North London IN THIS ISSUE
Education and School Feature Issue Plus Local Clubs and Classes WIN a term of swimming lessons with Swimming Nature See page 8
Plus What’s On, Children’s Theatre and much more!
Issue 132 September/October 2018
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Welcome to the September/October issue! CONTACT US:
Families North London Magazine
Deadline : 1 October 2018
PO Box 74501, Muswell Hill N10 9DZ T: 020 8793 3366 M: 07402 613 042 E: Karen@FamiliesNorthLondon.co.uk E: Editor@FamiliesNorthLondon.co.uk www.FamiliesNorthLondon.co.uk HADLEY WOOD
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Education and School Feature Issue Plus Local Clubs and Classes WIN a term of swimming lessons with Swimming Nature See page 8
Plus What’s On, Children’s Theatre and much more!
Issue 132 September/October 2018
familiesonline.co.uk
Front cover image credit Jenny Smith Photography jennysmithphotography.co.uk
FamiliesNorthLondon
2 Families News 4 Independent Schools Open Days 6 Education 10 Family Health 10 Parties, Clubs Classes & Activities 16 What’s On 18 Children’s Theatre
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IN THIS ISSUE:
WHERE IS FAMILIES NORTH LONDON?
M25
TRENT PARK
COCKFOSTERS
Nov/Dec 2018 — “Seasonal Celebrations, Pantos”
IN THIS ISSUE
Publisher: Karen Konowalchuk Managing Editor: Lisa Ralph
HIGH BARNET
UPCOMING ISSUES
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Families North London Magazine is distributed bi-monthly throughout North London. An area bordered by the M1/A5 on the West, the A112/A10 on the East, the M25 to the North and the A501 to the South. You can collect a FREE copy from the scores of outlets: schools, nurseries, play groups, clubs and classes, sports centres, libraries, family doctors and baby clinics, and children’s shops. If you would like to stock copies to give to parents please let us know. For families from birth to twelve. Read by over 60,000 local families 6 times a year.
Families News Boosting Children’s Self-esteem and Life Skills with Perform A common struggle shared by many children is lack of confidence. This can stop some children reaching their full potential. Perform is a unique drama school that uses drama, dance and singing to help all children achieve their true potential—even those that are shy and reserved. “Perform is NOT a stage school” stresses Perform Producer, Karen. “It teaches life skills through fun drama games and end of term shows. The real aim of the classes is to help children develop the 4Cs: Confidence, Concentration, Coordination and Communication. “Classes are small with both a Producer and a Teacher. Children are offered a free trial and the Producer spends time beforehand with each parent establishing their goals. For instance, speaking more clearly or making eye contact when introduced to someone unfamiliar.” Producers report back to parents after each class on the focus of the week and answer questions about the progress of individual children. “Shy children often come to classes clinging to their parents. I can pretty much guarantee that within 5 or 6 classes, they will run in without waving goodbye” reports Karen. For more information on your local classes in NW3, N22, N8, NW5, N2, N12 & N3, N4, N11, NW3, NW11, N6, N1, N10, N12, NW1, N14, NW8, N16, N20, N7, NW6, N21 and NW7 visit www.perform.org.uk/try
A Confident Start with Jigsaw Family Friendly Street Food Performing Arts Market, Hawker Union, in A new school year is here, which Wood Green means that children across London and the Home Counties are taking to the stage as Jigsaw begins an exciting new term of drama, singing and dance classes; the perfect activity to escape the cold, wet October weekends. Our classes are designed to develop children’s confidence, focus and social skills,while having fun and making lots of new friends. With more children attending Jigsaw Performing Arts Schools than ever before, now is the time to book a two-week trial and discover these unique benefits at a school near you. For more information or to book a two-week trial, visit www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk or call 020 8447 4530. 2 Families North London
Street Feast has turned an unloved disused warehouse space in Wood Green into a fantastic new indoor/outdoor eating and drinking destination. Open all year round, from 5 pm on Fridays and from 12 noon on weekend days, Hawker Union hosts several bars and food traders offering a variety of food including a great selection of vegan barbeque food from Root & Coal. With pool tables inside, and giant feasting tables and trampolines aligning the sun- trap yard outside, this space has something to offer for all the family during the day. Then at night, thousands of festoon lights and neon lighting transform the old Olympia Industrial Estate making it the perfect date night destination! www.streetfeast.com/visit-us/hawker-union/ familiesonline.co.uk
LET’S GET Y T R A P S I TH STARTED! ns hing from invitatio yt er ev ly pp su ll e’ W y with dedicated part to food and drink . ur own special host areas and even yo g is the kids! All you have to brin
St Andrews Southgate Primary School (CE), 297 Chase Road, N14 6JA. 15th, 22nd & 29th September, 6th, 13th 20th October
FREE assessment on open days. www.leadersarereaders.co.uk Call now to book your place: 01992 651 300
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Families North London 3
Education
Independent Schools Open Days Please check websites to confirm in advance of visiting advertised open days. Listings are subject to change. Abercorn School NW8 Boys and Girls 2 ½ - 13 yrs Open Day: Fri 28 Sep; Fri 19 Oct; Wed 28 Nov, all 9.15am 8www.abercornschool.com (020 7100 4335
The Academy School NW3 Boys and Girls 6 – 13 yrs Open days: By appointment 8www.academyschoolhampstead.com (020 7435 6621
The American School in London NW8 Boys and Girls 4-18 yrs Open Day: Thu 20 Sept, 6pm 8www.asl.org (020 7449 1200
Annemount Nursery and Pre-Preparatory School N2 Boys and Girls 3-7 yrs Open day: By appointment 8www.annemount.co.uk (020 8455 2132
Arnold House School NW8 Boys 5-13 yrs Open Day: By appointment 8www.arnoldhouse.co.uk (020 7266 4840
Belmont School NW7 Boys and Girls 7-13 yrs Open Day: Sat 29 Sept, 9am – 12noon 8www.millhill.org.uk/belmont (020 8906 7290
Cavendish School NW1 Girls 3-11yrs, Boys 3-7 yrs Open Day: By appointment 8www.cavendishschool.co.uk (020 7485 1958
Channing School N6 Girls 4-18 yrs Open Day: Jun Sch – 18/ 25 Sept, 8.45-10am. Sen Sch-various dates 8www.channing.co.uk (020 83402338
Devonshire House School NW3 Boys and Girls 2½–13 yrs Open Day: Wed 10 & Thu 11 Oct, 9.45-11.30am 8www.devonshirehouseschool.co.uk (020 7435 1916
Dwight School N11/12 Boys and Girls 2-18 yrs Open Day: Lwr Sch – Thu 11 Oct, Upp Sch – Tue 9 Oct, 10.30am-12.30pm 8www.dwightlondon.org (020 8920 0637
Francis Holland School NW1 Girls 4-18 yrs Open Day: Weds 12 Sept, Fri 12 Oct, Thu 18 Oct, all from 8.45am 8www.fhs-nw1.org.uk (020 7723 0176
Goodwyn School NW7 Boys and Girls 3-11 yrs Open Day: By appointment 8www.goodwyn-school.co.uk (020 8959 3756
Grange Park Prep School N21 Boys 3-4 yrs, Girls 3-11 yrs Open Day: Tue 3 Oct, Tue 7 Nov, Tue 5 Dec, Tue 9 Jan, all 9.30am 8www.gpps.org.uk (020 8360 4869
Grimsdell School NW7 Boys and Girls 3-7 yrs Open Day: Sat 29 Sept, 9am – 12noon 8www.millhill.org.uk/grimsdell (020 8959 6884
The Hall School NW3 Boys 4-13 yrs Open Day: By appointment 8www.hallschool.co.uk (020 7449 6918
Hendon Prep School NW4 Boys & Girls 2-13 yrs Open Day: Thu 27 Sep 8www.hendonprep.co.uk (020 8203 7727
Hereward House School Hampstead NW3 Boys 4-13 yrs Open Day: By appointment 8www.herewardhouse.co.uk (020 7794 4820
Highgate School N6 Boys and Girls 3-18 yrs Open Day: By appointment 8www.highgateschool.org.uk (020 8347 3564
Keble Prep School N21 Boys 4-13 yrs Open Day: By appointment 8www.kebleprep.co.uk (020 8360 3359
Kilburn Grange School NW6 Boys and Girls 3-11 yrs Open Day: By appointment 8www.kilburngrangeschool.org.uk (020 7504 0547
King Alfred School NW11 Boys and Girls 4-18 yrs Open Day: Thu 20 Sep (Upper Sch) Thu 11 Oct (Lower Sch); 9.30-11am 8www.kingalfred.org.uk (020 8457 5285
Lyndhurst House School NW3 Boys 4-13 yrs Open Day: Wed 17 Oct, Tue 30 Oct, all 9.30-11am 8www.lyndhursthouse.co.uk (020 7435 4936
Lyonsdown Prep School EN5 Boys and Girls 3-11 yrs Open Day: Thu 18 Oct, 10am 8www.lyonsdownschool.co.uk (020 8449 0225
Norfolk House School N10 Boys and Girls 4-11 yrs Open Day: By appointment 8www.norfolkhouseschool.org (020 8883 4584
North Bridge House School NW1/3 Boys and Girls 2yrs 9mnths - 18 yrs Open Day: By appointment 8www.northbridgehouse.com (020 7267 6266
North London Rudolf Steiner School N8 Boys and Girls 0-7 yrs Open Day: Tues 2 Oct, 1.30- 3pm 8www.rudolfsteiner.london.sch.uk (020 8341 3770
St Anthony’s School NW3 Boys 4-13 yrs Open Day: By appointment 8www.stanthonysprep.org.uk (020 7431 1066
St Anthony’s School NW11 Girls 4- 11 yrs Open Days: Sat 22 Sept & 13 Oct, Thurs 20 Sept to 18 Oct, all at 10am 8www.stanthonygirls.co.uk (020 3869 3070
St Margaret’s School Hampstead NW3 Girls 4-16 yrs Open Day: Thu 20 Sep 5-6.30pm, Weds 26 Sept 9.15-11am 8www.st-margarets.co.uk (020 7435 2439
Mount House School EN4 Boys and Girls 11-18 yrs Open Day: Sat 29 Sept 8www.mounthouse.org.uk (020 8449 6889
St Martin’s School Mill Hill NW7 Boys and Girls 3-11 yrs Open Day: By appointment 8www.stmartinsmillhill.co.uk (020 8959 1965
St Paul’s Steiner School N1 Boys and Girls 3-14 yrs Open Day: By appointment 8www.stpaulssteinerschool.org (020 7226 4454
Salcombe Prep School N14 Boys and Girls 3-11 yrs Open Day: Thu 20 Sep, 9.15am 8www.salcombeprep.co.uk (020 8441 5356
Sarum Hall School Girls NW3 Boys and Girls 3-11 yrs Open Day: By appointment 8www.sarumhallschool.co.uk (020 7794 2261
South Hampstead High School NW3 Girls 4-18 yrs Open Day: By appointment 8www.shhs.gdst.net (020 7435 2899
University College School NW3 Boys and Girls 4-18 yrs Open Day: 13 Sep, 4.30pm (Jun Sch). 11/17 Sept, 5pm (Sen Sch) 8www.ucs.org.uk (020 7722 4433
4 Families North London
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Education
To promote your business or services to over 60,000 North London Families, get in touch! Editor@FamiliesNorthLondon.co.uk Karen@FamiliesNorthLondon.co.uk
THE KING ALFRED SCHOOL • • • • • •
Ages 4 to 18 years Teaching is child-centred & multi-sensory Children develop independent thinking & study skills Success for all in non-competitive classroom environment Progress monitored & individual aptitudes & talents encouraged Children feel safe, happy and thrive in atmosphere of care & respect
Reception entry by waiting list order, registration from birth For enquiries: admissions@kingalfred.org.uk or call: 020 8457 5285 The King Alfred School North End Road London NW11 7HY www.kingalfred.org.uk
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Families North London 25/11/2016 14:00 5
Education Explore Learning – “her school work and selfconfidence has significantly improved” Explore Learning provides maths and English tuition to children aged four to 14, with 139 centres across the country. Families caught up with an Explore Learning member to find out more about their experience. How long have you been going to Explore? Over 3 years. Why did you decide to join Explore? To help raise Emily’s low self-esteem and to increase confidence. How has Explore helped/ what impact has Explore had? They have provided Emily with the tools to enable her to take pride in her work, whilst learning and gaining confidence. It has taught Emily how to prioritise and complete work to deadlines. Who would you recommend Explore to? A child of any school age and of any ability. Can you tell me what you think makes Explore Learning a unique tutoring service? Knowledgeable members of staff/ tutors who really do care about the children and their on-going learning. Also great ‘staff to children’ ratios. How do Explore tutors support your child in their sessions? The tutors are supportive by being friendly, approachable and encouraging, always welcoming Emily to each and every session. The tutors praise good work and feedback to parents after every session. What does Emily enjoy about her sessions at Explore Learning? Emily always enjoys her sessions, finding them fun, calming, challenging and most of all rewarding. Emily has seen for herself the progress she has made at school, which has helped boost her self-confidence.
6 Families North London
How has Explore worked with you as a family/supported you as a family? Explore has provided the reassurance of a safe and secure learning environment for our daughter. Reports and regular parent’s meetings have enables us to discuss Emily’s progression and periodically set new goals or targets. How has Explore supported what your child is working on at school? Explore worked with Emily prior to her SATs, significantly improving her self-confidence, and ensuring she was happy and confident. Subsequently Emily received fantastic SATs results and has transitioned very smoothly to Senior School with great self-confidence and eagerness Get in touch with Explore Learning today by calling 03301 243 802 to discuss your child’s need and book your free trial. Alternatively, visit www.explorelearning.co.uk to find your nearest centre.
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Education Extra Academic Support or Not is the Red-Hot Question The January edition of School Report has published a series of articles exploring the role of extra pupil support, based on the premise that parents are increasingly seeking extra help for their children’s academic success. Below is an outline of some factors for this upward trend: • There are inequalities in standards of teaching and resources from one school to another. • Many parents don’t get a real choice about which school their child will be allocated a place. • Schools that are high in the league tables are very sought after, so competition for places is fierce. • Schools themselves, both selective and some mainstream that are high in the league tables, want the very best candidates to secure their places in the league tables. Which in turn, puts huge pressure on pupils and parents to respond to these increasing expectations, and the economic climate of recent years has strained the school’s budgets further. Blaming and complaining is unproductive. Government changes and legislative solutions are often well-intentioned and usually come with pros and cons. So, what IS the answer? Evidence indicates that parents are choosing to do what they can in the form of extra help for their children.
How can parents decide if extra academic support is the right choice for their child? • Identify/clarify what is important to you regarding your child’s education. • Honestly ask yourself does your child have the ability regarding your academic aspirations/expectations of them. • If your child is not managing at school or unhappy, explore/ investigate any issues with the school (including poor teaching, peer or teacher bullying). • Explore any medical or learning needs such as hearing problem, short-sightedness or dyslexia. Based on your findings, extra help for your child may be the right choice to make! At Leaders are Readers we help your child develop a passion for learning and gain skills in Learning to read, Maths, English and Reasoning. • Our Saturday and Summer Schools help to bridge the gap between the education and self-development that good schools offer compared to the rest.
Modern Approach
• Children enjoy an experience more akin to private school. • Our class numbers are small, allowing each child more personal attention. • We focus on pupil’s specific strengths and identify their needs, to help them fulfil their potential. • The culture of our schools offers a healthy learning environment which can be felt as a palpable and visible reality. Like-minded parents who share a commitment for their children to thrive generate a positive learning attitude in their children, which further strengthens our exemplary educational settings. • Our flexible programmes empower gifted students to develop their skills and talents as they are given an outlet to learn topics more advanced than their school years. • Quality is what distinguishes a good school and engaged parents. We offer quality face-to-face tutoring and quality resources. • We provide lots of opportunity to practice and develop key study skills such as exam preparation and techniques; independent learning through carefully prepared homework assignments and self-regulation (motivating themselves to stay on task until it is completed). Call us on 01992 651 300 for further information to book a trial lesson for our next Open Day. You can also book a trial lesson by visiting us on www.leadersarereaders.co.uk
Traditional Values
A Haberdashers’ boarding education for just £3,850 a term
Haberdashers’ Adams High Street, Newport Shropshire, TF10 7BD
Connect with us
To find out more visit www.adamsgs.uk
+44 (0) 1952 953810
/HabsAdamsGS
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Families North London 7
Education The Eleven Plus is Transforming Families with children seeking entrance to selective schools at 11+ have been worried to hear about the big changes being made to the 11+ assessment process. In most cases the changes are aimed at delivering a “tutor-proof” approach, but by adapting the approach to students’ learning, it is still possible to make sound preparations to face them with confidence.
High standards
The options at secondary level are non-selective state schools, state selective/grammar schools or private schools, that are also often selective. Top grammar schools are looking for standardised scores well above the national average. Applying to these schools is not for the faint-hearted and should only be attempted where the child has been academically assessed as having the innate ability to succeed, with or without tutoring support.
Key changes
State schools are now increasing their use of computerised tests, including cognitive and abstract reasoning. Practising these types of challenges can develop performance and help a child achieve to the best of their ability on the day. Interviews are often an important element for independent schools, and a key change this year is the stated aim to really understand the way the child thinks. This means children will benefit from practice in answering the type of questions that would reveal the way they think through their answers before delivering them. GL and CEM are the two different exam boards that are the examiners for the 11+ in virtually all regions where the 11+ is still used. Both boards cover broadly the same 11+ topics - English, maths, verbal and non-verbal reasoning/spatial awareness exercises. It is vital that you know which exam board is being used, but the key focus areas for either should be the development of vocabulary and maths skills, plus plenty of timed practice including the various reasoning tests. These changing 11+ exams may be intended to be remove the advantage of tutoring help, but it is a fact that well-guided practice and preparation for any exam are never wasted! JK Educate are experts in preparing children for the 11+ exams for state selective and independent schools. They also offer academic assessments, including suitability for the 11+. If you would like more information, contact JK Educate on 020 3488 0754 or at www.jkeducate.co.uk
Does practice really make perfect? As children develop and improve their cognitive abilities, they are expected to become less reliant on supervised learning and develop self-learning skills. Although there are some self-learning tools taught within education-psychology textbooks, educators are not always given the evidence to show which of these tools work most effectively. A 2013 comprehensive review of 10 learning techniques that students could implement on their own was conducted by a group of educational and neuroscience psychologists. The outcome of this review was that ‘Practice Testing’ was the most effective learning technique. The traditional method of teaching, whereby students are given a technique to be mastered followed by the testing of their understanding of that technique, is the most effective way for children to be educated in the primary, secondary and tertiary sectors. Teaching children these skills early on, and helping them understand that regular practice will enable them to remember information when it comes to sitting an exam, will encourage those students who are motivated to improve their overall scores. Testing does improve learning and practice does make perfect.
COMPETITION
WIN! a terms worth of swimming lessons from Swimming Nature
Swimming Nature, the UK’s best one-to-one and two-to-one swimming classes, has taught thousands of children to swim beautifully. Now, they’re offering a terms worth of swimming lessons at one of their select London-based locations for one lucky winner! To enter, email competition@swimmingnature.com with your name, telephone number and postcode and answer the following question for your chance to win: What is the length, in metres, of an Olympic swimming pool? Terms & Conditions – The prize is a terms worth of 2:1 30-minute swimming lessons for a child aged 3+ with Swimming Nature once a week at a select London based location (to be confirmed upon winner selection). A term includes 12-14 lessons but may vary based on term length. The winner will be selected by random prize draw of all entries who have provided their name, telephone number and postcode and answered the question correctly. Entries from the UK only. Entries will not be accepted after the closing date of 31 October, 2018. The winner will be contacted by email within 24 hours after the closing date. There is no cash alternative to this prize. The winner will need to coordinate details of the prize with a Swimming Nature employee. By entering this contest, you are automatically subscribed to the Swimming Nature mailing list. Swimming Nature may get in touch from time-to-time with news and promotions. You can unsubscribe at any time.
8 Families North London
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Education The Secret of State Boarding State boarding schools regularly out-perform other schools around the country and yet they are still unheard of by many. We caught up with Gary Hickey, Headmaster of Haberdashers’ Adams in Newport, Shropshire, to help unravel the mystery. There are only 38 state boarding schools in the UK. Nine of those, including Haberdashers’ Adams, are selective grammar schools. As state schools, the education is free so parents only have to pay for the cost of boarding, which at Haberdashers’ Adams is less than £4,000 per term. This offers parents a much more affordable boarding option, particularly when compared to the independent sector when they can easily pay fees of £40,000 or more a year. State boarding does not mean pupils receive any less care and attention than those in the independent sector. Our boarders start their school life at Longford Hall, a Georgian mansion set in 100 acres of grounds. The boys are cared for by a Boarding Housemaster and his team of matrons and tutors and enjoy a lovely homely environment. Older boys live at Beaumaris Hall which has been designed to be a similar environment to university halls of residence. The boys enjoy en-suite facilities in every room with most rooms being double occupancy. They have a large communal area to spend time together in as well as a popular supper kitchen where culinary skills can be cultivated. The majority of pupils join state boarding schools at the age of 11 and continue until they leave school for university. A few may join at 13+ if spaces are available while others decide to board in the Sixth Form, recognising boarding as the perfect introduction to living and studying away from home. Within the safety net of the boarding community, they learn to adjust to the freedom and independence of being away from home. A set prep time each night helps to ensure they pay proper attention to their work, establishing good studying habits with support when needed from a team of experienced boarding tutors. This often results in significant academic improvements and by the time they leave for university they are completely prepared and very self-disciplined. The camaraderie of the boarding houses is very special indeed and I think the words of a former boarder say it all: “The friends I have made in boarding at Adams will be my friends for life.” Haberdashers’ Adams is delighted to be exhibiting at the 2018 Independent Schools Show in Battersea Park on 10-11 November. The school offers a number of boarding open events and taster weekends throughout the year for families who are considering boarding. Further info: Caroline Cheal/ Sonya Wilson, Haberdashers’ Adams, Tel: (01952) 953 823 marketing@adamsgs.uk
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Families North London 9
Family Health Back to School Vaccinations With the sweltering summer holidays over, in a few weeks parents will need to consider vaccinations recommended for children. The following vacccinations are currently offered by the NHS: 1. Diphtheria/Polio/Tetanus (DTP) vaccination • It is administered at 14 years of age 2. Meningitis ACWY vaccine • It is administered at 14 years of age and to new university students aged 19-25 3. Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine (girls only, will also likely be recommended for boys aged 12 to 13 from 2019 onwards). • HPV vaccine protects against cervical cancer caused by infection with HPV 4. Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR) • Measles and mumps outbreaks are quite common both in the UK and in Europe, affecting teenagers and young people. • Anyone who has not received 2 doses of MMR vaccine in their lifetime should consider being vaccinated as soon as possible. 5. Influenza (Flu) vaccination • The national flu vaccination programme for children for 2018 recommends that the flu vaccine, administered as a nasal spray, should be offered to all children who have not previously received it, and who are aged two to nine years old (but not ten years or older) on 31 August 2018, and to other children in clinical risk groups.
Additional optional vaccinations to consider for children
The following vaccinations are offered on the NHS to “at-risk” groups of children. 1. Hepatitis B vaccination (HBV) • Since September 2017, it is administered routinely as part of the UK childhood immunisation programme. • A course of HBV may be considered for those young people who have never received it. 2. BCG (tuberculosis/TB) vaccination • It is administered to babies and children (up to 16 years of age) who have a high chance of coming into contact with tuberculosis. • Sometimes a tuberculin skin test / Mantoux test will be carried out before BCG vaccine is administered. 3. Chickenpox vaccination • Currently only offered on the NHS to people who are in close contact with someone who is particularly vulnerable to chickenpox. A highly experienced team of clinical specialist travel medicine nurses, led by Dr Jane Zuckerman, a nationally and internationally renowned Consultant in Travel Medicine and Immunisations, provide a comprehensive one stop Travel Health and Immunisation Clinic at the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust and in Harley Street. http://vaccinations.royalfreeprivatepatients.com
Parties, Clubs, Classes & Activities CHILDREN’S PARTIES Adam Ants – offers high energy parties. Adam Ants and his talented team make sure their parties are non-stop fun. With something for all ages: magic, balloon modelling, puppets, music, dancing, games and face painting. They also offer amazing disco/sports parties or the ever popular Build a Bear party. You can hire tables and chairs/bouncy castles/soft play and ball ponds. (020 8959 1045 (07969 121 094 8www.adamantsparties.co.uk Danny Grant Soccer School (N12) Book football and general sports birthday parties. Courses for energetic & enthusiastic players for ages 3 to 11. Non-stop football fun! Develop fitness & football skills! Exciting matches each day! Specialised term-time weekly football classes for 3 & 4 year olds and 5 and 6 year olds. Plus weekly football training and league matches for 7 to 12 year olds. Call for more details! (020 8446 0891 *info@dgsoccer.co.uk 8www.dgsoccer.co.uk Dramarama We offer Drama, Street Dance or Musical Theatre Parties for children aged 5-12. Parties can be arranged at your home or venue of choice. Can be held at the weekend, after-school or during the school holidays. 8www.dramarama.co.uk KiddiKicks If your child is mad for football, they also offer child and toddler football themed birthday party entertainment. Book a tailormade party for football mad youngsters that packs in the fun. They come to your venue too! Score a great happy birthday party with your kids. South West London, East London, North London, West London. (020 7937 7965 *info@kiddikicks.co.uk 8www.kiddikicks.co.uk Microsport (NW1, NW3 & NW8) offers fun, multi-sports parties for children aged 2-8 years. Our entertaining, unique programme is adapted from our weekly classes and can include firm favourites like tennis, football, hockey, rugby, cricket, basketball as well as general sporting skills and athletics. *ben@micro-sport.co.uk for more info. Nicky Grace, textile artist in Muswell Hill, offers craft parties and workshops for children (and adults), in a calm, natural and creative place which seats up to 14 people round the table. Children take home the beautiful things they’ve made so no need for party bags. *nicky.grace@hotmail.co.uk 8thegreenshed.format.com 10 Families North London
Perform Parties Based around a colourful theme, Perform’s energetic party leaders use a magical mix of songs, games and laughter to create fun-filled, action-packed parties. Call (020 7255 9120 or visit 8performparties.co.uk Puddles Professional Party Planners deliver adventurous, environmentally friendly and hassle-free parties in London. Perfectly matched elements: the party location, entertainers, decorations, food, timings and parents’ micro-entertainment. Themes include hunt for treasure in nature sites, up-cycled crafts, sing and dance with pirates, fairies and mermaids, superhero or secret agent and more. (07835 689 841 8www.puddles.london Rising Stars Birthday Parties (N2 + greater London) A full service offering which includes venues, entertainment, invitations, catering and going home presents so parents can sit back and enjoy the party! We offer various themes including football, multi – sports, nerf guns, dance, gymnastics and bespoke themes whilst playing the latest big tunes. For further enquiries, *info@risingstarsactivities.com or (020 8150 6655. 8www.risingstarsactivities.com
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Parties, Clubs, Classes and Activities
SPECIAL FEATURE - CLUBS, CLASSES & ACTIVITIES
We aim to be as accurate as possible, but these listings are compiled several weeks beforehand and may be subject to change. Please check before setting out.
Top Tips for Choosing Classes, Activities & Clubs for your Child September is an exciting time in every calendar—the start of a new school year and the beginning of new adventures. For parents it’s when we think about how best to support our child and equip them with the tools they need as they take on new challenges. Many families will be considering courses and classes. Whether Music, Sport, Drama, Dance or STEM, term time courses are a great option, it can be difficult knowing which one to choose. Here are a few of our tips, all gained from experience as mums and dads and education professionals.
Make it fun
It goes without saying that your child has to have fun, otherwise they won’t be interested in the class. Make sure your chosen course creates an exciting atmosphere, meet the team if you can, just like at our Discovery Days.
Make it rewarding
In our experience children gain the most when they and are rewarded for their progression. Whether, like our weekly music lessons, your chosen course has incentives and a nationally recognised scheme such as Music Medals from ABRSM, make sure there is something which helps your child understand that they are doing well so they can feel good about themselves and encouraged all the time.
Boost development
You understand that your child’s time is precious that’s the reason you are considering the course after all. Make sure you look out for how your chosen course talks about the positive impact it has on your child, what they will learn and how it will help them fulfill their potential. If they are seriously on their game they will have a personal report just as we do in our Term Time Courses. Here in The Strings Club office we are busy getting ready to launch our Term Time Courses - weekly music lessons lovingly developed and specifically designed for beginners aged 4-11 - on Saturday 29th of September. We run them because we know from experience that engaging in music has a powerful impact on a child’s life, everything from developing skills, building confidence and boosting educational attainment. If you’d like more information go to www.thestringsclub.org or call 0121 296 9204.
COOKERY
DANCE
Sycamore Seeds After School Cookery Club Teaching kids how to cook helps build a healthy attitude to food. Hands-on lessons from a Leithstrained chef that go “beyond cupcakes”. We make sweet and savoury treats to take home, develop kitchen skills and learn fun food facts. Mondays at Hornsey Vale Community Centre (N8) for 7–11 year-olds. Private lessons and children’s parties also available. (07887 585 957 *clare@sycamoresmyth.com 8sycamoresmyth.com/sycamore-seeds
The Kensington Ballet School (NW6) Ballet for ages 18 months–6 years at St James’s Church in West Hampstead, Unity Hall in Islington, and Rudolf Steiner House in Marylebone. FREE TRIAL CLASS. Call Karen Fisher-Lowe (07961 992 957 or *kfisherlowe@icloud.com 8www.kensingtonballet.com
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Microsport offers fun, multi-sports classes for 2-8 year olds. We teach ball skills for tennis, football, cricket, hockey, basketball, rugby, athletics & much more.
Sign up today! www.micro-sport.co.uk ben@micro-sport.co.uk 0203 907 6849 familiesonline.co.uk
Families North London 11
Parties, Clubs, Classes and Activities Is Your Child Sport Ready? By Raymond Vestibule Physical activity is good for children of all ages and participation in organised sports may be an enjoyable way for children to be physically active. However, sporting activities must be developmentally appropriate for your child. Enrolling your child in a sport or activity beyond their developmental ability can lead to frustration and early dropout.
Ages 2 to 5
Toddlers and pre-schoolers may be beginning to get the hang of many basic movements but are too young for most organised sports. So at this age don’t stress too much if your little one isn’t enrolled in a dozen different activities. According to the Mayo Clinic, toddlers who participate in organised sports typically don’t gain any longterm advantage in terms of future sports performance. At this age, unstructured free play is usually best. Try running, tumbling, throwing, catching and swimming.
Ages 6 to 9
As children get older, their vision, attention span and transitional skills, such as throwing a ball for distance, improve. They’re also better able to follow directions. Consider organised activities such as running, football, gymnastics, swimming, tennis and martial arts.
Ages 10 to 12
By this age, children have mature vision and the ability to understand and recall sports strategies. Children of this age are typically ready to take on complex skill sports, such as football, basketball, hockey and volleyball. As well as considering whether a sport is age-appropriate for your child, take into account how much they will enjoy the activity based on their maturity and abilities. Your child may show a natural preference for one activity over another, which shouldn’t be ignored. Remember children change as they grow and it’s normal for them to show a keen interest in one activity one year, only to switch to another by the next. Keep monitoring their level of interest and stay involved with their progress. Be positive and encouraging by emphasising effort and enjoyment over winning and never try to persuade your child to continue with a sport they clearly don’t enjoy, whatever age they are. More information visit www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle and www.nhs.uk/change4life
The London Institute Of Dance (N10, N8, N12, N21, N22, N9, EN4, Herts) Excellent, Professional tuition in Imperial Ballet, Tap, Modern, Contemporary & More. For ages 2.5years–Adults 8www.londoninstituteofdance.org *londoninstituteifdance@yahoo.com (07563 136 803
MUSIC AND MOVEMENT Colourstrings – for a brilliant start in music! Call (020 8444 9435 for a trial of 3 discounted lessons or email *admin@nlcolourstrings.co.uk 8www.nlcolourstrings.co.uk Muswell Young Musicians is a Saturday Music School offering musicianship classes (18 months–5 years) and an innovative instrumental programme (5 years+). We’re passionate about music education and strive to provide an inclusive setting where young people can enjoy highquality music making and grow as well-rounded musicians. Contact us for a free trial. We look forward to welcoming you! 8www.muswellyoungmusicians.co.uk *info@muswellyoungmusicians.co.uk (07954 854 731 The Strings Club (NW3 & N1) Enhance your child’s development through our award-winning Term-Time courses for children aged 4 to 11. Bespoke sessions designed and delivered by the best musicians in the UK. Will inspire your child’s love of music and promote all-round musicianship. Delivered in small groups, starting from only £15 per lesson. (01212 969 204 8www.thestringsclub.org/northlondon
12 Families North London
SWIMMING Swimming Nature – Teaching babies, children and adults the fundamentals skills required to improve water confidence and learn to swim. For 25 years, our hands-on approach helps students reach their goals faster. Swimming Nature deliver lessons in Queens Park, Muswell Hill, Highbury, Hampstead, Cricklewood. For more details visit 8www.swimmingnature.com or give us a call on (03445 040 506.
SPORTS AND EXERCISE Danny Grant Soccer School offers action-packed football classes for energetic & enthusiastic players aged 3 to 11. Non-stop football fun for 3 & 4 yrs and 5 & 6 yrs as they develop fitness and football skills and play exciting weekly matches. 7–12 yrs can join our Belsize Rockets team for weekend football training and league matches. Football and general sports birthday parties also bookable. Call (020 8446 0891 for more details or visit 8www.dgsoccer.co.uk Gojumpin (EN1) Interconnecting trampolines for free jumping, foam pits, tumble tracks, battle beams and more. Under 5s have their own area devoted to them. Also, birthday parties, school and group events, free running classes, fitness classes, teen nights, toddler classes and other special events and sessions throughout the year. 8www.gojumpin.com/enfield/ Kiddikicks (NW1, N16, NW6, W9) Football Coaching for children 18 months to 10 years old. (020 7937 7965 *info@kiddikicks.co.uk 8www.kiddikicks.co.uk/timetable
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Parties, Clubs, Classes and Activities London Academy of Gymnastics & Dance (LAGAD) N2, N3, N8, N10, N14, N15, N20, N22, NW11, HA9 LAGAD is a specialist company passionate about the provision of high quality, dynamic and fun dance & gymnastics classes. We run gymnastics classes for children aged from 3½ years upwards, including Young Teens, Rhythmic Gymnastics and Disability Gymnastics. We also offer Ballet, Global Dance and Street Dance classes. Fully-trained coaches— many of whom are former World and International gymnasts—work with all abilities to bring out the best in each child and help them develop a range of fantastic physical and life skills in a fun and safe environment. All abilities welcome, Trial Classes available throughout the Autumn term. Various venues across North London. Contact: (020 8883 4675 / *info@lagad.co.uk 8www.lagad.co.uk
Little Kickers Enabling children aged 18mths up to their 7th birthday to develop their coordination, balance and agility through football activity classes. Mill Hill, Swiss Cottage, Hampstead, Golders Green, Muswell Hill, Friern Barnet: Julia Levene (020 8201 1084 *jlevene@littlekickers.co.uk. North Finchley, Southgate, Enfield town, Enfield St Lukes: Emma Hanna (020 7684 7969 *ehanna@littlekickers.co.uk 8www.littlekickers.co.uk Microsport (NW1, NW3) offers fun, multi-sports classes for children aged 2–8 years. We run weekly sessions during term times in Kentish Town, Marylebone and West Hampstead and do Holiday Microsport clubs. 8www.micro-sport.co.uk for details and to book or email *ben@micro-sport.co.uk for more info including parties! North London Schools of Taekwondo The Korean Martial Art of Taekwondo, for Self Defence, Fitness, discipline and Confidence. Classes for 3–5 yr olds, 5–11 yr olds and mixed Family/Adults. Classes in Barnet, Cheshunt & Enfield 8www.taekwondo-northlondon.co.uk 8www.selfdefence-london.com Phone Richard on (07967 128420 Rising Stars Football Club (N2 + NW2) High quality football coaching in a safe and fun environment. Children will learn and develop core football skills to ensure that they progress and fulfil their potential. Teaching will also focus on appreciating good sportsmanship and teamwork. We offer a boys and girls only football club! Age structure: Pre Reception–Year 6. Book now (020 8150 6655 *info@risingstarsactivities.com
THEATRE & PERFORMING ARTS Anna Fiorentini Theatre & Film School: Saturday workshops in Drama, Singing, Dance and Film all taught by leading industry professionals. Our Camden branch takes place at Parliament Hill School at 9.30am–2pm or 2.30pm–5.30pm for 7-18 year olds. Fiorentini Weenies for 4-6 years takes place at 9.30am–11am. More details at 8www.annafiorentini.com
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Dramarama: Saturday Morning Drama, Drama Exam, Street Dance & Musical Theatre classes in NW3, for boys & girls aged 3 to 15. Performing Arts classes aim to develop acting skills and performance technique with creative activities and exciting end of term plays, dance shows and musicals. Drama, Musical Theatre & Street Dance birthday parties also bookable. Call (020 8446 0891 or visit 8www.dramarama.co.uk Holiday Academy (NW1) is a children’s day camp in NW1, for children aged 3–12 (in age groups) from all schools. Go along for exciting sessions including music, drama, art, sport and forest school each school holiday. Sessions running over the Oct Half Term Mon 23 Oct–Fri 27 Oct, at Cavendish School. (07585 002 327 *ruth@holidayacademy.co.uk 8www.holidayacademy.co.uk Huzzah Performing Arts & Mindfulness Build confidence from the inside out with a huzzah weekly class. Drama, dance, singing and a touch of mindfulness. Ages 4–7. Saturday 1–2.20pm in Queen’s Park. Sunday 10–11.30am in West Hampstead. Creative, calm, confident kids. Sign up for a FREE TRIAL at 8www.huzzahperformingarts.com Jigsaw - Jigsaw Performing Arts is dedicated to developing performance skills, promoting self expression and building confidence. Schools in Crouch End, Enfield, Finchley, Hendon, Winchmore Hill. 8www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk (020 8447 4530 Perform (NW3, N22, N8, NW5, N2, N12 & N3, N4, N11, NW3, NW11, N6, N1, N10, N12, NW1, N14, NW8, N16, N20, N7, NW6, N21 and NW7) Confidence building fun for 4–12s. A unique mix of drama, dance and singing specially formulated to bring out every child’s true potential. Classes are kept small to ensure lots of individual attention. Perform offer no-obligation FREE trial sessions. (020 7255 9120 *enquiries@perform.org.uk 8www.perform.org.uk/try The Place Join the exhilarating atmosphere of The Place this Autumn. Jam packed with dance activities and performances for all ages from babies to over 60’s, including workshops the whole family can enjoy together! More info at 8theplace.org.uk or call (020 7121 1100
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Parties, Clubs, Classes and Activities AFTER SCHOOL CLUB / EDUCATION 11+ Mock Test Masters - 11plus Limited and Mock Test Masters™ are specialist providers or information and resources for the 11+ entrance exam. They demystify and ease the 11+ preparation process for parents and their children. BIG 11+ events are run in local centres in Finchley and Barnet. Also available are: Holiday Learning Clubs, Mock Test Review Sessions, Pass Club—Saturday tuition and Weekly Practice Tests. 8www.mocktestmasters.com Bilingual Nurseries (N1) French/English Mars Montessori Bilingual Nursery is a small private nursery in the heart of Islington, offering Montessori education and a bilingual environment, coupled with extended day care for children aged 1–4 years. We have only 24 children, and 6 members of staff. The nursery is open from 8am–6pm, Monday to Friday for 47 weeks of the year. (020 7099 0452 8www.bilingualnurseries.com Explore Learning – Award-winning tuition with a difference. With over 120 centres across the UK, head online to find your nearest centre. (01483 447 414 to book your free trial session today. 8www.explorelearning.co.uk JK Educate provide educational advice, assessments and tutoring for all children 7+, 11+, 13+ to GCSE’s and A levels. Help your child achieve the result they deserve. 8www.jkeducate.co.uk
Leaders are Readers award-winning reading programme, exemplary English, maths, 4+, 5+, 7+ and 11+ curricula have helped more than 3500 children from 3+ to 13 years old, for over 17 years, with a 90% pass rate for children taking entrance exams to top grammar & independent schools. Saturday School for the Summer 2018 and Autumn 2018 term enrolling now. St Andrew’s CE Primary School 297 Chase Road, Southgate N14 6JA. Free assessment on open days. Open Days on 5, 12, 19 & 26 May and 9, 16, 23 & 30 June. (01992 651 300 8www.leadersarereaders.co.uk SDE Finchley Susan Daughtrey Education has operated extremely successful 11+ Courses for over 25 years. The classes are taught by a qualified, experienced and carefully selected KS2 teacher and prepare Year 4 & 5 students for both CEM and GL Assessment tests (and is therefore suitable preparation for Henrietta Barnett (Stage 1), Laytmer, QE Boys, Dame Alice Owen’s, SW Herts Consortium and other counties such as Bucks and Berks). Mock Tests also available. Call (020 3515 0099 *wbarns@sde11plus.com 8www.sde11plus.com/courses Teachers Teach Education Centre (EN1 EN2 N9 EN3 EN7 N21) Offers professional tuition by qualified teachers. They teach students from reception age through to those studying for A-Levels covering: SATs, 11+ & Entrance exams, GCSEs, A-LEVELs—as well as mock exams and informal school tests. OFSTED registered. (Use childcare vouchers or claim Childcare tax credits) Call (020 8363 5008 8www.teachersteachenfield.co.uk *info@teachersteachenfield.co.uk
The Kensington Ballet School
WEST HAMPSTEAD SHERRIFF CENTRE ST JAMES’ CHURCH, NW6
ISLINGTON UNITY HALL 277 UPPER STREET, N1
MARYLEBONE RUDOLF STEINER HOUSE 35 PARK ROAD, NW1
Ages 15 months - 5 years * FRE E T RIAL CLAS S
Office: 07957 650 042 kfisherlowe@icloud.com www.kensingtonballet.com
Offering the best children’s activities in: ● Holiday Camps ● Football Clubs ● Birthday Parties ● Personal Training ● PE Teaching & School Clubs Ages: 3 – 12 years old Venues: North & North West London Ofsted registered – childcare vouchers accepted
info@risingstarsactivities.com 020 8150 6655 www.risingstarsactivities.com 14 Families North London
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Parties, Clubs, Classes and Activities
Half Term Holiday Camps 15th - 26th October
Ages 3-12
ÂŁ40.00 ÂŁ190.00
We're having a Ball! For details and availability please call:
0208 201 1084 (NW3, NW7, NW11, N3 & N10) or email jlevene@littlekickers.co.uk Classes in Finchley Central, Friern Barnet, Golders Green, Hampstead, Mill Hill, Muswell Hill & Swiss Cottage.
0207 684 7969 (N12, N14, EN1, EN2 & EN5) or email ehanna@littlekickers.co.uk Classes in Enfield Town, Enfield St Luke's, New Barnet, North Finchley, Southgate.
Approved football training for kids aged 18 months to 7 years
www.littlekickers.co.uk
To promote your business or services to over 60,000 North London Families, get in touch! Editor@FamiliesNorthLondon.co.uk Karen@FamiliesNorthLondon.co.uk
Toddler Music Classes Early Years Musicianship Instrumental Programmes Muswell Young Musicians is a Saturday Music School in Muswell Hill. We're passionate about music education and strive to provide an inclusive setting where young people can enjoy high-quality music making and grow as well-rounded musicians. Please contact us for a free trial. We look forward to welcoming you!
www.muswellyoungmusicians.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk
07954 854 731 Families North London 15
What’s On
Listings for all the family We aim to be as accurate as possible, but these listings are compiled several weeks beforehand and may be subject to change. Please check before setting out.
September Sat 1 & 8 Sept—Kids Gardening Club at Alexandra Palace Garden Centre (N22) For two hours, kids will learn the health benefits of indoor plants and encouraged to think eco-friendly. 10am–12pm and 2–4pm, £6 per session or £10 for two children. Age 5–10. 8www.capitalgardens.co.uk/events/ Sat 8 Sept—Beginners Hand Embroidery, Adult Crafting Workshop At Forty Hall (EN2) Come and spend a relaxing afternoon learning new embroidery stitches. 2–4pm. Tickets £28. 8www.fortyhallestate.co.uk Sat 8 Sept—An Evening With Anthony Daniels at the Chicken Shed (N14). Join us in conversation with the human inside your favourite droid, C-3PO. Why not wear your special Star Wars costume? No blasters! Tickets: Stalls £17.50, £12.50 concessions. Gallery £12.50 all seats—no under 7s in the Gallery. Starts at 7.30pm. 8www.chickenshed.org.uk Sun 9 Sept—Debutots (6mths-5yrs) at the Jewish Museum (NW1) Join Debutots in a unique and highly interactive storytelling and drama session, for children under the age of 5. There’ll be movement to music, bubbles, a wonderful story, plus fun with the parachute. Free, but advance booking advised. 10.15–11am (3–5yrs) and 11.15–12pm (6mths–3yrs). 8www.jewishmuseum.org.uk Sun 9 Sept—Farmers Market at Forty Hall (EN2) Come ready to fill your shopping bags with a bounty of local produce, including seasonal, organic veg direct from the Farm’s market garden, rare breed meat and sausages, and Forty Hall Vineyard’s awardwinning wine—all set within the beautiful grounds of Forty Hall Farm. The monthly market is organised by Capel Manor College’s Forty Hall Farm in partnership with The Food Gatherer. 10am–3pm. 8www.fortyhallestate.co.uk
Sun 9 Sept—Brilliant Birds at Stephens House (N3) ‘Finchley’ is said to come from Anglo-Saxon, meaning ‘place of the finches’ come along and see what birds you can spot in the Gardens and make your own feathered friend. Pick up your Bird spotting sheet from the Visitor Centre. 11.30–13.00 & 14.00–15.30. Free drop in workshop. 8www.stephenshouseandgardens.com Sun 9 Sept—Sprit of Ukraine Festival A colourful Day, full of traditional dancing, live music & singing at Forty Hall (EN2) The Friends of Forty Hall Park with the Association of Ukrainians in GB - Waltham Cross branch are delighted to present their fifth successive “Spirit of Ukraine Festival”! 12 noon–5pm. 8www.fortyhallestate.co.uk Sun 9 September—Trans4nation at 51 Northumberland Park (N17) Paying homage to a community champion, Bobby Martin, the pioneer of local Christian organisation Trasns4nation, and who passed away suddenly. There will be key speakers who are keen to discuss with the local community the concerns they have and share ideas of how to go forward and bring about change. This is the launch of Trans4nation. Light refreshments will be served free of charge. 2.30–5pm. Event contact details: Claudine Duberry: (07931 644 909 Weds 12 Sept—Local History Talk, Industrious Enfield at Forty Hall (EN2) Presented by Joe Studman. Tickets £5. 7–8pm. 8www.fortyhallestate.co.uk Thurs 13 Sept—Quiz night at Stephens House (N3) Come and pit your wits against our resident quizmaster. Starts at 19.30 Tickets cost £15.00 including Supper (Cash bar) 8www.stephenshouseandgardens.com
Sat 15 Sept—Children’s Theatre - Tales from the Shed at Lauderdale House (N2) Chickenshed comes to Lauderdale House with their hugely popular show Tales from the Shed. This interactive performance is full of colourful puppets, live songs and enchanting stories. Every show is fun, extremely engaging and includes plenty of music and magic. Children are encouraged to use their imaginations, make lots of noise and be part of the story. 10:30am. Suitable for children up to age 6. Tickets: Standard £8.50, Concession £6.50 , Family £28, Family Conc. £20. 8lauderdalehouse.org.uk Sat 15 Sept—Cloud Nine Festival (NW1) This year the festival is all about celebrating and protecting the environment. We’re delighted to be working again with the amazing London Vegetable Orchestra who will be performing and showing you how to make instruments out of the veggies in your fridge, as well as with Flying Colours Entertainment to bring an amazing treeman stilt walker to our festival! www.facebook.com/cloud9 camden Sun 16 Sept—La Tendre Melancholie, The Music of Francois Couperin at Forty Hall (EN2) Prize-winning harpsichordist and distinguished teacher returns to Forty Hall with two programmes to commemorate the 350th anniversary of the birth of François Couperin. 2pm. Tickets £6. 8www.fortyhallestate.co.uk Sun 16 Sept—Opera at Sunset at Forty Hall (EN2) Hear the splendid voice of Lucy Elston as she performs at sunset in Forty Hall’s Award winning Walled Garden. Tickets £15 including a glass of prosecco or non-alcoholic drink. 8www.fortyhallestate.co.uk Thus 20 Sept—Early Years Workshop, at the Parasol Unit (N1) Delve into an immersive installation certain to evoke curious and sensory investigation! Get the chance to shape and change the space using
ADAPTED FROM JULIA DONALDSON AND AXEL SCHEFFLER’S AWARD-WINNING PICTURE BOOK
★★★★★
‘Everything good children’s theatre should be’
LIVE ON STAG E
© Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler 2004
The List
4 DEC 2018 - 6 JAN 2019 North Finchley
BOOK NOW artsdepot.co.uk
THE PERFECT FESTIVE TREAT 16 Families North London
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What’s On projectors and drawing light sources from different directions. 10 am–12 pm. £2 per child + £3 per parent/ carer. Booking required. Under 5s. 8parasol-unit.org
Forty Hall Farm. The monthly market is organised by Capel Manor College’s Forty Hall Farm in partnership with The Food Gatherer. 10am–3pm. 8www.fortyhallestate.co.uk
Sun 23 Sept—London Open House Weekend at Lauderdale House (N2) Explore Lauderdale as part of the Open House London weekend! There will be plenty of activities throughout the day including children’s crafts and dressing up - with the chance to make your own Tudor ruff! There will also be self-guided discovery trails and guided tours of the house on offer at 11am and 12.30pm. Admission free. 10.30am–2pm. 8lauderdalehouse.org.uk
Sun 14 Oct—Hartbeeps (0-5yrs) at the Jewish Museum (NW1) Music, drama. creative play, dance and movement all set to a soundtrack of remixed nursery rhymes, original songs and lullabies. Free admission, but advance booking recommended. 10.30–11.15am (toddlers and infants) 11.30am–12.15pm (babies and pre-walkers). 8www.jewishmuseum.org.uk
Sun 30 Sept—Honey Show at Capel Manor Gardens (EN1) Come along for honey sales, candle rolling and the opportunity to see an observation hive with the bees! With local Beekeepers. Adults: £6, Children £3. 10am–5pm. 8www.capelmanorgardens.co.uk
October Sun 7 Oct—Family Workshop, Inhabited Spaces’ at the Parasol Unit (N1) With artist educator Flora Duley, explore the themes of space and the body and create sculptural forms you can inhabit. The workshop will encourage you to draw from observation and use natural objects to create wearable sculptures. 2–4 pm. £2 per child + £3 per parent/carer. Booking required. Ages 5+. 8parasol-unit.org Sun 7 Oct—Family Barn Dance at Cecil Sharp House (NW1) Bring the entire family and take part in lively dances with live music! Groups should include a minimum of one adult for every four children. Children under five should be partnered by an adult and may need guiding or carrying through the dances. No unaccompanied children or adults! Advance booking recommended. 3–5pm Tickets: £7 adult, £5 child, £2 under 2s. 8www.cecilsharphouse.org Sat 13 Oct—The Enormous Turnip at Lauderdale House (N2) One Moment In Time Theatre present their own version of the classic folk tale The Enormous Turnip - but with a magical twist! We follow the tale of a young girl called Rosie who dreams of carving a special turnip lantern for the Festival of Light. To plant and harvest the turnip, Rosie will need plenty of help from the audience, her animal friends and one small but very important gnome! Includes beautiful puppetry and engaging story-telling. 10:30am. Tickets: £8.40, Conc: £6.50. Ages 2+ 8lauderdalehouse.org.uk Sun 14 Oct—Farmers Market at Forty Hall (EN2) Come ready to fill your shopping bags with a bounty of local produce, including seasonal, organic veg direct from the Farm’s market garden, rare breed meat and sausages, and Forty Hall Vineyard’s awardwinning wine – all set within the beautiful grounds of
Half Term Mon 22 Oct—The Big Draw at Artsdepot (N12) Artsdepot’s bumper day of drawing and creativity returns, jam-packed with activities for all ages. The Big Draw Festival is the world’s biggest celebration of drawing and it takes place across the globe every year. Join us for a day filled with more arty activities than you can shake a pencil at! From 11am, £4 entry into the building. Additional costs for some activities. 8www.artsdepot.co.uk Tues 23 Oct—Get Creative! At the Jewish Museum (NW1) Make spooky arts and crafts inspired by our Frankenstein Exhibition! Activities include make your own monster using plasticine or design a monster treat bag and receive some sweets! Free, 5–11 yr olds. 11am–12.30pm, 2–3.30pm. 8www.jewishmuseum.org.uk Weds 24 Oct—Watery Wednesday’s at the Canal Museum (N1) A day of activities, including short boat trips plus quizzes, crafts and challenges on a Halloween theme. 10.30–12.00 and 13.30–15.00. £4 per child, accompanying adults at normal entry charges. Ages 6–12 roughly. 8www.canalmuseum.org.uk Thurs 25 Oct—Curious Explorers Morning at the Jewish Museum (NW1) A relaxed morning for children (aged 5 to 15) with autism or other social communication conditions, their siblings, parents and carers. 9–11am, free entry. 8www.jewishmuseum.org.uk Thurs 25 Oct—Halloween Workshop Inspired by Broomfield House at Museum of Enfield (EN2) Make your own Broomfield Haunted House to take away with you inspired by the current exhibition— Hidden Treasures: Revealing Broomfield House & Park. Tickets £5 per child, no charge for adults, booking advised. 10.30am–12noon, 1pm–2.30pm. 8www.dugdalecentre.co.uk
treats and activities all day.10am to 5.30pm with last admission at 4pm. 8www.capelmanorgardens.co.uk Tues 31 Oct—Halloween Spooky Walks at Lauderdale House (N2) Our super spooky Halloween walks are back again this October! Join a host of creepy characters on an adventure around Lauderdale House and Waterlow Park on the most sinister night of the year. Walks are at 4.30pm, 5pm, 5.30pm and 6pm. 8lauderdalehouse.org.uk Sat 27 and Sun 28 Oct—The Amazing Halloween Experience at the Canal Museum (N1) In partnership with Camden Canals and Narrowboat Association. Enjoy a ghostly cruise through a long dark canal tunnel and beware of the frights! In the museum, enjoy face-painting, ghost story telling, and lots of lights and decorations. Event runs 15.30–21.45. 8www.canalmuseum.org.uk Sun 28 Oct—Halloween Spooktacular at Stephens House (N3) Join us for an evening of Halloween fun including a spine-tingling spooky basement tour, creepy garden ghost hunt, fiendish face-painting, ghoulish games, cunning crafts, terrifying tattoos and more. 16.30–19.00 Tickets £8, four tickets £26. Under 2’s free. No unaccompanied under 16 yrs 8www.stephenshouseandgardens.com Sun 28 Oct—Fireworks and Laser Show at Scout Adventures Gilwel Park (EN4) Join us for a spectacular fireworks and laser display with music and visual effects—a unique experience for all age ranges. The fireworks display will start at 7pm— with gates open from 4pm to enjoy a range of adventurous activities from Rock Climbing to High Ropes and Dodgems, plus a bar and catering vans. Gates open 4pm, fireworks display 7pm. Ticketed, £8.50 for adults, £6 for children 8www.visiteppingforest.org
November Fri 2 Nov and Sat 3 Nov—Alexandra Palace Fireworks Festival (N22) Alexandra Palace’s Fireworks Festival will feature the Park’s legendary fireworks, set against the sparkling view of London. Ticketed, from £8.50 for adults, £6.50 for children. 8www.alexandrapalace.com Sat 3 Nov—Firework display at Scout Park (N22). Two firework displays in one evening. The Quiet One at 5.30pm (toddler and autism friendly) with the Feature Display then starting at 8pm. Join us for marshmallow toasting, children’s games, homemade food & drink and much more! Ticketed, from £4 for adults, from £3 for children. 8www.wildwolfesu.org
Fri 26 Oct and Sat 27 Oct—Halloween at Creepy Capel Manor (EN1) Crawl on over to our Halloween event, meet our creepy creatures, dress up in your spookiest outfit and enjoy fang-tastic
SCHOOLS IN:
Crouch End Enfield Finchley Hendon Winchmore Hill AND MORE!
3–18 years TWO WEEK TRIAL AVAILABLE!
020 8447 4530 www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk
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Children’s Theatre Artsdepot
5 Nether Street, North Finchley, N12 020 8369 5454 www.artsdepot.co.uk Sat 20 Oct & Sun 21 Oct — Guess How Much I Love You “I love you right up to the moon – and back.” Join Little & Big Nutbrown Hare, from the bestselling Guess How Much I Love You and I Love You All Year Round collection, as they leap off the page and onto the stage in this magical journey through the seasons. Watch Little & Big Nutbrown Hare settle down after a bedtime story and re-awaken to discover the delights and colours of each season as they compete to measure their love for each other in this timeless story. Age 3+. Sun 21 Oct — The Musicians of Bremen This visually stunning adaptation by French company, Compagnie Animotion, tells the tale of four animals put to pasture, too old to be of any use to their masters: a donkey, a cat, a cockerel and a dog. The tumbling, musical adventure explores their extraordinary friendships, showing that despite our differences, we can be friends, and that we are never too old to live our dreams. With puppetry, movement and trapeze, accompanied by live music. Age 3–10. Weds 24 to Sun 28 Oct — Mischief and Mystery in Moomin Valley Open a book and discover a world where anything is possible. Be sure to pack your imagination and join us on an unforgettable journey to Moomin Valley where everyone is welcome, nature thrives and adventures are plentiful. Magical puppetry, an ingenious set, original music and interactive play will delight young audiences and encourage them to immerse themselves in a unique participatory story-telling experience. Age 3–7. Thurs 25 to Fri 26 Oct — Stick Man Touching, funny and utterly original, Scamp Theatre’s delightful adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s Stick Man is back! What starts off as a morning jog becomes quite the misadventure for Stick Man: a dog wants to play fetch with him, a swan builds a nest with him, and he even ends up on a fire! How will Stick Man ever get back to the family tree? Packed full of puppetry, songs, live music and funky moves. Age 3+. Sat 27 to Sun 28 Oct — inTarsi After successfully touring all over Europe, Catalan company Eia bring their award winning acrobatic theatre piece inTarsi to the UK for the first time. Breath-taking acrobatic skills combined with wit, humour and slick choreography make this show a perfect mix for all the family. It’s four guys hanging out, teasing and playing with each other, taunting and supporting each other on an ingenious set that constantly morphs into new landscapes. Sometimes they work together and sometimes against each other, but in the end they are connected by the strong bond that is their common humanity. Age 5+.
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We aim to be as accurate as possible, but these listings are compiled several weeks beforehand and may be subject to change. Please check before setting out.
Chickenshed
Southgate, N14 020 8292 9222 www.chickenshed.org.uk Fri 7 Sept to Fri 19 Oct — Planet Play’s Thousand and One Days Especially recommended for very young children, join the Tales team for a fun and interactive sensory session based on the stories and fables from our main summer show, Tales from the Thousand and One Nights. Every Friday at 10am, running time 45 mins. Age 0–3. Fri 7 Sept to Sat 27 Oct — Tales from the Shed Tales from the shed are vibrant, interactive theatre shows that are perfect for young children. They are informal, lively and amazingly engaging as the performers and audience share the same space—children are always encouraged to make a lot of noise and to make the story happen. Every week we present different stories featuring the same much loved characters—from Can-Can the beautiful bird to laid back Lion Down and The Thing That Goes Blurgh! Fridays at 11.30am and Saturdays at 10am & 11.30am. Plus shows on Half Term Dates: Tues 23– Fri 26 Oct 1am & 11.30am. Running time 50 mins. Age 0–6.
Cockpit Theatre Gateforth Street, London, NW8 020 7258 2925 www.thecockpit.org.uk
Sat 29 Sept — Wonky We are delighted to return to The Cockpit for the third time - and we’re ready to cook up a storm with the public premiere of our brand new show! Take a large handful of nutrition, a healthy dash of PE, a hearty portion of PSHE, and mix them together with (clean) green fingers. Bake for 50 minutes against the glittering backdrop of a dance competition. Add a dollop of peer pressure, serve with some celebrity culture and a garnish of gender equality… et voilà! Can you help Olive and Messy Jesse save the day as they encounter top chef Monsieur Nincompoop, cool rapper Rapper Cool Yo, and the enigmatic pop star Solar Pa’nelle—as Olive’s so-called best friend Trixie tries to thwart them at every turn? Plant a seed… and see what grows. Ages 6+.
The Enormous Turnip, Jackon Lane Theatre staging, breathtaking physicality, touching humour and a specially commissioned musical score. Age 3–8. Fri 28 & Sat 29 Sept — Need a Little Help Joe and Ella are a great team—they make each other laugh, help each other out and tackle all the chores their busy lives throw at them. But one morning things begin to change when Joe gets all tangled up and Ella has to do things alone. What will Ella do now? Will she be able to continue as before, or will it all get too much? If only she had a little help… Based on the experiences of young carers, the piece explores what it means to look after someone else when you are young. In a playful and immersive space, the young audience will help the performers look after each other, stepping into the shoes of young carers. Age 2–7.
Jacksons Lane
269a Archway Road, London, N6 020 8341 4421 www.jacksonslane.org.uk Sun 23 Sep — Sleepyhead All Dad wants is for Baby to go to sleep so he can catch up on a little shuteye too. But tonight, Baby has other ideas… As soon as Dad’s out of the way, Baby gets his hands on the magic top hat, and when his
friend Rabbit shows up the fun and games really begin. Mix in some magic, a pinch of circus and a large dollop of silliness and you have the recipe for a little adventure with a lot of laughs. Age 2–5. Sun 30 Sep — Your Toys What have Buzz Lightyear, Barbie, the blue Brontosaurus and any other toy got in common? Answer: They all go on a massive adventure together in Your Toys. A show like no other—one that features your very own toys. A heartwarming story about friends pulling together, Your Toys is funny, full of music and surprises, and will send you home with a huge smile on your face. Age 4–9. Sun 14 Oct — The Selfish Giant Oscar Wilde’s classic tale is reimagined for the stage in this magical adventure for the whole family. In a very cold, grey town, hidden behind a crumbling wall, lives... the Selfish Giant. So selfish he shut away the garden where the children used to play and cursed the town to a never-ending winter. Or so the story goes… But one curious child wants to find out the truth about what really lies behind the wall. Age 3–7. Tue 23 to Sat 27 Oct — The Enormous Turnip Get 15% off tickets to Jacksons Lane’s halfterm show for families by quoting JLFAMILIES when booking.
Half Moon Theatre 43 White Horse Road, London E1 020 7709 8900 www.halfmoon.org.uk
21 & Sat 22 Sept — Butterflies Three friends embark on an exciting adventure to chase their butterflies away. They cross new seas to uncharted lands, on a journey filled with discovery. The only trouble is they’re all a bit worried about it! During their voyage the group ride the waves, walk high bridges, skirt deep caves and climb to the sky, before reaching dry land braver than ever before. Join our intrepid characters as they step into the unknown in an uplifting tale of friendship, courage and facing your fears, told using innovative familiesonline.co.uk
Help save the day as Stuff and Nonsense pull the Enormous Turnip out of the ground before it takes over the planet! Living in their tiny shed squeezed in amongst the garden tools, Mr and Mrs Chickweed’s amazing prizewinning vegetables have taken over everything. They can’t resist planting one last seed to try for one more champion vegetable and one more trophy... But no one knew that a vegetable could grow so big! Age: 3+. Sun 4 Nov — You’ve Got Dragons Lots of people get dragons: bad dreams, swirly tummy, feeling prickly. And sometimes they make you feel alone. So, what can a young child with a bad case of the dragons do? A delightful tale of one child’s journey to come to terms with their dragons, told in Taking Flight’s unique style. Age 3+.
Little Angel Theatre 14 Dagmar Passage, Cross St, N1 020 7226 1787 www.littleangeltheatre.com
Thurs 13 Sep to Sun 11 Nov — The Everywhere Bear The Everywhere Bear has a wonderful time with the children in Class One, but one day he gets more than he bargained for when he falls unnoticed from a backpack and embarks on his own big adventure! He’s washed
down a drain and whooshed out to sea, rescued by a fishing boat, loaded onto a lorry, carried off by a seagull… how will he ever make it back to Class One? Ages 3–8.
JUMPING ON THE BED!” Learn to love counting during a riot of music, numbers and clowning in a madcap monkey puppet zoo! Age 2–6.
Fri 21 & Sat 22 Sep 2018— Sleepyhead It’s been a long day for Dad and he can hardly keep his eyes open. All he wants is for Baby to go to sleep so he can catch up on a little shut-eye too. Dad’s usually got some tricks up his sleeve to help send Baby off to the Land of Nod. But tonight, Baby has other ideas… As soon as Dad’s out of the way, Baby gets his hands on the magic top hat, and when his friend Rabbit shows up the fun and games really begin! Mix in some magic, a pinch of circus and a large dollop of silliness and you have the recipe for a little adventure with a lot of laughs! Ages 2–5.
Fri 5 to Sun 21 Oct—The Adventures of Curious Ganz A scientist is born! From the very beginning our hero Ganz is Curious. He investigates everything. From the caterpillar to the stars Ganz wants to observe and understand it all – is the earth flat or round? Does the sun travel around the earth or earth around sun? Which came first, the chicken or the egg? How does electricity travel? No stone is left unturned. His investigations and inventions bring him to the attention of Queen Lizzy the First, a fellow adventurer, if only she could escape her skirts… The Adventures of Curious Ganz is a fictitious story based on the true life of 16th century copper smelter Joachim Ganz. It is a celebration of the new, the strange, the brave and the curious! Told through design, table-top puppetry, music and a few words, all wildly based on the principles of alchemy. Age 7+.
Weds 3 to Sun 7 Oct — Five Little Monkeys The makers of the smash hit Dogs Don’t Do Ballet bring the universally popular song Five Little Monkeys to life. Packed with bold, engaging puppets and music from dub reggae and funky rapping to classical ballet. Join Sue the Zoo Keeper as she struggles to get mischievous Little Monkey to bed and discovers that numbers are all around us. Keep an eye out as unexpected household objects transform into the doctor, warning “NO MORE MONKEYS
Mon 22 to Weds 24 Oct — Invisible Me Bo’s life is boring, So he plays ‘let’s pretend’, And he draws with his crayons, An imaginary friend. But his friend is not helpful, He’s bad through and through. So
beware what you wish for, It may just come true! Bo is bored of the ordinary. He wants to stay up late, eat biscuits and conquer the world. One rainy afternoon, an invisible friend comes bursting into his life, turning Bo’s ordinary world upside down. Wherever Bo goes, his imaginary friend follows… he is there at breakfast time, he’s there when Bo is trying to do his homework, he’s even there when Bo goes to the toilet! But where has this friend come from? And will he ever leave? Packed full of puppetry, music, magic (and a sprinkle of mischief), Invisible Me promises to be an unforgettable experience for the whole family. Age 5–11. Thurs 25 to Sun 28 Oct — Hey Diddle Diddle When the full moon shines bright there’s magic in the air, and all the animals come out to play. Stay up late with flying cows, jazzy cats and runaway crockery and as we jump and jive to the music in a brilliant new take on the classic nursery rhyme. Ever wondered how a cow jumped over the moon? Or why the dish ran away with the spoon? With original songs played live on stage, brilliant puppetry and lots of laughter, this new show is a wild and musical celebration about the importance of imagination. Age 3–8.
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