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IN THIS ISSUE
Education Health
What's on Issue 169 January/February 2026
editor@familieswest.co.uk
Familiesonline.co.uk Families West London
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ST BENEDICT’S SCHOOL a
m i n i m i s
i n c i p e
Co-educational school for girls & boys aged 3 - 18
VISIT US Nursery & Junior School Open Morning Wednesday 25 February 2026
Stay & Play (Nursery Taster Session) Friday 23 January 2026 Friday 6 March 2026
Places available for September 2026 “Excellent pastoral care, solid academics, outstanding sport, and a hugely rich extracurricular offering.” The Good Schools Guide 2025
Admissions@stbenedicts.org.uk www.stbenedicts.org.uk 2
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CONTENTS
In this issue 4
News & information
West London
EDUCATION 6
Communicating effectively with your child’s school
7
Preparing your child for exams
8
Spot, Support, Refer: the role of schools in children’s mental health PARENTING
9
Bad behaviour or something else? HEALTH
10
Early years anxiety: The power of emotional connection
11
BOOKCLUB
13-15
WHAT’S ON
...endless ideas for families of young children in Chiswick • Ealing • Hammersmith • Kensington Maida Vale • Notting Hill • Uxbridge Facebook “f ” Logo
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From the editors... If you are missing the Christmas lights and festive cheer, January can seem like a gloomy month with broken resolutions, fad diets and miserable weather to look forward to. It can however, also be a time for a fresh start or to focus on staying healthy and happy. This issue we offer some suggestions for resolutions that might actually stick (p.16), suggest ways to help your child prepare for upcoming exams (p.7) and look at how to help a young but anxious or overwhelmed child (pp. 9-10). Although January and February can feel like quieter months, our regular What’s on Guide on pp. 13-15 picks out the best family events and activities to look out for. All that's left is to wish you all a very happy and healthy 2026. We are going to fully embrace our decluttered living rooms - is it just us or does removing the Christmas tree seem to create so much extra space?
NEW YEAR NEW YOU 16
Resolutions that stick
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Editors:
Next issue:
Anna Collins and Rachel Bailey Tel: 07867 514138 (Rach) Tel: 07753 414605 (Anna) editor@familieswest.co.uk www.familiesonline.co.uk
Mar/Apr 2026 Circulation: 17,000
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NEWS AND INFORMATION
Celebrate reading on World Book Day
Help your child celebrate a love of reading on World Book Day, Thursday 5 March. Spark your child’s imagination and encourage them to read for pleasure and join in nationwide activities designed to make books exciting. Schools will distribute special £1 book tokens that children can swap for exclusive new titles or put towards any book in participating shops. Many schools also will invite students to dress up as favourite characters and host reading-related events.
The Big Garden Birdwatch Returns this January
The UK’s largest wildlife survey, the Big Garden Birdwatch, will take place from 23 to 25 January. Now in its 47th year, the event invites people of all ages to spend one hour counting the birds they see in their gardens, balconies, or local parks, and submit their sightings online. Launched in 1979 with the help of children’s TV programme Blue Peter, the Birdwatch has grown into a national tradition. www.rspb.org.uk
Stepping Stones Nursery School is delighted to announce their third ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted rating, in a row. This coincides with their 25th anniversary, during which time they have consistently provided excellent Early Years education for children from age 2 until starting Primary School. Over the years, highly qualified staff have continued to provide: •
Exceptional quality of teaching and learning
•
A warm, inclusive environment where children feel secure and valued
•
Strong communication and relationships with parents
•
An excellent focus on personal development, independence and emotional wellbeing.
Reaching 25 years is a milestone that would not have been possible without the unwavering support of parents, carers and the wider community. They would like to say a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to all of their families whose children have inspired them every single day and they look forward to providing another 25 years of Outstanding nursery education. Stepping Stones offer full-time daycare and pre-school education in W12. For more information visit www.steppingstonesw12.co.uk/#contact_us
Children’s Booker Prize announced
NHS App simplifies child healthcare for parents
The Booker Prize Foundation has unveiled the Children’s Booker Prize, a major new award celebrating contemporary fiction for ages 8 to 12. The first winner will be announced in February 2027.
Parents can now manage their family’s healthcare more easily thanks to a new update to the NHS App.
The award attracts a £50,000 prize, equal to the adult Booker Prize and aims to inspire a new generation of readers. A shortlist of eight books will be announced in November, with at least thirty thousand copies of shortlisted and winning titles gifted to children across the UK and Ireland. 4
Stepping Stones Nursery celebrates 25 years
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Announced in September 2025, the feature allows adults to switch between profiles for their children or dependents, similar to how streaming services like Netflix handle multiple users. The update means parents can book GP appointments, order prescriptions, and view vaccination records for their children without needing separate logins. A full rollout is planned for 2026. Call 07753 414605
EDUCATION As recommended on Daynurseries.co.uk, please visit to see what our parents say
Maria Montessori School warmly invites parents to:
Montessori and the Neuroscience of Learning A talk with Louise Livingston, Educational Neuroscientist and Head of Training at Maria Montessori Institute Wednesday 21st January 2026, 6pm At: 26 Lyndhurst Gardens, Hampstead, NW3 5NW FREE ADMISSION Register here:
Quality Care and Education
Providing a fully inclusive service for families with children aged 6 weeks to 5 years from 7.30am to 6.30pm
At Devonshire the warm and welcoming environment ensures that your child’s individual needs are prioritised, and their interests nurtured.
T: 020 8995 9538 E: devonshire.nursery@childbase.com
www.mariamontessori.org 020 7435 3646 rsvp@mariamontessori.org
Devonshire Day Nursery, Bennett Street, London, W4 2AH
Now taking registrations We’d love to show you around
Scan me for full nursery details
Join us for an Open Day Welcomes boys & girls aged 3 to 11 8 Mattock Lane, Ealing W5 5BG Tel: 020 8579 3662
Saturday 31st January – 10am-12 noon Visit our website to reserve your place
www.cliftonlodgeschool.co.uk
Excellent in all areas
ISI Inspection 2023
editor@familieswest.co.uk
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EDUCATION
Communicating effectively with your child’s school By Zuzu Jordan
Building a strong partnership between home and school is one of the most effective ways to support your child’s education. Clear, open communication helps parents stay informed, teachers feel supported and children thrive. Nowadays, with many ways to connect with your child’s school, choosing the right method often depends on the purpose of the conversation. Face-to-face meetings Scheduled parent–teacher meetings are designed to talk about academic strengths, areas for improvement and social development. If an issue arises in between, many schools welcome parents booking a short appointment. These face-toface conversations build trust and understanding. Phone calls Sometimes a quick phone call is the most efficient way to share information or ask a specific question. Whether it’s to clarify a homework task, discuss an upcoming trip or raise a concern, speaking directly allows for an immediate response. Schools often have designated times when staff are available to return calls. Emails and online platforms Digital communication is now a key part of school life. Emails provide a written record, making them useful for non-urgent matters or when you want to ensure clarity. Many schools also use online platforms or apps to share updates, homework and messages. These systems help parents keep track of school events and deadlines.
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When issues require more detail For more serious matters that require ongoing discussion, it’s wise to create a clear paper trail. Written communication, whether by email or letter, provides a record of what has been agreed and can help avoid misunderstandings. This approach is particularly useful if you need to revisit a matter at a later date. Informal conversations Quick chats at the classroom door or at school events can also be helpful, though it’s best to keep these brief. Teachers often have limited time at the start and end of the day, so use these moments for short updates rather than detailed discussions. Working together Whichever method you use, the key is to keep communication respectful and constructive. Remember that teachers and staff are working in partnership with you to support your child. Choosing the most appropriate way to communicate helps strengthen the home-school connection and shows your child that their learning truly matters. Zuzu 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
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EDUCATION
Preparing your child for exams By Gail Hugman We all went through exams to get where we are today and know that the experience can be challenging. With exam results affecting school and university choices, it is worth helping our children prepare so they get the best results. Many parents choose to tutor their children, which can be useful if they are lacking in content or need extra practice but what else can you do to help? Preparing yourself is as important as preparing your child! Whether it is 7+, 11+, 13+, SATs or CATs, download an example of the exam papers from either the government website for SATs or the schools you are applying to. In this way, you and your child will know what to expect. Your child may need to be reminded that what they’re being taught in school in English, maths and reasoning especially, is going to help them when they sit the exams, so they need to listen carefully and concentrate in lessons. Many children also need to be told that if they don’t understand the lesson, they need to ask their teacher for help. Check your child feels confident to do that. Many don’t because they are worried about ‘what other children will say,’ so remind them that you’re there to help and can ask on their behalf. Exams are always timed but it’s difficult for a child to know how much they can do in a certain length of time! To help them judge this more accurately, you can help them prepare by timing homework activities.
Firstly, check with your child’s teacher how long they are meant to spend on a piece of homework and give them that amount of time. If the work is not finished in that time, reflect on it with your child and ask them what they think they can do to speed up next time. The most important thing that every parent can actually do to help their child, is to actively listen to them read at least three times each week, all the way up to 13+. Many children become ‘free readers’ between the ages of 6 and 7 years. They are thought to be ‘good readers’ because they decode and say all the words correctly. But comprehension requires a set of skills that develop after a child has learned to decode. Gail Hugman is the founder of Lessons Alive (www.lessonsalive.com), an organisation which helps children flourish. She’s also the author of several books, including the just-released Little Hum, a heartwarming children’s story about finding yourself, available from The Endless Bookcase at www.theendlessbookcase.com/books/little-hum
PAINT POTS MONTESSORI SCHOOL THE GROVE Montessori is at the heart of everything we do. We offer nurturing and caring environments brimming with creativity and learning.
Year-Round Montessori Nursery Open 8am-6pm For children aged 1-5 yrs Westbourne Grove, W11 2RW Contact us to book a show round or register your child
Small School Big Opportunities Day, Part Time, Weekly and Full boarding for Girls 11-18
WWW.PAINT-POTS.CO.UK
heathfieldschool.net | +44 (0) 1344 898343
Co-ed sixth form from September 2026 editor@familieswest.co.uk
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EDUCATION
Spot, Support, Refer: the role of schools in children’s mental health By Erin Miller Children’s mental health needs have increased sharply in recent years. According to NHS data, around one in five children ages 8 to 16 now has a probable mental health disorder, up from one in nine in 2017. Symptoms include anxiety, low mood and eating difficulties. While schools are often the first to notice when something is wrong, many have limited resources to meet emotional needs. So, what are your child’s school’s obligations in relation to mental health? Understanding what falls under the umbrella of mental health can be confusing. Mental health refers to a person’s emotional, psychological and social wellbeing - how they think, feel and cope with life. Not every instance of behavioural change is a diagnosable mental health condition: temporary stress and friendship issues are normal ups and downs of growing up. Ideally, schools and parents should work together to identify patterns of behaviour, rather than one-off instances. While schools have a duty of care to safeguard pupils and promote wellbeing, this does not extend to diagnosing or treating mental health conditions or offering clinical-style interventions. Their legal duties focus on noticing, recording and referring concerns to GPs, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) or educational psychologists. Under the Equality Act 2010, schools must make reasonable adjustments if a mental health difficulty amounts to a disability and under safeguarding laws, they must act if a child’s safety is at risk. Where needs are long term and significantly affect education, these can be recognised through an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), which sets out the support the school and local authority must provide. To receive an EHCP,
What schools are NOT legally obligated to do State-maintained schools are not legally required to provide clinical treatment, counselling or employ mental health professionals. They are also not obliged to have a separate mental health policy and they are not responsible for managing or funding long-term clinical care or replacing NHS services. Schools don’t have to tailor the entire curriculum for mental health reasons unless a child’s needs amount to a disability or are formally set out in an EHCP. Finally, schools are not required to automatically authorise absences due to anxiety, low mood or other emotional distress without supporting medical evidence. Erin Miller is a teacher with a keen interest in how research can be used in the classroom to improve learning.
How to get help
What is great practice?
If you have raised your concerns about your child’s mental health but feel your child’s school is not taking them seriously, start by meeting with the class teacher or pastoral lead to explain your worries. If the issue continues, contact the SENCO, headteacher or governing body.
Schools are not legally required to provide counselling or mental health programmes but many demonstrate exceptional practice by embedding wellbeing throughout school life. Great schools create a whole-school culture of care, where emotional health is valued alongside academic progress. Staff are properly trained to recognise early signs of distress and to respond with sensitivity and consistency. Pupils feel safe to speak up and parents are treated as partners. Great practice often includes a named mental health lead, clear referral routes to specialist services and close collaboration with external professionals such as school nurses, educational psychologists or CAMHS teams. Schools may offer drop-in wellbeing sessions, peer-support schemes or access to qualified counsellors on site. Although many of these examples are not statutory duties, you could still suggest some of them if you are providing feedback to your child’s school. Keep in mind that effective schools succeed by building an inclusive, compassionate environment where wellbeing is embedded in the culture for students, staff and the wider school community.
You can also seek advice from your local authority, the Parent Partnership, SENDIASS service or organisations such as Mind. CAMHS offers assessments and treatment for children up to the age of 18 for a variety of mental health problems. Start by speaking to your GP about the issue and requesting a referral to CAMHS or community services. CAMHS assesses and treats problems such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders and the effects of trauma. It offers a range of support which can include individual, group, or family therapy sessions, creative therapies, medication management, and, in some cases, inpatient hospital care. Some CAMHS teams also specialise in conditions like ADHD and autism. Crucially, remember you are not alone and support is available. 8
it must be shown that the child’s needs have a clear impact on learning and require additional support beyond what the school can usually offer.
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PARENTING
Bad behaviour or something else? By Usha Patel
Generally speaking, we view parenting through the lens of our own childhood experiences. We naturally want what is best for our children and when they do not comply, it can be very confusing and frustrating. Our normal response is to try harder but really we need to dig a bit deeper and understand what is behind what looks like ‘bad behaviour.’ Tantrum or meltdown? These are actually two different things and by recognising the difference we can truly understand what lies behind the behaviour. A tantrum is when a child is misbehaving to get their own way. A meltdown may look the same but the child is reacting to feeling overwhelmed about a situation they cannot understand or handle. The behaviour of children having a tantrum They pay attention to what is going on and try to bargain while misbehaving. This is a strategy to get what they want. The tantrum usually subsides as soon as they receive it. The behaviour of children having a meltdown Unlike a tantrum, children having a meltdown are not in control. They appear panicked, wanting to escape and not responding to their environment or others around them. They can be impossible to console in this state. Tantrums are pretty common among children of a certain age and are thankfully something they usually grow out of, though it is still okay for them to ask for help. Meltdowns require a much more understanding approach. Understanding a child’s meltdowns Let’s look at your child’s perspective if they are prone to meltdowns. Say, for example, you are working from home and there is construction work going on outside. Imagine how you would feel if someone says: ‘I want you to ignore the distraction and carry on as normal.’ You would find it near impossible. You may be able to suppress the frustration but it has not gone away. At some point, you will need to let off steam – in other words, have a meltdown.
So, when your child has a meltdown it is a reaction to sensory overload. Different individuals have different tolerances to sensory stimulation. While your response to the construction work may have been a normal response to a very difficult and frustrating situation, some adults and children feel exactly this way in a variety of situations that many others might find easier to tolerate. People with a higher sensitivity to sensory overload react in a way that some might deem inappropriate or difficult to deal with. The important thing to remember is that they are not ‘choosing’ this response and ‘behaving badly,’ they are actually just reacting in the way that their body and brains feel is necessary. Are you receiving the right sort of help? What about children who are having meltdowns at home even after a good day at school? These children have been able to partially control things so far that day, so they do not appear stressed. However, once they get home, they are in a safe environment and can let go. It can feel like no one believes you unless they see first-hand how your child behaves, which can make it challenging to ask for support. Remember though that parenting isn’t easy and dealing with problematic behaviour can in itself be exhausting and overwhelming for YOU. It is okay to ask for help. Usha Patel is a Neurocognitive Therapist at Raviv Practice London. For advice on any of these issues, visit www.ravivpracticelondon.co.uk
Practical ways to re-establish calm
Using calm, predictable behaviour
When children are constantly overwhelmed by their environment and sensory information cannot be assimilated with any ease, it is a constant battle for them. Acknowledging their emotions and allowing them to deal with them in a safe way is the best option. It can help settle things and re-establish calm. Try: Playing on swings, rocking chairs, trampoline; Quiet time with a pet; Coming home to a favourite cartoon and a snack; Some time alone with you to sit quietly.
Your child’s meltdowns may make you anxious, upset or angry but this increases their dysregulated state. Think of their ‘meltdowns’ as them being ‘overloaded.’
editor@familieswest.co.uk
Adopt a calm manner; pause, give them space, talk slowly, with a modulated tone so that their sensory overload reduces. Once calm, they may be able to explain what caused them to feel overwhelmed. Identifying meltdown triggers can help you deal with the root problems and stop overwhelm becoming a habitual and therefore far more damaging trauma response.
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HEALTH
Early years anxiety: the power of emotional connection By Stephanie Bradley In recent years, a quiet but powerful shift has been affecting our youngest learners. Children as young as ages 3 or 4 are increasingly showing signs of anxiety, low confidence and emotional dysregulation. These are not isolated cases and the trend is growing. Children today are facing challenges that often seem unimaginable for their age; the emotional demands on this group of learners are mounting. The impact may be subtle at first - withdrawn behaviour, tearfulness, tummy aches, avoidance - but if left unchecked, these early warning signals can develop into entrenched emotional difficulties. Recognising the signs of anxiety in the early years Anxiety in young children rarely announces itself clearly. It’s disguised by behaviours that might include acting up, sudden clinginess, speech regression, avoidance of group activities or difficulty settling into new situations. These are not ‘difficult behaviours;’ they are signals of emotional struggle in children who don’t have the vocabulary to talk about or even understand their feelings. That’s where early identification and emotional teaching become crucial. Why early intervention matters Research in child psychology and neuroscience tells us that early childhood is a critical period for emotional development. It is during these early years that children begin to form ideas about self-worth, belonging, empathy and how the world feels to them.
10 Families West London
Early intervention isn’t just beneficial, it’s foundational. Emotional literacy should be treated with the same importance as learning to read or count. Waiting longer to address these challenges means working against years of deeply ingrained patterns. The role of social emotional learning (SEL) Social Emotional Learning (SEL) has become a cornerstone of early years education for good reason. SEL promotes the development of emotional intelligence, empathy, self-awareness and the ability to self-regulate. When SEL is embedded early in the education experience and children are guided to discuss their emotions, they are more engaged, more confident and more capable of navigating daily challenges. Stephanie Bradley is an HLTA Teaching Assistant working in SEN and mainstream primary education. She has recently published a social story designed to support children’s emotional development. Have You Helped Someone Sparkle Today? is an interactive picture book for children ages 3 to 7.
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EDUCATION
BOOK CLUB
There’s no doubt about it, January can be a miserable month. So, it’s no accident then that our first book club pick of the year is guaranteed to have your children laughing out loud. Finn’s Epic Fails is the first in a brand-new series from award winning author Phil Earle, who talks to Rachel Bailey about where adventures come from, how to engage a reluctant reader and owning a pet dragon. @philearle
@philearle
www.philearle.com
Is your pet dragon Baz, named after anyone in particular? Ah Baz. Sadly Baz is no longer with us. He had a good innings, about twenty years. I don’t miss feeding him live locusts daily. Maybe I could work him in to Finn’s misadventures… What are your top tips for beating the January blues with children?
Where do you get your inspiration from? Do you always have to start with a big idea? Not at all. One of the things I love about writing is that the tiniest interaction in life can be the starting point for the biggest adventure. And these moments are everywhere: on the street, at work, at school – we’re surrounded by them.
word in our dictionary – playtime. That’s all writing is for me, recapturing that feeling of being seven years old and having heard the bell ring. At playtime, I could be an astronaut, a footballer, a pirate, a dancer. I could go anywhere, do anything, be anyone. Who wouldn’t want to do that as an adult??
I won’t be mischievous and suggest plugging them into the digital nanny. I’d say read with them. Get the heating on and read to them. And ask them to read to you. Escapism is what we need in January… Finn’s Epic Fails is available at the end of January priced £7.99. Illustrations by Al Murphy.
As you also work in publishing, you must get to see bookselling from both sides. Does your personal experience as an author help give you a good balance?
Is it fair to say you didn’t start out as a typical bookworm? What would be your advice to anyone struggling to get their children to read?
It’s taught me not to chase the market, that way madness lies. It’s taught me to write the stories that are burning a hole in me to escape. It’s the only way.
Learn Arabic Online
Kick out any conscious or unconscious snobberies you may have about reading. The NOVEL does NOT define what reading is. Comics, mags, articles on the internet. Read with your ears as well as your eyes. It takes just as much brain power and attention span to read an audiobook.
In your latest book Finn’s Epic Fails, poor Finn just wants to navigate his way through secondary school, but as the title hints, his journey is one mortifying disaster after another. Are any of these failures based on your own teenage years?
Native Arabic speaker, professional educator and translator with over twenty years of experience
What do you love most about writing? I can sum it up in one word. The greatest
Oh lord yes. Plenty of them are rooted in my experiences. Or those of friends or my kids. I remember reading Adrian Mole as a kid, and really empathizing with him…
Open to learners of all levels
GCSE and A Level specialist Absolute beginners welcome Advanced levels · Intensive courses
Contact Reem at 07956 845053
WIN! WIN a copy with Families!
For your chance to win a copy, all you have to do is answer the question below and email your answer to editor@familieswest.co.uk What is the name of Phil’s new series? A Friendship, Fun and Fails B Finn’s Epic Fails C Finn’s Big Failure Closing date for entries is 28 February 2026 editor@familieswest.co.uk
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Your family guide to
brought to life as one enchanting theatre show 4-8 yrs. Little Angel Studios Sebbon St N1 2EH www.littleangeltheatre.com/whats-on/thestorm-whale-2
What's On Email editor@familieswest.co.uk with any events. Event times and dates do change, please try and check that an event is still going ahead before you head out.
Ongoing
January
Family Fun Weekend at Cutty Sark First weekend of every month FREE with entry to the ship Cutty Sark, King William Walk SE10 9HT www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/cutty-sark/familyfun-weekend
English National Ballet's Nutcracker at The London Coliseum Until Sun 11 Jan Festive family treat. The English National Ballet’s acclaimed production burst onto the stage in 2024. It returns to the London Coliseum to bring you a delicious taste of Christmas delight. London Coliseum, St Martin's Lane WC2N 4ES www.londoncoliseum.org
Park Run at Gunnersbury Park Every Sat in Nov and Dec FREE, fun and friendly weekly 5k event. Gunnersbury Park, W3 8LQ www.parkrun.org.uk/gunnersbury Family Fun at Ealing Broadway McDonalds Every Sat and Sun until 31 Mar Face painting and animal characters in store 2-4pm. Craft days first Sun of the month. The Arcadia Centre, W5 42ND www.makeitealing.co.uk/events/family-fun-atealing-broadway-mcdonalds Miri Mawr Baby and Toddler Playgroup at Hanwell Community Centre Every Mon during term-time Gives parents and their little ones an opportunity to meet and have fun through the medium of Welsh in London. 10am-12pm. Hanwell Community Centre W7 1PD www.ysgolgymraegllundain.co.uk/mirieng.htm
Winter Light on The South Bank Until Sun 18 Jan Contemporary light art installations light up the South Bank daily from 4-11pm. Belvedere Rd SE1 8XX www.southbank.london/whats-on/winter-light Ballet Shoes at The National Theatre Thu 1 Jan-Sat 21 Feb Noel Streatfield’s beloved novel is brought back to the Olivier Stage. Olivier Theatre, National Theatre, South Bank SE1 9PX www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/productions/balletshoes The Storm Whale at Little Angel Studios Fri 2-Sat 24 Jan Benji Davies’ tender and heart-warming children’s stories of friendship, love and courage are
Pinocchio at The Puppet Theatre Barge Fri 2-Sun 18 Jan Puppetry, shadows, illusion and especially composed music 4-10 yrs. Puppet Theatre Barge, Little Venice W9 2PF www.puppetbarge.com Me at Little Angel Theatre Sat 3-Sun 25 Jan Touching story about a parent and their love for their child by much loved children’s author Emma Dodd. 2-5yrs. 14 Dagmar Passage, London N1 2DN www.littleangeltheatre.com/whats-on/me Fiction Bookgroup at Everybody Reads Independent Bookshop Tue 6 Jan A monthly discussion group for adults who have purchased the book at Everybody Reads. This month’s book is Death at the White Hart by Chris Chibnall. Those who register at purchase get a 10% discount. 7-8pm Everybody Reads, 6 Chiswick High Road W4 1TH www.chiswickcalendar.co.uk/event/everybodyreads-fiction-everybody-reads Baby Time at Everybody Reads Independent Bookshop Wed 7, 14 and 21 Jan Opportunity to meet other babies (and their carers) and to introduce your child to the joy of reading in a relaxed environment. 0-2yrs 10.30am Everybody Reads, 6 Chiswick High Road W4 1TH www.chiswickcalendar.co.uk/whats-on-inchiswick/children Singing, Stories & Crafts for under 5s at The London Transport Museum Fri 9 and 23 Jan 15 minutes of craft and 30 minutes of interactive singing and storytelling London Transport Museum, WC2E 7BB www.ltmuseum.co.uk/whats-on
My First Ballet
Cinderella
Everyone’s invited to this new ballet for children aged 3+
3 - 11 Apr, The Peacock, London
And on tour across England from 28 Mar - 31 May
Tickets ballet.org.uk/myfirstballet
editor@familieswest.co.uk
Principal Building Partner of English National Ballet
Reg charity 214005
Families West London 13
WHAT'S ON Chiswick Bookclub at Waterstones Thu 15 Jan First bookclub of 2026 for adults. The book to read is 'Wild Dark Shore' by Charlotte McConaghy. Everyone is welcome if you have read the book! 7pm Waterstones 220-226 Chiswick High Road W4 1PD www.waterstones.com/events/chiswickbookclub/london-chiswick-155618 FREE Child’s Sleep Consultation at Two Plus Cafe Fri 16 Jan 10.30am-12pm 15 minute slots, book or walk in. Two Plus Cafe, Unit 16, Edison Court, Warple Way W3 7FW www.twopluscafe.com/what-s-on Astronights at The Science Museum Fri 16 Jan and Fri 6 Mar Sleepovers for 7-11yrs and their parents/ guardians,. Explore the museum after dark, take part in space-inspired workshops, shows and activities and sleep among its wonders. Science Museum, Exhibition Road, South Kensington SW7 2DD www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/see-and-do/ astronights Flyaway Katie at The Lyric Theatre Hammersmith Sat 17 Jan Based on the popular children's book by Polly Dunbar. 2-7 yrs. Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, Lyric Square, King St W6 0QL www.lyric.co.uk/shows/flyaway-katie Family Workshops - Penguin Party at Little Angel Studios Sat 17-Sun 18 Jan Make a penguin puppet to take home and join you during this frosty January. 3-6 yrs. Little Angel Studios Sebbon St N1 2EH www.littleangeltheatre.com/whats-on/familyworkshops-penguin-party Squirrel at The Unicorn Theatre Sat 17 Jan-Sun 22 Feb A story of new growth and new beginnings with a sprinkling of magic and puppetry. 6months-4yrs Unicorn Theatre 147 Tooley St SE1 2HZ www.unicorntheatre.com/events/squirrel-2 Winter Lights at Canary Wharf Tue 20-Sat 31 Jan Festival with illuminations and interactive experiences. Throughout Canary Wharf E14 5AB www.canarywharf.com/whats-on/winterlights-2026
14 Families West London
Groove Sensation at The Lyric Theatre Hammersmith Sat 24 Jan Sensory voyage specially created for under 5s and their grownups. Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, Lyric Square, King St W6 0QL www.lyric.co.uk/shows/groove-sensation
The Tiger Who Came to Tea at The Radlett Centre Thu 5-Sat 7 Feb Stage adaptation of the classic tale of teatime mayhem. The Radlett Centre, Radlett WD7 8HL www.radlettcentre.co.uk/What-s-On/Children/ Tiger-Who-Came-To-Tea
The Hare and the Tortoise at The Puppet Theatre Barge Sat 24, Sun 25 and Sat 31 Jan The story of the most famous race on earth is beautifully brought to life using marionettes. 4-10 yrs. Puppet Theatre Barge, Little Venice W9 2PF www.puppetbarge.com
Singing, Stories & Crafts for under 5s at The London Transport Museum Fri 6, 13 and 27 Feb 15 minutes of craft and 30 minutes of interactive singing and storytelling. London Transport Museum, WC2E 7BB www.ltmuseum.co.uk/whats-on
Chinese New Year Celebration at Two Plus Cafe Sun 25 Jan Chinese New Year nursery rhymes, hands-on Chunlian calligraphy, fun Tangyuan making and unlimited soft play. 3-5pm Two Plus Cafe, Warple Way W3 7FW www.twopluscafe.com/what-s-on Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show at The Beck Theatre Tue 27 and Wed 28 Jan Brand-new live stage show. The Beck Theatre, Grange Rd, Hayes UB3 2UE www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk/beck-theatre/ whats-on Hamlet at the Polka Theatre Wed 28 Jan-Sun 1 Feb Contemporary language and inventive staging make the story engaging for 8-12yrs. Polka Theatre, Wimbledon SW19 1SB www.polkatheatre.com/event/hamlet-2026 The Littlest Yak at The Lyric Theatre Hammersmith Sat 31 Jan A gorgeous story celebrating YOU being perfect… just the way you are! 3+yrs. Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, W6 0QL www.lyric.co.uk/shows/the-littlest-yak-2026
February The Hare and the Tortoise at The Puppet Theatre Barge Sun 1, Sat 7, Sun 8 and Sat 28 Feb The story of the most famous race on earth is beautifully brought to life using marionettes. 4-10 yrs. Puppet Theatre Barge, Little Venice W9 2PF www.puppetbarge.com
The Mountain Witch at The Lyric Theatre Hammersmith Sat 7 Feb Join musicians and dancers in this playful and inclusive experience for children aged 3-8 years and their grown-ups. Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, W6 0QL www.lyric.co.uk/shows/the-mountain-witch Our Shared Voice Open Event at Music House for Children Mon 9 Feb A series of creative workshops for 15-19 year olds. 4.30-6pm Bush Hall, Shepherd's Bush, W12 7LJ www.musichouseeducation.com Imagine Festival at The Southbank Centre Wed 11-Sat 21 Feb A festival of fun and creativity for every family, turning the Southbank Centre into one big playground. Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road SE1 8XX www.southbankcentre.co.uk/events/imagine Ruby’s Worry at the Polka Theatre Wed 11-Sun 22 Feb Musical adventure based on the much-loved book by Tom Percival. 3-7 yrs. Polka Theatre, Wimbledon SW19 1SB www.polkatheatre.com/event/rubys-worry By Trial and Error at The Unicorn Theatre Wed 11-Sun 22 Feb Hilarious acrobatics in this heart-warming show for the whole family. 4-10yrs Unicorn Theatre 147 Tooley St SE1 2HZ www.unicorntheatre.com/events/by-trial-anderror Hay! at The Lyric Theatre Hammersmith Sat 14 Feb Farmer Geenie guides Scarecrow step by step as he finds his feet, then his hands, his voice, his legs and his love of song and dance. 3+yrs. Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, W6 0QL www.lyric.co.uk/shows/hay
Call 07753 414605
WHAT'S ON EARLY YEARS Hamlet Family Workshop at The Globe Sat 14-Thu 19 Feb Separate workshops for 5-8 yrs and 9-11 yrs. Shakespeare’s Globe, 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside SE1 9DT www.shakespearesglobe.com/whats-on The Insect Circus at The Puppet Theatre Barge Sat 14-Sun 22 Feb Forget reality and become immersed in the strange and beautiful world of the Insect Circus 3-10 yrs. Puppet Theatre Barge, Little Venice W9 2PF www.puppetbarge.com Utterly Revolting Science Show at The Radlett Centre Sun 15 Feb Rollercoaster of disgusting experiments built to delight young audiences and inspire with a lasting fascination for science. 5+yrs The Radlett Centre, Radlett WD7 8HL www.radlettcentre.co.uk/What-s-On/Children/ Revolting-Science Andy and The Odd Socks at The Southbank Centre Sun 15 Feb Everyone’s invited as the stars of the CBBC hit series bring their odd-socked mixture of live music, mayhem and bags of fun to the stage. 3+ yrs. Part of the Imagine Family Festival. Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX www.southbankcentre.co.uk/events/imagine Twelfth Night Family Workshop at The Globe Sun 15-Sat 21 Feb Separate workshops for 5-8 yrs and 9-11 yrs. Shakespeare’s Globe, 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside SE1 9DT www.shakespearesglobe.com/whats-on West End Wannabes Workshop at The Compass Theatre Mon 16 and Tue 17 Feb Inspiring theatrical workshops for ages 7 to 14. Compass Theatre, Ickenham UB10 8PD https://discover.hillingdon.gov.uk/theatreevents Perform’s Hansel & Gretel Holiday Course at Kensington URC Mon 16-Wed 18 Feb Join Hansel and Gretel this February half-term for three days of drama, dancing and singing. Journeying into the enchanted forest, the children will make friends with the woodland creatures and discover the delicious Gingerbread House along the way. Will they manage to outwit the evil Wicked Witch and escape her clutches? 10am3pm daily Ages 4-10. Kensington United Reformed Church, W8 6BL www.perform.org.uk/hanselandgretel
Adventures in Sonics at Music House for Children Tue 17 Feb Sound Design Workshop for 9-12 year olds. 12.30pm Music House Education, W12 7LJ www.musichouseeducation.com
Little Birdsong Concert at Music House for Children Wed 18 Feb Live performance for babies & young children. 10-11am Bush Hall, Shepherd's Bush, W12 7LJ www.musichouseeducation.com
Horrible Histories, the Concert at The Southbank Centre Tue 17 Feb For the very first time, your favourite songs and actors from the BAFTA Award-winning CBBC TV series appear live (and dead!) on stage in a sensational show. 5+ yrs. Part of the Imagine Family Festival. Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX www.southbankcentre.co.uk/events/imagine
Mini First Aid for Kids at Two Plus Cafe Thu 19 Feb Give your child the gift of life-saving skills. 10.1511am ages 3-7yrs £10. 11.15am-12.15pm 7-11 yrs £15 Two Plus Cafe, Warple Way W3 7FW www.twopluscafe.com/what-s-on
Turtle Opera at the V&A Museum Tue 17-Fri 20 Feb FREE music and drama project for Autistic 11 - 15 year olds. Four days of workshops will involve participants creating their own stories and music for an informal performance, with a professional composer and director. Sign up via the link below Victoria & Albert Museum, Cromwell Rd SW7 2RL www.turtlekeyarts.org.uk/turtleoperalondon Zoom at The Lyric Theatre Hammersmith Tue 17-Sat 21 Feb Molly is definitely, absolutely going to be an astronaut when she grows up. 3-8yrs. Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, W6 0QL www.lyric.co.uk/shows/zoom-2026 Elmer the Elephant at Music House for Children Wed 18 Feb Musical storytelling workshop for 2-6 year olds. 10-11am Bush Hall, Shepherd's Bush, W12 7LJ www.musichouseeducation.com Quentin Blake’s Mrs Armitage on Wheels at The Southbank Centre Wed 18-Sat 21 Feb Meet Quentin Blake’s magical, marvellous inventor extraordinaire, as she cycles at full tilt onto the stage. 3-8 yrs. Part of the Imagine Family Festival. Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road SE1 8XX www.southbankcentre.co.uk/events/imagine Depot Family Tours at The London Transport Museum, Acton Wed 18 and Fri 20 Feb Exclusively for family groups with children aged 5-11. Uncover stories about the very special vehicles in the museum’s collection. Museum Depot, 2 Museum Way, 118-120 Gunnersbury Lane, Acton W3 9BQ www.ltmuseum.co.uk/whats-on
Teddy Bear’s Picnic at The Radlett Centre Fri 20 Feb Songs, games and stories for under-5s and their grown ups. The Radlett Centre, Radlett WD7 8HL www.radlettcentre.co.uk/What-s-On/Children/ Teddy-Bears-Picnic Signor Baffo at The Lyric Theatre Hammersmith Sat 28 Feb An interactive children’s show, Signor Baffo opens his restaurant to children aged 3+. Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, W6 0QL www.lyric.co.uk/shows/signor-baffo
Upcoming Dear Zoo at The Lyric Theatre Hammersmith Mon 2-Thu 5 Mar The timeless children’s classic book returns to the stage! 2+yrs. Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, W6 0QL www.lyric.co.uk/shows/dear-zoo Cinderella: My First Ballet at The Peacock Theatre Fri 3-Sat 11 Apr This charming twist on the classic fairy‑tale is a sparkling, family‑friendly introduction to ballet for children aged 3+. With a narrator to help the young audience follow the story, and a shortened, recorded version of Prokofiev’s ravishing score, this is a fantastic family day out. Peacock Theatre, WC2A 2HT www.ballet.org.uk/production/my-first-balletcinderella Dog Man: The Musical at The Southbank Centre Thu 30 Jul-Sun 16 Aug Tickets are now on sale for the hilarious and heartfelt new musical based on the bestselling book series by Dav Pilkey. 5+yrs Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/dogman-the-musical
Try a confidence-boosting Perform class
This spring, help your child build confidence, creativity and social skills with Perform weekly drama, dance and singing classes for ages 4-7 and 7-12. Children have the chance to shine in a magical end-of-term performance: Midnight in the Toyshop for ages 4-7 and Outlaw for ages 7-12. Every child is welcome to try a FREE class in Acton, Bayswater, Chiswick, Chiswick Park, Ealing, Hammersmith, Kensington, Marylebone, Maida Vale, Notting Hill and Uxbridge. Visit www.perform.org.uk/try to book. editor@familieswest.co.uk
Families West London 15
NEW YEAR, NEW YOU
Resolutions that stick for 2026
Anna Houston is a freelance writer specialising in parenting and women’s lifestyle
By Anna Houston
Plan with purpose A little planning goes a long way. Set aside time each Sunday to reset so you feel calmer and more in control of the week ahead. Check the calendar, lay out uniforms and make a short to-do list. Pair it with a cup of tea, a podcast or a face mask, so it feels like self-care. Look at the bigger picture. Break your year into quarters and plan around family milestones. Avoid starting big projects in the busiest periods. Mapping goals to life’s rhythm makes them more achievable.
Double up on healthy habits Healthy habits can make life more fun. Meet a friend for a walk and takeaway coffee instead of sitting in a café or catch up at the playground and do a few squats while pushing the children on the swing. Pair up with a friend to start a mini ‘cook-along club’ where you try a new healthy recipe each week or introduce a ‘vegetable of the week’ challenge. Pick a fruit or vegetable you don’t usually buy and find ways to add it to meals - it keeps healthy eating creative and fresh.
Greener living, simplified Going green can feel overwhelming, so make one easy sustainable swap each quarter. If you commit to changing just four things throughout the year, by the end of it your life will have improved in four tangible ways. Last year we got a built-in water filter, swapped to an eco-friendly detergent, replaced plastic bottles with stainless steel ones and started growing herbs. They’re small changes but they’ve made our home feel more aligned with the way we want to live. 16 Families West London
Just move little and often Regular exercise is a way to care for your body and lift your mood. Think ‘little and often’ rather than ‘all or nothing.’ Walk the school run, take the stairs or park somewhere that adds a fifteen minute walk to your destination. Consider a fold-away treadmill or exercise bike that you can use while replying to emails or watching a film. Twenty minutes of steady movement is far more realistic than a rigid gym routine - and it still counts.
Change your self-talk Healthy living starts in your head, not your kitchen. Much of how we eat, move and care for ourselves depends on how we speak to ourselves. If your inner dialogue is self-critical, it’s time to change the script. Instead of focusing on what you shouldn’t eat, think about what will make you feel energised. Swap ‘I’ve ruined it’ for ‘I enjoyed that; now I’ll make my next choice a nourishing one.’ When you stop labelling food as ‘good’ or ‘bad’, you stop labelling yourself that way too and you build a healthier, more forgiving relationship with eating.
Family check-ins Life is busy and real conversation can easily go by the wayside. Eat together at least three evenings a week - no phones or screens and ask everyone to share the best and worst part of their day. It keeps family life connected. Although big days out are wonderful, small, consistent moments through the week are just as powerful. This includes time with your partner. My spouse and I hug for twenty seconds every morning. It’s simple but effective and helps us reset and start the day as a team. Call 07753 414605