website (www.tamba.org.uk) and help line

january february 2014 - families south east

The Bookseller Crow

is a fantastic, volume stuffed shop run by some of the most knowledgeable bookworms in the business. Call in for the feel of a real bookshop, or if you’re too busy, pick up the phone or point your mouse at their website for a fast mailorder service. Justine Crow recommends this month’s best titles. I’M NEITHER earthy nor religious - there’s neither woodcraft nor divinity at Crow Castle, you might be surprised to hear - but I guess it’s because all three of mine popped out when the sun was in short supply and the mere sniff of a snow-melt morning conjures up terry grow-bags, handknit cardis, lost hats and baby sick that each New Year childbirth springs to my shallow mind. Happy days when Him Indoors took our eldest out for their first ever dad-daughter stroll at ten days old and dressed her perfectly warmly for the frost, but omitted a nappy. And when I, serene new mum, tucked her up against the cold but forgot to buckle up the inherited Silver Cross and tipped her into the gutter (we’ll be in group therapy for years thanks to that). And the cry would go up: “Always read the instructions!” but the Wilkinet invariably unravelled. BUMPOLOGY by Linda Geddes - Bantam rrp £9.99. Forgive me. I have reviewed this before but it was blimmin’ ages ago and you could’ve sprogged thriceover given the gestation of the paperback edition. But it is worth the wait plus the repeat endorsement. In fact a friend of mine who recently provided the planet with a beautiful boy read this during her pregnancy because it really does ask and answer the questions that the standard manuals bottle out of. Can you really choose the sex of your baby? How brainy is a foetus? Do dads truly suffer labour pain too? Does ‘mumnesia’ exist? Just who IS the father? OK, so I made that last one up. Meanwhile, her provenance is the New Scientist, so expect no codswallop. THE DAY-TO-DAY PREGNANCY BOOK - Dorling Kindersley rrp £25. There has been such a dearth of new reading for those up-the-duff over the last 18 months, I am beginning to think the publishing industry has decided that people now only give birth on the internet, with free postage and packaging if you dilate before midnight, pick up junior from the sorting office next day. It has been left to another classic to keep us informed. Updated and refreshed to reflect changes in medical opinion, its approach is clean, compelling and useful. One of the worst things about the web is the deluge of old wives‘ tripe and hysteria in some of the chat-rooms but here, with lots of sensible photos and scans, you really get a good idea of the life inside and what is about to happen - cue Les Dawson verbal mime and bosom hoist - down there. BEST BABY NAMES FOR 2014 - Siobhan Thomas, Vermilion rrp £6.99. The aforementioned friend often referred to her bump as Genghis. I said to watch out as it wouldn’t be long before that name spreads round East Dulwich like a rash. Sadly, she was much more reliable and eventually registered him with something nobody will regret. Still, it isn’t too late for you expectant parents out there to emulate that wonder couple of yore, Bob and Paula, and treat the offspring to a future of double-takes. How about Presley or Ganymede for the boy-child? Or Topaz for a girl? Personally, I think we should have stuck with our first choice of Hecate when Trasha appeared in a puff of green post-partum smoke. BAD MOTHER by Ayelet Waldman - Hodder rrp £9.99. If her name is familiar, it isn’t because you’ve just seen it in the aforementioned baby name book or because you move in very literary circles (her hubby is a very famous American author) but more likely that you’ve heard of the stateside backlash a few years ago when she announced that she loved her partner more than her kids (mindyou, I probably would too if mine was as rich and successful as hers). Bi-polar and hugely self-critical nonetheless, she raises issues around abortion, sex education and having a real life sex life, as well as sorrier subjects such as smacking and yelling, that make most people squirm before inserting their heads into the nearest pile of sand. I for one get her because like me she is deeply suspicious of all that homework our children have to do. We are both of the Bowie school - throw it on the fire, and take the car down town.

BIG TABLE BUSY KITCHEN by Allegra McEvedy Quercus rrp £25. It may be a Dante's New Year detox and deprivation inferno for some but, along with waftiness & worship, I don’t do diets either. The last time I deliberately deprived myself of calories was when I had a tube with a camera on the end poked in me. Why would you do THAT on purpose? - not eat, I mean. Meanwhile, with the poignant tale of McEvedy’s late mother’s precious cookery scrapbook being mistaken for rubbish by the publisher’s cleaner still causing my soul to wince, this hearty autobiographical trip through first bakes, clan feasts and generational staples is a true family cookbook. Fill your boots. Afterall, fitness is much more important than fatness. KNIT YOUR OWN BOYFRIEND by Carol Meldrum - Anova rrp £9.99. Not strictly a family read but you never know, the odd crisis of the heart may well be averted with a pair of number twelve needles. I'm certain there'll be a pattern for a George Clooney toilet roll holder in there somewhere. Who knows, marriages might even be saved. THE DISNEY MUPPETS CHARACTER ENCYCLOPEDIA DK rrp £9.99. And what better way to begin the year than with a really important reference book. And why ever not? Those clever cuddlies have entertained us all forever and there can’t be many kids’ cultural icons that straddle the generations quite as effectively as Kermit. Nor can there be a finer, more useful familial put down than: “Go rub your froggy face in the floor!” Our Trasha used it this very morning. A DAY WITH BARBAPAPA by Annette Tison & Talus Taylor Orchard rrp 7.99. So, when asked by a young dad to recommend ‘classic’ picture book as a gift, I flitted over to the display and laughed flirtatiously: Remember this from the 1970s? And the sweet unwrinkled fellow looked at me utterly blankly. Can it really be that, unlike Jim Henson’s fleece creatures, these shape-shifting cartoon blobs have been sucked from the nation’s psyche? They are still all over France that’s for sure and no posh kitchen shop worth its sel de marine would be without a melamine novelty toddler bowl & matching cutlery featuring the multicoloured Barbamama, Barbabelle and Barbidur. FLOWER FAIRIES OF THE SPRING by Cicely Mary Barker Warne rrp £9.99. A new edition of an old favourite. Not many people know that the author came from Croydon. Someone has to. It is the centre of the universe. And call me old fashioned but I do like an old style fairy. The new bubblegum ones in sparkly belly-tops don’t do it for me it all. THE STORY MACHINE Tom McLaughlin - Bloomsbury rrp £10.99. A tale about a typewriter and the fun you can have smashing down the keys. You wait, the analogue revival of these safe heavy metal word churners will be massive and the world will soon be rummaging in their attics for forgotten Remingtons and inky ribbons with no hard-drive to inadvertently wipe, or soft porn to stumble upon. WHEN I GROW UP - Patrick George rrp £8.99. My friend with little Genghis - heck, I just knew it would stick - has all the fun of a growing baby and spring to come as he smiles his first smile, sits up and rolls over, blows his inaugural raspberry and tastes his first pint. This nifty illustrator, designer, publishing packager has produced a robust series of primers for pre-schoolers and this latest about growing up is possibly my favourite. It could be because of the clever transparencies that magic a pilot’s shades onto the nose cone of his aircraft, a pirate’s eye-patch into the hull of his boat, but I also suspect that it is the title itself that appeals. It is something that I aspire to and for all those around me, they can but hope that I actually achieve it one day.

The Bookseller Crow, 50 Westow St. Crystal Palace, London SE19 3AF Telephone: 020 8771 8831 email: info@booksellercrow.co.uk www.booksellercrow.co.uk 12

families south east - january february 2014

familiesse.co.uk

WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN THE

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS? For more information on venues and courses visit our website

WWW.SUPERCAMPS.CO.UK THE WORK & FAMILY SHOW

or call 01235

467300

OVER 80 OFSTED REGISTERED VENUES WITH DBS/CRB CLEARED STAFF

40+ ACTIVITIES: SPORTS, ARTS AND CRAFTS

What’sOn

OPEN 8AM - 6PM MON-FRI

WE ACCEPT CHILDCARE VOUCHERS AS PAYMENT

Find even more activities: www.familiesse.co.uk then click What's On

Diary Dates for Grown Ups DINO SNORES

FIRST AID FOR LIFE

17 January, 14 March, NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM, Cromwell Road SW7 5BD, 020 7942 5000, www.nhm.ac.uk

22 January, 1 + 15 February in BALHAM and WESTMINSTER, 020 8675 4036, www.firstaidforlife.org.uk A 3-hour emergency course covering care of the unconscious baby and child as well as most commonly occurring injuries and illnessessuch as choking, bleeding, breaks, bleeds, burns, head injury and febrile convulsions. 9.30am-12.30pm, £60/ £65.

Have you ever wondered what happens when the doors close at one of the world’s most famous natural history venues? Find out as Dino Snores for Grown Ups, one of the UK’s most extraordinary sleepovers, returns a regular event for 2014. £175.

HAVEN’T STOPPED DANCING YET! 25 January, St SWITHUN’S CHURCH HALL, Hither Green SE13, 0796 716 3247, www.haventstoppeddancingyet.co.uk Don your platforms, flares, lycra and legwarmers for an unashamedly retro evening of non-stop boogying. HSDY is a 70s & 80s soul, funk and disco night “for people who remember the tunes first time round and still want to party”- as featured on BBC Radio 4’s Saturday Live earlier this year. The event features DJs Lord Ant & Da-Lynne & dance line-ups with Ali to get you into the groove, with prizes for the best outfits, free retro sweets & ice pops. 7.30pm start, tickets £12 on the door or £10 in advance; 10% of profits go to Cancer Research UK.

NEW MOTHERS’ WORKSHOPS/ DISCUSSION GROUP 29 and 30 January, MOTHERS INC, 124 Forest Hill Road, East Dulwich SE22, www.helenabelgrave.co.uk Having a baby can be a wonderful experience. Yet when it does not feel this way, it can be very isolating and daunting. Now there’s an opportunity to hear from a counselling psychologist who works with mothers, as well as the chance to discuss your own issues around having a new baby. Topics covered will include the experience of becoming a mother, factors that can affect your wellbeing, how to cope with a new baby and when to seek help. The workshop is 11⁄2 hours long either from 10am on 29 January, or 8pm on 30 January. The cost is £15. Contact Dr Helena Belgrave on 07580 662 917 info@helenabelgrave.co.uk for more details and bookings.

TELEGRAPH OUTDOOR ADVENTURE & TRAVEL SHOW 13-16 February, EXCEL LONDON, 1 Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock, London E16 1XL, 0871 231 0844, www.telegraphoutdoorshow.co.uk A great day out for all bike, sport, travel and outside enthusiasts, with free have a go experiences including the Climbing Village and the Free Drop Experience jump from a 5m tall platform into a huge airbag! Includes the Bike Show, Triathlon Plus Show and London International Dive Show. Tickets free for accompanied under 16s, £20 adults on the door, £16 for advance bookings.

THE WORK & FAMILY SHOW 21+22 February, EXCEL LONDON, 1 Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock, London E16 1XL, 0871 231 0844, www.theworkandfamilyshow.co.uk/ Taking place beside the hugely successful Baby Show (see below), the brand new Work & Family Show will give working parents and career break women practical advice, ideas and answers, with the chance to speak with experts about creating an ideal work-life balance, mix with family friendly companies, develop their business ideas and discuss their future career opportunities. This will be a unique expert-led event perfect for parents who are working, returning to work, looking for a new challenge or going it alone. On hand will be businesses in search of motivated career break parents to join their teams, career and personal development advisers, and free interactive practical workshops that will give parents the chance to discuss starting their own businesses, getting back into the workforce, flexible working and childcare options. 9am-5pm, tickets from £12, or free with a Baby Show ticket.

Streatham & Clapham OTSchool TJunior S ON TUESDAY

at Streatham & Clapham Junior School

s a great place to meet other parents and carers U a fun time for babies and toddlers (up to 4 years) U an opportunity to socialise and share ideas and support U a stimulating and safe environment U stay and play while enjoying a coffee (or tea!)

Tots on Tuesday takes place at 10 am until 12 noon every Tuesday morning during term time. Junior School 7AVERTREE 2D SW2 3SR 020 8674 6912 www.schs.gdst.net

THE BABY SHOW 21-23 February, EXCEL LONDON, 1 Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock, London E16 1XL, 0871 231 0844 www.thebabyshow.co.uk/excel/ The journey into parenthood is an exciting and truly memorable time in one’s life. A time of discovery; learning and exploring, testing and trying. You are bound to have all sorts of questions - The Baby Show hopes to answer them all. Covering a range of pregnancy and parenting topics, a superb team of experts offer their invaluable expertise, advice and techniques to help reassure and guide you at this important time in yours and your little ones’ lives. Open 9.30am-5.30pm each day. Tickets £20 on the door. READER OFFER: For ticket prices from £10.95, quote FAM03 when booking online.

WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? LIVE 20-22 February, LONDON OLYMPIA, Hammersmith Road, West Kensington W14 8UX, 0844 873 7330, www.whodoyouthinkyouarelive.com The UK’s biggest family history event is back! Experts will be on hand to give you some one-to-one guidance on your family history research. Whether you are stuck finding an elusive ancestor, need help identifying military photographs or just need help to start your research, this is the perfect chance pick up invaluable advice from experts and exhibitors. Open 9.30am-5.30pm, tickets £22 on the door, £16 booked ahead.

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january february 2014 - families south east

TO NARNIA WITH PERFORM

ONE HIT WONDER WORKSHOPS

GET INTO LONDON THEATRE

MoreWhat’sOn

SLEEPING BEAUTY IN THE WOOD 15 January - 23 February, LITTLE ANGEL THEATRE, 14 Dagmar Passage, Islington N1 2DN, 020 7226 1787, www.littleangeltheatre.com A long time ago, a disgruntled fairy cast a spell that sent the whole world into a spin... This adaptation of the story of Briar Rose by the Brothers Grimm, conjures a dreamlike fantasy of palaces and forests, ogres and fairies, princes and babes.

Find even more activities: www.familiesse.co.uk then click What's On

Half Term Workshops

17-21 February, COLFE’S SCHOOL, Upwood Road, Lee, SE12 8AW, 01263 823000, www.campbeaumont.co.uk Up to 40 different activities ranging from arts and crafts, swimming, soccer, tag rugby, tennis, motorsports, dance and drama, basketball, and many more. Ages 4-16 years, 8.30am-5.30pm, from £47 per day.

ARABIAN NIGHTS - THE ULTIMATE STORYTELLER

SUPERCAMPS

17-19 February, JOHN BALL PRIMARY SCHOOL, Southvale Road, Blackheath SE3 0TP, and St STEPHEN’S CHURCH HALL, College Road, Dulwich SE21 7HW, 0845 400 1277, www.perform.org.uk Young performers are invited to travel to Narnia and help Aslan the Lion defeat the Wicked White Witch. Exclusively for 4-8 year olds, Perform Half Term Experiences are specially designed to encourage creativity and boost confidence and communication skills. The children will make new friends, stretch their imaginations and enjoy plenty of fun and laughter as they go through the wardrobe for the adventure of a lifetime. Concluding with a thrilling performance for family and friends, the children will battle with the White Witch, cheer on Aslan the Lion and discover the wonders of Narnia. £95 per child with a 10% discount for bookings before 1 February.

17-21 February, STREATHAM & CLAPHAM HIGH SCHOOL, Wavertree Road, Streatham Hill SW2 3SR, 01235 467300, www.supercamps.co.uk

TENNIS-4-KIDS

INTENSIVE TOUCH TYPING School holidays and termtime classes in SYDENHAM, 020 7515 1707, www.yes-tuitionandtraining.co.uk Learn a new skill with a touch typing courses run by YES. Children find them fun, and they work - most children are tapping away proficiently in just ten hours. Sessions can be booked to fit around other holiday commitments so children can progress at their own pace.

DISCOVERY LUNCHTIME CONCERTS 24 January, 21 February, 7 March, LSO St LUKE’S, Music Education Centre, 161 Old Street EC1V 9NG, 020 7638 8891, www.lso.co.uk If you’ve never been inside LSO St Luke’s then their free Friday lunchtime concerts are a must! Discover more about music and instruments of the orchestra in the beautiful setting of the Jerwood Hall in specially designed concerts by LSO musicians and students from the Guildhall School. The concerts offer an informal introduction to the LSO and the world of music-making. Presenter Rachel Leach talks about the works and the instruments, and there are opportunities to ask questions of Rachel and the musicians. Each concert begins at 12.30pm and lasts for 45 minutes. The café is open for tea and coffee before the concert from 12pm. There’s no need to book, the concerts are free and you can just turn up on the day. AN HOUR OF BRAHMS, 20 February. Pianist Barry Douglas is joined by violinist Chloe Hanslip and horn player Richard Watkins to explore the chamber music of Brahms. Ages 12+, tickets from £9.

TO NARNIA WITH PERFORM

17-20 February in EAST DULWICH, 07877 391005, www.tennis-4-kids.com Rally round for a smashing time learning to play tennis with other children. Tennis-4-Kids run mini sessions giving children lots of fun learning basic to advanced skills. Small indoor groups for ages 21⁄2 to 8 years, 10.30am-12.30pm each day.

A multi-activity daycamp designed to appeal to children of all types and ages. Each child will explore and experience a daily schedule of different activities with children their own age, under the guidance of superbly-trained staff. The venue offers sports, an adventure playground and indoor games, arts and crafts activities. 8am-6pm, £42 a day or £170 for five days.

CAMP BEAUMONT DAYCAMPS

ONE HIT WONDER WORKSHOPS 17-20 February, VARIOUS VENUES, 0800 107 7949, www.funkymonkey.info Funky Monkey return with their popular holiday ‘One Hit Wonder’ Music Workshops - an action packed keyboard skills taster day for 4-8 year-old beginners. With a combination of reading, writing and playing music alongside music based art activities and games, this is four hours of fun with an educational twist that shouldn’t be missed! No experience is necessary. 10am-2pm each day, £35 per child, book first.

Theatre, Shows and Music GET INTO LONDON THEATRE

UNICORN THEATRE

Until 13 February, VARIOUS VENUES, 0844 581 5050, www.getintolondontheatre.co.uk There are cut-price deals at theatres all over the capital as part of this annual ticket scheme. Includes Billy Elliot the Musical, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Disney’s The Lion King, Mamma Mia!, The Phantom of the Opera, The Wind In The Willows, Wicked and many more.

UNICORN THEATRE, 147 Tooley Street SE1 2HZ, 020 7645 0560, www.unicorntheatre.com GET UP AT THE WEEKEND. Join the Unicorn Play Club every Saturday from midday. Take part in free activities in the foyer such as rocket building, cake decorating or even Olympic musical chairs. BACKSTAGE TOURS, 18 January, 15 February. Have you ever wondered what happens in the parts of the theatre you don’t see on stage? Join the Unicorn’s technical team on a backstage tour and find out what really goes into making a play. THE PARDONERS’ TALE, 16-31 January. A new look at Chaucer from the heart of Southwark at the Tabard Inn, where stories are currency and any troubles are left at the bottom of a glass. Ages 7+, tickets from £10. GRANDPA’S RAILWAY, 28 January - 9 February. Imagine a railway that fits in one room, but travels the word in just one afternoon. Evocative and touching, join Grandpa and his working model railway as he takes you on an exciting journey exploring the past, illuminating the present and laying tracks for the future. Ages 5+, tickets from £10. HANNAH, 8 February - 9 March. Hannah gets frustrated with the little things. Her mum, on the other hand, is out at work, trying to save the world. But then Hannah’s life is turned upside down and there are some very big decisions to be made. Age 11+, tickets from £10. NOT NOW, BERNARD, 15 February - 9 March. Bernard’s got a problem. He’s found a monster in the back garden but his mum and dad are just too busy to notice. So Bernard tries to befriend the monster; and that doesn’t go quite to plan. Loved by children, monsters and adults for over thirty years, David McKee’s iconic picture book will be vividly brought to life on the Unicorn stage. Tickets from £10. WANTED: RABBIT, 18-23 February. Rabbits do not play by the rules. They dig holes without applying for permits, eat carrots that they haven’t paid for, leave droppings in the street, and, in spite of their big ears, never actually listen. They must be stopped before they take over the city. But it might be too late - even the police chief has started to grow rabbit ears! Help solve the case in a miniaturised theatre bursting with thrills, suspense and fun. Tickets from £10.

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK Until 11 January 2014, SOUTHWARK PLAYHOUSE, Shipwright Yard, Corner of Tooley Street and Bermondsey Street SE1 2TF, 020 7407 0234, www.southwarkplayhouse.co.uk Journey with Jack through a raucous world of magical beans, milk squirting cows, tap dancing mice and, of course, giants! Age 7+, £10-£16.

MATTHEW BOURNE’S SWAN LAKE Until 26 January, SADLER’S WELLS THEATRE, Rosebery Avenue EC1R, 0844 412 4300, www.sadlerswells.com Now firmly established as a modern day classic, this iconic production is perhaps best-known for replacing the traditional female corps de ballet with a menacing male ensemble. Tickets from £32.

NATIONAL THEATRE NATIONAL THEATRE, Southbank, SE1 9PX, 020 7452 3000, www.nationaltheatre.org.uk THE LIGHT PRINCESS, until 14 February 2014. A dark fairytale about grief, rebellion and the power of love, produced with music and lyrics by Tori Amos. EMIL AND THE DETECTIVES, until 20 February 2014. Join young Emil as he says goodbye to his mother, leaves his small town and sets off on a journey that will change his life.

THE PARDONERS’ TALE

families south east - january february 2014

16 February, BARBICAN HALL, Silk Street EC2Y 8DS, 020 7638 8891, www.lso.co.uk An LSO Discovery family concert, which will take the audience on an exotic journey into the heart of the Arabian nights. Meet the greatest storyteller of them all - Princess Sherherazade, who enthralled the evil Sultan with tales of Sinbad and his ship. 2.30pm start, suitable for ages 7-12 years, tickets £5 children, £10 adults. Pre-concert workshops from 10.30am-1pm give you the chance to compose your own music and make exotic props. Tickets £5 with a concert ticket.

MINI MAESTRO FAMILY CONCERTS 25 January, 22 February, St MARTIN-IN-THE-FIELDS, Trafalgar Square WC2N 4JJ, 020 7766, 1100, www.lmaorchestra.com Treat your family to a magical musical event for young people, with live music performed by the London Musical Arts Orchestra, and lots of hands-on fun. Each concert features excerpts from a different composer. Ages 4-12, 4.30pm, tickets £6.50 children, £8.50 adults.

STORY DAYS AT THE GLOBE Sackler Studios, SHAKESPEARE’S GLOBE, 21 New Globe Walk SE1 9DT, 020 7401 9919, www.shakespearesglobe.com/education Dynamic and unforgettable retellings of Shakespeare’s stories by Globe Education story tellers, suitable for the whole family. Ages 6+. 11am and 2pm start. Tickets £15 for one adult and one child. The Tempest is on 15 February, The Merchant of Venice on 22 February.

CHARLIE AND LOLA’S BESTEST PLAY 19-22 February, FAIRFIELD, Park Lane, Croydon CR9 1DG, 020 8688 9291, www.fairfield.co.uk Will Charlie ever get Lola to sleep, even though she is not sleepy and will not go to bed? It won’t be easy - the Tigers want their bedtime milk, the Dancing Dogs have borrowed Lola’s pyjamas and Lola thinks there is an ogre hiding in the wardrobe! Based on the much loved books by Lauren Child and the ever-popular animated series on CBeebies, the stage shows use a mix of puppetry, visual effects and audience interaction to bring the adventures of Charlie and Lola to life.

TALES FROM THE SHED 24 January - 22 March, CHICKEN SHED, Chase Side, Southgate N14 4PE, 020 8292 9222, www.chickenshed.org.uk Chicken Shed Theatre produce entertaining, interactive theatre shows that are perfect for young children. Informal, lively and amazingly engaging, the performers and audience share the same space children are always encouraged to make a lot of noise and to make the story happen.0-7yrs. EMERGING WRITERS’ WEEK, 19-22 February. A fascinating and exciting platform for new work has been nurtured within the Chickenshed Writers’ Group. Reflecting the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the creators, the week will showcase an array of work from new writers new pieces from those with more experience.

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CHARLIE AND LOLA

THE GRUFFALO

COMEDY 4 KIDS

THE GRUFFALO

COMEDY 4 KIDS

MATILDA THE MUSICAL

Until 12 January 2014, LYRIC THEATRE, Shaftsbury Avenue, 0844 412 4661, www.gruffalolive.com Join Mouse on an adventurous journey through the deep, dark wood in Tall Stories’ magical, musical adaptation of The Gruffalo, based the award-winning picture book by Children’s Laureate Julia Donaldson MBE and Axel Scheffler. Meet a wheeler-dealer Fox, an eccentric old Owl and a maraca-shaking, party-mad Snake! Mouse can scare these hungry animals away with tall stories of the terrifying Gruffalo, but what happens when he comes face to face with the very creature he imagined? Expect songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged 3+ and their grown-ups, in a show that’s toured around Britain and the world. Let your imagination run wild! Tickets from £14.

11+25 January, 8 February, 8 + 22 March, 5 + 19 April, SOHO THEATRE, 21 Dean Street W1D 3NE, 020 7478 0100, www.comedyclub4kids.co.uk The best stand-ups and sketch acts from the international circuit doing their thing for an audience of children and their families - but without the rude bits! It’s just like a normal comedy club, but it’s on in the day, kids are allowed in, and thus there is a higher than usual chance of heckles like “why is that your face!?” 12.30-1.30pm, suitable for ages 6+, tickets £10 each or £30 for four.

Until December 2014, CAMBRIDGE THEATRE, Earlham Street, WC2H 9HU, 0844 412 4652, www.matildathemusical.com

POLKA THEATRE

Until 1 February, DUCHESS THEATRE, Catherine Street WC2B 5LA, 0845 505 8500, www.duchesstheatre.co.uk

FAMILY SHOWS AT THE ALBANY THE ALBANY, Douglas Way, Deptford SE8 4AG, 020 8692 4446, www.thealbany.org.uk All tickets £7 or £24 for a family unless otherwise stated. DISCO KIDS, 2 February. The under 7s boogie wonderland is back, with a Chinese New Year theme. Single tickets £6, family tickets £20. HEY PRESTO! 16 February. Presto the cat, is a very talented magician, so when he and his best friend Monty, the dog, join a funfair and start a magic show things look good for the duo. But fame goes to Monty’s head and soon Presto loses his friend and the show! Will true friendship prevail? Is there a touch of magic in the air? A heart-warming tale of aspiration, friendship, adventure and a little bit of mischief accompanied by catchy songs, this is the perfect treat for anyone aged 3 and up. FIRESIDE TALES WITH GRANDDAD, 20+21 February. Cuddle up around the campfire as Granddad recalls a daring escape from a hungry shark. Tuck into a marshmallow or two as he attempts to make a new set of underpants for a giant. And watch as the shadows between the trees unravel a tale of greedy goblins, grumpy trolls, sneaky princes and a very unusual princess. Exquisite puppets, captivating storytelling and beautiful shadow puppetry combine to create an enchanting show guaranteed to spark the imagination of everyone from 4 - 104.

Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl and original songs by Tim Minchin, Matilda is the captivating musical masterpiece from the Royal Shakespeare Company that revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination and the inspiring story of a girl who dares to change her destiny.

THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS POLKA THEATRE, 240 Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB, 020 8543 4888, www.polkatheatre.com ALICE’S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND, Until 15 February 2014. When Alice falls down a mysterious rabbit hole she stumbles upon a magical fantasy world where anything can happen. A 21st Century spin on the much-loved children’s classic, Lewis Carroll’s charming characters spring to life in an enchanting show full of music, madness and mystery. Take tea with the Mad Hatter, meet the White Rabbit, grin with the Cheshire Cat and play croquet with the Queen of Hearts in ad adventure that’s bursting with laughter, imagination, original songs and stunning staging. Tickets from £11. GORILLA, until 15 February 2014. When Hannah’s toy gorilla comes to life, dressed in her father’s coat and hat, they embark on a thrilling, moonlit adventure. Meet the world’s friendliest gorilla this winter in an adaptation of the classic award-winning picture book by former Children’s Laureate Anthony Browne, brought to life with puppetry, music and a giant sprinkling of Polka magic. Ages 1-5, tickets from £8. UGLY DUCKLING, 19-22 February. Funky feathers is feeling low. Can Major Mustard cheer him up? In this lively version of Hans Christian Anderson’s popular story, Major Mustard combines puppetry, music and storytelling to give a new flavour to a well-known tale. For ages 3–6, 11.05am and 2.35pm, tickets from £8.

Will Tuckett’s production brings all the magic of Kenneth Grahame’s classic tale to the stage. Tickets from £15.

CIRQUE DE SOLEIL - QUIDAM 4 January - 16 February, ROYAL ALBERT HALL, Kensington Gore SW7 2AP, 0845 401 5034, www.royalalberthall.com A dazzling show that contains all the elements Cirque de Soleil is famous for: astonishing acrobatics, awe-inspiring aerial acts, unique lighting and an elaborate set design. Tickets from £16.

THE MERCHANTS OF BOLLYWOOD 28 January - 15 February, PEACOCK THEATRE, Portugal Street WC2A 2HT, 0844 871 0091, www.sadlerswells.com After more than 1000 performancesthe glamour and glitter of Bollywood is back! A theatrical dance extravaganza, it charts the enchanting history of the world’s largest and most prolific film industry, and the dynasty of stars that have lit its way over generations. Tickets from £18.

g n i r p S rnrm g e T ollin e w no

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january february 2014 - families south east

ALICE AT THE POLKA

BEYOND EL DORADO

GEFFRYE MUSEUM

GEORGIANS REVEALED

MoreWhat’sOn

Until 11 March, BRITISH LIBRARY, 96 Euston Road NW1 2DB, 0843 2081 144, www.bl.uk/whatson/events Tasteful and polite, or riotous and pleasure-obsessed? Discover the Georgians as they really were, through the objects that tell the stories of their lives. Under 18s free, £10 adults.

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BLAZE 18 February - 8 March, PEACOCK THEATRE, Portugal Street WC2A 2HT, 0844 871 0091, www.sadlerswells.com The international street dance craze returns with 16 incredible dancers ready to pop, lock and breakdance their way around the city and on stage. Tickets from £12.

STOMP Until December 2014, AMBASSADORS THEATRE, West Street WC2H 9ND, 08448 112 334, www.stomplondon.com Celebrating its 10th sensational year in London, Stomp is now fresher, faster and funnier than ever before.3pm and 8pm, tickets from £26.

I CAN’T SING! THE X FACTOR MUSICAL

CHURCHILL WAR ROOMS CHURCHILL WAR ROOMS, Clive Steps, King Charles Street SW1A, www.iwm.org.uk The Churchill War Rooms were originally the Cabinet War Rooms, created in 1938 as underground storage areas for the Office of Works Building in Whitehall. They were soon converted to house the central core of government and to become a temporary military information centre serving the Prime Minister and the Chiefs of Staff of the air, naval and land forces. Visitors can hear the first-hand personal accounts of those who worked in the Cabinet War Rooms during the war. Learn what life and conditions were like underground and experiencing the authenticity and emotional resonance of walking through the corridors where Churchill made history. Open 9.30am-6pm, admission free for under 16s, £15.95 adults.

From 27 February, LONDON PALLADIUM, 8 Argyle Street W1F 7TF, 0844 811 0058, www.icantsingthemusical.com/ Irreverent, mischievous and strangely touching,I Can’t Sing!is the irrepressible new musical comedy hitting the London Palladium. Go behind the microphones and under the judges’ desks at the biggest show on earth, asI Can’t Sing!exposes the (allegedly) true story behind The X Factor - a gloriously twisted tale of naked ambition, heartache, hunchbacks and a talking dog. Age 5+. Tickets from £20, discounts for groups of six or more.

Events & Attactions LONDON MODEL ENGINEERING EXHIBITION 17-19 January, ALEXANDRA PALACE, Alexandra Palace Way N22 7AY, 01926 614 101, www.londonmodelengineering.co.uk Regarded as one of the most prestigious and largest modelling exhibitions in the UK, the LMEE blends the full spectrum of modelling from traditional model engineering, steam locomotives and traction engines through to the more modern gadgets and boys’ toys including trucks, boats, aeroplanes and helicopters. Visitors can travel between the show’s different zones, trying the hands-on activities and watching fascinating technical demonstrations. Open 10am-5pm Friday, and Saturday; to 4.30pm Sunday. Tickets from £4.50 children, £9 adults.

FAMILY EVENTS AT THE HORNIMAN HORNIMAN MUSEUM and gardens, 100 London Road, Forest Hill SE23, 020 8699 1872, www.horniman.ac.uk Museum open 10.30am-5.30pm daily, general admission free, charges apply for special exhibitions and the aquarium. The museum’s music gallery and hands-on base, regular weekend and holiday drop-ins and workshops allow family visitors to explore the collection through arts and crafts, music, stories and hands-on sessions. All this within 16 acres of beautiful green space which has the oldest nature trail in London. BIG GARDEN BIRDWATCH, 25 January. It’s Big garden Birdwatch weekend! Take part in the world’s biggest birdwatch and join in activities all about garden birds. 11am-3pm, free, everyone welcome. EXTREMES, 15 February - 2 November. Calling all explorers. Go on an expedition to see how animals and plants survive in extreme heat, cold, dryness and constant darkness or with little oxygen, in the museum’s new family-friendly exhibition. Book tickets first. HALF TERM FAMILY ART FUN, 17-21 February. Join free and fabulous craft activities inspired by creatures in the new Extremes exhibition. From Monday to Thursday you can make running ostrich puppets, and on Thursday and Friday, pipistrelle bat headdresses. Ages 3+.

IMAGINE CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL 10-23 February, SOUTHBANK CENTRE, Belvedere Road SE1 8XX, 0844 875 0073, www.southbankcentre.co.uk This year’s Imagine Children’s Festival is all about the children taking over! Southbank Centre is being transformed BY children FOR children, as well as hosting the top names in children’s literature, dance, theatre and art. Enjoy free activities throughout the festival or just take in the atmosphere as children run the show.

TRANSPORT MUSEUM EVENTS LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM, 39 Wellington Street, Covent Garden WC2E 7BB, 020 7379 6433, www.ltmuseum.co.uk Museum open 10am-6pm Mondays to Thursdays and weekends, from 11am Fridays. Admission free for under 16s, £15 adults. Tickets are valid for 12 months’ unlimited admission. ALL ABOARD! Let your under 6 ‘drive’ a scaled-down bus, train, tube or taxi , complete with passengers. They can also take control of the transport system, moving buses and trains around the museum’s miniature London.

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

FAMILY STATION, weekends and school holidays. Pick up a free coin bag and choose some activities to do as you explore the Museum. Whether you fold your own bus and drive it between the vehicles, design your own poster-postcards or take photos through flickr frames, there is something here for families with children of all ages.

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM, Cromwell Road SW7 5BD, 020 7942 5000, www.nhm.ac.uk Dinosaurs, volcanoes, precious gems and creepy crawlies - discover the diversity of the natural world through the nation’s finest collection of natural history specimens. Fascinating exhibitions display up to 70 million plants, animals, fossils, rocks and minerals, with a hands-on education centre where you can meet real scientists at work. Museum open 10am-5.50pm, admission free. NIGHT SAFARI, 14 February. There’s no need to go to Africa for your safari fix - come face to face with nature’s weird and wonderful creatures in an exclusive evening tour. Discover some of nature’s most fascinating specimens in the mysterious setting of the Museum at night.7-10pm, £28. ONE MILLION YEARS OF THE HUMAN STORY, From 13 February. What was Britain like when the first humans arrived on its shores? Travel back in time nearly one million years to uncover what life was really like for our ancient relatives. £4.50 children, £9 adults.

WHERE’S WALLY FUN RUN 16 March, VICTORIA PARK, Cambridge Heath Road, London E2 0ET, www.literacytrust.org.uk The National Literacy Trust is looking for participants to join a Where’s Wally fun run and help the trust continue their work with children and families in disadvantaged areas, improving their literacy and giving them better opportunities. The event is open to everyone aged 8 and over, and there will be activities and games for under 8s. Entry costs £20 for adults, £10 per child and includes an official Where’s Wally costume.

BEYOND EL DORADO: POWER AND GOLD

CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS

Until 23 March 2014, BRITISH MUSEUM, Great Russell Street WC1B 3DG, 020 7323 8181, www.britishmuseum.org In ancient Colombia, gold was used to fashion some of the most visually dramatic and sophisticated works of art found anywhere in the Americas before European contact. This exhibition will feature over 300 exquisite objects drawn from the Museo del Oro in Bogot·, one of the best and most extensive collections of Pre-Hispanic gold in the world, as well as from the British Museum’s own unique collections. The exhibition explores the complex network of societies in ancient Colombia - a hidden world of distinct and vibrant cultures spanning 1600 BC to AD 1700. Open 10am-5.30pm Saturdays to Thursdays, 10am-8.30pm Fridays. Admission £10.

31 January, VARIOUS VENUES, www.visitlondon.com London’s Chinese New Year celebrations are the largest outside Asia. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people descend on the West End to wish each other “Kung Hei Fat Choi” (or Happy New Year). Chinese New Year festivities in London usually include a spectacular visual parade through the West End featuring Chinese dragon costumes, a lion dance, food and craft stalls, live performances and a fireworks display.

HMS BELFAST

BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM, Threadneedle Street, London EC2R, 020 7601 5545, www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum The Bank of England Museum tells the story of the Bank of England from its foundation in 1694 to its role today as the UK’s central bank. Examine intricately-designed banknotes, feel the weight of a genuine gold bar and see the pikes and muskets that were once used to defend the Bank. Children’s activity sheets provide fun for younger visitors. Open 10am5pm Mondays to Fridays, admission free.

GEFFRYE MUSEUM EVENTS GEFFRYE MUSEUM, Kingsland Road E2 8EA, 020 7739 9893, www.geffrye-museum.org.uk Special workshops and quizzes inspire creativity and provide amusement for accompanied 5-11 year-olds on the first Saturday of each month and during school holidays. Places allocated 30 minutes in advance of each workshop. Museum open 10am-5pm Tuesdays to Saturdays, from noon Sundays. AMAZING ANIMALS, 18-21 February. A week of creative and fun craft activities surrounded by museum exhibits. Be inspired by animal patterns on objects, pets in paintings or creatures that lived in the building. Create pet ornaments from clay and make animal puppets, paint portraits and more.

families south east - january february 2014

On the THAMES by Morgans Lane, Tooley Street SE1 2JH, www.iwm.org.uk Discover the exciting stories of those who served HMS Belfast; exploring the nine decks where sailors once hurried up and down its ladders, or take a look at the mess desk where her 950-strong crew ate and slept. Open 10am-5pm, admission free for under 16s, £15.50 adults. HISTORY IN YOUR HANDS, 18-19 January. Ordinance Officer John Harrison was busy working when an Arctic wave overwhelmed the ship. Learn about his incredible story of survival, and hear other stories as you examine authentic naval objects from IWM’s collections, and find out more about how to conserve them. 11am-12.30pm and 2-4pm. CRACKING CODES, 15-22 February. Have you ever wanted to decipher secret messages? Join in a family activity where you can intercept messages, map hazards on our sea chart and even make up your own secret code. 11am-12.30pm and 2-4pm. SLANG AT SEA, 8-9 March. Have a go at ‘Jack-speak,’ and learn the origin of navy slang and popular expressions from life at sea. Delve deeper to discover objects and stories of the crew on board HMS Belfast. 11am-1pm and 2-4pm GUN TURRET EXPERIENCE. Immerse yourself in the new Gun Turret Experience, a chance to see what fighting at sea would have really been like. Overlooking the front of the ship, or Fo’c’sle, is the forward most of HMS Belfast’s Triple Gun Turrets. Lights, audio, videos and projections will recreate the experience, highlighting the hectic and cramped conditions that would have seen twenty-six men in this confined space at any one time. Entry included in general admission price.

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CHURCHILL WAR ROOMS

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

HMS BELFAST

SCIENCE MUSEUM

CHILDREN AT THE V&A

ROYAL MUSEUMS GREENWICH

SCIENCE MUSEUM, Exhibition Road SW7 2DD, 0870 870 4868, www.sciencemuseum.org.uk Aiming to be the best place in the world for people to enjoy science, the Science Museum makes sense of the science that shapes our lives, sparking curiosity, releasing creativity and changing the future by engaging people of all generations and backgrounds in science, engineering, medicine, technology, design and enterprise. Open daily 10am-6pm except 24-26 December. LAUNCHPAD SCIENCE SHOWS. The largest free interactive science gallery in the UK is packed with exhibits which allow visitors to launch a rocket, turn their head into a sound box and control a magnetic cloud. Ages 8-14, free. WHO AM I? Find out what makes you special through interactive activities which use the latest in brain science and genetics. Free.

V&A MUSEUM, Cromwell Road SW7 2RL, 020 7942 2000, www.vam.ac.uk/families During any visit, families can pick up a trail from the Information Desk and explore the museum through puzzles, drawing and observation. Suitable for 7-12 year-olds. There are also hundreds of exciting hands-on exhibits containing plenty to touch and try out. Museum open 10am5.45pm daily, admission free. FANTASY LANDSCAPE, 17-21 February. Create a sensory landscape for an imaginary computer game with artist Gayle Chong Kwan. Ages 5-12, £7.50 per child, book first. Saturday BACK-PACKS. Pick up a back pack and explore the museum with fantastic jigsaws, stories, puzzles and games. 10.30am-5pm.

National Maritime Museum, Queen’s House, Royal Observatory and Cutty Sark, Greenwich SE10, 020 8858 4422, www.rmg.co.uk

FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE MUSEUM

Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green E2 9PA, 020 8983 5200, www.museumofchildhood.org.uk This gem of a museum is fascinating for families with young children. The collection includes dolls, dolls’ houses, puppets, teddy bears, games, childcare, clothing, furniture and art and photography. Everyday drop-in activities include storytelling, arts and crafts, and trails. There’s dressing-up, role play and an under 3’s area, an indoor sandpit, and regular special events. If it’s sunny there’s an outdoor space to enjoy a picnic. Open 10am-5.45pm daily, admission free. STORYTELLING, 8 February. The Story Spinner team will be in the Museum telling their favourite children’s stories. Come along and bring your favourite books to share too. 11am-2pm, ages 3-8, free drop-in. CHILDREN’S BOOKSWAP, 15 February. Are you done with your old children’s books? Is it time for a new tale? Take a book to the museum and swap it for someone else’s recommended read. There will also be storytelling at 10.30am and 12noon, and a book cover design workshop from 2-4pm. PLAY IN A DAY, 17-21 February. To mark the 100th anniversary of the First World War, storyteller Bill Dawson leads workshops exploring ‘the war to end all wars’. Write, rehearse and perform a play based on the life of a soldier. Bring a packed lunch and dress for mess. Families are invited to watch the performance at 3.30pm. 10.30-3.30pm, £25 per day. IT CAME FROM OUTER SPACE, 17-21 February. Set X-ray blasters to stun. Enjoy stories, games and art inspired by science fiction. Test your knowledge at the Space Cadet Training Station. Disguise yourself as a space alien. Free, drop in for all ages, 11am-4pm.

FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE MUSEUM, 2 Lambeth Palace Road, South Bank, London SE1, 020 7620 0347, www.florence-nightingale.co.uk Uncover the lady behind the legend at the brand new Florence Nightingale Museum on London’s South Bank. The museum presents a vivid retelling of her story and how modern nursing began. The museum’s unparalleled collection features highlights such as Florence’s pet little owl Athena as well as her lamp and medicine chest from the Crimean War. Engaging interactive exhibits as well as regular contemporary art exhibitions enhance the experience, visitors even use stethoscopes to hear the audio tour. Admission £4.80 child, £5.80 adults, £16 families.

NATIONAL ARMY MUSEUM NATIONAL ARMY MUSEUM, Royal Hospital Road SW3 4HT, 020 7881 6606, www.nam.ac.uk The history of British land forces from 1485 to the present day, with costumes, paintings, artefacts and special displays telling the stories of men and women who served in British armies across the globe. Open 10am-5.30pm daily, admission free. CAPTAIN CLEAN, 15-22 February. You have been thrilled by the Avengers, gazed in awe at the X-Men, now meet Captain Clean, the Museum’s own mighty champion as he battles the forces of decay and defends the precious collection. Suitable for ages 5-11. ACTION ZONES. Learn about life as a Victorian soldier or World War evacuee through quizzes, games and hands-on activities. KIDS’ ZONE. Under 8s can enjoy an exciting soft play area.

V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD

IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM: TEMPORARY CLOSURE

MUSEUM OF LONDON MUSEUM OF LONDON DOCKLANDS, West India Quay E14, 020 7001 9844, www.museumoflondon.org.uk/docklands, and MUSEUM OF LONDON, London Wall EC2Y 5HN, 020 7001 9844, www.museumoflondon.org.uk Open daily 10am-6pm, admission free. Regular programmes of weekend and holiday events and workshops help visitors find out more about London’s history, covering events such as the Great Plague, Londoners’ jobs and occupations, and Roman life.

IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM, Lambeth Road, London SE1, 020 7416 5000, www.iwm.org.uk IWM London is transforming. Brand new, ground-breaking First World War Galleries are being built alongside a new central atrium space with large object displays and new shops and cafes. The museum will temporarily close from 6 January - July 2014, when a transformed IWM London will open to the public, ready for the First World War centenary commemorations.

The springboard to confidence for your child

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DISCOVER SUNDAYS. Be inspired by the museum’s galleries and take part in free design, craft, illustration and music workshops designed for families. Suitable for all ages. 11.30am-1.30pm and 2-5pm, free. CHINESE NEW YEAR, 15 February. Celebrate the Chinese New Year of the Horse with a day of workshops, performances and a traditional lion dance. Come along with all the family and discover more about how trade by sea brought people and cultural celebrations from Asia to Britain. 11am-4pm. FROM CHINA TO BRITAIN, 17-21 February. Discover how our long history of trade with China brought ideas, cultures and people across the seas. Enjoy a rich cargo of exciting activities exploring theTradersgallery and the Museum’s spectacular Chinese New Year celebrations. 11am1.30pm, 2-4pm. THE EXTRAORDINARY STORY OF TEA, 18-20 February. Discover the story behind how the humble cup of tea came to Britain, and vote for the side you think was right. An interactive history-telling session withYellow Earth Theatre. Ages 7+ 11.30am, 1.30pm, 3.30pm.

DISCOVER GREENWICH OLD ROYAL NAVAL COLLEGE (next to the Cutty Sark), Greenwich SE10, www.greenwichwhs.org.uk Unlock the history of Maritime Greenwich, through artefacts, artwork, film and stories of former lives to bring the past to life. A permanent exhibition takes visitors on a journey from the College’s Tudor beginnings, through its naval past, as the Royal Hospital for Seamen and Royal Navy Staff College, right up to the present day. Special objects, including personal items from Henry VIII’s palace, as well as fascinating stories from monarchs, admirals and architects help chart the historic town’s development. Activities for children and families play a significant part in the new destination, enabling families to maximise their visit to Maritime Greenwich and for children to explore and understand the history of the magnificent site.

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For more information please call Julia on: 020 8464 4433 julia.forrest@tumbletots.com Classes in: Battersea, Clapham, Dulwich, Blackheath www.tumbletots.com/dulwich

EXPLORE SATURDAYS. Meet a character from the past and take part in an exciting performance that brings maritime history to life. Suitable for ages 6+. Noon, 1, 2 and 3pm start, free.

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• Exciting physical play programme • Specially designed equipment • Supervised by trained staff • Develops a child’s confidence, balance and co-ordination • First steps to an active life • Great fun! • Parties available

Royal Museums Greenwich holds the world’s largest maritime collection. It is housed in historic buildings forming part of the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site and incorporates the Royal Observatory Greenwich, the 17th-century Queen’s House, and Cutty Sark. The Museums works to illustrate for everyone the importance of the sea, ships, time and the stars and their relationship with people, and is also a major centre of education and research. Open 10am-5pm daily. General admission is free; some buildings, special exhibitions and events have an admission fee.

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020 8658 9975 www.lancasters.co.uk january february 2014 - families south east

NATIONAL ARMY MUSEUM

MUSEUM OF LONDON

MoreWhat’sOn THE NATIONAL GALLERY

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CUTTY SARK CUTTY SARK, King William Walk, Greenwich SE10 9HT, 020 8858 2698, www.rmg.co.uk/cuttysark The world famous 19th century tea clipper offers visitors four levels to explore. Take in the views from the main deck and steer at the ship’s wheel, meet the crew who worked on board, explore the various cargoes

MIGRATION VS HIBERNATION, 15-23 February, To migrate or hibernate, that is the question.Animals have different ways of surviving the winter.Squirrels store food to eat in the lean times, and some sleep through the coldest months.And some birds leave the country during winter to survive.Join in the sand martin challenge to find out what obstacles these tiny birds face on their return journey from Africa.

from wool to whiskey, and see how tea was loaded on board through interactive displays, props, information boards and animations. Family friendly events run at weekends and during school holidays. Open 10am-5pm Tuesdays to Sundays, admission £6.50 children, £12 adults, from £20 families. Bundled tickets are available with the other Royal Museum Greenwich attractions.

FULHAM PALACE Bishops Avenue, Fulham SW6 6EA, 020 7736 3233, www.fulhampalace.org RSPB BIG GARDEN BIRD WATCH, 26 January. Help staff count the birds that visit their gardens for the Big Garden Bird Watch. Free YOUNG WILDLIFE DETECTIVES WORKSHOP, 18 February. Discover the wildlife at Fulham Palace and Bishop’s Park, and how the animals and birds go about their daily life. What does that centipede eat? Where does that parakeet sleep? How do those bees find pollen and nectar? Discover, explore, play games and create art to reveal a fascinating world of wildlife.Ages 8-12, £15. FAMILY FUN DAY, 19 February. A day of family fun including crafts, drama and dressing up. 10am-3pm, free.

The Great Outdoors BROCKWELL PARK COMMUNITY GREENHOUSES BROCKWELL PARK, Herne Hill SE24 9BJ, 07427 685714, www.brockwellgreenhouses.org.uk PRE-SCHOOLERS’ GRUFFALO DAY, 15 January. A day of tracks to follow and logpile houses to visit with some foxy craft activities inspired by everyone’s favourite picturebook. Free drop-in event, 10.30-11.30am BIG GARDEN BIRDWATCH, 25 January. Don’t have a garden or fancy some company in your birdwatching activities? Join in with the RSPB’s annual survey of garden birds by helping count the number of species appearing in the garden over the course of the hour. 10-11am. NATURE EXPLORERS, 1 February. A regular monthly nature club for young people aged 7-12 years. £2 per child, 10am-12noon. CHINESE NEW YEAR, 2 February. Celebrate the Year of the Horse by making a decorated origami fan or a paper kite. Free, drop-in event, 10.30am-12.30pm. HALF TERM CRAFTS, 15, 17 + 19 February. Be inspired by the Greenhouse surroundings to take part in green-fingered crafts.

CANARY WHARF ICE RINK Until 16 February 2014, CANARY WHARF, Canada Square E15 5NY, 0844 847 1556, www.canarywharf.com If you missed out on Christmas skating, the Canary Wharf rink is still open, leading skaters on a glittering trail through fairy-lit trees to add to the excitement. Open 10am to late every day, tickets £9 children, £13.50 adults.

CHELSEA PHYSIC GARDEN 66 Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea SW3 4HS, 020 7352 5646, www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk

CHOCOLATE TUESDAY, 18 February. Look into the history and science of chocolate and celebrate the special substance. There will be craft activities, a garden tour, chocolate tasting and the chance to create your own mixtures to take home. Ages 7+, 10.3pam-2.30pm. CREEPY CRAWLING, 19 February. Discover the diverse world of animals with a hissing cockroach, giant millipede, corn snake, giant African snail and Mr. Jelly Belly the tree frog. Hold them if you dare. Ages 4+, 10.30am-12pm or 1-2.30pm. LOTIONS & POTIONS, 20 February. Find out something of the history of medicine and the amazing power of plants. Discover how tomake some of your own ointments, syrups and scented bags to take away as well as your own mini medicinal garden. Ages 7+, 10.30am-2.30pm.

ROAST AND ROAM SUNDAYS 12, 19 and 26 January plus 2 February, BODIAM CASTLE, Robertsbridge, E Sussex TN32 5UA, 01580 830196 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bodiam-castle Wrap up in your warmest layers and enjoy a guided walk around the castle followed by a hearty two course lunch in the tearoom. £10 children, £25 adults.

BUTTERFLIES IN THE GLASSHOUSE 18 January - 9 March, RHS GARDEN WISLEY, Woking, Surrey GU23 6QB, 0845 260 9000, www.rhs.org.uk/wisley Hundreds of exotic butterflies will be released into the Glasshouse at RHS Garden Wisley to create a tropical paradise this winter. Visitors will also be able to watch butterflies feeding at special feeding stations, and learn about the life cycle of butterflies with their puparium. Children can help create a giant butterfly willow sculpture on Sat 18 and Sun 19 January.

JUST JESTING 15-23 February, LEEDS CASTLE, Maidstone, Kent ME17 1PL, 01622 765400, www.leeds-castle.com A week of merriment with Peterkin the Fool. Join in with acrobatics, stilts, daily fire breathing shows and learn the art of serious silliness at the Fool School. Suitable for all ages.

BROOKLANDS MUSEUM

LONDON WETLANDS CENTRE

17-21 February, BROOKLANDS MUSEUM, Brooklands Road, Weybridge KT13 0QN, 01932 857 381, www.brooklandsmuseum.com Take a trip in a vintage-style car up Test Hill or along the Members’ Banking of the old Race Track. Bertie bear will be making guest appearances and there will be family activities all week. 11am-12.30pm and 1.30-3pm.

LONDON WETLANDS CENTRE, Queen Elizabeth Walk, Barnes SW13 9WT, 020 8409 4400, www.wwt.org.uk CRANEBERRY FEST, until 26 January. What do cranes and craneberries have in common. Follow a trail to find out, and make crafts to take home.

Art Activities FAMILY ARTS IN DULWICH

THE WALLACE COLLECTION

SOMERSET HOUSE FAMILY EVENTS

DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY, Gallery Road, Dulwich Village SE21 7AD, 020 8693 5254, www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk Museum open 10am-5pm Tuesdays to Fridays, from 11am weekends and bank holidays. Listed activities free for families with a gallery ticket or £3 per child. ARTPLAY, first and last Sunday of each month. Creative drop-in workshops for adults and children, with a different activity each session. Make anything and everything from bunting to block printing and all things in between. 2-3.45pm. FUN WITH FIBRES, 18-21 February. Explore the world of wool and learn to create beautiful art pieces using a range of different textiles, with processes including felt-making, finger knitting and textile sculpture. With artist Erica Parrett, Ages 6-8 and 9-12, £18 per child, book first.

THE WALLACE COLLECTION, Hertford House, Manchester Square W1U 3BN, 020 7563 9500, www.wallacecollection.org The Wallace Collection displays wonderful works of art collected in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries by the first four Marquesses of Hertford and Sir Richard Wallace, the son of the 4th Marquess, in their main London townhouse. Family multi-media tours and trails bring the exhibits to life for younger visitors. Open 10am-5pm daily, admission free. TULIPMANIA, 18 February. Discover the legend of the most expensive flower in the garden: a flower so beautiful that sailors crossed oceans to find and merchants swapped their fortunes for just a single bulb.Free, no need to book, ages 3+, 11am-12pm and 2-3pm. POP-UP FURNITURE, 20 February. Celebrate Open Furniture February by designing your own pop-up furniture from the Wallace Collection. Leave the workshop with your own 3D paper project.Free, drop-in, ages 6+, 10.30am-12.15pm and 2-3.45pm. EXPLORING PATTERN, 21 February. Inspired by textures and patterns found in The Wallace Collection, come and learn embossing techniques on soft metal foil, to create your very own artwork to take away. Ages 7+, 10.30am-12.30pm or 2-4pm, £7.

SOMERSET HOUSE, Strand WC2, 020 7845 4600, www.somersethouse.org.uk Free family workshops run on Saturdays from 2-3.30pm. Tickets available from 1pm from the information desk. Children aged 6-12 years must be accompanied by an adult.

ART AT SIR JOHN SOANE’S HOUSE SIR JOHN SOANE’S MUSEUM, 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields WC2A 3PB, 020 7440 4263, www.soane.org Tucked away in Lincoln’s Inn Fields at the heart of London, this magical, mysterious museum encourages young visitors to explore Soane’s treasures and develop new skills with specialist guidance. Sir John Soane (1753- 1737) was an inveterate collector, filling every nook and cranny of his beautiful home with items that fascinated him. From fossils to classical fragments from Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome and from contemporary paintings to architectural models, drawings and literature, he intended that after his death both his house and its extraordinary contents should be used to educate and inspire. Free drop-in activities run on the third Saturday of every month, with activities for all ages and families can take part together from 1.30-4.40pm.

JEWISH MUSEUM EVENTS JEWISH MUSEUM, Raymond Burton House, 129-131 Albert Street, Camden Town NW1 7NB, 020 7284 7324, www.jewishmuseum.org.uk The museum houses internationally acclaimed collections where visitors can explore Jewish culture, heritage and identity within the wider context of British history. Open 10am-5pm daily, Fridays to 2pm. Admission £3.50 children, £7.50 adults, £18 families.

families south east - january february 2014

THE NATIONAL GALLERY TRAFALGAR SQUARE WC2N 5DN, 020 7747 2885, www.nationalgallery.org.uk Open daily 10am-6pm, Fridays to 9pm, admission free. With over 2,300 paintings in the collection, there are hundreds of reasons to visit the gallery, along with free hands-on art workshops for families at weekends and during school holidays. No need to book, but places are limited and allocated on arrival up to one hour before the start.

FAMILIES AT THE TATE TATE BRITAIN, Millbank SW1, 020 7887 8888, www.tate.org.uk/britain Open daily 10am-5.50pm, and until 10pm the first Friday of the month. Family trails are available daily from the Information Desks and are free for 5yrs and under. Go on a journey around Tate Britain and post your discoveries into your ‘Post it’ box as you go. When you get home, open up the box and show your friends what you found. Or you could follow the ‘Join up’ trail: play the listening game, search for shapes, patterns and talking hands, and make your own sculptures. Every weekend the free Art Trolley encourages children to imagine and create, make colourful collages, style a wonderful sculpture or perhaps make a sketchbook and fill it with great ideas.

familiesse.co.uk

Education News

New year’s resolutions for all the family By Gabrielle Starkey

This year, resolve to make one or more small changes that will bring your family together and give you a stronger, more positive outlook as a group. Here are a few of our favourites:

problems. Anger only breeds resentment, which can lead to long-term family rifts - talking, in contrast, leads to better understanding and closer families.

Eat together

Focus on the positive

There are so many proven benefits of eating a regular family meal together, from better manners to happier kids. Turn off the TV and mobile phones and concentrate on talking, laughing and sharing even if it’s only once a week, for Sunday lunch.

Resolve to look on the bright side in 2014 - it’s better for you and sets a great example. Seeing the silver lining to every cloud helps people cope and doesn’t need to be unrealistic .

Family Games Night The humble board game has many benefits it brings the family together, it teaches sharing, counting and turn-taking, and most of all it’s fun! Wean the children off their screens for one night and get them around a table, and you should soon see an improvement in everyone’s mood.

Stop shouting! No one likes to be shouted at, and no one likes to live in an angry atmosphere, so make the change yourself. Resolve to keep your cool and talk out any

Get out in nature It’s been proven that playing and learning outdoors has profound benefits for children, but most of them don’t have the freedom that was taken for granted just a generation ago. Get outdoors as much as you can (why not join the National Trust and take advantage of their gorgeous grounds?), and improve your family’s health and wellbeing. You could even take a leaf out of the book of Tim and Kerry Meek, from Nottingham, who set their two daughters (aged 8 and 10) 100 challenges, such as canoeing down a river and sleeping under the stars. Their inspirational blog is at www.dotrythisathome.com

Take on a charity challenge Give any fitness goals a boost by getting the family involved in a team challenge for charity. Not sure what to do or who to support? Try www.charitychallenge.com/ or hit the ‘charity challenges’ tab at www.timeoutdoors.com/. The idea of raising money for a worthy cause will help you all pull together through the tough bits.

imagerymajestic@ freedigitalphotos.net

The secret behind keeping your New Year’s resolutions is not to aim too high - the more realistic and do-able the resolution, the easier it’ll be to keep it

Pledge to Play Put down the gadgets and pledge to spend more creative time with your family! Pledge 2 Play is a brand new campaign launched by directors of two creative kids’ brands, Aly Cranston and Jennifer Duthie (recently nominated as a Shell LiveWire finalist for ‘Entrepreneur of the year’). Aly from The Rainy Day Box Co and Jennifer from Skribbies came together through their shared passion of getting children back into more creative and traditional play with a little less gadgetry. This is now a message that is beginning to spread with their new campaign Pledge 2 Play. The campaign encourages grownups to put down the gadgets and provides creative support to help them pledge two hours a week to spend creatively with their little ones. In a world with an ever-increasing number of technological mediums, the balance between electronic and traditional play can get a little uneven. While there is a great place for learning through apps, computers and TV it is often an activity of solitude. Pledge 2 Play is all about encouraging parents to redress this balance and make a conscious effort to interact as a family in a creative way on a regular basis.

How does it work? •

Commit to a regular time each day or week to spend the two hours creatively with your kids; it could be 30 minutes every other day or two hours over the weekend

•

Turn off or place in another room all TVs, computers, tablets and phones

•

Engage with your child in a FUN activity (not homework). It could be going for a walk, cooking together, making things, drawing or story-telling.

What are the benefits? •

Children’s imagination and creativity can improve considerably from this time together

•

Little ones may use the time to open up about things that are on their mind

•

Family relationships can improve and become stronger

•

You could notice an improvement in behaviour.

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But I already do this That’s great, most families do engage in some traditional play. By joining the Pledge 2 Play you’re showing your support for this ethos and giving yourself that gentle reminder to spend more time together. Pledge 2 Play will send you creative ideas, tips and exclusive deals to assist you in spending quality play time with your children. In short: let’s up the creativity and spend more creative time together as a family with a little less gadgetry. To join the crusade and show your support simply sign up at http://signup.pledge2play.co.uk There’s also a Pledge 2 Play Facebook page.

january february 2014 - families south east

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