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SouthWest March/April 2016

Easter holiday activities

PREP SCHOOLS SPECIAL Find the perfect childcare

BABY feature How to build resilience in children Three parties children love but you hate

MINDFULNESS Should your child learn it?

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25 YEARS

Really useful information for parents of 0-12 year olds in SW London Find us online: FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

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March/April 2016

Nurturing and developing young people's potential through dance, drama and singing. For 4-18 year olds, after school, at weekends and holiday workshops.

Stagecoach Schools enrolling now Battersea Fulham Merton Park & Tooting Putney Wimbledon www.stagecoach.co.uk

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020 8946 0845 202 020 8942 0845 265 020 8946

2986 5727 3502 7050 3400

Noddy’s Nursery Schools in Putney and Southfields OPEN Monday to Friday 07.20 - 18.30 51 weeks a year

T: 020 8785 9191 E: office@noddysnursery.com www.noddysnursery.co.uk 2 Gwendolen Avenue, Putney, London, SW15 6EH Trinity Church Hall, Beaumont Road, London, SW19 6SP

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March/April 2016

Contents Families® SW London | March/April 2016 | Issue 254

FEATURES

Monkey Music

09-18 Education •School Open days •How to build Resilience in children •School news •Talking in the classroom

Check out our Baby and Childcare feature pages 24-32

IN EVERY ISSUE 06-07 Local news 08

Families ‘Top 5’ this month

Health and well being Mindfulness is the big buzz, should your child do it?

24-27 Childcare Feature •Your rights as working parents •Help with finding the perfect childcare •What’s new in childcare? 28-32 Baby Feature •Developmental milestones •Gentle Osteopathy •Local baby services: shops, jewellery, yoga, antenatal workout, charities etc •Why do women fear childbirth? 33-39 Easter Activities Listings Arts & crafts, music, dance, drama, sport, revisions courses, FREE activities etc

49-54 What’s On •Diary dates & events •Theatre •Museums and galleries •Days out

40-43 Parties Feature •Three parties children love but you hate •Six great party bag fillers •Your local party entertainers

Classified

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March/April 2016

Make a cress head Find us on Facebook & Twitter FamiliesSW

Please tell advertisers

Local news

you saw them

New fun French group in Earlsfield

in Families It makes a HUGE difference Thank you

Club Petit Pierrot has opened of a new fun French Parent & Toddler group (1-3 year olds) at Eddie Catz, Earlsfield, on Thursdays from 9.45am to 10.15am.

Welcome a new Eddie Catz soft play centre! Family favourite Eddie Catz has opened a new softplay centre in SW London. The company has taken over the much loved Earlsfield based It’s A Kid’s Thing, now offering a 2-tier play structure, daily classes for 0-4 year olds, plus seasonal events and, of course, party hire. ‘We are delighted to take over from It’s A Kid’s Thing,’ said Eddie Catz founders Maria and Darren Johnson, ‘and preserve and build on what they have created. The centre is much loved by the local community and we hope to continue to deliver great parties, food and service.’ 279 Magdalen Road SW18 3NZ, ( 8739 0909, : eddiecatz.com

Parents & toddlers learn together in ½ hour lessons, interacting in French the whole time. Activities specially adapted to the language development of this age group; songs, dances, rhymes, multi-sensory activities, games, puppets…all great fun!! Free trial session. ( 7385 5565 : clubpetitpierrot.co.uk

Try Time Rugby Try Time Rugby have created rugby-based games and activities that increase kids enjoyment of sport as well as develop them physically. They believe passionately that their rugby play sessions will give children the attributes they will need to go on and play the next level of rugby... or indeed any sport. They cater for children from 2yrs to 7yrs. Wandsworth, Dulwich, Richmond. ( 01252 794150 : trytimekidsrugby.com

Does your child get 'tech headaches'? New research shows that two-fifths of parents admit their children suffer from ‘tech headaches’, according to a study conducted by Optical Express. The study suggests that children complain of headaches after spending a prolonged period of time in front of an electronic screen, especially televisions, computers and smartphones. ‘Sometimes, headaches bought on as a result of prolonged exposure to an electronic screen will indicate that a child has an underlying problem with their eyesight, and these should not be ignored,’ said Dr Steve Schallhorn, Chief Medical Director of Optical Express. ‘We are urging parents who have even the slightest concerns about their child's eye health, or those whose children haven't been tested for a while, to take them to a local opticians during the holidays in order to put their minds at rest.’ Do also make sure your child never sits next to your router, this is where the radiation is at its highest and never sleeps next to a smartphone, even turned off.

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Turmeric and black pepper paste Did you know? Turmeric is a miracle herb. It is also one of the most researched spices today with more than 600 possible health benefits: powerful antioxidant, antiinflammatory, antiseptic, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and more. We’ve just learnt from a breast cancer sufferer, who adds it to her diet regularly, that when combined with black pepper, turmeric releases its maximum benefit. 1/4 cup Turmeric Powder 1/2 tsp. Ground Black Pepper 1/2 cup Water Measure the ingredients into a small saucepan and heat over medium-high heat until a paste forms. Store in a small jar in the refrigerator. Always check if this is suitable for you. ®

March/April 2016

Local news New London museum Coming soon! Keep your eyes peeled for London’s newest heritage attraction, The Postal Museum and Mail Rail. Due to open later this year, London’s first new national museum in over a decade will offer 7 interactive exhibition spaces covering five centuries of social and communications history, plus an underground ride on the hidden Mail Rail! Try on a uniform, ride a five-wheeled cycle or find out about the attacking lioness! Alongside the museum a dedicated learning space will enable 10,000 school children a year to visit and learn about the ingenuity of the British postal service, and its impact in shaping the world we live in today. Find out more at : postalmuseum.org

Learn to sew Sign up now for the new After School Sewing Club from Sew Me Pretty. Kids aged 7-12 can get stuck into fun projects including appliqué cushions, tote bags, pencil cases, buntings, felt toys, skirts and much more. Classes take part on Mondays 4.30-6pm, materials included. For older kids and teenagers book now for the Young Designers Sewing Club, Mondays 6.308pm, where they can use patterns to make clothes. Classes take place in Wimbledon - find out more at : sewpretty.me.uk or call ( 07714 252660

New boutique/café/ workhub in Fulham Check out the new boutique Cuckoo Hibou in Parsons Green. It is a café with a difference – a relaxing place to eat and meet friends, plus a boutique gift shop with toys, books and stationery, and a range of classes for children ranging from music, drama and French speaking to arts and crafts and yoga. They even have baby massage and nutrition classes. It’s a new nest for the whole family in the heart of Fulham, and all with a French twist. ‘We are looking forward to offering families a warm and welcoming space where we care for children and parents can simply relax,’ says owner Alice. 181 New Kings Road SW6 4SW : cuckoohibou.com

Ready, get set, bake! Get hands-on in the kitchen at new Cooking with Kids workshops from Mini Cooking Club. These free workshops are for young children and families, where trainee cooks learn new skills and see their confidence in cooking grow. Best of all, you get to eat what you have cooked at the end of each session! The council-funded programme will teach you how to cook two healthy dishes per session, plus kitchen hygiene, safety and nutrition and healthy eating. For ages 7-11, Saturdays 11am-1pm at London Cooking Project, 1 Ethelburga Street SW11 1AG, email to book your place Saturdays@theminicookingclub.org.uk : theminicookingclub.org.uk

Is your child a future Adele? And have you got what it takes to win the 2016 Young Songwriter Competition? Now open for entries across the UK, the competition is open to songwriting talent aged 7-18 - in fact anyone who has written their own original song. And why not ask a professional songwriter to give you feedback and tips on how to develop your songs before you enter? You can receive written feedback on your song, or even book a drop-in session at Song Academy’s Brook Green venue. Find out more at : songacademy.co.uk, competition deadline 9 April 2016, entry only £5.

March/April 2016

Arts workshops in Chelsea The Little Art Society specialises in fun and creative arts and craft workshops and birthday parties for children. Workshops are held on Saturday mornings 9am -12pm in Chelsea and some holiday dates. Please visit the website to book a place on to their next workshop : thelittleartsociety.co.uk

Develop your intelligence with music lessons Learning an instrument helps develop general intelligence, research has shown —but of course the main reason for learning is enjoyment and personal fulfillment. Mark Lester is a piano teacher based in Wandsworth, with over 20 years' experience teaching children and adults. He combines the best of traditional teaching with an emphasis on creativity and improvisation. Call for a chat on ( 8870 7830

Families ‘Top 5’ this month The Easter holidays are approaching, but here are our some of our top picks to keep you and your family entertained before and during the big break.

Hunt for chocolate in the Cutty Sark!

©National Maritime Museum

King William Walk, Greenwich SE10 9HT www.rmg.co.uk 25-28 March. Easter Egg Hunt Cutty Sark’s chickens have been laying their eggs in some strange places, but how many can you spot around the ship? Join in the hunt for a chance to win a family ticket to Camp Bestival. Admissions fees apply, all ages welcome.

4 Paint at and draw at The Wallace Collection

Visit RHS Garden Wisley Woking, Surrey, GU23 6QB rhs.org.uk Just down the A3, Wisley is perfect for a day out from SW London. 19 March – 10 April Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt Hop through the garden on the trail of the Lindt gold bunny. Follow the clues to lead you to a delicious treat for your best Easter ever! Bring your family along and join in with arts & craft sessions every day from 25th March to 10th April. 9–10 April Birds of Prey Weekend Bring the whole family to discover all about birds of prey. See the magnificent birds up close, with agility displays at 11am and 2pm. 15 April: National Open Gardens Day Free opening of the Garden to all visitors.

Hertford House, Manchester Square W1U 3BN www.wallacecollection.org 29 and 31 March. Painting Portraits Learn how to paint a portrait using acrylic paints with artist Alison Kusner. A wonderful session for all ages, 10.30am-3.30pm, £12 per child. 3 April The Little Draw Free drop-in drawing workshop for all ages and abilities. Exploring the Wallace Collection through drawing and doodling on to discarded materials inspired by both the museum's collection and building. FREE

Packed day at the Horniman Museum and Gardens

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5 Design your own T-shirt © Cliff Van Coevorden

100 London Road SE23 3PQ www.horniman.ac.uk 26-27 March. Easter Fair Hop around the Gardens with the Horniman Bunny, go on an Easter Egg trail, take part in craft activities, discover what’s in their arts and crafts market, visit the Farmers’ Market for seasonal produce (Saturday only), and enjoy food, drink, and more. 10.30am–4.30pm, free entry, suitable for all ages

HMS Belfast The Queen's Walk SE1 2JH www.iwm.org.uk/visits/hms-belfast 25 March – 10 April. Tattoo T-Shirts Impress your friends and family by designing your very own t-shirt, inspired by traditional Navy tattoos, and the sailor legend of Davy Jones's Locker. Family fun for all. Sessions 11am–12.30pm and 2–4pm, all ages.

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March/April 2016

Sinclair House School www.sinclairhouseschool.co.uk

School Open Days Hill House School SW1 4-13 Co-Ed Tours every weekday morning in term time, 8.30am booking required ( 7584 1331 : hillhouseschool.co.uk St Matthew’s CE Primary School SW1 4-11 Co-Ed Tours Monday mornings 10am, call to book ( 7504 0500 : stmwschool.org.uk Francis Holland School SW1 4-18 Girls Senior School Open Morning 16/3 9am ( 7730 2971 : fhs-sw1.org.uk Streatham & Clapham Prep School SW2 3-11 Girls Nursery and Prep School 3/5 9am10.45am ( 8677 8400 : schs.gdst.net Bonneville Primary School SW4 3-11 Co-Ed Tours by prior appointment ( 8673 1183 : bonneville-primary.lambeth.sch.uk Fulham Prep School SW6 4-13 Co-Ed Pre-Prep 15/3 and 23/6 9.3011am call to book a place and time slot ( 7371 9911, Prep School tours by appointment only ( 7386 2444 : fulhamprep.co.uk Kensington Prep School SW6 4-11 Girls 4/5, 12/5, 24/6 and 22/6 1.45pm Open days are for girls registered for 4+ entry in September 2017. Please telephone the Registrar Mrs Bonner on ( 7731 9300 to reserve an Open Day place. Deadline for registration for 4+ entry in 2017 is 30th September 2016 ( 7731 9300 : kensingtonprep.gdst.net Parsons Green Prep SW6 4-11 Co-Ed Midweek tours on Thursdays at 9am by appointment only ( 7371 9009 : parsonsgreenprep.co.uk Sinclair House School SW6 2-13 yrs Co-ed 10/5 10-11.30am and nursery 11/5 9.30-11am ( 7736 9182 : sinclairhouseschool.co.uk

March/April 2016

Falkner House 4-11 Girls Open days by appointment ( 7373 4501 : falknerhouse.co.uk

Call to book your place now SW7

White House Prep School SW12 4-11 Co-Ed Tours Tuesday mornings at 9.15am ( 8674 9514 book in advance : whitehouseschool.com

The Hampshire School SW7 3-13 Co-Ed Tours of main school on Wednesdays at 9am and of Early Years School on Mondays and Thursdays at 1.30pm ( 7352 7077 : thehampshireschoolchelsea.co.uk

Hornsby House School SW12 4-11 Co-ed 10/3 9am ( 8673 7573 : hornsbyhouse.org.uk

Ravenstone Prep School SW7 4-11 Co-Ed Pre-Prep 8/6 Prep 9/6 booking required ( 7225 3131 : ravenstoneschools.com St. Nicholas Preparatory School SW7 2-10 Co-Ed 9/3 9.30am, plus Open House every Wednesday and Thursday during term time 9.30-10.30am book in advance ( 7225 1277 : stnicholasprep.co.uk Redcliffe School SW10 3-11 Girls 3-8 Boys Tours Tuesdays and Thursdays during term time 9.30am booking required ( 7352 9247 : redcliffeschool.com Dolphin School SW11 4-11 Co-Ed Open Mornings most Thursdays 9.15-10.30am by appointment ( 7924 3472 : dolphinschool.org.uk Northcote Lodge SW11 8-13 Boys 21/5 10am-12pm ( 8682 8888 : northcotelodge.co.uk

Broomwood Hall Upper School SW12 8-13 Girls 21/5 9-11am ( 8682 8830 : broomwood.co.uk Ibstock Place School SW15 3-18 Co-Ed Pre-Prep and Prep 27/4 and 15/6 9.30am Senior School 11/5 5-7pm booking required ( 8876 9991 / 8392 5803 : ibstockplaceschool.co.uk The Lion House School SW15 3-7 yrs 23/4 10am-12pm ( 8780 9446 : lionhouseschool.org.uk Broomwood Hall Lower School SW16 4-8 Co-Ed 19/5 9-10.30am ( 8682 8830 : broomwood.co.uk The Roche School SW18 2.5-11 Co-Ed 11/3, 6/5 and 22/6 9.30-11am ( 8877 0823 : therocheschool.co.uk St Anne’s C.E. Primary School SW18 4-11 Co-Ed 21/4 and 9/6 booking required ( 8874 1863 : st-annes.wandsworth.sch.uk The Study Prep School SW19 4-11 Girls Tours on Tues morns by appt ( 8947 6969 : thestudyprep.co.uk

The Dominie SW11 6-11 Co-Ed Tours by appointment Please contact the school to find out more about their specialist teaching for dyslexic children ( 7720 8783 : thedominie.co.uk

Wimbledon Common Prep (also known as Squirrels) 4-7 Boys 11/5 call to book ( 8946 1001 : wimbledoncommonprep.co.uk

Thames Christian College SW11 Co- ed 27/4 11am-1pm ( 7228 3933 : thameschristiancollege.org.uk

Willington Independent SW19 Preparatory School 4-13 Boys 23/3 booking essential ( 8944 7020 : willingtonschool.co.uk

London Steiner School SW12 3-14 Co-Ed Open Day 27/4, please call for details ( 8772 3504 : waldorflondon.co.uk

The London Acorn School SM4 3-14yrs Co-ed 18/3 1.30-3.30pm & 6.30-8.30pm : thelondonacornschool.co.uk

SW19

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March/April 2016

Prep school feature Don’t tell children what to think, teach them HOW to think By Elvire Hairy, Chelsea Marketing Consultant

Today, one of the main concerns of school heads is the growing number of “cotton wool” children, surrounded by “helicopter” parents who, by over protecting and over tutoring, hamper children from developing their natural resilience.

Theory of Intelligence developed by Carol Dweck, author of Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, the idea that we can grow our brain's capacity to learn and solve problems. She demonstrates that the ability to learn is not fixed, and it can change with effort. In her study, children who were taught about the brain, and how it changes in response to challenges are more likely to persevere when they fail. This is because these students didn't feel as though failure is a permanent condition - making them more resilient!

Developing a growth mind set

Children need ritualised time at home

Siobhan McGovern, manager at Beau Peeps’ nursery, told us: “Children need to learn how to make their own risk assessment. They need to explore, to have the time to do things on their own and to know that it is all right to make mistakes”. Unfortunately children are constantly rushed about. They don’t have the time to achieve the smallest tasks – though each one is crucial to their development. Mr Cummings, the White House School Headmaster, is adamant: “Failure is a learning opportunity and a step to success, children will develop a growth mind-set from it. They need to be allowed “to struggle through” and to solve their own problems”.

All the school heads agree, resilience can’t be taught to children as a topic. It is a quality, inherent to their development, that they only learn by experiencing it, and that from a young age. Mrs Griggs, Falkner House Head teacher: “We can’t feed children resilience, it is an approach to life. We want our nursery children to learn how to be independent. For example they need to learn how to put their socks on; they need time, patience and attention from their parents”. Unfortunately, “children don’t have the time anymore” adds Mr Brennan, “and they need ritual: it nourishes them, and gives them time to explore things at their own pace”. Mr Cummings agrees: “They need time in shared family experiences”.

Children need to learn how to spell disappointment Pressure is high, reaching an unprecedented level, to enter the top London academic schools and children are asked to perform at their best, continually. “Children don’t know how to fail anymore” says Mrs Prest, Headmistress of the Merlin School. “We need to teach them that it is OK to make mistakes. The Merlin’s spirit is to have a go, and always to look for the positive coming out of it” she adds. Donal Brennan, the Hampshire School Headmaster explains: “Children need to learn how to cope with failure, and then to grow up from it. They need to learn how to spell disappointment”.

Parents are role models Mrs Griggs is clear: “Parents need to be involved in their child’s education, they can’t delegate everything. Most importantly they need to believe in themselves as role models.” Mrs Prest adds: “It is the parents’ responsibility to be strong enough to show resilience but also to equip the children to be resilient.” Mr Cummings concludes: “By demonstrating and modelling resilience in their own approach to life, parents will give the best example a child can have.” The parent’s role is to encourage, to stimulate, to educate—to push if necessary, to say no and to explain boundaries to their children.

Elvire Hairy – Strategy and Education Consultant – : chelseamarketingconsultant.com March/April 2016

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March/April 2016

Prep school feature Local schools News Newton Prep selected for cosmic classroom launch Sophie Atkinson, a Year 3 pupil, has been selected from amongst thousands, to be linked live with Tim Peake on board the International Space Station (ISS) and ask him a question, along with another ten other children. Three hundred children in all, from around ten schools, took part at Liverpool’s World Museum in this one-off session with a live stream of the event on the TES website. “We are so excited to be part of this extraordinary, once in a lifetime event” said Stuart Wilson Head of Science of Newton Prep. : newtonprepschool.co.uk

Helping teenagers to turn social media to their advantage Rather than ignoring the growing social media phenomena, Thames teaches pupils how to use social media to their advantage in a safe and beneficial way. They recognise that whilst connecting online can enhance relationships, it can also put pressure on young people. In this impersonal world it is easy for relationships to break down and bullying to occur. “At Thames we help pupils develop good social skills and navigate friendships, online and off. Our Year 11s are learning to use the tool CV+ and how to build a strong positive online presence. This will enable them to present themselves in a fun and mature way to future employers.” They have recently introduced ‘Thinking Breakfasts’ where pupils gather over hot chocolate and croissants to discuss a modern day moral or value-based dilemma. A recent topic on social media, song lyrics and music videos provided a forum for pupils to explore how online culture can affect them. : thameschristiancollege.org.uk

Unique holistic school set in a park The London Acorn School is a small, OFSTED outstanding, holistic school for 3-14 year olds, set in National Trust gardens in Morden Hall Park. The school follows the unique, successful model of The Acorn School in Nailsworth, Glocs (est. 1991) also consistently graded outstanding by OFSTED. Amazingly students do not sit external exams. Their high-level work speaks for itself: every Acorn student applying for university has been accepted on the basis of their extensive final year project. In the lower school, education is centered on the children’s own experiences of art and craft, music, carpentry and spending plenty of time outdoors, not in front of screens. Academic work is introduced at the age of seven, like many Scandinavian countries. The children are happy and make rapid progress, reporting there is “nothing” they would change. The school has spent a low-key three years whilst establishing their core team. They are now looking to expand and have spaces for 6-14 year olds. The school plans to extend to age 18. “Pupils’ outstanding achievement owes much to an approach to learning and personal development that is centered on their physical and emotional well-being and their moral and spiritual development.” OFSTED (2014) : thelondonacornschool.co.uk

Dolphin School news Dolphin School looks forward to welcoming Mrs Nicola Baldwin as its new Principal from September 2016. Mrs Baldwin has been a highly respected Head for the last twenty years, most recently at St Peter’s, Eaton Square, and she will take the helm of a strong and talented Dolphin team. Dolphin was delighted to find an exceptional and experienced Principal whose vision and values match its educational philosophy and distinctive ethos. Last year’s Independent Schools Inspectorate report recognised the school's excellence in its standard of teaching; in the quality of its pupils' achievements and learning; and in their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. League tables are never a judge of all that the school hopes to be, but it was also encouraging to see its academic achievement recognised nationally when Dolphin made it into the Sunday Times list of the top 100 independent preparatory schools in the country, based on 2014 SATs results. Dolphin looks forward to building on its strong foundations as Mrs Baldwin takes the baton in the new academic year. : dolphinschool.com

March/April 2016

Little green fingers at Sinclair House School Pupils in the Nursery have become keen little horticulturalists this term and have been keenly tending to their beans and strawberry plants, while pupils in the Preparatory School work with First Hand Experiences who run a “Grow Make Eat” club. This spring term they have been busy digging, weeding and seeding in the school rooftop garden. Children have been carefully re-potting broad beans, sowing peas in the new polytunnel, and planting special varieties of turnips and carrots. Children were very excited with their first harvest, and worked hard to pull-up some tasty baby leeks that they had planted before the winter. They made a delicious fresh salad with these, adding quinoa, carrot, and chickpeas. They also learnt how to make crunchy bean crostinis with some fresh lemon thyme from the garden. This kind of Food Education is an important part of school life, helping children to engage with where food comes from, to appreciate how it’s produced, and understand the various nutritional benefits of plant-based foods. Interactive activities in the garden encourage positive food habits from a young age, as well as an understanding of children’s place within a broader ecological system. : sinclairhouseschool.co.uk

Prep school feature Talking time in the classroom? When Tom Mylne, Head of Prep at Streatham & Clapham High School, walks into a classroom he doesn’t want to hear silence; he wants to hear pupils talking, plausibly and with confidence. He has introduced Talk4Writing (T4W), an approach whereby children learn a story verbatim with accompanying actions. This approach embeds the language children need for a particular topic orally, before moving on to reading and analysis of its language and structure. It develops confidence in children to talk about their own ideas, and to clarify and articulate their own views before they write about them. Prep English Coordinator Jane Hayes comments: “With this approach the children can see how and why they have improved, giving them the confidence to recognise and overcome any challenges faced with growing independence.” Deputy Head Rachael Fordham adds “What makes this programme different is the fact that talk is planned, timely, and intentionally used to engage pupils, enrich the curriculum and extend understanding at key points throughout a lesson. No child can sit idly by and ‘be taught’. They must be active participants.”

Talking skills in mathematics Verbal skills and confidence are equally important in mathematics, from Talk Partners, where children initially look at the problem and how to solve it with a partner, to Talking Tasks, where new vocabulary around a mathematical concept is consolidated. Talk Partners encourage the

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less confident to ‘give it a go’. Tom Mylne comments: “If you give children time to talk through their ideas, you will see a considerable rise in participation levels. Children express themselves more confidently if there is time to practise and a shared ownership over the result.”

Time to think The 10-second answer time given to all children means the less confident child is not so daunted by the immediate ‘handsup’ of classmates. The child has time to consider, choose their vocabulary and articulate their answer, improving the quality of answer. It supports the development of social skills, such as turn taking, positive assertiveness and clear communication - all of which are key to future success. Tom Mylne has a clear vision for the Prep, where curiosity and engagement underpin all aspects of the school. He wants a culture of learning where pupils have time to talk, but also have the time and the environment to think deeply about ideas. He emphasises how important it is for a child with a problem to be able to talk about it. “I want SCHS Prep to be a ‘talking school’, where good communication skills have a profound affect on all aspects of the school culture and where all pupils’ voices are heard.” : schs.gdst.net

March/April 2016

Est 1976 Ofsted registered and MEAB Accredited An independent nursery school for children 2 to 5 years

• EYFS and Montessori Method of teaching • MEAB inspected and accredited Montessori nurseries (the only ones in SW12) • Ballet, Drama, Football, French and Music classes • Morning, afternoon and full day sessions (term time only) • Summer Clubs Nightingale 1 Montessori: St Luke's Church Hall, 194 Ramsden Rd, SW12 8RQ. 07958 567210 Nightingale 2 Montessori: St Stephen's Church Hall, 35 Weir Rd, SW12 0NU. 07930 401769 Contact: info@nightingalemontessori.co.uk www.nightingalemontessori.co.uk Register early to avoid disappointment.

Ofsted Registered

We accept Childcare Vouchers

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March/April 2016

PAINTING & DECORATING Interior / Exterior Experienced, Reliable, Clean Fully Guaranteed / Insured FREE ADVICE & QUOTE John:- James & Lamont

020 8462 4646 - 07802 535695

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Dawmouse Montessori Nursery School “To assist a child we must provide him with an environment which will able him to develop freely” Maria Montessori

Celebrating 20 years of excellence in Montessori teaching Come and visit one of our two Dawmouse Montessori Nursery Schools in Fulham and discover why we have enjoyed such a long period of success teaching children from 2yrs to 5yrs in their early years education. To learn more about us just visit our new web site at www.dawmouse.co.uk or email miss.emma@dawmouse.com

www.dawmouse.co.uk

Tel: 020 83989294

Passionate about teaching and learning

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March/April 2016

THE STUDIO DAY NURSERY (Established 1987)

Montessori Teaching Method 8.00am to 7.00pm Full & Part-time Cooked Lunch & High Tea provided Boys & Girls Aged 2yrs-5yrs

93 Moore Park Road Fulham SW6 All enquires: 020 7736 9256 Principal: J.M.R. Williams, NNEB, RSH (Norlander).

THE PARK GARDENS DAY CARE AND NURSERY (adjacent to King Georges Park, London SW18 4DN)

Following our recent total refurbishment we are offering full and part time day care in our well-established nursery which is rated outstanding by Ofsted. We offer a cheerful environment with a variety of activities for the children to have fun, make friends and enjoy learning through play. Breakfast club, Lunch club, After school and holiday clubs are all available and Sports, Music, Ballet, Cooking and Tennis are included in our weekly programme. The nursery grant is available to 3 and 4 year olds.

For more information please look at our website www.gardenschildcare.co.uk or email joh@gardenschildcare.co.uk or alternatively call Johanna Wilson on 020 8875 1277

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Childcare feature Working parents’ toolkit What do you do if your child is ill or you need to juggle your working hours to fit around your home life? We asked SW19 Lawyers to explore your rights as a working parent— it also applies if you are adopting. Bad weather shuts your child’s schoolwhat can you do? For emergencies there is a statutory right to reasonable unpaid time off for dependants. You have this right from day 1 of employment. This right also covers your children when they are ill. It’s usually for 1-2 days at a time and not for longer-term caring issues.

What about if you need to take more time off work, say if your child needs to stay at home for a longer period of time? Here you may need to turn to another legal right – parental leave. To be entitled, you need to have been working for one year. You can then take up to 18 weeks unpaid leave for each child, usually in blocks of a week, with a maximum of 4 weeks per year.

What are your options as a new parent? Maternity and paternity leave are fairly well established (these rights fall outside the scope of this article) but remember that you can now, if you qualify, also choose to share the care of your newborn between partners. Financially, this can be effective, especially where the father’s policy is more generous than the mother’s. You can decide to split the leave available so you are off work at different times (or together). Except for the first two weeks after the birth, the remaining 50 weeks can be shared.

What if you need to change the way you work, to be able to manage your family’s demands and work? Perhaps you want to work part time or leave early to collect from nursery. If you’ve worked for 26 weeks you have a right to ask to work flexibly. It has to be considered reasonably. Give it your best shot. It’s worth putting care and effort into your application: try and anticipate issues and problems and suggest solutions. Your employer can only refuse for a specified reason. These are:

• • • • • • •

The burden of additional costs Detrimental effect on ability to meet customer demand Inability to reorganise work among existing staff Inability to recruit additional staff Detrimental impact on quality Detrimental impact on performance Insufficiency of work during the periods the employee proposes to work • Planned structural changes- a reorganisation In practice, it’s not that hard for employers to rely on one of these reasons, if they want to say no. A refusal may mean you may have a claim but you’d need to think carefully about taking the matter further if you want to stay working there. Your company may offer more generous benefits so it is worth checking their handbook.

Employment specialists, SW19Lawyers, have offices in both Wimbledon and the City. They are holding a coffee morning on 21 April at 9-11am at Cannizaro Hotel, West Side Common, London SW19 4UE to talk about issues facing working mothers and mothers thinking about going back to work after maternity leave. ( 8947 7997 : sw19lawyers.co.uk

St. Mark’s Montessori Pre-School St. Mark’s Church, St. Mark’s Place (Behind Wimbledon Library) SW19 7ND Mon-Fri 9.30-12.30 Tue & Thurs afternoons till 3.15

OPEN MORNINGS PLEASE COME AND VIEW US IN ACTION

(No appointments for open mornings) TUESDAYS ONLY, 10.15-10.45 AM 8TH,15TH AND 22ND MARCH 3RD, 10TH, 17TH AND 24TH MAY Small Classes – ages 2 till 5 – established 1998 Very large secure lawn garden with play/learning equipment Daily Breakfast Club 9 a.m. till 9.30 a.m. (NEW FEATURE) Very good Ofsted - 3/4 year old funding. Weekly visiting specialist teachers for music, ballet & French. For a personal viewing of our pre-school or for a brochure please Call 07956 346938 or email hilda_galustian@hotmail.com

Familiessouthwest.co.uk Tel: 020 8696 9680

March/April 2016

Childcare feature Social life freedom: an ideal gift for busy parents Like Minders, the bespoke childcare agency providing direct and stress-free access to high quality babysitters and childcare, is now offering annual memberships: an ideal gift for busy parents who yearn to have their social lives back. Taking the hassle out of organising child care, Like Minders is available 7 days a week, 365 days a year and offers a wide range of flexible, affordable and trusted childcare services including babysitting, flexible daytime care, emergency childcare and holiday nannies. Founder Bryony Sullivan, said: “I lost count of the number of times friends were unable to come for a night out because they couldn’t get a babysitter. We think we have fixed that, as London parents can book with us even for a very last minute, spur of the moment celebration. This means that ‘can’t find a babysitter’ sits up there now with ‘tidying my sock drawer’ for excuses on not having a good night out. It remains our mission to give hard-working parents their pre-child freedom back and we know how much that is appreciated by the thousands of families that use us.” All child carers are DBS checked and registered through a stringent screening process to ensure they match strict standards and levels of experience. The result is a trusted source of the very best baby sitters and child carers including primary and nursery school teachers, trained nannies, medical students, maternity nurses and Ofsted registered child minders. : likeminders.co.uk

Childcare Vouchers not just for nurseries Did you know that even if your child is at school you can still use your Childcare Vouchers to save on childcare costs? Vouchers can be used to pay for any registered childcare provider for children up to the age of 16, so can be used for before- and after-school clubs as well as nannies, au pairs, child-minders and nurseries. They can even be used for holiday camps this Easter. If your employer doesn't offer a Childcare Voucher scheme, contact Busy Bees Benefits who will get in touch with your employer to set up a scheme. Find out more at : busybeesbenefits.com

Do you need help at home, but no time to even look for help? Mrs Ford required weekend help to assist with her 4 children under the age of 10 years and the running of her busy household. She was introduced to Dallas Dacre Lacy’s agency by a friend, who had hired her existing housekeeper through the agency 8 years previously. Having spoken with Dallas, Mrs Ford was given the peace of mind that Dallas fully understood her family’s needs and would find an employee to match her specific requirements. Over the following weeks Mrs Ford also asked Dallas to find a daily housekeeper and a family driver. This invaluable introduction to Dallas resulted in Mrs Ford having a strong team of staff to ensure the smooth running of her busy household. Like Mrs Ford, many of Dallas’s clients and candidates are longstanding and introduced to her agency through personal recommendation. : dallasdacrelacy.com

We asked Diana and Amanda of Nappy Valley Nannies to tell us why is it so challenging to match the right nanny with the right family "To ensure a long and happy commitment, it is very important to get the matching between nanny and family absolutely right. From the onset, it is crucial we have the family's full search criteria and that expectations are realistic. We are happy to give guidance on this, if required. Once we have this, we can then shortlist appropriate candidates for the role. We have personally met the nannies registered with us, all of whom have been thoroughly checked and vetted. Additionally, we have spoken with each candidate's last few employers before accepting them on our books. We ensure the candidates being put forward have full details of the role and their agreement to be put forward to the family. We see our position as having a duty of care to both our clients and our nannies, and we are always happy to stay in contact for any advice even when the placement has been done. Our approach has ensured we have a high success rate and have maintained an excellent reputation with both families and nannies alike." : nappyvalleynannies.co.uk

March/April 2016

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March/April 2016

Childcare feature What’s new in Childcare? By Maxine Henderson

There are a number of changes proposed by government which should supposedly make the cost of childcare cheaper in the near future. Here’s what you need to know about these changes and how they will work. Free childcare for children ages 3 and 4 As you will probably now be aware, the government has offered 30 hours of free childcare a year for children ages 3 and 4 from September 2016. But is it really that straightforward?

Replacement of Childcare Vouchers with Tax-Free Childcare Scheme Last year, the government’s proposals for delivering Tax-Free Childcare were found to be lawful by the Supreme Court and the changes should come into force early in 2017.

When does the scheme start? In September 2016, but the scheme is not launching everywhere at this time. Instead, it will be piloted in some areas, and these are still to be determined. There is currently still no indication as to when the scheme will be available nationally.

Which parents will be entitled to the 30 hours? Unlike the current scheme, under which parents of 3 and 4 year olds are eligible for 15 hours of free childcare a week, the additional 15 hours will only be available to working parents. A statement on the government website says it will support up to 600,000 working families, but it is not clear at this stage how many hours parents should be working to qualify as “working parents.”

Which children will be eligible? Children aged 3 or 4 in September 2016 living in the pilot areas with working parents (as stated above, the definition of working parents remains unclear) who have an annual household income of less than £150,000. Nurseries have already raised concerns about their ability to offer 30 hours of free, flexible, childcare. There is concern within the nursery industry that the money they receive from government to run the current grant scheme of 15 hours does not cover the costs they incur in providing these hours, meaning that an increase in free hours is simply not sustainable. Employment Minister, Priti Patel, has been tasked with launching a policy that will actually work in practice – no mean feat!

The Tax-Free Childcare scheme will replace the current Childcare Vouchers system, although, parents who are currently signed up to the Childcare Vouchers scheme will be able to continue using it.

The key differences between the two schemes are as follows: • The current Childcare Vouchers scheme is a tax and National Insurance saving scheme, offered as a benefit from the employer of a parent, but only where the employer chooses to offer the scheme. The good news is that the new policy is expected to be open to all working parents who meet the set criteria. • Where both parents work, families can save around £1,800 a year under the Childcare Vouchers scheme, but will save £2,000 per year under the new scheme. • Self-employed parents will also be eligible for support under the Tax-Free Childcare scheme. • It appears that under the new proposals, the Tax-Free Childcare scheme will only be available to one earner in a family where both parents are working. Families with a single earner will be excluded. Maxine Henderson is Operations Manager at Tinies Childcare, a leading childcare specialist which helps families, nurseries and other childcare settings find the right childcare professionals to suit their needs. For more information, visit : tinies.com

New nursery on the block: what’s different about their approach? The London Preschool is opening its first nursery in Osiers Road, Wandsworth, SW18 1GZ. Unlike other day nurseries or nursery schools, The London Preschool focuses on an individual curriculum for each child based on the child’s needs talents, interests and abilities. The founder, Bill Zuckerman, has 14 years experience in developing innovative day nurseries and has worked closely with leading academics in the UK and the US designing a unique learning experience for children. He is bringing in an experienced team of professional educators who, between them have had the accolade of most of their nurseries being graded Outstanding or Good with Outstanding Learning and Development by Ofsted.

Explore, discover, learn They believe that the nursery has a responsibility to help children explore a broad spectrum of experiences including classical music, world music, ballet, performing arts, sports, art, art history, science and discovery, technology, language and literacy and numeracy. To deliver such a different curriculum The London Preschool engage only experienced, qualified teachers for each of the specialist areas. “We have always run the nursery of choice for parents and children, wherever we have operated. This results from our unique approach to

March/April 2016

nursery education and our focus on the individual development of each child,” exclaims Zuckerman. “Imagine watching all of our 3–5 year olds on stage, performing an opera that they composed. Their words, their ideas, their choices for music, costumes and scenery. Not reciting lines they were being told to learn by adults; they were bringing to life characters that they invented and nourished through their own imaginations. “ In addition to performing arts the nursery uses state of the art technology (tablets, interactive whiteboards, parental webcams and leading edge security), provides nutritionist-designed menus, has an all inclusive fee policy. Outdoor activities provide further opportunities for exploration and learning. “Our Wandsworth nursery has a large area for outdoor play and we will encourage the children to go outside a minimum of three times a day, come rain or shine.” • The London Preschool in Wandsworth will open from 7am to 7pm, 51 weeks of the year to accommodate the needs of working parents. The nursery is accepting enquiries now for the September 2016 opening. For more information telephone ( 3538 7602, email them at info@londonpreschool.co.uk or visit : londonpreschool.co.uk

We specialise in:

• Adult and Baby lessons • Toddler lessons • Learn To Swim classes • Pre-Club Squad Training for Children • Adult Beginners and Intermediate Training

Cindy’s Swim School is focused on delivering a variety of personalised lessons to local families. We have a passion for swimming instruction and practice within a structured and safe environment. Our swimmers learn the joys of swimming and stroke technique with programmes incorporating games and exercise to improve each swimmer’s confidence in the water.

• Ha lf-term • Sw Crash im C Cou advan lubs for mo rses re c e d swim • Ho me liday C rash C rs ourses

Quote 'SWF-1' to get 1 lesson free when booking into the Summer term Adult & Baby swimming course. For new customers only.

cindy@cindysswimschool.co.uk

07902 782675

Familiessouthwest.co.uk Tel: 020 8696 9680

March/April 2016

Baby feature

Developmental milestones

Sustainable jewellery

Skills such as “sitting,” “linking two words” are called developmental milestones. Development is divided in four areas: gross motor, speech and language, vision and fine motor, personal and social development. One must remember that each child is unique and progresses at his own pace so developing a skill a little earlier or later is fairly common. We can’t tell exactly when a child will learn a skill but we expect skills to be mastered during a specific time frame or "window". A skill not developing after a specific time can be a sign that something is not right.

A majority of us have given or received an item of jewellery at some point in our lifetimes. Jewellery holds deep sentimental value close to our hearts. But behind the love and cherished moments of our treasured jewellery, often lies a hidden story tainted with pain and anguish. The affects of mining are far reaching, the use of mercury in the mining practices contaminate the local water supplies and have a detrimental affect on the eco systems. Human rights violations are rampant and the impact on families and women are extremely negative.

If you are concerned about your child’s development, developmental paediatricians can help. These experts in child development have a holistic approach, work in partnership with families to support children’s development and to help them achieve their best potential. Dr Marie Le Page, Developmental Paediatrician, : southlondon-paediatrician.com MyHealthcare clinic, Battersea Reach Wandsworth ( 7099 5555

Ama Hazel thinks it is important that consumers are more aware of the mining practices and how it affects purchasing jewellery. Ama Hazel: “We only use recycled or responsibly sourced precious metals in the creation of our jewellery, we incorporate green practices throughout our production process. Long term we want to ensure future generations benefit from sustainable practices by respecting both people and the earth through co-operation.” : Amahazel.com ( 07922 617664

Gentle osteopathy for clear results Osteopathy at Naval Mair’s clinic for newborn babies, toddlers and all kids into their teens is well known to be helpful for overall health and wellbeing. It is safe, their practice is ethical and keeps high standards. They are guided by regulators to assure patient peace of mind. Babies especially are incredibly receptive to the gentle unwinding that careful Osteopaths can provide. The effects of a difficult birth, for example, often correlate to tensions that manifest in children. These tensions might reveal themselves as digestive difficulties, inability to be at ease or even as bodily malalignment. Careful, sensitive, precise paediatric Osteopathy for children can un-tether the child’s bodily tensions resulting in improved health overall. Naval Mair and his team have been helping babies and children in South West London for 25 years with a proven track record and a great reputation. Give them a call or email for impartial advice, they can probably help! ( 8812 3733 : navalmair.com

March/April 2016

Music to nurture baby Monkey Music run award winning specialist baby classes for babies from 3 months. Their highly skilled teachers create a calm, nurturing musical experience, which aids your baby's cognitive, social and motor development. It's also fun for you and a great way to make new friends. Classes are run all over SW London. Please visit their web site : monkeymusic.co.uk pop in your postcode and book your first free class.

All our applicants are personally interviewed and their references checked

Nannies, Maternity Nurses, Housekeepers and Motherâ€™s Helps Permanent and Temporary Residential, Daily, Full and Part-Time Evening Babysitting Register

Tel: 020 8947 4666 Facebook: Wimbledon Nannies Twitter: @wimbledonannies

info@wimbledonnannies.co.uk www.wimbledonnannies.com 184 Copse Hill, SW20 0SP

Creative Little Minds ART AND CRAFT & BUILD AND CONSTRUCT WORKSHOPS two different activities that enhance children's creativity Locations: Chelsea, Fulham and Belgravia www.creativelittleminds.co.uk creative-little-minds@outlook.com

07711 992451

Familiessouthwest.co.uk Tel: 020 8696 9680

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March/April 2016

Baby feature

Recycling baby clothes charity January saw the launch of SW London’s newest family charity. Set up by local mums, Little Village collects good quality baby clothing and equipment, and works with health visitors and social workers to give these items to new parents in need.

We love this lovely shop. They love toys and especially the super, super soft Little Jellycat’s. They have lots to choose from, all suitable from birth, making them the perfect baby gifts as no one can resist their charm.

Founder Sophia Parker said “We want to make it as easy as possible for local families to support each other. I know that there are cupboards across SW London bulging with outgrown clothes and unused kit. We want Little Village to be a way you can put all that stuff to good use.”

250 Battersea Park Rd, SW11 3BP. : marmalade250.com

To make a donation or to get involved, visit : littlevillagehq.com

Great birth services directory

Fun football from 18months

Nurturing Birth is thrilled to launch a new Directory where you can find listings for people who support pregnancy, birth, postnatal and feeding from doulas to antenatal teachers to pregnancy yoga to independent midwives to lactation consultants to sleep consultants - everyone on one site, with easy search and contact options and individuals listed by distance from your location. No registration necessary making it easier for parents to find the support they need!

Little Kickers provides toddlers with an early introduction to the fun and excitement of football from 18 months old. The classes are a fun-filled activity and were developed by FA qualified coaches and nursery teachers. They aim to teach basic football skills in a vibrant group play environment. Invaluable social skills like listening, sharing, taking turns and teamwork are woven into a class that places as much emphasis on simple learning concepts, like colours and numbers, as it does on fine-tuning a child’s basic balance, agility and co-ordination.

Marmalade 250

( 8675 1155 : littlekickers.co.uk

: nurturingbirthdirectory.com

Baby Bumpkin yoga classes Baby Bumpkin classes offer bendy giggly yoga for clever minds and strong bodies. The classes are tailored to your baby’s developmental stage and incorporate music, movement and magical storytelling with postures inspired by hatha yoga. Classes are available for wrigglers (six weeks to crawling) and explorers (crawling to wobbly walking). Come and move, stretch, dance with Baby Bumpkin - roar like a lion, hiss like a snake, buzz like a bee, down like a dog then ssshhhh, still as a mountain. clapham@tattybumpkin.com ( 07415 225 650 : tattybumpkin.com/clapham

March/April 2016

Baby feature Why do women fear childbirth? We live in a society where childbirth is relatively safe, it is also a normal physiological process, yet fear of childbirth appears to be increasing with hospitals having to set up special clinics for women who cannot face the prospect of normal childbirth. We do know that birth has disappeared from our normal lives with our only images being via the media (the less said about that show the better.) Up until the ‘60s, birth often took place at home so women heard and saw their mums, sisters and aunties giving birth and they saw them minutes after, tired but triumphant with their new baby. Now birth takes place in a medicalised environment with its own vocabulary and technology, it is very safe indeed. However it takes place among strangers, when we know that the hormones of birth require a safe and familiar environment. Very often women wait until their career is established and having a baby becomes a step on the achievement ladder. It is often all too much pressure.

Support on your side We also know that childbirth is like a rite of passage where women benefit from having the support of a trusted, knowledgeable person by their side on the journey. Ideally this would be their midwife but the way that maternity services are organised in the UK means that most women will not meet the same midwife twice. This is why services like Neighbourhood Midwives offer complete continuity with a known midwife who will walk the journey with the woman, on call 24/7 and providing all antenatal and postnatal care at home plus continuous care in labour. This type of care leads to better outcomes for mum and baby and greater satisfaction, plus dads feel more comfortable and at ease. Women who book this care can still remain NHS patients and have their baby in hospital if they choose but they have the services of their own midwife by their side throughout. “We don’t know what we would have done without her and have no doubt the whole experience of birth would have been very different,” says Roberta, a client of Neighbourhood Midwives. by Tina Perridge : neighbourhoodmidwives.org.uk

Mothering the mother By Margherita Tessarin, Ayurvedic practitioner and Ayurvedic doula

Our society has made women believe that they are fit to get up and out soon after giving birth. In the past women were not allowed to go outdoor and do physical chores for at least 40 days as it was well known that this is a very delicate time for a woman health. Ayurveda says “40 days for 40 years” as what a woman eats and does for at least few weeks after childbirth place the foundation of her future health.

She is also discouraged from going out and busying herself with house chores and people. She must rest, feed and bond with her baby. Great care is taken to ensure that her needs are met to make her happy as it was traditionally accepted in the past—and now supported by scientific evidence— that her happiness makes the baby happy and improves the quality of their relationship.

Ayurvedic postnatal care combines diet and treatments and starts with a healing Although in many other cultures ceremony where the mother receives a hot mothers are still looked after during the oil massage, followed by a herbal paste and a postnatal period (and, not surprisingly, bath. Her tummy is wrapped to remove air postnatal depression does not exist), in and blood as well as realign the internal Scientific evidence shows that mum’s happiness is key our western society (and especially in organs and prevent back ache. She will be big cities), not many women are aware served a hot, light and nourishing postnatal meal to restore her energy. that only a proper postnatal care can restore their health quickly—as well as prevent the onset of future problems. The principles follow the simple rule of counteraction as Ayurveda believes that after giving birth the mother’s body is imbalanced by a That’s why when women feel a pressure to get back to "normal" life as cold, dry and mobile energy (known as Vata, or the air energy) and quickly as possible, it is important to remind them to honour the needs “oiliness and warmth” in term of food and treatments to postnatal period as the benefits will prove that they actually have not rebalance it. lost but gained time and well being. Hot oil massages, known as Abhyanga are given daily, and for the first 10 days postpartum a special postnatal diet is provided to boost her digestive power and improve the quantity and quality of the breast milk.

Familiessouthwest.co.uk Tel: 020 8696 9680

Margherita Tessarin, Ayurvedic practitioner and Ayurvedic doula. Pregnancy yoga teacher and baby massage instructor, BA Ayurveda, member of APA and Doula UK ( 07930 607 277 : doula-ayurveda.vpweb.co.uk

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March/April 2016

Easter holiday activities listings Vauxhall City Farm

advertisers you saw them

in Families It makes a HUGE difference Thank you

Intensive swimming courses with SwimWay We took every care in preparing these entries but sometimes events are cancelled or times changed. Please double check event with the organiser to avoid disappointment.

Please also check our website for more activities: we keep our listings constantly updated with new material. We’ve also got a section of FREE activities, which we have no room to print here. www.familiessouthwest.co.uk

ARTS AND CRAFTS Active Art The Nature Study Centre, Wandsworth Common ( 07775 781332, artimatelondon@gmail.com : naturescope.co.uk 29 March - 8 April Active Art Easter Holiday workshop Totem Pole Art and Mexican Patterns. Explore Mexican art, patterns and sculptural forms in the environment and work with largescale prints. Age 3-6 and 7-12, 9.30am-3.30pm or half days 9.30am-12.30pm

Fulham Palace Bishop’s Avenue SW6 6EA ( 7736 3233 : fulhampalace.org 27 March-6 April Easter Holiday Workshops Easter Trail, 27 and 28 March 1-3.30pm, £2 per child, no booking necessary, age 2+. Make your own Bishop’s Mitre to wear and take home. Family Drop-in, 30 March, 2-3.30pm. £2 per child, no booking necessary, age 2+. Bird Sculptures Family Drop-in, 6 April, 23.30pm. Create your own Fulham Palace bird sculpture. £2 per child, no booking necessary, age 2+.

Sewing and art East Sheen, SW148QR : thecrafthouseuk.com 29 March-11 April Join The Craft House Wildlife Wonders this Easter as they celebrate wildlife in all art forms taking inspiration from art through the ages, famous artists as well as oceans, jungles and rainforests across the globe. OFSTED registered. Childcare vouchers accepted. Aprons, equipment, sewing machines all supplied ready to create some wickedly wonderful projects. Sewing 8+ daily 9.30-3pm; Art & Craft 5-11yrs daily 10-3pm

Sew Me Pretty Wimbledon Park Road SW19 6PE ( 07714 252660, me@sewpretty.me.uk : sewpretty.me.uk 4-9 April Kids’ Holiday Sewing Workshop Feeling creative? Want to become a fashion designer? Try something different at these creative workshops. 10am-1pm or 1.454.45pm £24. Or full day sessions 10am-4.45pm £48, ages 7-12.

Eddie Catz Putney, Wimbledon and Earlsfield First Floor, 68-70 Putney High Street SW15 1SF 42 Station Road SW19 2LP 279 Magdalen Road SW18 3NZ ( 020 3475 5268 : eddiecatz.com Throughout Easter Holidays Holiday Workshops With three branches now in SW London, there will be plenty of Easter Camps to choose from including Lego Workshops, Playball, Little Science, Dance, Drama, Art and Ballet. Prices usually include lunch and a free play at the venue. Eddie Catz appears in all venues twice a day to meet and greet the children.

March/April 2016

Easter Fun at Paint Pots The Boltons SW10 and Bayswater W2 ( 7223 0123 : paint-pots.co.uk 11-15 April Creative sessions of Art, Craft, Music & Games Different activities each day. Each fun-packed session is led by our experienced teachers. Book a full week or individual sessions. Un-accompanied sessions for 3-6yrs: 9.30am3.30pm, £65 or 9.30am-12.30pm, £40-45 Accompanied sessions for 18m-3yrs: 3-4.30pm, £25

LANGUAGES Et Patati et Patata Fulham Start Centre and St Andrew’s Church, Fulham SW6 ( 07966 893674, caroline@etpatatipatata.com : etpatatipatata.com 29 March-1 April Fun in French Easter Day Camp 100% French club, 100% fun. An unforgettable week of learning – all en francais! French classes, workshops and activities, with French dancing and storytelling, ages 4-6 and 710, 9am-3pm.

Club Petit Pierrot Chelsea and Notting Hill ( 7385 5565, admincpp@btconnect.com : clubpetitpierrot.co.uk 4-8 April Easter Holiday Club – Le Petit Prince Do you want your children to have fun and flourish while doing lots of arts & crafts, cooking, drama, outdoor sporty games, singing and learn French effortlessly at the same time? Fun French Easter Holiday clubs across London for ages 3-5 and 6-8. 9am-1pm or 9am-3pm

MUSIC, DANCE AND DRAMA Academy of Live & Recorded Arts John Archer Way, London SW18 3SX : alra.co.uk/workshops ALRA is launching its first Youth Workshop for young people of 10+ years. Record your own devised scenes on professional equipment, understand stagecraft while building confidence. Run by experienced tutors, this 5 day workshop will focus on film acting. 4-8 April, 10am-4pm

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165 Tyers Street SE11 5HS ( 7582 4204 education@vauxhallcityfarm.org : vauxhallcityfarm.org 29 March – 1 April Wild About Easter A club for kids aged 8-11 to explore the farm through fun activities from animal care to cookery classes. 11am-3pm, £25 per day.

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Easter holiday activities listings Studio Film School Broomwood Hall School, Balham SW12 8NR Chelsea Academy, Chelsea Harbour SW10 0AB : studiofilmschool.co.uk 4-8 April. Easter: Murder Mystery Week Join the Easter holiday crime fighting club and make a thrilling Whodunit murder mystery film. Ages 7-10 and 11-14, 9am 3pm (Late Club available until 5pm), £245 includes DVD. Check website for details of venues.

Allsorts Drama Notting Hill Prep, 95 Lancaster Road W11 More House School, 22–24 Pont Street SW1 ( 8969 3249, info@allsortsdrama.com : allsortsdrama.com 4-8 April Easter Drama Workshops 9.30am-3.30pm, ages 4–6 and 7-11. See website for details depending on venue.

Amanda’s Action Club Skylark Café, Wandsworth Common SW18 3RT ( 01895 623999, info@amandasactionclub.co.uk : amandasactionclub.co.uk Throughout Easter Holidays Active Music Baby and Toddler Classes Fun and energetic, for little ones and older children too. £10 pay as you go, check website for times.

The Chickenshed Theatre Chelsea Academy, Lots Road SW10 0AB ( 8292 9222 : chickenshed.org.uk 29 March – 1 April Chickenshed Kensington & Chelsea Easter Holiday Project A great opportunity for children to develop their performance skills at this 4-day workshop £100 for the 4 days with a 50% sibling discount, age 5-12 4-8 April Easter Shed, see website.

Funky Monkey Keyboard Classes Streatham, Battersea, Herne Hill, Beckenham ( 0800 107 7949 mail@funkymonkey.info : funkymonkey.info 4-8 April Electronic Keyboard Workshops – ‘Keyboard Superstars’ Brilliant taster courses for ages 5-9, with super spooky themes, teaching children to read, play and write notes C-A, plus music-based

activities. Last day concert performance! 10.30am-12.30pm, £110 for the week, £105 sibling discount.

Funky Moves The Bedford, 77 Bedford Hill, Balham, SW12 9HD ( 07810 431101 info@funkymovesdance.com : funkymovesdance.com 4-7 April Easter Holiday Course Amazing Street Dance workshops, funky arts and crafts activities, fancy dress games and spectacular performances. Winners of UK’s Best Kids Dance Class 2015 (Kallikids Awards). 9.30am–12.30pm, ages 4-12, £95 for the 4 days.

The Music House for Children 306-310 Uxbridge Road W12 7LJ ( 8932 2652 : musichouseforchildren.co.uk 7 April. 11am The Secret Garden A glorious tale for young children. £8/£6, ages 0-6. 2pm. Try a fabulous range of orchestral and percussive instruments with a truly magical musical adventure. Cornet, Trumpet, French horn, Fife, Violin, Piano, Keyboards, Percussion, Guitar, Ukulele, Flute, Clarinet. £5 per child. Ages 4-11, 8 April Musical Theatre Come along with Annie and friends on a musical adventure set in New York. High energy fun with singing, dancing, art and design. A fabulous showcase will be presented at 3pm. Ages 5-11, workshop starts 10am, £40 including lunch.

Song Academy Holy Trinity Church, Brook Green W6 7BL Bush Studios, 151 The Arches, Shepherds Bush W12 7LA ( 07710 023743, contact@songacademy.co.uk : songacademy.co.uk 6-8 and 13-14 April Easter Holiday Workshops Develop creative lyric writing skills, improvise melodies and harmonies and compose instrumental parts and solos. Each workshop is over two afternoons 2-5pm, with a performance of the finished song at the end. Ages 8-11 and 12-16 depending on venue and dates, £75, siblings £70, snacks provided.

Stagecoach Battersea Northcote Lodge School, 26 Bolingbroke Grove SW11 6EL ( 07956 288928,

The Siegeris School of Dance Venues include Wimbledon, Raynes Park and Mitcham info@siegerisdance.com ( 07730536499 : siegerisdance.com The Siegeris School of Dance is delighted to be offering some fun dance Easter Workshops this April. The dance school, with its happy environment has a professional and enthusiastic approach with a high standard of teaching from fully qualified dance teachers. "Let’s Make a Ballet" and "Musical Madness" will be a fun way to spend some time during the holidays and gain skills.

Familiessouthwest.co.uk Tel: 020 8696 9680

battersea@stagecoach.co.uk : stagecoach.co.uk/Battersea 5-8 April Easter Holiday Performing Arts Camp Put on a show in 4 days (or mornings) ... featuring songs and routines from Pitch Perfect, Footloose, Snoopy, Big Hero 6 and many, many more. Join a team of high-energy, experienced musical theatre professionals to put on a truly memorable show. No experience necessary - open to everyone! 4-6 year olds 9.30am-12.30pm (performance at 12.30pm on Friday) £115. 7-15 year olds 10am-4pm (performance at 6pm on Friday) £145

Upbeat Music Parsons Green SW6 ( 07816 901396, upbeatmusic@btinternet.com : upbeatmusiccourses.co.uk 29 March-1 April Upbeat Easter Holiday Fun Sessions include dance and singing, electric guitars and drums and songwriting. CD presentation and performance on final day. Age 4-14, 10-4pm.

EDUCATION, SKILLS & SUPPORT Special Needs camps (SEN Camps) For more information, FAQs and the sign up form, see : rolemodels.me Contact Hugo at hugo@rolemodels.me or on ( 07825 598344 This Easter, Role Models are running two Special Educational Needs (SEN) Activity Camps for a maximum of 25 children per camp (aged 6-12) from April 4-8 at Vanessa Nursery in Ravenscourt Park and at Albemarle School in Wandsworth.

Yellowbird Education Parsons Green Prep School, 1 Fulham Park Road SW6 4LJ ( 7731 0695 hello@yellowbirdeducation.com : yellowbirdeducation.com 4-8 and 11-15 April Easter Creative Writing Workshops Use your imagination, use power words and improve descriptive writing in short stories ready for exams, assessments and most importantly enjoyment. Lively, engaging sessions that enable children to meet others, gain confidence in a group environment and find their own voice by writing as individuals. Age 6-12, 10am-12.30pm, £259

March/April 2016

Easter holiday activities listings Intensive revision classes By Oxbridge Masterclasses ( 7084 6357 : oxbridgemasterclasses.co.uk Director Richard Blaine MEng, BA (Hons) Cambridge says: “With our classes delivered only by top Oxbridge graduates who are also experienced tutors who consistently get results, you will excel with us.” 15 to 20 hours of tuition will help your GCSE or A level student gain confidence by getting familiar with exam techniques and past papers. Very competitive rates.

Life Skills courses Chelsea Academy School SW10 0AB and Notting Hill Prep School W11 1QQ Contact Will at will@rolemodels.me on ( 07958024459. : rolemodels.me 4th – 8th April Mon-Fri (10am-3pm) Truly unique confidence and resilience courses. The week will cover interview techniques, debating skills, public speaking, team building and the qualities of a successful school leader in a fun, and active learning environment. The courses are designed to grow the core competencies looked for by the top selective schools, support children moving from junior to senior schools, those going through the 11+ process and to give all the attendees the platform they will need to succeed in life. Age 8-12.

SPORT Central London Golf Centre Burntwood Lane SW17 0AT ( 8871 2468 : clgc.co.uk 29 March-15 April Easter Junior Golf Camps What better way to spend the holidays than improving your golf at one of these fun camps with an array of skills challenges, competitions and tasks. For children of all levels, includes golf coaching, daily fun competitions, skill

Easter Junior Golf with Central London Golf Centre challenges and prizes. £30 - 9am-12pm, £45 - 9am-3pm. Free Golf Tasters every Sunday at 1pm.

Chelsea FC Soccer School Venues across SW London ( 7957 8220 londondevelopment@chelseafc.com / soccerschools@chelseafc.com : chelseafc.com/foundation Throughout Easter Holidays London Soccer School For boys and girls aged 3-13. Times vary according to course, from £30.

Fulham FC Foundation Venues in Fulham ( 0870 442 5432, holidaycourses@fulhamfc.com

: fulhamfc.com Throughout Easter Holidays Holiday Courses Holiday courses for all abilities in a fun and challenging environment. 3-5yrs, 9-11am, 6-14 yrs, 9am-3pm, from £15 per day.

Kiddikicks Across South West London ( 7937 7965, sarah@kiddikicks.co.uk : kiddikicks.couk Throughout Easter Holidays Holiday Sessions Kiddikicks (football 18m to 5 years) Kiddisports (multi-sport 18m to 5 years) and Ligasoccer (football Under 8’s) sessions run throughout the holidays. Or arrange a bespoke session (1 to 3 hours) for your player and their friends: pick your sport and they’ll provide the coach, equipment and place.

Moving Matters Elmgreen School and Lambeth Academy ( 3691 4576 enquiries@moving-matters.org : moving-matters.org Moving Matters is an organisation with an outstanding reputation for providing high quality support to primary schools in physical education and school sport. Send your child to one of their multi sports camps. Only £24 per day. 8.30-3.30pm Age 5-13.

Book at : merton.gov.uk/activeplus, places fill up quickly. Exciting range of leisure activities from Wimbledon Park Watersports and outdoor centre to Sailing or Kayaking. Learn horseriding at Wimbledon’s Ridgeway stables or brush up on your tennis skills in time for Make a thrilling Whodunit murder mystery film with Studio Film School March/April 2016

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Merton Active plus

from p.37

Easter holiday activities listings summer. There are also crafts and music classes. Courses from just £10 per hour and multi activity day camps cost from just £20. Ages 5 + (depending on activity)

The Little Gym Wandsworth & Fulham Compass House, Riverside West, SW18 1DB ( 8874 6567, wandsworth_fulham@thelittlegym.eu : thelittlegym.co.uk Throughout Easter Holidays Holiday Camps Their ever popular 3 hour camps (OFSTED approved) for over 3s build new skills and develop confidence while the kids have loads of fun. Call for timings.

SwimWay East Sheen, Putney, Kensington and Wimbledon ( 8871 3972, info@swimway.co.uk : swimway.co.uk 29 March-8 April Swimming Courses Intensive courses to improve your child’s swimming technique, on a private or semiprivate basis. Never more than two children per instructor! Courses run for half an hour each day, book early to avoid disappointment. 3-9yrs, dates and times dependent on venue

Telford Park Tennis Club 35A Killieser Avenue SW2 4NX ( 8674 5979 : telfordparktennisclub.co.uk Throughout Easter Holidays Tennis Camps A series of fun, 5 day coaching sessions for all levels and abilities from 5 to 15 years, 11.30am-4pm, £30 per day or £140 for the week, no membership required.

Urban Ascent Rock Climbing Unit 5 Parsons Green Depot, 33-35 Parsons Green Lane, Fulham SW6 4HH ( 7751 0913, info@urbanascent.co.uk : urbanascent.co.uk Throughout Easter Holidays Holiday Climbing Club Get the most out of this Easter Holiday with rock climbing sessions, daily at 1.30pm, 3pm and 4.30pm, each session lasts 1 hour and costs £12, ages 5 and up. Book ahead to avoid disappointment

Westminster Boating Base

First Hand Experiences

136 Grosvenor Road SW1V 3JY ( 7821 7389 enquiries@westminsterboatingbase.co.uk : westminsterboatingbase.co.uk April dates TBC, probably last week of Easter holidays. Sailing and Kayaking Courses Courses for ages 10+, see website for details.

All Saints Church Hall, 70a Fulham High Street SW6 ( 07917 583759 contact@firsthand experiences.co.uk : firsthandexperiences.co.uk 29 March-15 April Easter Holiday Camps 'Wake Up!' is a camp full of time old traditions with a distinctly modern twist. Visit a working City Farm to meet their new arrivals, go to Kew Gardens to be 'plant detectives' and stride around Richmond Park to test your navigation skills with a Spring scavenger hunt. Back at base, build team spirit through song, drama, art, craft and healthy whole food. £55 per day including lunch, snacks, transport and trips, sibling discount offered.

Woodfield Grove Tennis 9 Woodfield Grove SW16 1LR ( 079464 31514 : wgtc.co.uk 15% new members when mentioning Families 29 Mar-8 Apr 5-10yrs old £17 per day, 10-1pm Monday,Tuesday, Thursday and 2-5pm Wednesday and Friday 10-16yrs £12, 2-4pm Tuesday and Thursday.

Youngstars Multi-Sports and Activity Camp Clapham, Parsons Green, Putney and Wimbledon ( 07920 426499, info@young-stars.co.uk : young-stars.co.uk 29 March-8 April Holiday Activity Camps Plenty of fun, games and excitement whilst being introduced to all aspects of sports in an all inclusive and non-competitive environment. 3-7 years, times and prices vary.

MULTI ACTIVITY CAMPS Activ Camp Barnes, Wandsworth, Wimbledon, Tooting ( 07896 546067 : activcamps.com Throughout Easter Holidays Holiday Camps Fun-packed multi-activity camps for children aged 4-14, including dodgeball, quad biking, inflatables, water slides, indoor rock climbing, swimming, crazy crash mats, foam stick hockey, obstacle courses, the list goes on and on… Dates and times vary according to venue, from £37 per day.

Wild Learning Wimbledon Common ( 01483 424 400 : wild-learning.net 29 March-8 April Easter Holiday Camps Fun, outdoor holiday clubs giving children the chance to play, learn, get muddy and just be kids in a safe, nurturing but wild environment. Ages 5-12, 10.15am-4pm, from £45 per day

Super Camps Several locations in SW London ( 01235 467316 : supercamps.co.uk Outstanding Ofsted rating camp gives you the peace of mind that your children are in the best possible care. Camps include a variety of sports, games and arts and crafts. No two days are the same and the price includes all activities.

FREE ACTIVITIES We have compiled a listing of FREE activities, however there is no room in these pages to print then: we are full to bursting! We’ve uploaded it on www.familiesouthwest.co.uk which we keep constantly updated.

Barracudas

Bank of England Museum

At Streatham High School, SW16 1AW : barracudas.co.uk ( 0845 123 5299 29 March – 8 April Activity day camp Over 80 fun and exciting activities from sports to Arts & Craft.

Bartholomew Lane EC2R 8AH ( 7601 4878 : bankofengland.co.uk/museum 29 March-8 April EGGcellent Easter Adventure Follow the trail to find the chicks and egg hidden in the museum. You can then colour in an Easter animal mask of your choice to take home. There is a chocolate egg for every child.

NO ROOM AT THE INN! Sadly, we can't print all the listings we've received, but fear not— we've uploaded them all here for you: www.familiessouthwest.co.uk

Familiessouthwest.co.uk Tel: 020 8696 9680

March/April 2016

SONG ACADEMY W, SW, C The leading Singing & Songwriting club for 8-16 year olds Hammersmith, Chelsea, Fulham, Notting Hill & Chiswick EASTER WORKSHOPS 8-11 yr olds: 6th & 7th Apr & or 13th & 14th Apr 12-16 yr olds: 7th & 8th Apr PLUS, Enter our YOUNG SONGWRITER 2016 COMPETITION, open to 7-18 YR OLDS Contact@songacademy.co.uk 07710 023743

www.songacademy.co.uk

March/April 2016

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Familiessouthwest.co.uk Tel: 020 8696 9680

Le petit conservatoire Mes ateliers artistiques tout en français! For kids aged 3 to 10! A bientôt

www.lepetitconservatoire.co.uk

March/April 2016

Parties Three parties children love... but you hate By Sarah Butters

Art parties

Swimming parties

Sleepoverss

Don’t try this at home. No seriously. This is one to hire a hall for and call in the experts. Arty parties are fab fun but frankly terrifying if you have a home that

Most mums are reluctant to strip off to a swimsuit when the sun is shining and the sangria’s flowing. So the thought of doing it in front of your school gate ‘chums’ while at the local pool is unthinkable. However a swimming party is always a popular choice. Avoid hosting a swimming party for younger children – wait until your child and their friends are fairly competent swimmers, thus removing the need for parental submersion. Many such pools have a low rate room for hire so you can follow the wet fun with a homemade party tea to keep costs down.

Let’s face it. They shouldn’t be called sleepovers. They should be called stay awake overs because you will sleep about as well as a meerkat balanced on a branch and the kids won’t sleep at all. However if you follow a few basic rules, you may survive. Keep the numbers low. As far as sleepovers go, more is defiantly not merrier but it is noisier. Keep them busy – I’ve heard tales of parents setting up night time obstacle courses to exhaust their pint sized house guests. Remove electrical devices at a reasonable hour and make sure you have a note of all parental contacts. As sure as night follows day someone will get homesick at about midnight and infect everyone. For those who do survive the overnight stay, arrange for an early collection. It gives you the day to remove Haribo from your beige carpet, and you’ll only have your own sleep deprived, sugar shocked child to deal with.

you’re proud of. The idea of a dozen Reception children attempting to find the toilet, while their hands are coated in a mixture of purple paint and glitter is enough to make your reach for a lunchtime Sauvignon Blanc. We have some super local providers who can save you the stress of a pre-school redecoration of your home.

PARTIES! Wonderfully fun musical parties for your under-5’s! Guitar-accompanied songs with actions, joining in, jumping and dancing, instruments, puppet and parachute! The perfect party for little ones. Call 020 8677 6871 info@blueberryplaysongs.co.uk www.blueberryplaysongs.co.uk

March/April 2016

Parties Your local party entertainers Parties for young folk

Luxury Star Wars parties See the children transported to a fantasy they’ve only ever dreamt about as they play, dance and party with their galactic idols in Funky Moves latest party theme. Children are wowed as they play themed games with Princess Leia, watch Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader breakdance battle and become fully-qualified Jedis themselves as they perform an amazing final routine for the mums and dads. Plus they can take home their very own light saber. It really is out of this world. holly@funkymovesdance.com

Love the outdoors? First Hand Experiences offer wonderfully theatrical parties set in the great outdoors. They take a well known, much loved children's story, and create a themed event in which your child and their friends can immerse themselves fully, thereby developing their imagination. With the handmade costumes they provide, interactive outdoor games, live music and songs all set in wonderful outdoor space, your child and their friends are sure to have their very own wild rumpus! Perfect for for 4-6 year olds. www.firsthandexperiences.co.uk

Perfect party pizza every time Pappa Ciccia delivers delicious authentic Pizza to your party venue. With branches in Fulham and Putney they are a popular choice with parents wanting a healthy pizza with high quality ingredients. They also have a highly rated Gluten free and Vegan pizza option. Pizza-making parties at their Fulham branch remain a firm favourite. Children get to make their own pizza and enjoy a 2 hour party experience. Details and ordering through their website or give them a call. • 105/107 Munster Road, SW6 5RQ ( 7384 1884 • 41 Fulham High Street, SW6 3JJ ( 7736 0900 • 96 Lower Richmond Road, SW15 1IN ( 8785 7349 : pappaciccia.com

Amazing magical parties for children Vice President of The Magic Circle, Richard Pinner is a proper magician using strong magic to amaze and amuse children and adults alike. Drawing on 25 years of personal experience, Richard’s shows are perfect for modern children, maintaining traditional birthday party values whilst using cutting edge magic. Parties full of fun, laughter and amazement leave every child with tales to tell and special memories to keep. 020 7352 3524 Hello@MagicAndLaughter.co.uk : MagicAndLaughter.co.uk

Ask the experts for help Occasions is a family run party shop based in Pimlico which specialises in children’s parties, fancy dress and balloon decorating for all kinds of events. “We have been entertaining children for over 5 years with expert face painters, balloon modelling, nail art and a full collection of party games guaranteed to ensure your party is one to remember,” says owner Laura. Occasions is filled with a wide selection of children’s and adults fancy dress costumes to cover all themes. They also have accessories for all events including Hen & Stag parties and baby showers. Whether you are looking to hire their amazing popcorn machine, in need of a balloon arch or looking for Occassions’ Olaf mascot to attend your event, Occasions will fulfill your party needs, simply because they are experts at it! : occasionspimlico.co.uk

Ly d i e C h i l d r e n’ s Pa r t i e s 0207 622 2540

The Unique Birthday Experience The theatre of Peter Pan, Superheroes, Fairies,Arabian Nights and more... In your home! Unforgettable Bilingual English/French www.lydieparties.com

Familiessouthwest.co.uk Tel: 020 8696 9680

March/April 2016

Parties Six great party bag fillers Because we all want to reduce plastic rubbish but can’t really avoid those blessed party bags altogether…

By Claire Muffett-Reece

4. Make your own Superhero mask kit, £2.45 Not on the high street This crafty role play creation features cut outs, jewel embellishments, glue dots and elastic to design their very own super-hero mask.

1 1. Vegetable seed sticks, £1.05 Part Ark These pocket-sized treats contain vegetable seed-loaded card sticks, simply tear off and pop in to compost to germinate. 2. Julia Donaldson picture book collection, £11.99 The Book People This line-up features 10 books including The Gruffalo, A Squash and a Squeeze and The Snail and the Whale – and all for under £1.20 a book!

3. Backyard science anthill making kit, £4.79 insectlore.com Not too many kids to buy for? This mould-your-own plaster creation is designed to house real ants so kids can observe their daily activities.

Silly Millie the Clown Parties for 3-9 year olds Funny Magic Show, Puppet’s, Party Games, Silly Songs and Balloon Animals Call 020 7823 8329 - 07939 239397 www.sillymillietheclown.co.uk

5. Catch a bubble, £3.95 Prezzybox After blowing, simply wait a few seconds for these clever bubbles to set, before party guests can catch and stack them as high as they like!

2 6

6. Animal hand temporary tattoos, £3.95 Prezzybox Sold as a box of eight these simple to apply creations include instructions for making a number of animal characters.

3 Face Painting & Balloon Modelling Contact Susie 07814 925462 www.magicaldesigns.co.uk

Party shop New party shop opened by Miss Dee Faced and family catering for all your party needs in and around London. We have been entertaining at children’s parties for the past 5 years and specialize in balloon decorating so whether you are planning a wedding, christening, birthday or just after a fancy dress costume contact ENJOY 10% off balloons when Occasions. you book a party valid until 31st May Childrens / Adult Face 020 7730 7088 painting Balloons laura@occasionspimlico.co.uk Popcorn machine hire www.OccasionsPimlico.co.uk

Fancy Dress

March/April 2016

27 Ebury Bridge Road, Pimlico, SW1W 8QX

Mindfulness for children using creative breathing techniques, visualisation and other fun activities

I can help your child • relieve anxieties and fears • relieve exam stress • improve sleep patterns • increase self-esteem and confidence • develop concentration skills Sessions can be 1-1 or group in central location in Putney Ellen Ley, BA (Hons) Early Years professional status Dip Counselling, Children & Young People ellenley@btinternet.com 020 8789 2474/07790 782157 Trained and qualified with founder and internationally renowned author Lorraine Murray

Familiessouthwest.co.uk Tel: 020 8696 9680

March/April 2016

Health & well being Mindfulness for children It’s all the buzz – should your child do it too? By Jawad Al-Nawab, a paws. b teacher

“Finger breathing is my favourite. I really enjoy it.” says Sasha aged 8, “I use it in class and I do it without anyone knowing.“ ‘Finger breathing’ is one of the many practices children and parents learn whilst completing the 6 week paws .b training, which was developed by the Mindfulness in Schools Project in conjunction with the Centre for Research and Practice in Mindfulness, University of Wales. Launched in 2013, and developed specifically for primary school children, it is now taught across the country in schools, after-school clubs and also on a 1-2-1 basis. Children are introduced to a new practice each week, linked to an understanding of how the brain and emotions work. Sasha’s mother, Peggy, a university lecturer, sat in on her child’s lessons and encourages parents to do so: ‘I think it is very important that parents sit in, it’s important for the parents to know what it is all about but also they’ll know how to engage with the material with their child, and practice together.” Other paws .b practices learnt by Sasha and Peggy include petal hands, mindful floor (bum on chair), eating, chest and belly breathing, breath counting and the popular FOFBOC (feet on floor, bum on chair).

Benefits of Mindfulness Peggy explained that part of the original motivation to teach her daughter mindfulness was to assist with bedtimes and sleep. Mindfulness however, like exercise or a healthy balanced diet, is about much more. As elite sports people, such as former English rugby hero Jonny Wilkinson and basketball player Michael Jordan have discovered, an established mindfulness practice can definitely help us flourish. As a teacher of mindfulness and a parent, this is what attracts me to it: parents and children can learn and practice together, and can both benefit—ultimately throughout our lives. The list of researched and documented benefits of mindfulness is growing, it includes: increased emotional regulation, social skills, better attention and working memory, enhanced sense of calmness, relaxation and self acceptance, increased quality of sleep. Equally, research shows decreased test anxiety, ADHD

March/April 2016

Mindfulness in Schools Project behaviour, specifically reduced hyperactivity and impulsivity, anxiety and depression. Finally, I asked Sasha what she would tell other children about paws .b, she paused and with a smile replied, “It keeps you calm; you can do it whenever you like; it’s easy to do and … you have fun!” I couldn’t have put it any better myself. If you would like to know more about the potential benefits of mindfulness for you and your child you will find the following sites an excellent starting point: www.mindfulnessinschools.org www.youthmindfulness.org/ym-kidsprogramme/ •Jawad teaches in a variety of settings including schools, drop-ins for parents and carers, a weekly mindful ‘simply walking’ group on Tooting Bec Common and a 8-week mindfulness for parents training. In March he will guide London’s first Mindful Cycling session. For more information about any of these classes and training call ( 077996 17693 or email jalnawab@gmail.com

What Mindfulness is NOT: Soft, fluffy, hippy dippy There is a solid evidence base for teaching mindfulness. A disciplinary technique It’s for the learners themselves to experience what is going on for them (agitation, anger, the urge to fidget etc). Buddhism by the back door Mindfulness is totally secular and can be engaged in by anyone of any faith, or none. Relaxation The prime goal of mindfulness is to be with whatever is happening, including if necessary, tension and anxiety.

Make a cress head Cress is an amazingly child-friendly plant, because it grows so fast in the smallest space and can be eaten. Packing the cress seeds into a homemade head means that once it germinates the cress will look like hair. The hair can then be trimmed with scissors and used in salads or in an egg and cress sandwich.

1. Tip some cress seeds into a stocking or a leg cut from a pair of tights

2. Stuff the toe with cotton wool and knot the end of the tight to make a

3. Make a nose for the head using an elastic band to pinch the filling

4. Add the finishing features and stand your cress in a container of water

One of the many ideas from The Children’s Garden, published by Frances Lincoln £14.99

Cress will germinate in eggshells filled with damp cotton wool. Bon appétit!

Familiessouthwest.co.uk Tel: 020 8696 9680

March/April 2016

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Learning to have fun with live music for ages 6 months - 4 years Local favourite First Steps Academy is excited to introduce Ballroom & Latin Dance to our existing timetable. Build your child’s confidence and creativity through a plethora of dance styles ranging from Jive to Waltz.

STRICTLY BALLROOM & LATIN CLASSES

This class is open to children aged 6-11 years old Wednesdays from 5:15-6:15pm, classes only £7.50

Call: 020 8677 6871

@ First Steps Academy of Dance & Drama First Steps Academy 234 Lillie Road, Fulham, SW6 7QA. 0207 381 5224 info@firststepsacademy.co.uk www.firststepsacademy.co.uk

Familiessouthwest.co.uk Tel: 020 8696 9680

March/April 2016

What’s on

DIARY DATES See more events in our online

What’s On calendar Do-re-mi Babies Concerts Barnes, Chelsea, Fulham, Wandsworth : doremibabies.co.uk Dates throughout March & April Inspirational and fun classical concerts. With different musicians, instruments and programmes there is plenty to inspire your little ones. Babies and toddlers are welcome to crawl, dance, sing, cry, nappy change and more, so you can relax and enjoy some wonderful music. £10 per adult, children free, tickets online or on the door. Dates vary depending on venue.

The Royal Albert Hall Kensington Gore SW7 2AP : royalalberthall.com Every Wednesday in March and April Storytelling and Music Sessions Session for babies and toddlers, encouraging interaction between parents and their little ones using musical instruments, singing, movement and stories. Ages 0-4, 10am and 11.30am, £5

NCT Kensington And Chelsea Meet Up Gambado Chelsea, 7 Townmead Road SW6 2PY : nct.org.uk/branches/ kensington-chelsea Every Wednesday in March and April A great opportunity to meet other mums with babies under 1. 9.30-11am, £1, show your NCT card to get in.

Sew Me Pretty Wimbledon Park Road SW19 6PE : sewpretty.me.uk 13 March Open Day Want to learn something different, but not sure if you want to commit to a full course yet? Come along and enjoy a free 45min session with a glass of bubbly, tea and cake. 10am-2pm, ages 10+

March/April 2016

Science Family Fun Day John Burns Primary School, Wycliffe Road SW11 5QR : sciencefamilyday.com 12 March Fun-packed afternoon of science for all the family With hands-on experiments, Colour Magic chemistry trail, Make & Take home activities and the Family Engineering Challenge. Plus water and bubble shows from Science Made Simple – prepare to get wet! 1.30pm5.30pm, entry £3 per child, £2.50 siblings, free for adults.

Pump House Gallery Battersea Park SW11 4NJ : pumphousegallery.org.uk 13 and 27 March Sunday Socials: Cut and Paste Drop in to these family workshops with a range of art activities for all ages, 11.30am-3.30pm, free, no booking required. FREE

Merton Active : merton.gov.uk/watersports2 Saturday 19th March Give watersports a try at their taster session Open to anybody aged 8 years or older (including parents and grandparents) Two sessions available 10am-11am or 11.30am12.30pm, £20 per person per session

Mum2Mum Market Nearly New Sale The Church of St Stephen and St Thomas hall, on the junction of Coverdale Road and Uxbridge Road W12 8JJ 19 March Buy top quality baby and children's secondhand goods at these award winning, pop-up baby and children's market nearly new sales. Admission £2 on the door, children free. 3.30-5.30pm

Brockwell Park Community Greenhouses Brockwell Park, SE24 9BJ : brockwellgreenhouses.org.uk 19 March, 2 and 16 April Saturday Family Workshops Join BPCG on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month for funfilled family workshops for all ages. Learn, make, explore and garden, taking inspiration from nature. Includes National Science Week and The Big Dig. All

Brockwell Park Community Greenhouse workshops 10.30am-12.30pm, £5 per child Email education@brockwellgreenhouse s.org.uk to join the family event mailing list. 28-30 March and 4-6 April Easter Holiday Workshops Family workshops for all ages, using the garden as inspiration for games, craft, stories, food and more. Check the website or email education@brockwellgreenhouse s.org.uk for details. All workshops 10.30-12.30pm, £5

Chelsea Physic Garden 66 Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea SW3 4HS : chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk 29-31 March and 5-7 April Easter Activities Includes Spectacular Seeds, Water World, Puppetry in Motion, Animal Encounters, Potions and Poisons and more. Times, ages and dates vary so check the website.

Painshill Park Portsmouth Road, Cobham KT11 1JE : painshill.co.uk 29 March – 8 April Wild Easter Camp Have a wild adventure with bushwhacking, bivouac building and mud sculptures. Ages 8-13, 9am4.30pm, £40 a day or £170 for a 5 day week. Advance booking required. Call 01932 868113 or book online www.painshill.co.uk 24 April Bird Song Walk Learn all about how to identify birds by song and by sight. For ages 12+, 8am 10.30am, £15/£10, advance booking required. 24 April Birds of Prey Flying Display Watch fantastic flying displays and discover more about the wonderful world of falconry.

Great opportunity to see owls, hawks and falcons up close. Fun for all the family. 2pm–4pm

Talk on employment issues Cannizaro Hotel, West Side Common, London SW19 4UE ( 8947 7997 : sw19lawyers.co.uk 21 April Coffee morning by Employment specialists, SW19Lawyers, about issues facing working mothers and mothers thinking about going back to work after maternity leave. 9-11am. Babies and toddlers welcome. FREE

The Wallace Collection Hertford House, Manchester Square W1U 3BN : wallacecollection.org 29 March Pixel Art Using 'Hama' beads work with artist Hattie Moore to create a very special pixelated version of your favourite painting or object in the Wallace Collection. 10.30am–12.30pm or 2–4pm, £7 per child, age 6 +, to book call 020 7563 9527 or email booking@wallacecollection.org 31 March Painting Portraits Learn how to paint a portrait using acrylic paints with artist Alison Kusner. Explore some of the different portraits found throughout the Wallace Collection before learning how to paint with acrylics. 10.30am-3.30pm, £12, age 9–13, to book call 020 7563 9527 or email booking@wallacecollection.org 6 April The Little Draw Free drop-in drawing workshop for all ages and abilities, 1.30–4.30pm FREE

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We took every care in preparing these entries but sometimes events are cancelled or times changed. Please double check event with the organiser to avoid disappointment.

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What’s on 8 April Badge of Honour Explore the Wallace Collection looking at paintings and objects that reflect the spring season. Draw your favourites before using different collage techniques to create your own badge back in our studio. Ages 5+, 11am – 1pm

Fulham Palace SW6 6EA : fulhampalace.org Throughout March and April The Palace Explorers For children aged 2-4, £3 per child, which includes a drink and healthy snack. Booking essential, 10.3011.30am 19 March Young Archaeologists’ Club: Aerial Photography for Archaeology Join Martyn Barber, Senior Investigator, Aerial Survey & Investigation at Historic England, for the final Archaeologists' Club this team, looking at how aerial photography can be used by archaeologists. 10.30am-12.15pm, £15 29 March Palace Stories Hear the Palace’s history brought to life in these tales of the characters who lived here and stories inspired by our beautiful surroundings. 2pm2.30pm, free, no booking necessary. FREE 3 April Museum Drop-in During this Stone Age themed family drop-in, try on period costume, handle artefacts and learn about the history of Fulham Palace. 2pm3.30pm, free, no booking necessary. FREE

GoSkyRide : goskyride.com Cycling’s even more fun when you ride with other people. Check out a range of easy ways to get out on two wheels with your children. Big traffic-free rides for all ages and abilities. Use the Easter holidays to be cycle more confident, ready to cycle to school!

Geffrye Museum 136 Kingsland Road, Hoxton E2 8EA : geffrye-museum.org.uk 5-8 April Easter Holiday Activities Celebrate the changes of the season in Spring has Sprung. Decorate plant pots, make scented herb bags and create garden animals from clay. Ages 516, 10.30am-12.30pm and 2-4pm FREE

Little Folk with Albo Concert Colour House Theatre, Watermill Way SW19 2RD : littlefolkwithalbo.com 23 April Albo continues his third season of folk style concerts for kids 0–5 and their families. Come for folk song favourites, American camp songs, traditional children’s songs and Albo originals for kids. 10.3011.15am, £5

LOCAL MOTHER & BABY CINEMAS Enjoy a film with baby for a change! Screening times were not available at time of going to press.

Toddler Time at Ritzy Picturehouse Coldharbour Lane, Brixton SW2 1JG ( 020 7733 2229 : picturehouses.com/cinema/Ritzy_Picturehouse For preschool children and their parents or carers, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11am, £3 per child

First Aid Course

Big Scream at Clapham Picturehouse

Battersea ( 020 8133 8552 : firstaidtraininglondon.co.uk info@firstaidtraininglondon.co.uk 19th March and 16 April Accredited Paediatric First Aid course £80+vat

Venn Street, Clapham SW4 0AT ( 0871 704 2055 : picturehouses.com/cinema/Clapham_Picturehouse For parents or carers with babies under the age of 1, Sundays and Thursdays at 10.30am, £8 adults, babies free

Mum2Mum Market Nearly New Sale Ricards Lodge High School, Lake Road, Wimbledon SW19 7HB : mum2mummarket.co.uk 23 April Buy or sell quality baby and kids goods at this pop-up indoor market. 43 stalls under one roof with thousands of kids bargains at a fraction of the high street price. Admission £2, kids free, 2-4pm

London Transport Museum’s Depot 118-120 Gunnersbury Lane, Acton Town W3 9BQ : ltmuseum.co.,uk 23-24 April Open Weekend - The A to Z of London A rare opportunity to see inside London Transport Museum’s Depot in Acton, which holds over 320,000 artefacts from London’s transport history and is usually closed to the public. The event will celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the Johnston typeface with themed workshops, tours, talks and family fun. £10/£8, under 17s free

DRAMA See more events in our online

What’s On calendar The Barbican Theatre Barbican Centre, Silk Street EC2Y 8DS : barbican.org.uk 8-9 April Boy Blue Entertainment

Familiessouthwest.co.uk Tel: 020 8696 9680

Newbies at Odeon Putney 26 Putney High Street SW15 1SN ( 0871 224 4007 : odeon.co.uk/cinemas/putney Baby-friendly screenings of the latest releases, days and times vary, babies go free

Electric Scream at Electric Cinema 191 Portobello Road W11 2ED ( 020 7908 9696 : electriccinema.co.uk For parents or carers with babies under 1, Mondays 11am, £12.50 to £20, babies free

A Night with Boy Blue One of the UK’s most sought-after hiphop dance companies presents an energy-fuelled showcase of astonishing moves and urban music. Age 6+, £15-£20

The Cambridge Theatre Seven Dials, 32-34 Earlham Street WC2H 9HU : uk.matildathemusical.com Throughout March and April Matilda The Musical Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, Matilda revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination and the inspiring story of a girl who dares to change her destiny.

Broadway Theatre Catford Broadway SE6 4RU : broadwaytheatre. ticketsolve.com/shows 6 April Pop Factor 2016 A celebration of the biggest popstars and current chart hits. From Taylor Swift to Ed Sheeran, top professionals perform a current set list for a non-stop high energy ride for the whole family. 2.30pm

Chickenshed Kensington and Chelsea Chelsea Theatre, 7 Worlds Ends Place SW10 0DR : chickenshed.org.uk 22-23 March Take Away The story of a town in the grip of onions - everyone is doing what they can to get their fix. A poetic ensemble piece about a community who pay the price for refusing to keep their promise. Age 11+, 7pm, £8/£5

Colour House Theatre Watermill Way SW19 2RD : colourhousetheatre.co.uk Every Saturday and Sunday to 10 April Hansel and Gretel Hansel and Gretel are lost in the forest with no hope of finding their way back home. When they find a house made of sweets they think their luck has changed, but things take a turn for the worse. 2pm and 4pm, £12/£10 Every Saturday in March and April Little Folk with Albo Popular

March/April 2016

What’s on

Colour House Theatre Hansel and Gretel

The Little Angel Theatre 14 Dagmar Passage, Cross Street N1 2DN : littleangeltheatre.com 12-13 March Alice in Wonderland Join Alice on her remarkable journey in this new production to enchant all ages. 17-18 March Frankenstein 24 March – 1 April Handa's Hens 2-7 April The Magic Beanstalk 8-10 April Leaper 16 April – 26 June We're Going on a Bear Hunt

Lyric Hammersmith Lyric Square, Kings Street W6 0QL : lyric.co.uk 12 March The Elves and the Shoemaker Ah, new shoes... Delightful on the feet. Soft, dancing shoes, swarthy pirate shoes, silver buckle and silken soles. No one makes shoes like an elf. 11am and 1pm, £8 19 March Leaper - A Fish Tale Using a

March/April 2016

signature blend of intricate puppetry and mesmeric music, Leaper follows one fish's arduous quest against the ever-growing natural and manmade challenges of the sea. 11am and 1pm, £8 16 April Three Keepers Welcome to Flounder Rock Lighthouse, where three men live and work, battling the elements and the long lonely night watches, with only each other and the seagulls for company. 11am and 1pm, £8

New Wimbledon Theatre The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1QG : atgtickets.com/venues/newwimbledon-theatre 22-26 March Matthew Bourne's Sleeping Beauty If you loved Nutcracker! and the famous Swan Lake with its all-male ensemble, this production will become another firm favourite. From £19.40 20-21 April Peppa Pig's Surprise Peppa, George and their friends are back in Wimbledon in a brand new live stage show. From £17.15 26-30 April Riverdance Riverdance has performed across the UK where it has been experienced by over 2.9 million people in over 1000 performances! From £36.65

Omnibus Clapham 1 Clapham Common Northside SW4 0QW : omnibus-clapham.org 13 March Sea Story Weaving together 100 stories written by young people, Sea Story takes you on a magical journey over, under, and through the sea. 11am and 2pm, £9/£7 6-8 April Storystock If you’re a Wimpy Kid, like Potter or are as mad as a Hatter, you’ll love Storystock. Bookish acts bring stories to life through shows, storytelling, creative workshops, parties and a story treasure hunt. Ages 2-11, 10am-5pm

The Polka Theatre 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB : polkatheatre.com 10-13 March Kite A lonely girl is taken to live in her grandma’s flat where the windows are shut tight. Her memories of seagulls and sand dunes begin to fade until one night a handmade kite comes to life. £13.50/£10

18-20 March Nipt Meet two neighbours who borrow each other’s sugar, tea, vacuum cleaner, the odd egg, old family photographs and a piece of wall. But what happens when they move in together? Ages 6+, £13.50/£10 19 March-15 April Happy Harry's Cafe Happy Harry serves great soup at his café. It’s so deliciously good that his friends all rush to get there before it runs out. But today something’s wrong with Matt – he says the soup’s no good. Ages 35, £12/£9 23 March-10 April Snow White With endless meals to prepare, a pile of dishes to wash - not to mention the huge mirror that needs polishing morning, noon and night - life’s never easy for the royal servants downstairs at the palace. £13.50/£10 16-17 April The Emperor's New Clothes Illusions of grandeur are burst like soap bubbles as the well-known story of vanity is recounted with a washing machine, a clothes line, puppets and song. £12/£9 22-24 April Rumpelstiltskin A fairytale favourite spun before your eyes in this woolly wonderland of a show with weaving, puppetry and music. £12/£9 27 April to 1 May

Bed Time It's bed time, but it’s not quite time to go to sleep… Celebrate this very special time of day with songs, storytelling, silliness and maybe even a pillow fight! £12/£9 6-8 May Frogs and Snails and Teddy Bear Tales It’s bear’s birthday tomorrow. His head is full of excitement. How will he ever get to sleep? Children are invited to bring a teddy bear to share the performance. £12/£9

Puppet Theatre Barge Little Venice, Blomfield Road W9 2PF : puppetbarge.com To 13 March Joey's Fireworks A marionette spectacle celebrating the arrival of the New Year and featuring traditional characters such as Burglar Bill, Dog Toby, Joey the Clown and Mr Punch. 3yrs+, £8.50/£10 From 19 March The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse These two famous cousins visit each other and both experience new sights and sounds. Town Mouse meets the Billy Goats Gruff whilst Country Mouse meets a town cat and a grandfather clock. Music, songs and rod puppets for 3-8 year olds. 3pm

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Wimbledon folksinger Al Clogston performs a series of Saturday morning concerts for kids. Folk songs, American camp songs, traditional children’s songs, singalongs and original songs, 10.30am, £5 Every Saturday and Sunday from 23 April The Little Mermaid In the depths of the ocean lives Aerial, a young mermaid who dreams of a faraway land. When the magical Sea Witch grants Aerial’s wish, casting a spell to make her a human, what will happen when she falls in love with a walking human Prince? 2pm and 4pm, £12/£10

The Little Angel Theatre 14 Dagmar Passage, Cross Street N1 2DN ( 7226 1787 : littleangeltheatre.com Have you discovered this little gem of a theatre yet? Although it’s a bit further, tucked away in the heart of Islington, Little Angel Theatre is very special: it is one of only three building-based puppet theatres in England. Established in 1961, the theatre is at the centre of all of their activities, standing sideby-side with a workshop where all of their new productions and puppets are developed, carved and constructed. With a wide range of high quality puppet theatre, Little Angel Theatre is aimed at family audiences, offering workshops alongside their shows and a lively and imaginative Education Programme with schools, youth and community groups. Why not sign up now for their Saturday Puppet Club, Crafty Kids Club or Youth Theatre? Or join in one of their regular Kids Fun Days and holiday clubs. Plus, you can hire the theatre for an event or a party, or even hire a puppet!

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What’s on Putney Arts Theatre Ravenna Road SW15 6AW : ticketsource.co.uk/putney artstheatre 30 March-1 April The Big Top Create your own fun at the circus and use your imagination to make this Big Top come alive with drama, music and movement. Ages 4-7 (4 year olds must be in reception), 10am-2pm, £65 for the whole workshop. 17-19 March It Snows Boy doesn’t meet Girl. Girl doesn’t meet Boy. Mum and Dad have declared war...against each other. Weird neighbour. Usual ordinary gloominess. Then, one day, it snows. 4-8 April Ariadne and the Minotaur Because of a past wrong, Athens is forced to ship off young people to Crete every few years. On arrival, boys and girls are met by the man-eating Minotaur. Can Prince Theseus save future children from this tragedy? Ages 7-11, 10am-4pm, £105 for the whole workshop.

St James Theatre 12 Palace Street SW1E 5JA : stjamestheatre.co.uk From 13 April My Mother Said I Never Should Keatley’s award winning play is a moving exploration of the relationships between mothers and daughters and the consequences of breaking the most sacred taboo of motherhood. 2.30pm and 7.30pm, £15-£45

The Tricycle Theatre 269 Kilburn High Road NW6 7JR : tricycle.co.uk 13-23 March Takeover 2016: Paradise Young people from Brent and surrounding areas will take

control of every corner of the Tricycle with performances of theatre, film, music, poetry and more. This 11-day event is in its 3rd year so keep an eye out for new exciting ways to get involved.

FARMERS’ MARKETS Stay clear from processed food, embrace fresh, local produce .. covered with lovely earth hmmm ..

Balham Farmers’ Market

MUSEUMS & GALLERIES See more events in our online

What’s On calendar The British Museum Great Russell Street WC1B 3DG : britishmuseum.org 12 March Innovation Lab Use a new digital device, experiment with exciting software or work with a digital expert. 11am-4pm 26 March British Museum Broadcast Use mobile devices to create your own news report in the galleries, inspired by Museum objects. 11am-4pm 27 March Digital Workshop - Digital Dress Up Turn yourself into a Samurai warrior, an ancient Greek or other characters using Photoshop. Age 7+, 11am-4pm 3 April Every Drawing Tells a Story Develop your drawing skills using a range of exciting software on tablets and phones. 11am-4pm 12 April

Digital Workshop: Conductive Weaving Inspired by shoes in the Museum's Collection, create your own magical shoes that light up when conductive threads create a circuit. Drop-in, 11am-4pm

Henry Cavendish Primary School, Hydethorpe Road, Balham SW12 0JA ( 020 7833 0338 : facebook.com/Balham-Farmers-Market Every Saturday, 9am-1pm. The school is a perfect location for a farmers' market, with lots of space to fill with fresh fruit, juices, vegetables, meat, poultry, eggs, honey, breads and much more. Try the hot food stalls (hot dogs and hamburgers) and check the Balham Facebook page for updates about guest stalls.

Lavender Hill Farmers’ Market Shaftesbury Park Primary School, Ashbury Road, Battersea SW11 5UW ( 020 7833 0338 : facebook.com/Lavender-Hill-Farmers-Market Every Saturday, 10am-2pm. Stalls include Ambrose Sausages, Brambletye Fruit Farms, Moreton Mushrooms and Windrush Valley Goat Dairy.

South Kensington Saturday Farmers’ Market Bute Street, South Kensington SW7 3EX ( 020 7833 0338 : facebook.com/South-Kensington-Farmers-Market Every Saturday 9am-2pm. South Kensington Farmers' Markets takes place in one of Kensington's premier foodie destinations and has been a hit with locals on Saturdays when the street is closed to traffic. Look out for traditional sausages from Parsons Nose, fresh fish from Les Lawrence's day boats on the South coast and a fantastic array of soft fruit. Bute Street itself is also home to some great food shops including a fabulous ice cream parlour and excellent fishmongers.

Twickenham Farmers’ Market Holly Road Car Park, Twickenham TW1 4HF ( 020 7833 0338 : facebook.com/TwickenhamFarmersMarket Every Saturday 9am-1pm. One of London's longest-running farmers' markets, with a real community atmosphere. Top priority is the food - look out for great organic lamb, beef and mutton from Grant at Lee House Farm, fresh fruit and veg from farms in Kent, Oxfordshire and Lincolnshire and always a healthy selection of greatvalue house and garden plants from Surrey-based Beauchamp Nurseries.

Foundling Museum 40 Brunswick Square, Camden Town WC1N 1AZ : foundlingmuseum .org.uk 17 March Bach to Baby Led by classical musicians and

Familiessouthwest.co.uk Tel: 020 8696 9680

singers, Bach to Baby concerts at the Foundling Museum are inspired by Handel and bring classical music to babies and their parents. 10-11am, adults £10, children free 26 March Illustrated Book Binding Join artist Daniel Lehan to create and illustrate a story inspired by characters featured in the exhibition Drawing on Childhood.

Learn traditional methods of bookmaking to produce a bound copy of your own story. Sessions 10.30-12pm, 1-2.30pm and 34.30pm 5 April Shh! We Have a Plan Illustrator Chris Haughton leads a very special family workshop. Inspired by his hilarious children’s book Shh! We Have a Plan, join them on a fun adventure to capture a beautiful bird perched high in a tree, using puppets and collage. Sessions 10.30-12pm, 12.30pm and 3-4.30pm 23 April Spinning Tales Explore characters in the exhibition Drawing on Childhood and create

March/April 2016

What’s on 100 London Road SE23 3PQ : horniman.ac.uk Every Saturday in March & April Hands on Family Workshop Fun family sessions exploring a different theme each week using real museum objects. 11.45am–12.30pm and 1–1.45pm Every Saturday in March & April Art Makers Have fun with art skills and exciting techniques to create something fabulous to take home. 1.30pm–2.15pm and 2.45–3.30pm

Imperial War Museum Lambeth Road SE1 6HZ : iwm.org.uk 19-20 March Introduction to the Holocaust A free discussion and replica object handling session. Suitable for children aged 11 and above. 11.30am and 2.30pm 25-31 March Make a Moving Animation Create your own spinning drawing, based on a popular 19th century toy called a Thaumatrope. 11am-4pm

Museum of London Docklands E14 4AL : museumoflondon.org.uk/ docklands 19 March London’s night owls sleepover What happens in the Museum once the doors close for the night? Walk in the shoes of past Londoners and hunt the galleries

The National Gallery Trafalgar Square WC2N 5DN : nationalgallery.org.uk Every Sunday in March and April Family Sundays Activities designed for families to enjoy and learn together, 11am and 2pm, age 5-11 FREE

Sissinghurst Nuttery - NT Jonathan Buckley

Horniman Museum

by torchlight in this special after hours' event. Enjoy hands-on activities throughout the night exploring London's history. 6.459.30pm, ages 7-11, £60, book in advance.

Natural History Museum Cromwell Road SW7 5BD : nhm.ac.uk To 10 April Wildlife Photographer of the Year Visit the Natural History Museum's world-renowned exhibition to see the best wildlife photographs on the planet. From £6.75

Science Museum Exhibition Road, South Kensington SW7 2DD : sciencemuseum.com Throughout March and April Leonardo da Vinci: The Mechanics of Genius The Mechanics of Genius brings the intricate mechanical concepts of Leonardo da Vinci’s restless and curious mind to life in a major interactive exhibition. £10

V&A Museum of Childhood Cambridge Heath Road E2 9PA : vam.ac.uk/moc/events 25-27 March Easter Weekend Short Films Marathon See back-to-back screenings of animated classics

Sissinghurst Castle Garden, a joy at Easter Check out walks in National Trust properties and on Familiesonline including the Clangers, Bagpuss, Noggin the Nog and Ivor the Engine. Drop-in, all ages, 2-4pm FREE 25 March – 8 April Easter Holiday Activities Includes Small Films Marathon, Puppet Workshop, Cosmic Shoebox Workshop, Drawing Workshop. Drop in, all ages. 23 April St George's Day Discover the delights of English folk music and dance traditions with rousing song, dance and instrumental performances by the Trad Academy. Drop-in, all ages, 11.30am-4.30pm FREE

8 April Drop-In Art Workshop: Badge of Honour Look at paintings and objects that reflect the spring season. Draw your favourites before using different collage techniques to create your own badge. Drop-in, age 5+, 11am-1pm FREE

The Wallace Collection

The Battersea Park Children’s Zoo

Hertford House, Manchester Square W1U 3BN : wallacecollection.org 3 April The Little Draw Drop-in drawing workshop for all ages and abilities. 1.30-4.30pm

Battersea Park SW11 4NJ : batterseapark.org 26 March-10 April Easter Fun Includes Easter Egg Trail, Spring Trail, Rabbit Day, Hedgehog Day and much more. Entrance fees apply.

DAYS OUT See more events in our online

What’s On calendar

Children Learning to Succeed

Maths, English, 11+ Preparation Vicky Barnett BA, MSc, PGCE 020 8876 2553 www.firstclasslearning.co.uk

March/April 2016

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an optical toy that brings the tales of these child heroes to life. Sessions 10.30am, 1pm and 3pm

What’s on from p.55

Dance, sing and set sail on an adventure with Nannie, Cutty Sark's figurehead. 11am, 12noon, 1.30pm and 2.30pm 29-31 March Land Yachts Make your own amazing land yacht powered by the wind, just like Cutty Sark, and take part in some fun science demos to find out about ships and sailing. 11.30am-1.30pm, 2-4pm

Firepower - The Royal Artillery Museum

Battersea Park children's zoo

The Chelsea Physic Garden 66 Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea SW3 4HS : chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk 12 April Snowdrop Days The Garden’s annual Snowdrop Days return with stunning new displays highlighting the snowdrops intricate beauty. With a programme of walks, talks and workshops.10am-4pm

Cutty Sark King William Walk, Greenwich SE10 9HT : rmg.co.uk 25-31 March Ahoy Captain! Meet Captain Woodget, Cutty Sark’s longest serving master, to learn about life on board the fastest tea clipper. 11am, 12noon, 1.30pm and 2.30pm 27 March Nannie the Witch

Royal Arsenal, Woolwich SE18 6ST : firepower.org.uk Throughout March and April In Their own Words An exhibition about the Great War bringing to life artillerymen of different nations, through extracts from their diaries, letters home and photographs.

HMS Belfast The Queen's Walk SE1 2JH : iwm.org.uk/visits/hms-belfast

12-13 March Cracking Codes Intercept messages, map hazards on a sea chart and make up your own secret code. Learn about the skills intelligence officers had to have as well as some of the dangers that surrounded HMS Belfast at sea. 11am-12.30pm and 2-4pm

The London Wetlands Centre Queen Elizabeth, Barnes SW13 9WT : wwt.org.uk 16 March Star Gazing Evening Expand your horizons by discovering more about the stars and the planets in our solar system and the galaxies beyond. 6.30-8.30pm, £10 25 March – 10 April Easter Duck Hunt Some of the ducklings have gone missing, can you help them find them? Follow the Easter duck trail around the nature reserve to discover where they are hiding.

Classified South West London

Junior Chess Club Experienced tutors. Weekly Chess Club, Holiday clubs and private tuition. 07718 883285 info@swchess.co.uk www.swchess.co.uk

Violin and Piano Tuition Passionate about teaching. Experienced. Conservatory diploma. SW15 based. Home visits possible. 0208 785 6494 /07956 307624 Rustemvinni@mail.ru

PUBLIC SPEAKING Individual Tuition Creative Writing Speech & Drama

Piano Lessons

Experienced piano teacher based in Streatham Hill, SW2 07795 625 564 info@tommyharrington.co.uk tommyharrington.co.uk

FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk Tel: Editorial: News: Adverts/artwork: Events, diary dates, what’s on info:

020 8696 9680 editor@familiessouthwest.co.uk news@familiessouthwest.co.uk adverts@familiessouthwest.co.uk

Next issue: Deadline:

May 2016 Early April 2016

whatson@familiessouthwest.co.uk

ISSN 1354-9553

Familiessouthwest.co.uk Tel: 020 8696 9680

Clare Price. LGSM, ALAM clareprice@tiscali.co.uk (020) 7735 3156 • 'Families SW' London, established in 1990, is part of Families Magazines Ltd, a

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franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families® is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks, SL8 5TD. The contents of 'Families SW' are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of the publisher. There are nearly 40 UK local editions with a print run of more than 700,000 copies in all, in which you can advertise too. Printed by Ridgeway Press Ltd, Pewsey, Wiltshire. Designed by Shirley Trimmer We take every care preparing this magazine, but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence. Paper used to print Families is from fully-managed sustainable sources — meaning trees which are felled are continuously replaced. Inks are soya-based, which can be re-cycled.

March/April 2016

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