Issuu

EEHome FTRake Me IN THIS ISSUE

Education Clubs & classes What’s On

NLGS

Saturday 3rd October 2026

OPEN DAY

IN THIS ISSUE

NER 220022 IIN

2025 AWARDS

Co-educational, Independent school, from Reception aged 4 to 18 years

Rated Top Value-ForMoney Private School by

0208 205 0052

"NLGS pupils are ambitious for their learning and achievement" (ISI Inspection Report 2025)

admissions@northlondongrammar.com

Issue 174 September/October 2026 Familiesonline.co.uk

A Small School With A Big Heart!

Familiesonline.co.uk Families North West London

FOOD

Delicious AND nutritious lunch box ideas By Samantha Gnimavo

Research shows fewer than two percent of packed lunches meet School Food Standards* but it doesn’t have to be that way. Can lunch boxes can be delicious AND nutritious? Certainly - here’s how! Swap your usual spread for something with more flavour Trying new spreads introduces children to different flavours and sneaks in extra nutrients. Instead of butter or mayo, why not try houmous or pesto? Both add fibre and taste great. Small changes like this gradually broaden a child’s palate.

Don’t forget dairy Babybel® or small cheese chunks are easy, protein-rich additions. If packing yoghurt, check the sugar content: fruit yogurts can contain a surprising amount. A simple fix is stirring a little jam into plain yogurt instead.

Swap crisps for popcorn Crisps are a lunchbox staple but have you considered salted popcorn? Higher in fibre and lower in fat, it’s a simple, satisfying swap. It’s fun and easy to make at home or pick up small ready-made bags at most supermarkets. A small change, a big win!

Eat the rainbow

For a sweet treat, add a piece of seasonal fruit

Swap white bread for wholegrain or sourdough

Fruit is nature’s dessert. Regularly rotating one or two pieces exposes your child to a range of flavours. Seasonal fruit is usually cheaper too, so beyond the banana or apple standbys, try a pear, satsumas, apricots or berries. Variety is the spice of life!

Plain white bread is low in nutrients and digests quickly, leaving children hungry before the afternoon is over. Wholegrain and sourdough breads are far more nutritious and release energy slowly. It’s a simple swap that makes a real difference.

Pack an after-school snack The school day doesn’t end at lunch. An extra snack for home time satisfies afterschool hunger. Good options include a small handful of nuts or seeds (if the school allows), a cereal bar, rice cakes or a piece of fruit. A little goes a long way.

Insulated flasks and food jars keep food warm for hours so they work for colder weather lunchboxes. A warming bowl of last night’s leftover pasta, soup or stew is comforting, nutritious and reduces food waste.

*www.bit.ly/foodfoundationkids

2 Families North West London

Hitting five-a-day starts at lunchtime. Adding vegetables to a sandwich boosts fibre, vitamins and minerals, keeping energy levels steady all afternoon. Try salad leaves, tomatoes, cucumber, spinach, grated carrot or sliced bell peppers. Colourful and crunchy, let your child choose.

The more colours on a plate, the better. Fruit and vegetables all contain different vitamins, so variety really does matter. Challenge your child to spot every colour in their lunchbox. It turns healthy eating into a game and makes lunchtime more exciting.

Choose hot over cold

Samantha Gnimavo is owner of Happy Body (www.happy-body.co.uk), a women’s health and fertility nutritionist and NHSaccredited health coach.

Fresh fillings in sandwiches

Keep it simple: add a flask of water Staying hydrated is essential for concentration and overall health, yet it’s often overlooked in lunchboxes. A flask of water is all you need. Skip the squash, it adds unnecessary sugar. If your child isn’t keen on plain water, try adding a slice of lemon, a sprig of mint or swap to sparkling water.

Who doesn’t love a good dip? You can never have too many vegetables. Chop some carrots, cucumber and bell peppers, add a pot of houmous and you put fun and fibre into any lunchbox or after-school snack. Children who help prepare their food are also more likely to eat it.

Familiesonline.co.uk

CONTENTS

Letter from the editor

Editor Sana editor@familieslondonnw.co.uk 07342 191 852

Are you feeling ready to say goodbye to the long, lazy days of summer, or wishing the holidays could have gone on a little longer? Whether you’re looking forward to getting back into a routine or enjoying those final days of freedom, the start of a new school year always brings a mixture of excitement and anticipation.

Next issue: November/December Book by: 3 October Cover image: www.shutterstock.com

In this issue 2. 4. 9. 10. 12 13. 14.

Food Education Health Kids’ classes Autumn fun Family theatre What’s On

For children, starting a new term can mean new classrooms, new teachers, new friends and plenty of new experiences. It can take a little while to settle back into the rhythm of school or nursery, so in this issue we’ve brought together some helpful advice to make the transition as smooth as possible for the whole family. If you’re thinking ahead to choosing a school for 2027, we’ve included some useful tips to help you navigate the process and make the right choice for your child. We also take a look at the move from EYFS into Key Stage 1 and how you can support your child as they take this exciting next step.

This product is made of material from well-managed, FSC®certified forests and other controlled sources.

@FamiliesNWLon @Families_nwlondon_mag

And of course, there’s plenty to enjoy outside the classroom too! We’ve rounded up some ideas for family days out and things to do across North West London, giving you inspiration for weekends and autumn afternoons together. Plus, why not take part in our autumn nature challenge and encourage your little ones to get outdoors and discover what’s happening in the world around them? Before we know it, the evenings will be drawing in and Halloween will be just around the corner. Get into the spooky spirit with our fun glow-in-the-dark spider activity – perfect for some creative family time and a great way to start decorating for Halloween. Here’s to a happy, healthy and exciting new school year for all our North West London families!

Sana

Editor, Families North West London Families North West London is a franchise of Families Print Ltd of 75 Lisbon Avenue, Twickenham, TW2 5HL. Families is a registered trademark of Families Print Ltd. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. The contents of Families North West London are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families North West London. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine but the franchise owner and Families Print Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers, nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

Familiesonline.co.uk

Families North West London 3

EDUCATION

What to expect from the first weeks of term By Erin Miller

The first few weeks of the September term are often a bigger adjustment both for children and parents than they expect. Whether it is your child’s very first day at school, they are returning to school or they are beginning a new key stage, it helps to know what to expect during those early weeks. After the long summer holidays, some children are excited to return, while others may feel nervous, emotional or unsettled by the change in routine. While all of these reactions are completely normal, preparedness always helps. Expect a lot of communication If your child’s school is new to you, one of the most useful things you can do early on is familiarise yourself with how the school communicates with parents; whether through ParentMail, school apps, ClassDojo or email newsletters. The first few weeks usually involve lots of practical information about routines, homework, PE days, reading, clubs and trips. It can feel overwhelming at first but families and schools usually quickly settle into a rhythm. If you are unsure about something, don’t worry in silence, reach out to the school and ask; it’s likely other parents will be wondering the same thing! Expect routines and behaviour expectations to be prioritised over academics At the start of the school year, teachers often focus heavily on routines, relationships and behaviour expectations before moving fully into academic work. Children spend time practising everyday routines such as lining up, organising belongings, moving around the classroom and working with others.

You may also hear lots about class rules, rewards or school values during these first weeks, as teachers establish expectations for the year ahead. For younger children especially, schools also prioritise emotional wellbeing and helping children settle socially through activities such as circle time, PSHE and team-building tasks. So don’t worry if your child hasn’t actually mentioned what they are learning in the first week or so. Expect baseline assessments and early observations The first few weeks are also a time when teachers assess where children are academically after the summer break. There is often a dip in academic attainment, which is completely normal. Schools often carry out baseline assessments, reading checks, phonics activities or short maths tasks to identify strengths, gaps in learning and any children who may need additional support. For Reception children, this includes the statutory Reception Baseline Assessment (RBA), completed within the first six weeks of school. These assessments are informal and not something children need to prepare for. Erin Miller is a teacher with a keen interest in how research can be used in the classroom to improve learning.

Join the UK’s

Smart

MOST LOVED

learning tools

K++ 440000dK ren chil dren

tuition provider Maths & English

Centre & Online

chil ortedd ssuupppporte

Professional

tutors

Ages 4-16

explorelearning.co.uk

4 Families North West London

Familiesonline.co.uk

EDUCATION

Top tips for a successful Parents’ Evening By Angela Youngman Parents’ Evenings are not just part of school routine, they contribute greatly to your child’s education. A successful meeting will embed relationships between your family and your child’s school and maximise the positive impact on your child. These events are generally busy, with lots of other parents all keen to talk to teachers and get as much information as possible. So you will need to ensure your conversation with your child’s teacher covers everything you need to discuss. Remember it’s not just an opportunity to talk about academic strengths and weaknesses but also about your child’s emotional and social development. Getting to know your child’s teacher and building a positive relationship will make it easier to discuss issues in future. Be prepared Take a look at your child’s schoolwork. What have they been doing? What sort of marks are they receiving? Are there some subjects where they are consistently receiving high or low marks? Sit down with your child and ask what they think of their schoolwork. Do they like it? Is it enjoyable or fun? Which subjects do they like most? Which ones do they hate or struggle with? It is important to go prepared to Parents’ Evening with all the information at your fingertips. Be on time Timetables for Parents’ Evenings are very carefully organised. The teacher needs to talk to every parent within limited available time, so you may be allotted perhaps fifteen minutes maximum. It is important not to exceed this and to keep to the timetable as other parents will be waiting. If you need more time, ask for a follow up meeting to be arranged.

The meeting Be polite and friendly, don’t criticise. Being positive rather than negative in your approach will ensure a much more successful session. Taking notes is useful, for instance about ways in which you can help your child with their schoolwork. Use the meeting to alert the teacher to any problems or issues that might be affecting your child in some way - or may do at some point such as news of a new baby, moving house, illness, financial problems or the loss of a beloved pet. Follow up After Parents’ Evening, talk to your child about what you learned. Be positive, celebrate successes and explain how you and their teacher will work together to provide any extra support needed. Keep in touch with your child’s teacher to make sure that any agreed strategies are working. Angela Youngman is an author and freelance journalist.

Nursery

3 Months - 4 Years

Familiesonline.co.uk

Open Day Friday 3 July

Families North West London 5

EDUCATION

Choosing your child’s first school: a parents’ guide By Caroline Vickery-Clark September, for many families, marks a new beginning. For parents of children ages 3 to 4, it is time to choose their first school. While the task can feel overwhelming, if you focus on your child’s needs and take a step-by-step approach, you will be able to make an informed choice. Location If you are looking for a state school, begin by researching which schools are local to you as state schools will often consider proximity to the school when accepting pupils. Use your local authority website or the Department for Education website to create a shortlist. If you are considering an independent school, you will generally also be looking in your local area and The Good Schools Guide (www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk) is a helpful resource. Type In England, state schools are funded by the local authority or government and include academies, free schools, voluntary, community and foundation schools. Independent schools are fee paying schools, where families are responsible for funding education and additional activities. Reputation and information There is plenty of information available to help you compare schools. This includes school websites, performance data, attendance figures and contextual information about pupils. For state schools, Ofsted reports can also provide a useful insight into a state school’s overall effectiveness. Different areas of school life are graded and the ‘expected standard’ grade shows the school is working at a high standard.

For independent schools, The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) inspects schools that belong to associations under the Independent Schools Council. This covers the vast majority of traditional, mainstream private and prep schools. ISI uses descriptive judgements like ‘excellent’ or ‘good’ when evaluating a school. Bear in mind however, that each school is much more than a report. Parent views can also tell you much about a school. Shortlisting schools Use your initial research to shortlist around five schools to visit. This is the most important step in making choices. Open Events and school tours reveal the school ethos and culture. Where possible, take your child to Open Events and on school tours to see how they respond to the environment. Open Events Most schools hold Open Events during the autumn term. Expect presentations from teachers and the headteacher, as well as advice on preparing for school. A tour of the school offers the chance to see the facilities and meet pupils. If possible, try to visit during a normal school day; this allows you to see children engaged in learning and gauge whether they are happy and settled. You may have the chance to speak to current pupils which can be very helpful. Children give the most honest insight into daily school life. Staff and school life Teachers and support staff will play a key role in your child’s experience and the relationships between staff and pupils are often the clearest indicators of a school’s culture. Use Open Events to discover their approach to learning, parent partnerships and support for children’s individual needs.

A Small School with Big Ambitions

At North London Grammar School (NLGS), children from age four are encouraged to achieve their very best. As a through-school to 18, pupils enjoy a seamless educational journey within a close-knit community. In the Junior School, small classes and expert teaching combine purposeful learning with exploration and discovery. An ambitious curriculum nurtures curiosity and confidence, while specialist teachers in Art, Music and PE enrich children’s experiences. The 2025 ISI Inspection report recognised outstanding achievements across every area of the school’s provision, praising NLGS pupils as ‘confident and articulate communicators’. For the second consecutive year, The Telegraph has recognised NLGS as one of the UK’s top valuefor-money private schools. Junior fees are £5,895 per term and Senior fees £7,765 per term for 2026-27, inclusive of VAT. Register for the Open Day on Saturday 3 October, 10am–1pm, and discover NLGS: a small school with a big heart. www.northlondongrammar.com 6 Families North West London

Nowadays schools provide support for pupils’ wellbeing, known as ‘pastoral care.’ On your visit, ask about pastoral support, quiet spaces and approaches that help children feel safe and supported. Try to picture your child in the school environment - not just on their best day but when they may need extra reassurance. Practical considerations Schools may offer different forms of practical support for families including before and after school care, co-curricular clubs, holiday clubs, SEND support and wider enrichment opportunities. It is worthwhile considering how well each school would meet your own family’s needs into the future. Applications State school applications usually open in September and close in January, depending on your local authority. Applications are made online through your local council’s admissions system where you can list several preferences. It is recommended that you choose at least three options. Offers are typically made in April and families must then accept or decline their place. Appeals information is available through your local authority. Independent schools manage their own admissions processes directly, with timings and criteria on their websites. Caroline Vickery-Clark works at MET Academies (www.metacademies.org.uk), an inclusive multi-academy trust serving Herefordshire and Worcestershire, bringing schools together to provide safe, high-quality, community-focused education while celebrating each school’s unique identity. Familiesonline.co.uk

EDUCATION

A smooth transition from the EYFS to Year 1 By Michelle Elliott and Chloe Willis Now that your child has finished Reception and is settling into Year 1, you might notice some changes in expectations from their school, as well as changes in your child’s daily routine and (most likely) in their mood! Year 1 teaching naturally shifts from the mostly play-based approach of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) towards the more formal structure of the National Curriculum. While schools are experts in managing this phased progression, it can still be a tricky move for your child. The most noticeable change in the first few weeks will likely be the classroom itself. In Reception, your child will have been used to continuous provision, both indoors and outdoors, where they explored and learnt through play, alongside short adultled sessions such as phonics. In Year 1, tables and chairs are arranged for more focused, adult-led learning sessions, though many classrooms still allow for children to choose their own learning tasks at certain times of the school day. If your child is finding this change difficult, it might be worth talking to their teacher to get more of an idea about the classroom set up and daily routines. If your child is having problems settling during their first few weeks, the most important thing is to keep talking to them about the changes they are experiencing. Focus on supporting their independence, concentration and listening skills - the real foundations for a happy transition. Continue to build these skills at home through fun activities that require short bursts of attention, such as puzzles, colouring or enjoying a story together.

You can also support your child’s sense of responsibility by encouraging them to take on small, manageable tasks, like helping to pack their school bag or tidying their toys, which will really help them find their feet as they navigate these early days of Year 1. Remember to make time to truly listen to your child too. Giving them space to share their feelings and then simply acknowledging those feelings, provides vital comfort and security during this time of change. Finally, approach the move into Year 1 as an exciting new adventure! Highlight all the wonderful things they are doing, the new experiences they are sharing and the fun activities they are engaging with. Your positive attitude will be the greatest influence on theirs. Michelle Elliott and Chloe Willis are from Twinkl (www.twinkl.co.uk) which offers parents a vast library of teacher-created, curriculum-aligned resources to support home learning, development and family wellbeing for children ages 0 to 11.

ENCHANTED LANDS DAY NURSERY Award-winning educators delivering enchanted childhood experiences every day.

Located in Kingsbury, Brent, NW9 9TA

30 HOURS GOVERNMENT-FUNDED CHILDCARE For children aged 9 months to 4 years

SECURE YOUR CHILD’S PLACE FOR SEPTEMBER 2026! BABY PLACES AVAILABLE - ENQUIRE NOW Children benefit from a well-sequenced and ambitious curriculum. Leaders and staff teaching skills provide high-quality and inclusive care to all. Ofsted 2025 Contact Us info@enchantedlandsdaynursery.co.uk www.enchantedlandsdaynursery.co.uk 3 Winchester Avenue, NW9 9TA Familiesonline.co.uk

@enchantedlandsdaynursery Families North West London 7

EDUCATION

AI at home: helping children use it wisely

By Zuzu Jordan

AI is already part of our children’s world and even if we’d like to, we can’t pretend it doesn’t exist. But nor should we simply hand over responsibility for their learning to a machine. The most helpful place for parents lies between those extremes: in other words, adults using AI alongside children, with curiosity, clear boundaries and plenty of conversation. Parents’ worries are understandable. Artificial intelligence can produce inaccurate answers, reflect bias and make it tempting to skip the effort involved in learning. AI collects, processes and stores our data too, so it’s important that children understand that personal information, photographs and private family details should never be entered into an AI tool without an adult’s permission. Used thoughtfully though, AI can become a creative learning partner rather than a shortcut. One positive use for AI begins with talking Pie Corbett’s Talk for Writing approach recognises the importance of children orally rehearsing language and ideas before writing. Speaking can help a child organise a story, experiment with vocabulary and hear whether a sentence makes sense. So an adult could invite a child to describe an imaginary setting using the voice feature in an age-appropriate AI app. The child might describe a silver castle balanced on a cloud, with spiral windows and a garden of singing flowers. The AI could then create a picture or a written description based on those spoken ideas. The important learning happens next. Does the result match what the child imagined? What has the AI misunderstood or left out? Which words could make the instructions to the AI clearer? The child remains the author, while the technology provides a way to question, edit and improve. This can be especially useful for children who find the blank page intimidating or whose spoken ideas are stronger than their current writing. AI should not write the finished piece of work though. Instead, it can help capture an initial idea, suggest vocabulary or turn a child’s words into an image they can evaluate. The child can then write, draw, revise or expand independently.

GIVEAWAY Ultimate Stitch Interactive Plush Toy

Worth £80 each

AI can support parents too. Many adults want to help with homework but feel unsure about today’s subject terminology. A parent could ask: ‘My child is learning about fronted adverbials. Explain the term to me simply, give me three examples and suggest questions I can ask my child without doing the work for them.’ Using AI in this way gives parents a starting point for a better conversation: ‘Show me how your teacher explained it,’ ‘Which part makes sense?’ or ‘What could we check together?’ The adult’s role is to keep asking who made the choices, whose ideas are being used and what the child has learned independently. Children also need to learn that AI is not an authority. It is a tool that predicts and generates response and it can sound confident while being wrong. Encourage kids to use a simple routine: ask, check and create. Ask a clear question. Check the answer against a trusted source or knowledgeable adult. Then create something of their own from what they have learned. The aim is not to raise children who rely on AI for every answer. It is to raise thoughtful users who can question technology, protect their privacy, recognise AI’s limitations and use it to extend their own imagination. Parents do not need to know everything before beginning to use AI tools - exploring together may be the most valuable lesson of all. Zuzu Jordan is a Mastery for Maths Specialist who has taught primary for eighteen years and is Director of Arnett International. For FREE resources and tips, find her on Instagram @edumate_uk

Try a challenge

Discover the out-of-thisworld personality of Disney’s Ultimate Stitch 100+ sound and motion combinations – from cute and silly to alien temper tantrums

Ask your child to invent a character or setting and describe it aloud using an AI app’s voice feature.

Press his features for sneezing, giggling, munching, dancing and singing 2 available

Use QR code or apply at www.familiesmag.co.uk/go 8 Families North West London

Request a picture based only on their spoken description. Compare the picture carefully with the idea in your child’s mind. What is accurate? What is missing? Which words caused confusion?

Ages 3+

Let your child improve the prompt, then draw or write their own version. The goal is clearer communication and creative thinking, not producing a perfect AI image for them. T&Cs apply

Familiesonline.co.uk

HEALTH

Using anchoring to calm anxiety By Christopher Paul Jones Anxiety has become incredibly prevalent. Children can suffer anxiety about going back to school; parents can suffer anxiety about their child’s development and societal expectations can be an issue for everyone. But very few people really understand how anxiety works, what causes it or indeed how to change it. Understand what anxiety actually is One of the biggest misconceptions about anxiety is that it is about character; if sufferers were just braver, stronger or more confident, they wouldn’t feel it. But anxiety is much more often a learned reflex. A conditioned response. Trying to think your way out of it often doesn’t help because emotions don’t follow logic. Anxiety can be handled One of the quickest and most useful tools I’ve come across is something called anchoring, a technique that creates a conditioned association between a specific internal emotional state and an external stimulus (such as a touch). Anchoring gives us something incredibly valuable - the sense that we can start reclaiming control. How to anchor Think of a time when you felt very relaxed. Go fully to that time. See what you saw. Hear what you heard. Feel what you felt. At the peak of that feeling, squeeze your thumb and forefinger together. Hold that for as long as you can stay in that feeling. The second the feeling begins to fade, let go.

GIVEAWAY

Now do it again, thinking of a time when you felt very loving or connected. Repeat other positive emotions: a time you couldn’t stop laughing; a time when you felt very confident or very safe. Now test it. Clear your mind for a moment. Then squeeze your fingers together in exactly the same way, with the same pressure. This should start sending you back to those positive emotions. Whenever you start to feel anxious, squeeze your fingers together in exactly the same way and fire off positive emotions. If the anchor is strong enough, it should take out or at least neutralise much of the negative emotional charge. Christopher Paul Jones is a leading Harley Street phobia expert who combines mainstream psychology and cutting-edge techniques which aim to change the mind’s danger response. He is author of Face your Fears – 7 Steps to Conquering Phobias and Anxiety. More at www.christopherpauljones. com

Ages 3+

Minnie Mansion Playsets Worth £30 each

Storytelling fun with Minnie Mansion and Disney’s Minnie Mouse and Cream Puff figures 2 levels of play spaces, detailed rooms & design accessories 12-piece playset includes furniture items

2 available

T&Cs apply

Use QR code or apply at www.familiesmag.co.uk/go Familiesonline.co.uk

Families North West London 9

KIDS’ CLASSES

Clubs and classes directory Stagecoach (Various) Training in three disciplines: drama, dance and singing. Great for building confidence, making new friends and beginning to hone talent and enthusiasm for performing, by having fun! Call Harrow 020 3504 0100, Harrow on the Hill & Sudbury Hill 01923 248 294, Stanmore & Harrow Weald 020 3504 2154, Watford 01727 768 738, Queen’s Park 020 7723 5861 or Northwood 01442 263 599. www.stagecoach.co.uk

AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS Holiday time After school club ispart of Activetime Children’s Activities Limited (HA1) Pick up from four local schools at the end of the school day, then take the children back to the club for a snack and the daily activity. Open Mon-Fri 3-6pm at The Cadet Centre, Harrow, HA1 2QA. Call 07575801623, email holidays@ activetime.co.uk www.activetimedaynursery.co.uk

ARTS & CRAFTS Cygnets Art School Ruislip From Age 5 to adult! Children’s classes: Wednesday 4-5pm, Thursday 4-5pm, Saturdays 10-11am and 11am-12.30. Holiday camps, birthday parties for up to 8 children, scholarship preparation. Adult Art Night last Wed of the month. Contact Louise at ruislip@ cygnetsartschool.com or call 07944596725

EDUCATION SUPPORT Free Readers (Various) Free Readers offers enrichment or extra help for children aged 3-11 yrs in Reading, Maths and English, homework and test preparation. Individual teaching and attention in small groups is the preferred way to help children. They encourage them how to learn, enabling them to reach their full potential. Call 07385 258007 or email office@freereaders.co.uk www.freereaders.co.uk

PERFORMING ARTS Street Dance Academy (Various) Teach children aged 5-18 yrs every weekend during school term time, with clubs in and around London, Hertfordshire and Surrey. Street Dance Academy also teach Adult Street Dance and Zumba Classes in Twickenham every Wednesday. Call 0800 0236 236. www.streetdanceacademy.co.uk Little Voices Led by the inspiring Coleen Mann, Little Voices Harrow & Hillingdon offers small-group drama and singing classes for children aged 4-18 that build confidence, communication skills and creativity. With no pressure to perform, every child is supported to find their voice in a safe, nurturing space. Classes run during term time in Harrow, Hatch End and Ickenham – book your free trial lesson today by calling 07787 535506 or emailing coleen@littlevoices.org.uk.

Elina Patrou Academy of Dance (HA7) Elina Patrou Academy of Dance offers exceptional ballet training for children and teens aged 2½–18. Following the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus, classes nurture confidence, creativity and discipline in a joyful, supportive environment. Led by RAD-qualified teachers and ex-professional ballerinas, we teach both recreational and vocational ballet, including Discovering Repertoire - a unique programme where students learn classical variations from iconic ballets. Classes are held in Canons Park in spacious, fully equipped studios. Join us for a trial class www.elinapatrouacademyofdance.com Gymboree Play & Music Watford Sensory classes for babies, art and music classes, as well as Play & Learn classes for little ones who are on the move. They also offer a range of fabulously fun birthday parties. Find them upstairs in the Atria shopping Centre at the top of the Queens Car Park. https://gymbo.co.uk/locations/watford Monkey Music (Various) Award-winning Monkey Music, trusted by parents since 1992, introduces babies and young children aged 3 months to 4 years to music with a unique four-stage curriculum tailored to each age group. Classes run 6 days a week, in Uxbridge, Eastcote, Northwood, Ickenham, Harrow, Stanmore and Watford. Call 020 8427 6595. www.monkeymusic.co.uk Harrow Arts Centre Youth Theatre (HA5) Are you passionate about performing, writing, or directing theatre? Our weekly HAC Youth Theatre is your chance to develop professional skills in theatrical performance while boosting confidence and creativity in a supportive learning environment. Ages 7-11 years. www.harrowarts.com

SPORT & EXERCISE TISKA Karate Learn the art of Karate. Classes held weekly in Harrow, Northwood and Wembley. Families welcome, Ages 4+. 2 week free trial (07739 572487) hpatel@tiskakarate.com www.tiskakarate-harrow.co.uk www.tiskakarate-northwood.co.uk www.tiskakarate-wembley.co.uk

TECHNOLOGY CLASSES DiscoG Coding Academy (HA3) Run weekly term-time classes and holiday courses and workshops for students aged 6 to 18. Join in to learn Computer Science, Coding, Robotics, AI and Machine Learning. Contact Gerard & Kat on 07767 300940, email: info@ discogcodingacademy.com www.discogcodingacademy.com

Type it! Tutor-Supported Online Touch-Typing Courses for children aged 8 to 18. ✓ Learn to touch type without looking at the keyboard ✓ Improve accuracy, confidence and typing speed ✓ Small groups with experienced tutors ✓ A skill for school, exams and life More than software. Real tutors. Real results. Find the right course for your child. www.touchtypeit.co.uk

ERS BEGINN FFER O L SPECIA

S 2 W EEK FREE Classes held Every Thursday at 5.00pm

Wembley Club Preston Park Primary School

Every Saturday at 9.00am Harrow Club Harrow High School

Every Saturday at 2.00pm Northwood Club St Helens School

For more information please contact us on

07739572487

hpatel@tiskakarate.com

www.tiskakarate-harrow.co.uk www.tiskakarate-nortwood.co.uk www.tiskakarate-wembley.co.uk

ALL OUR INSTRUCTORS HAVE ENHANCED DISCLOSURE AND BARRING CERTIFICATES

10 Families North West London

Would you like to advertise your club or class in our directory?

BOOK TODAY Call 07342 191 852 or email us at editor@familieslondonnw.co.uk Book by 3 October Familiesonline.co.uk

KIDS’ CLASSES?

How sport and education can work together By Dennis J Smith (M.Ed) Back to school and to the excitement of a new school year. New teachers, new classrooms, new friendships and new opportunities can all help create a sense of anticipation. While some children may feel a little nervous, many are also eager to return to familiar routines and activities. For parents, the start of a new term is often a good time to think about how children can enjoy a healthy balance between education, sport and family life. Over many years of working with young people, I have seen how participation in sport can often support progress in school. Children who take part in football, swimming, tennis, rugby, athletics, dance or other activities frequently develop qualities that can also help them in the classroom. Sport encourages perseverance, concentration, self-discipline and resilience. Young people learn that improvement usually comes through regular effort rather than instant success. They discover how to cope with setbacks, learn from mistakes and keep trying when things become challenging. These are valuable lessons both on the sports field and in school. However, balance remains important. Children benefit most when sport is enjoyable rather than becoming another source of pressure. Not every child wishes to become a champion and that is perfectly acceptable. The real value often lies in participation, friendship, enjoyment and personal development.

The same principle applies to education. While academic progress matters, children should not feel that their worth depends entirely on test scores or examination results. Confidence often grows when parents focus on effort, attitude and gradual improvement rather than constant comparison with others. As the new school year gets going, parents can help by encouraging positive routines. Regular sleep, healthy meals, reading, outdoor activity and organised preparation for the school day all contribute to a calmer and more successful start. Most importantly, children benefit from knowing that home is a place of encouragement and support. A simple conversation after school, showing interest in what they enjoyed, learned or experienced during the day, can sometimes be more valuable than focusing solely on performance. A new school term offers a fresh opportunity for children to grow in confidence, develop new skills and enjoy new experiences. When education, sport and family support work together, young people are often able to achieve their potential while maintaining a healthy sense of balance and wellbeing.

Never miss an issue Sign up at www.familiesmag.co.uk/go

Try a confidence-boosting Perform class

Keeping life balanced during term time Whilst education is important, children benefit most when school remains part of a balanced and enjoyable life. As a new term begins, families can sometimes focus heavily on homework, tests and academic progress. However, children often achieve more when learning is balanced with activities that support confidence, wellbeing and happiness.

This autumn, help your child build confidence, creativity and social skills with Perform weekly drama, dance and singing classes for ages 4 to 7 and 7 to 12. Children have the chance to shine in a magical end-of-term performance: Super Hero School for ages 4 to 7 and Jack and the Wonderbeans for ages 7 to 12. FREE trial class available. Classes avilable in Stanmore, Ruislip, Pinner, Edgware, Watford, Queens Park and West Hampstead Visit www.perform.org.uk/try to book. Familiesonline.co.uk

Sport, creative arts and hobbies help children develop resilience, self-discipline and social skills. Family visits to local libraries, walks in parks and the countryside and relaxing with friends also contribute positively to a child’s development. Don’t let schoolwork dominate every conversation at home. Children need opportunities to switch off, recharge and enjoy themselves. A balanced lifestyle often improves concentration, motivation and emotional wellbeing. Every child is different. Some enjoy competitive sport, whilst others prefer reading, creative activities or spending time outdoors. The key is helping children maintain interests that support confidence, happiness and healthy development alongside their educational progress. Families North West London 11

WHAT’S ON AUTUMN

Become an autumn detective: solving nature mysteries Autumn leaves clues everywhere. A chewed acorn beneath a tree. A seed spinning on the wind. A cluster of berries shining among the leaves. Trees are preparing for winter, animals are gathering food and hidden communities are working beneath our feet. This autumn, take a notebook outside and become a nature detective. Your job is to follow clues, ask questions and uncover the hidden stories of the season.

THE TREE THAT LET GO

THE TRAVELLING SEED

Collect three fallen leaves in different colours and compare their veins, edges and textures.

Search for seeds with wings, parachutes or other unusual shapes. Some spin on the wind, others hitchhike on passing animals or are carried inside fruit.

A tree spends all summer growing its leaves, then in autumn they fall. Before it does, it recovers valuable nutrients stored inside them, including sugars and nitrogen. What you could find: leaves from trees like oak, beech, maple What advantages might a bare tree have during winter?

Drop a few different seeds and watch how they fall. Do they tumble, spin or float? What you could find: sycamore seeds with wings, burdock seeds with hooks and burrs

THE BERRY ADVERTISEMENT

THE ANIMAL NOBODY SAW

Bright berries appear on hedges, shrubs and some trees in autumn. Why would a plant make its fruits so easy to see?

Something visited before you arrived but you just missed it. Scavenge the undergrowth for chewed pine cones, empty acorn cups or cracked nutshells. Scientists learn much about animals from the evidence they leave behind.

Notice which berries stand out most clearly against the leaves around them. Birds often swallow berries whole and carry the seeds away inside them, dropping them somewhere new. What you could find: blackberries on bushes and rowan berries on trees What do you think the plant gets out of that arrangement?

THE MUSHROOM THAT APPEARED OVERNIGHT Search for fungi growing on logs, tree stumps or among fallen leaves, and compare their shapes and colours. The mushroom is only part of the fungus, the fruit; most of the fungus may be hidden underground or within wood, sometimes spanning an area larger than a football pitch. What could you find: fly agaric, oyster mushrooms, turkey tail fungi and inky caps… but remember: look, DON’T TOUCH, as some fungi are poisonous.

If you could see beneath the surface of the field, how large do you think the hidden part might be?

What could you find: feathers, pine cones and nuts that have been gnawed on, paw prints in the mud

What do your clues suggest about what happened here?

THE CITY UNDER THE LEAVES Choose a small patch of leaf litter and carefully look underneath. Worms, woodlice, beetles and millipedes may all be working together to break down dead plant material and return nutrients to the soil. Without them, fallen leaves would simply accumulate and the nutrients locked inside them would never be released. What could you find: worms, woodlice, small beetles, millipedes

How many different residents can you find in one patch?

Every clue tells part of a larger story. Leaves fall and release nutrients, seeds disperse, berries draw in birds, fungi thread through the soil and tiny creatures work beneath the leaf litter. The season that looks like an ending is actually a very busy beginning. Written and illustrated by Ria Mishaal, owner of Curiosity Companions (www.curiositycompanions.com) which offers nature education subscriptions for ages 4 to 12.

12 Families North West London 12 Families North West Magazine

Familiesonline.co.uk Familiesonline.co.uk

WHAT’S ON

What's On Family Theatre The Littlest Yak

THE ALBAN ARENA, ST ALBANS www.everyonetheatres.com Princess Proms 4 October 2pm & 5.30pm Enjoy a magical musical journey featuring songs from Frozen, Wicked, Moana, K-Pop Demon Hunters, Aladdin, The Lion King and more, plus hits from Taylor Swift and Coldplay. Perfect for families aged 3+. Tim Peake’s Astronauts: The Quest To Explore Space Tour 7 October 7:30pm Join astronaut Tim Peake for an unforgettable journey through space exploration, sharing incredible stories, archive footage and first-hand experiences of life in orbit, from the first missions to humanity’s future adventures beyond Earth. FINCHLEY ARTS DEPOT, N12 www.artsdepot.co.uk/whats-on Rabbit & Rey and The Lost Things 20 September Join Rey and their loyal bunny Rabbit on a funny, heartwarming quest to find lost things. Packed with puppetry, visual storytelling and imagination, this charming adventure celebrates curious minds and big hearts. Ages 3+. Hay 30 September–1 October Discover a gentle, playful world where a simple strand of hay sparks curiosity, creativity and wonder. With music, movement and imaginative storytelling, this charming sensory show invites little ones to explore and play. Ages 2–5. The Mystery Of…Artsdepot 11 October Calling all trainee detectives! Help solve a thrilling murder mystery in this interactive, board-game-style theatre adventure. Examine evidence, interrogate suspects and uncover clues in this brain-teasing family show. Recommended for ages 7+. The Hideout 17–18 October Step into a world of adventure and imagination in The Hideout, a playful family show where children can explore, discover and create their own stories. A magical theatrical experience for young audiences. Romeo & Juliet 21–24 October Experience Shakespeare’s timeless tale of starcrossed lovers in a bold, accessible production. With live music, movement and plenty of energy, this classic story of love, rivalry and fate is brought vividly to life. Ages 11+.

Familiesonline.co.uk

Toto the Ninja Cat and the Great Snake Escape

Toto the Ninja Cat and the Great Snake Escape 24 October–1 November Join Toto the Ninja Cat and friends for a thrilling adventure as they battle to save London Zoo from a daring snake escape. Expect puppetry, comedy, action and family fun! Ages 3+. HARROW ARTS CENTRE, HARROW www.harrowarts.com The Littlest Yak 27 September Join the Littlest Yak on a heartwarming adventure as she discovers that being small can be wonderful too. A charming, playful show for little ones and their grown-ups, packed with music, fun and friendship. HEADSTONE MANOR, HA2 www.headstonemanor.org The Witch Who Couldn’t Sleep 17 October Meet a little witch who simply can’t sleep! Join her magical bedtime adventure as she tries to find the perfect way to drift off. A charming, interactive family show full of fun, imagination and spellbinding surprises. LITTLE ANGEL THEATRE, ISLINGTON www.littleangeltheatre.com The Pied Piper: A Rat’s Tale 12 September-7 November Relaxed performance on 10 October. Follow the Pied Piper on a magical, musical adventure in this playful retelling of the classic tale. Meet mischievous rats, enjoy puppetry and live music, and discover a story packed with fun, friendship and surprises. Pip and Posy Live on Stage 19 September–22 November Relaxed performance on 1 November. Join best friends Pip and Posy for a joyful live adventure filled with friendship, fun and familiar moments. With puppetry, music and plenty of play, this charming show brings the beloved characters to life on stage. RADLETT THEATRE, WD17 www.radlettcentre.co.uk Mark Thompson Spectacular Science Show 5 September Exploding toothpaste, vortex-generating dustbins and howling jelly babies make science spectacular! Join Mark Thompson for an interactive, hilarious show exploring the strange and magical properties of matter. Ages 5+. The Littlest Yak 25 & 26 September Join Gertie, the Littlest Yak, on a heartwarming Himalayan adventure celebrating selfacceptance. With beautiful puppets, catchy songs and plenty of charm, this uplifting musical is perfect for families. Ages 3+.

The Singing Mermaid

Captain Calamity 10 October Join Captain Calamity and his Crazy Crew for a hilarious adventure packed with bubbles, custard pies, science stunts, enormous balloons, silly songs, a delinquent dragon and lots of laughs! Tribute to Ms Rachel 24 October Sing, dance and giggle along with the UK’s ultimate Ms Rachel tribute! This interactive live show features favourite songs, puppets, colourful animations and plenty of audience participation for little ones. The Singing Mermaid 27 & 28 October Dive into a magical underwater adventure as a singing mermaid joins a travelling circus. With beautiful puppetry, music, songs and plenty of fun, this charming Julia Donaldson adaptation is perfect for families. Magic of Science 29 October Prepare for a high-voltage adventure where magic meets science! Expect spectacular experiments, mystery, suspense, mess and plenty of audience interaction in this colourful, action-packed show for the whole family. Bubble Man 30 October Prepare to be amazed as Bubble Man transforms ordinary bubbles into extraordinary creations! Combining comedy, science and spectacular bubble artistry, this magical family show promises wonder, laughter and plenty of surprises. TROUBADOUR THEATRE WEMBLEY PARK, HA9 www.troubadourtheatres.com/wembley-parktheatre High School Musical 15–17 October Get ready to sing and dance along with East High’s Wildcats in this energetic stage production of the Disney favourite. Packed with catchy songs, friendship, romance and plenty of school spirit! WATFORD PALACE THEATRE, WD17 www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk My First Concert 6 September Join Jack, Jill, Dilly the dog, Pinkfong and Baby Shark for a magical musical adventure packed with nursery rhymes, singing, dancing and audience interaction. Perfect for ages 2–7. Dinosaur Adventure Live 27 October Step back 65 million years for a roarsome adventure featuring stunning puppetry, dinosaur science, interactive fun and plenty of thrills! Stomp, roar and swish your tails in this familyfriendly prehistoric experience. Families North West London 13

WHAT’S ON

What's On All listings are correct at the time of publication. Please check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed.

ONGOING AeroPlay! Indoor Soft Play at RAF London Let little imaginations take flight at AeroPlay!, the RAF Museum’s aviation-themed indoor soft play centre. Children aged six months to eight years can climb, crawl and slide through an airfield-inspired adventure, with a dedicated toddler zone and weather-proof fun making it an ideal family day out. www.rafmuseum.org.uk Bread Ahead Wembley- Future Bakers Courses Future Bakers by Bread Ahead is a free initiative designed to teach children and young people essential baking skills through hands-on workshops and accessible learning. Delivered by Bread Ahead, it combines in-person sessions at their bakery schools with free online resources to build confidence, creativity and practical life skills through baking. www.breadahead.com/futurebakers The Hunger Games: On Stage at Troubadour Canary Wharf Until 14 February 2027 Step into Panem and experience Katniss Everdeen’s story like never before. This immersive theatrical spectacular features breathtaking stunts, illusions and stagecraft, bringing the gripping world of The Hunger Games to life. www.kxtickets.com/whats-on/thehunger-games-on-stage

Matilda The Musical Celebrating its 15th year, the awardwinning Matilda The Musical brings Roald Dahl’s beloved heroine to life in a witty, uplifting production packed with Tim Minchin’s songs and dazzling storytelling. Follow the extraordinary Matilda as she outsmarts bullies, challenges authority and discovers the power of imagination. https://uk.matildathemusical.com Luminescence LUMINISCENCE transforms Westminster Cathedral into an immersive spectacle of sound and light, combining 360° video projection, live classical music and choral performance. Narrated by Hugh Bonneville, this breathtaking experience tells the story of London through a specially commissioned script and soaring musical performances. https://luminiscence.com/london/ Mini Genius Lab: Cool Science Experiments for Kids Calling all mini scientists! Discover slime-making, giant bubbles and spectacular dry-ice experiments in this interactive 60-minute experience. Get hands-on, learn fascinating science and take home homemade slime.

Tell Me a Story at Cricklewood Library Every Thursday morning through Autumn A cozy, free weekly drop-in session tailored for parents, carers, and preschoolers. Spend a rainy morning sharing classic children’s stories, learning interactive rhymes, and socialising with other families in the community cafe. www.cricklewoodlibrary.org.uk Mini Museum Explorers at Headstone Museum Little explorers can discover history at Headstone Manor with Mini Museum Explorers. Designed for young children, these engaging sessions encourage curiosity through hands-on activities, stories and exploration. A fun and educational way to discover the museum and its fascinating past. https://headstonemanor.org

Witness for the Prosecution Show & Afternoon Tea Step into the heart of a thrilling courtroom drama with Witness for the Prosecution at London’s historic County Hall. Agatha Christie’s gripping murder mystery brings the courtroom to life as compelling evidence, unexpected twists and shocking revelations unfold. Then, continue your London experience with afternoon tea at the nearby London Marriott Hotel County Hall, enjoying sandwiches, freshly baked scones and indulgent sweet treats with stunning Thames views. Suitable for ages 10+. https://witnesscountyhall.com

Ceramic Painting at Art 4 Fun A warm, creative West Hampstead Cafe where families can relax over coffee and paint their own masterpieces. Make handprint tiles, custom mugs, or personalised t-shirts. www.art4fun.com

Samhain Celebrations

London Zoo Autumn Explorers Head to Regent’s Park to see over 20,000 animals, from tigers to penguins. Little ones can explore the sensory underwater storytelling rooms, vibrant indoor rainforests, and dedicated outdoor adventure play zones. www.londonzoo.org

Paddington Bear Experience Meet Paddington and his friends, explore interactive sets, complete fun challenges and help prepare for a special celebration. Perfect for Paddington fans and families looking for an engaging, memorable day out. www.paddingtonbearexperience. com

Monday to Saturday

26 to 31 October

Flip Out Brent Cross The ultimate high-energy rescue plan for cold or rainy autumn days. This gigantic neon indoor playground features wall-to-wall trampolines, a thrilling donut slide, and a multi-level battle arena for kids to blow off steam. www.flipout.co.uk/locations/brentcross

Babylon Park Underground Theme Park Escape the autumn chill in London’s premier multi-level indoor theme park. Located right in Camden, this unique alien-themed playground boasts a full indoor rollercoaster, dodgems, and hundreds of interactive arcade games. https://babylonpark.com/london

Pre-book your SPOOKY Day Out at:

celticharmony.org

14 Families North West London

Topsy Turvy World Soft Play A massive, multi-level maze of indoor adventure right near Brent Cross. Kids can safely zoom down drops, slides, and climbs, while under 4s enjoy a specialized learn through play sensory area. www.topsyturvyworld.com

Gametime Playtime Mill Hill The ultimate venue for families with mixed age groups. Little kids can run wild in a cozy soft play zone, while older siblings head upstairs to a premium, high-tech gaming room. https://gametimeplaytime.co.uk Kentish Town City Farm Visits Spend a crisp autumn day at the UK’s first ever city farm. Children can get up close with cows, sheep, and goats, explore pasture lands, and even take part in affordable pony rides. https://ktcityfarm.org.uk Kenwood House & Gardens Discovery Walk A stunning, historic English Heritage gem tucked away on the edge of Hampstead Heath. Walk the beautiful woodland trails, spot local wildlife, and explore the grand, free to enter estate interior. www.english-heritage.org.uk Keats House Family Activity Days Bring the kids along to historic Hampstead for free, structured family activity days. Creative afternoon sessions include poetry workshops, autumn crafts, and storytelling trails inside the romantic poet’s former home. Open Wed–Sun in October. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk Wild Wood Adventure at Waddesdon Manor Let little adventurers run wild at Waddesdon’s Wild Wood Adventure Playground! Designed for children aged 2–12, this woodland playground is packed with slides, swings, rope walks, climbing challenges and hidden surprises, offering families plenty of opportunities to explore, play and make memories. waddesdon.org.uk

SEPTEMBER Watford Fringe Big Band Stand 6, 13 and 20 September Enjoy free live music in the beautiful surroundings of Cassiobury Park! The Big Bandstand hosts a fantastic summer programme featuring everything from jazz and ukulele to traditional brass bands. Bring the family, grab a picnic and enjoy an afternoon of music outdoors. www.watfordactually.com/annualevents-lineup/big-bandstand Croxfest 5 September Get ready for Croxfest, a lively community festival packed with music, entertainment, activities and fun for all ages. Bring family and friends along to enjoy a fantastic day out, celebrate the local community and make some great memories together. https://croxfest.co.uk Familiesonline.co.uk

WHAT’S ON Pinner Rotary Village Show 12 September Enjoy a fantastic family day out. Discover local stalls, delicious food, children’s rides, live music, dance, entertainment and more, while supporting local charities through this popular annual community fundraiser. https://rotary-ribi.org/clubs/page Kensington Gardens Allotment Open Day 12 September A gorgeous, free autumn community event centered around nature. Families can participate in handson food growing demonstrations, wildlife spotting trails, eco-crafts, and seasonal seed planting workshops. www.southkenculturequarter.com Kids Show Live at The Magic Circle 13 & 20 September Step inside the mysterious headquarters of the world’s most famous magic society. This captivating afternoon live performance is designed entirely for families, packed with jaw-dropping illusions and interactive comedy. www.ents24.com/london-events/ the-magic-circle/kids-showlive/7459427 Potato Shin-Dig at Willows Activity Farm Weekdays in September Dig into family fun at Willows Activity Farm’s Potato Shindig! Enjoy potato-themed activities, farm adventures, entertainment and hands-on fun for children. Explore the farm, get involved and make the most of this fun-filled seasonal event with the family. www.willowsactivityfarm.com/ events/potato-shindig Canary Wharf Minigolf Until September 27 Canary Wharf Minigolf offers a free, colourful 9-hole course in Montgomery Square, designed by artists Craig Redman and Karl Maier. Suitable for all ages, this drop-in summer activity includes SENDfriendly sessions and provides a relaxed, inclusive outdoor family experience in the heart of London. https://canarywharf.com/whatson/minigolf-by-craig-and-karl/ Barnet Food Festival at the RAF Museum 12-13 September Enjoy a fantastic day of food, family fun and entertainment at Barnet Food Festival 2026, held at the RAF Museum London. Discover delicious food and drink, browse stalls and enjoy a vibrant community event suitable for all ages. www.rafmuseum.org.uk Colour Monster at Frameless Until 11 September Step into a colourful world of emotions at FRAMELESS with The Colour Monster! Inspired by Anna Llenas’ much-loved book, this immersive experience brings happiness, sadness, anger and calm to life through colour, movement and sound – perfect for little explorers and families. https://frameless.com/artistresidencies/the-colour-monster Dark Arts at Harry Potter Studios, Leavesden 16 September-8 November Get ready for a magical Halloween adventure at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London! Explore Hogwarts beneath floating pumpkins, discover fascinating filmmaking secrets, Familiesonline.co.uk

practise your spell-casting skills and spot spooky Death Eaters and Dementors throughout the wizarding world. www.wbstudiotour.co.uk/theexperience/whats-on/dark-arts London Cycling Festival (LCF Brent) at Swaminarayan Mandir Kingsbury 18 September A fantastic outdoor day out to get the kids active. Enjoy designated family-friendly cycle paths, skillbuilding workshops, and interactive outdoor games designed to help everyone build confidence on two wheels. https://lcc.org.uk/venue/shreeswaminarayan-temple Connected in Calthorpe Community Festival 19 September A free, welcoming outdoor celebration in the heart of Camden. Families can enjoy live musical performances, engaging storytelling sessions, delicious food stalls, and a series of creative, hands-on workshops. www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ connected-in-calthorpe-acommunity-festival-in-camdentickets-1994819293205 From Scrap to Stage: Make Your Own Tabletop Puppets Course 23 September–14 October Get creative with this fun four-week puppet-making course! Using recycled materials and everyday objects, children aged 5+ can create characters, explore storytelling, improvisation and theatre-making. www.harrowarts.com Airfix Model Club at the RAF Museum 26 September-15 November Join the RAF Museum’s Airfix Model Club in London! Designed for children aged 8+, these fun sessions include building an Airfix model inspired by historic aircraft. Upcoming models include the Mustang, Gloster Gladiator and Tiger Moth. Advance booking required. Adults attend with children. www.rafmuseum.org.uk Family Paint! at Artsdepot 26 September A vibrant, structured art session designed for parents and kids to bond over canvas. Led by friendly instructors, you will create colorful autumn-themed masterpieces to take home and hang on the wall. Family Paint! - artsdepot www.artsdepot.co.uk Bach to Baby Family Concert- West Hampstead 27 September A delightful classical music concert specially designed for the youngest listeners. Babies, toddlers, and grownups can relax and experience high-quality live instruments together in a warm, welcoming community setting. www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/westhampstead-bach-to-baby-familyconcert-tickets-1986428227301 Mini Museum Movers First Thursday of every month until 5 November Get little ones moving, thinking and exploring through music, dance, games and imaginative play. Discover fascinating objects from history together in these relaxed, creative sessions for confident walkers up to five. Free drop-in. www.watfordactually.com

OCTOBER Little Angel Theatre Family Workshops – Pied Piper: A Rat’s Tale 3–24 October Create your own cheeky rat puppet in this fun family workshop inspired by Pied Piper: A Rat’s Tale, then bring it to life on Little Angel’s Mini Puppet Theatre stage. Ages 5–9. www.littleangeltheatre.com The Pop Up Farm Pumpkin Picking 3–31 October The Pop Up Farm is a family-friendly seasonal farm in Hertfordshire, offering wholesome outdoor experiences including pumpkin, sunflower and corn picking, with a focus on farming, nature and freshair family fun. https://thepopupfarm.co.uk Little Angel Theatre Family Workshops – Pip and Posy 10 October–14 November Create your own adorable animal character puppet in this joyful family workshop inspired by Pip and Posy. Children and grown-ups can craft together and bring their creations to life. Ages 3–5. www.littleangeltheatre.com Halloween at Lewis of London 10-31 October Get ready for frightful family fun at Lewis of London this October. Pick your perfect pumpkin, enjoy spooky games, challenges and photo opportunities, follow the magical Spooky Story Trail, meet creepy creatures and tuck into Halloweenthemed ice cream. https://lewisoflondon.co.uk/icecream-farm/events Mini Fabric Patch Printing Workshop 17 October A hands-on, relaxed printmaking workshop led by professional artists at the Make and Mend Festival. Aimed at children aged 5–8, kids will carve their own custom stamps using print foam to design fabric patches. https://bit.ly/4qOoz3R Diwali Celebration at COAM 17 October Celebrate Diwali at COAM with a vibrant day of Indian culture, featuring traditional music, dance, crafts and family-friendly activities, bringing the Festival of Lights to life. www.coam.org.uk/events Nick Cope New Family Show 18 October The beloved star of CBeebies’ Nick Cope’s Popcast brings his magical acoustic show to North West London. Families can sing along to his wonderfully whimsical songs, paired with spectacular animations. www.artsdepot.co.uk Halloween ‘Nightmare Catcher’ Workshop 25-28 October Get creative this Halloween with a spooky Nightmare Catcher workshop at Headstone Manor. Design and decorate your own magical creation to keep bad dreams away. A fun, hands-on activity for families. headstonemanor.org Claytime 26–28 October An incredible interactive play session created entirely for young children. Mini audience members get the unique chance to help shape the stories and watch their ideas

moulded into real clay objects right before their eyes. www.harrowarts.com Trick or Treat Trail 26–30 October Get ready for Halloween fun with Watford Town Centre’s Trick or Treat Trail! Children can dress up, explore the town centre and collect spooky treats along the way. A funfilled family activity perfect for little ghosts, witches and superheroes. https://watfordtowncentre.com/ event/trick-or-treat-trail-2026 Creepy Creature Pond Dipping 27 October Go pond dipping and discover the creepy creatures hiding beneath the water! Get hands-on with nature, investigate fascinating pond life and see what wriggly, wonderful creatures you can find at Headstone Manor. https://headstonemanor.org Terrific Tuesdays at COAM 27 October Enjoy themed family crafts and hands-on activities, from clay modelling and scarecrow making to fire lighting, nature activities and creative workshops. Each Tuesday offers a different theme, with activities included in admission, making it a fun, creative day out for all the family. www.coam.org.uk/events Deadly Live! At Wembley Arena 27 October Join Steve Backshall for Deadly Live! this autumn half-term. Experience daring stunts, explosive experiments and cutting-edge science as he encounters fearsome predators, dinosaurs, snakes, birds of prey and more in this thrilling wildlife adventure for all the family. www.londondesigneroutlet.com Spooky Halloween Craft 30 October Get creative this Halloween at Headstone Manor with a fun spooky craft session for children. Make Halloween-themed creations, enjoy some seasonal fun and let imaginations run wild in this friendly, hands-on activity. Perfect for little crafters and families. https://headstonemanor.org Little Angel Theatre Family Workshops – Halloween 31 October Get crafty this Halloween and make your own light-up ghost and pumpkin lantern puppets using recyclable materials. A fun, handson family workshop with spooky creations to take home. Ages 5–9. www.littleangeltheatre.com Market Lates Halloween 30 October Get into the Halloween spirit at Market Lates in Watford Town Centre! Enjoy an evening of spooky entertainment, seasonal treats, market stalls and family-friendly fun. Dress up, explore the atmosphere and enjoy a lively Halloween night out in Watford. https://watfordtowncentre.com/ event/market-lates-halloween Watford Town Centre Trick or Treat Show 31 October Enjoy a spooktacular Halloween evening with free street performances, Halloween dances, magic and fire-breathing! Dress up in your best costume for a chance to win Watford Gift Cards. 5–6pm. https://watfordtowncentre.com Families North West London 15

Edge Grove

WHERE THE EDGE IS JUST THE BEGINNING Nestled within 45 acres of green space in Hertfordshire, discover a school where childhood is celebrated and futures are inspired.

Open Days

Saturday 3rd & Tuesday 6th October 2026 Scan the QR code to book your place.

16 Families North West London

Familiesonline.co.uk