Families West London Magazine Oct 14

ISSUE 96: October 2014 www.familieswest.co.uk

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Families West • PO Box 32231 • London W5 1JR • Tel: 020 8930 4707 • Fax: 0208 930 7704 • E-mail: familieswest@yahoo.co.uk

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Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

October 2014

news & views Home-Start Ealing Home-Start Ealing is a small charity that supports families who live in the borough of Ealing, have at least one child under the age of five and are struggling to cope maybe because of isolation, illness, abuse or the pressure of having several young children. They support parents by providing trained volunteers to visit the family in their own home for a couple of hours every week to help improve their confidence and build better lives for their children, by offering friendship and practical help with routines or to access local services. The benefits of their support include improved health and well-being, and better family relationships. They are partly funded by the local authority but also receive donations from local companies, private individual and monies raised by their own volunteers at events like second hand book sales or marathon running. For more information, visit www.homestartealing.org or call us on 0208 842 1617

What will you and the kids be wearing on March 27th?

Cover credit: BHS www.bhs.co.uk

Letter from the Ed The shorter, crisper autumn days at this time of the year are usually packed with activity if you have young children. The routines of school, classes and family life start to turn more quickly and we are left gasping for the break of half term. We have been busy preparing this issue, with pages packed with information on choosing schools, more open days, planning your child's half term hols and all the usual Whats On including the places in West London where you can celebrate fireworks night.

Brain tumour has featured prominently in the news recently. Families are asked to support Wear A Hat Day, a fun-filled, annual brain tumour awareness event helping support research. The organiser, Brain Tumour Research, is asking families and children and schools across the UK to save the date, 27th March 2015, and register now. The involvement of families and school children in the campaign is poignant given that brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under the age of 40. Children have lost parents, family members or even their teachers. And in many classrooms there remains a tragic reminder of a child whose life has been lost or damaged by this cruel cancer. The repercussions are felt daily; the lives of families and friends are never the same again. Taking part is simple. Register today by visiting www.braintumourresearch.org/ wearahatday. Fundraising materials including posters, leaflets, fridge magnets, pin badges, wristbands quizzes and hat making instructions will be available from the charity in early 2015.

Our website www.familieswest.co.uk will update the list as more events are planned, so don't forget to check in on the What's On widget online.

For further information email wearahatday@braintumourresearch.org or call the charity on 01296 733011. Visit us online at www.familieswest.co.uk for things to do, places to go and regularly updated family-related articles.

Enjoy the autumn term because it won't be long before we are mentioning the C word!

In this issue News & Views

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Families West is designed by Natalie Schmidt email: natalie@matobodesign.com and printed by Ridgeway Press, 12 Campbell Court, Bramley, Tadley, Hampshire RG26 5EG. Tel: 01252 885837. Copyright Families West Magazine 2014. Families West is part of the Families group, established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under license. We take every care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of the advertisers nor the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.

Education 5 News from around the Schools 6 Choosing the right school for your child 10 School Open Day Dates 12 What's On October half term workshops Diary Dates, Fireworks Night and Days Out Museums and Galleries Theatre

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Clubs and classes

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Classifieds and Competitions

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news & views Soho Family Centre Nursery

Organic cotton school uniform Mothers and entrepreneur duo Marina and Irina launched Ecooutfitters last year, fuelled by the mothers’ despair at watching their own children’s skin conditions deteriorate as a result of wearing their school uniforms. Ecooutfitters offers a new and unique range of school clothing that rejects harmful fabrics and puts health and ethics before profits. The brand is the first to offer a choice other than the industry standard, synthetic and chemically treated fabrics known to irritate skin, aggravate eczema and various skin complaints, despite reports of a dramatic rise in the number of children in the UK suffering from such conditions.

Located in the bustling heart of Soho, the Soho Family Centre have been providing high quality childcare for families and working parents for over 25 years. Whilst your child will enjoy creative ‘messy’ play, regular outings to local cultural sites, healthy snacks and outdoor play in the unique undercover garden, you can look forward to practical workshops, regular updates and open communication from supportive and friendly staff. Nursery Manager, Sue Morro, explains “Our staff recognise the importance of working in partnership with parents to meet each child's individual needs, whilst our key focus is on the child – their wellbeing, safety, happiness and social, physical and intellectual development.” Their uniquely dynamic and diverse nursery is regulated by Ofsted and cares for up to 45 children aged 6 months to 5 years, at any one time. Based in Soho, Central London, the nursery is very easy to find at 23 Brewer Street, W1F 0RN – only 5 minutes’ walk from Piccadilly Circus or Leicester Square tube stations, with Oxford Circus, Tottenham Court Road and Covent Garden also not far away. They are open from 8am to 6pm, 51 weeks/year. Find out more by contacting Nursery Manager Sue Morro on 020 7439 1578 e: sohofamilycentre@leyf.org.uk www.leyf.org.uk/soho

“Our uniforms are not only healthier, comfortable and ethical, but competitively priced, durable and practical, disproving the widely held belief that cotton uniform cannot withstand the playground test. Organic cotton is stronger than its non-organic counterpart since the fibre is not weekend by the chemicals. It has been worn for centuries before polyester was sold to us as the “better” alternative.” www.Ecooutfitters.co.uk

Blood, Guts and Gore at the Wild Food Market in Brook Green

The Studio in Kensington Launching in Kensington, The Studio is a wonderful venue for children’s musical and extra-curricular activities. For babies to 8 year olds, The Studio offers the international music program Kindermusik. Based on Suzuki theories, this program is proven to improve literacy and language whilst ensuring musical progression. The lovely Kindermusik teacher also takes group violin for 4-8 year olds. Her wealth of experience brings out the best in children and aids musicianship. They will also offer French Story & Rhyme time sessions with puppetry and images, as well as a homework club, led by experienced, patient teachers. Find out more at www.thestudiokensington.co.uk

Make your way down to the Wild Food Market this October for a spooky Halloween session. There will be lots of activities for the whole family to get involved with, as well as a variety of gooey treats. On the 25th, take part in Halloween crafts including learning how to carve the perfect pumpkin, tips on using the pumpkin and the seeds and making treats and decorations. On the 1st of November, families can take part in classic games and there will be a special prize for the best costume. The market will be holding a special Cooking Master Class to teach people how to make marshmallows and toffee apples. There will be sparklers, bonfires, and mouth-watering nibbles. Both events take place at the Wild Food Market, Addison Gardens, Brook Green, W14 0DT.

Exciting times at Orley Farm Last year Orley Farm embarked on a highly ambitious £11 million refurbishment programme that has been 7 years in the planning. "Our simple aim was to give pupils the most extensive library in the land… second of course to the British Library. This would be an inspirational series of spaces that offer collaborative learning and the latest technology, coupled with that beautiful smell of a new book in your favourite armchair; fiction and reference material available under a glass roof, wooden vaults or even in the open air of a cloistered courtyard. How can anyone fail to be inspired?" Unfortunately, to make this dream come to life in a conservation area in Harrow required massive redevelopments elsewhere. Hence, they threw in a stunning new dining Hall overlooking the pool, added a new Music and Drama School and fully refurnished the Gardner teaching block of 12 classrooms containing state of the art Science Laboratories. Find out more at www.orleyfarm.harrow.sch.uk 4

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

http://thewildfoodmarket. flavors.me/#our-market

When you contact these companies, please say that you saw them mentioned in Families West Magazine October 2014

education

For children aged from 2 to 5 years. The nursery follows the Montessori method. We also offer, French, Ballet, Music, IT, Art and Drama. Full and part time sessions are available. Qualified and experienced teachers maintain a high standard of learning and care. * Excellent academic record * Caring and nurturing environment * Happy, considerate and confident children

Tel no: 0208 579 2304 Mobile no: 07956 228 959 Email: info@stmatthewsmontessori.com Website: www.stmatthewsmontessori.com

To advertise in future issues of Families West magazine please email adverts@familieswest.co.uk or phone 020 8930 4707 October 2014

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education News from around the schools Harvington Prep School begins 125th anniversary celebrations Next year, Harvington Prep School will celebrate its 125th anniversary. Founded by the Watson sisters, the Ealing school opened in Gordon Road in 1890 before relocating to its current location on leafy Castlebar Road eight years later. A year of celebrations and fundraising kicked off in May with a cupcake picnic featuring entertainers and culminating in the release of 125 balloons in the school colours. Over the next 12 months, pupils, parents and staff will enjoy a series of exciting events that will include fundraising activities, a gala ball and a party for the children. Each pupil has been challenged to raise £125 through a series of sponsored activities and the school hopes to donate a total of at least £12,500 to a local charity by July 2015. www.harvingtonschool.com

St Augustine’s Priory Launches Mandarin classes from Reception All Prep school pupils at St Augustine’s Priory will have the opportunity to learn Mandarin from this year. Ms Cai-Jia Eng, who studied at YCL and Cambridge University, will introduce Mandarin to the school. She is also a qualified art and design teacher, as well an illustrator for children’s books.

New Director of Music at St Benedict’s School Christopher Eastwood has taken up the post of Director of Music at St Benedict’s School, Ealing from September 2014. Christopher is well placed to step into his new role, having been Head of Music at St Benedict’s Junior School for the past two years. He has also been the Director of Ealing Abbey Choir since 2006. Music is a high profile department at St Benedict’s School and Christopher has great ambitions to build on present success and take things to a higher level. He is keen to attract more music scholars to the school and to offer organ scholarships. But perhaps his most exciting initiative is a proposed partnership between St Benedict’s School and Voces Cantabiles Music (the educational arm of Voces 8), which will involve a Young Leaders Programme and Music workshops across the school, all aimed at raising standards and aspirations in Music at St Benedict’s. To find out more, go to www.stbenedicts.org.uk

Success at Clifton Lodge Preparatory School

The initiative comes just as UK employers told the Confederation of British Industry that Mandarin was second to French as a language they wanted in future employees. Mandarin is considered to be one of the leading languages for the future and St Augustine’s Priory pupils will have the opportunity to prepare for future effectiveness through exposure to Mandarin at this early stage.The girls will start learning Mandarin from Prep One (Reception) and will continue through the Preps. There will be opportunities for extra-curricular Mandarin Clubs once they have been studying it for a while. The focus will initially be on conversational language - developing speaking and listening skills through story, song, rhyme, drama and hands-on activities. Separately, they are also delighted that one of year 5 pupils has won first prize in the 12th UK national Mandarin Reading Competition organised by the UK Association for the Promotion of Chinese Education. www.saintaugustinespriory.org.uk

Headmaster, Mr Steadman, is delighted to announce the results of the recent Common Entrance and other senior school examinations. All pupils successfully gained places to the schools of their choice. Places were awarded at Hampton, Merchant Taylor’s, John Lyon, St James & St Benedict’s, with a scholarship awarded at Stanford School. Congratulations to these pupils for gaining entrance to these highly competitive schools. The school assessment data shows that pupils are working to and achieving significantly higher levels than in the maintained sector. The school considers pupils academic and other attributes at entry and focuses on achieving the very best results for each child. Pupils’ progress is carefully monitored using Pupil Asset software to enable the school to track each child and this then assists parents in choosing the appropriate senior schools for their child. Places are occasionally available in selected year groups and pupils join the school for Years 7 and 8 each September. The next Open Day is on Saturday 4th October, or informal, private visits can be arranged. Contact Headmaster, Floyd Steadman by emailing floyd.steadman@cliftonlodgeschool.co.uk or call 020 8579 3662 www.cliftonlodgeschool.co.uk

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Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

October 2014

education Durston House Junior School: Allen’s – A new face with plenty of space

Keeping the Arts on the Agenda As arts in the curriculum come under pressure, Arts Educational Schools’ (ArtsEd) Independent Day School is an increasingly popular choice for parents and students. ArtsEd offers the best in academic and vocational teaching. "We have long been recognised as the most academically successful performing arts school in the UK and our academic results put us in the top ten per cent of all schools nationally," says Headteacher Adrian Blake.

The newly refurbished Junior School (Allen’s) building has brought with it, not only a fresh new face but also 53% more floor space. Gone are any narrow corridors and hard-to-pass corners, replaced by large open spaces where it is no longer necessary to ‘walk on the left’ at all times. Add to this, a brand new basement Library, dug deep into the W5 ground, providing a user-friendly area for the most avid reader, whilst also housing several computer stations for those who wish to work quietly. Bigger classrooms, a music practice room, wet room and carefully planned wheelchair access and lift, give the school a much more complete feel that provides a wonderful learning environment for boys aged between 7 and 9. The parents waiting area, situated in the back garden allows for a spacious, pleasant pick-up after a hard day’s work. www.durstonhouse.org

This year the school achieved a 100 per cent A level pass rate with 68 per cent of students securing grades at A* to B. At GCSE level, 79 per cent of students attained more than five A*-C grades including English and Maths and 34 per cent attained A*/A grades. Come to their open evening in October to find out more. The first one on Wednesday 1st October at 6pm focuses on sixth form, and the lower school (11-16 years) is the focus of Thursday 2nd October at 6pm. Students and parents who are unable to attend these evenings are welcome to book a tour of the school. Please email pupils@artsed.co.uk or visit www.artsed.co.uk for more information.

All round success at Thames Christian College

Pupils and parents looking for a thorough and well-rounded education will find what they need at Thames Christian College. "Not only do pupils achieve top grades, but they also leave with the depth of character and steadfast values that set them apart from other young people competing for school places and jobs." This year 40% of grades were A*/A and 91% of pupils achieved the headline measure 5 A*-C grades including Maths and English.

From Delhi to Marchants Hill This summer NHEHS girls ventured pretty far and wide! Sixth form geography students accompanied by two of their teachers spent a fascinating 10 days in India. Their trip began in Delhi where they looked at the rise of industrialisation and how a city copes when the highly developed and urban meets chaotic and unplanned expansion. A visit to Agra and the Taj Mahal was followed by a journey on the ‘toy train’ built by the British to provide access to their summer capital of Shimla. The 96 kilometers, 102 tunnels, 800 bridges, and an incredible 900 curves made this an undoubted highlight of the trip. They also visited Dharamsala with its hilltop monasteries and a chance to experience the more rural side of India before a final stop in Amristsar. In complete contrast the Music Department led a trip to Tuscany where the 40-strong choir performed in Bologna, Pisa, Florence and San Gimignano, and a large group girls from Year 8 accompanied by their form tutors, headed off for a week at Marchants Hill – an adventure and activity centre in Surrey where activities on offer included abseiling, archery, trapeze and the ‘Giant Swing.’ www.nhehs.gdst.net

"Without compromising our ethos of valuing the individual, we are making plans to have two streams of entry by 2019, as well as a sixth form in new state of the art, purpose-built premises." For further information visit www.thameschristiancollege.org.uk October 2014

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

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Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

October 2014

Notting Hill & Ealing High School GDST Junior School for Girls Aged 4-11 26 St. Stephen’s Road, London W13 8HH Developing confident learners in an environment in which girls’ strengths flourish

Open Days Autumn 2014 Wednesday 8 October at 1.15pm To reserve your place at an Open Day, for further information on occasional vacancies in other year groups or to request a prospectus contact the Admissions Secretary

Tel: 020 8991 2165

Email: enquiries@nhehs.gdst.net www.nhehs.gdst.net October 2014

Thursday 16 October at 10.15am Friday 7 November at 1.15pm Tuesday 18 November at 10.15am

Registered Charity No. 306983

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

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education Choosing the right school for your child

© 2014 Marks and Spencer plc

Schools all over the country are flinging their doors wide open for parents and children to have a good look around. It can be a daunting and confusing time, and if you are choosing to visit more than a handful, they can all start to appear to look the same. What should you be focusing on? Here are a few pointers from parents living in West London who have been through the process. One key piece of advice is to make notes. You won’t remember it all so write it down. It makes it much easier to compare when you are making your final decision.

Do a bit of research beforehand

Make a list of the schools that you want to see and think through why you have chosen them. Then find out as much as you can. Look at their websites in the first instance. What do they offer in terms of academic curriculum areas, sports, creative arts and other extra-curricular activities? Are the extra-curricular activities open to beginners? Are there plenty of opportunities in the wider curriculum for continuing the interests of your child as well as introducing him/her to new experiences?

League tables

Be clear about the fact that they show one very narrow aspect of the school. Schools know how to play the game, and some choose to focus on it. There are so many different kinds of league tables and some schools opt to be excluded from them. If they are listed, then it is a given that schools who are highly academically selective, will have children that perform well. One parent I spoke to said this, “I used to be so pleased that my daughter’s school was way up there in the league tables. But I soon found out, that the school was an exam factory.The actual teaching was dull and only exam focused.”

Talk to other parents before, during and after your visit What has really impressed them about the school? What has disappointed them? What channels are available for communicating with the school? How has the school dealt with problems their child has had, academically and socially. How much contact do they have with the headteacher?

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Talk to other children who attend the school

At school open days, you often get shown around by a Year 7 pupil who has been at the school for a very short time. That’s great for asking all the settling in questions. It’s also great to hear if opinions about the school change as the children go further up the school. Has it met with their expectations? What do they love about it? What is the worst thing? Do they have the power to make change?

Really listen to what the headteacher says at the open day talk

Read between the lines. S/he will emphasise what is most important to them. “I went to one school where all the majority of the talk was all about how wonderful the school was, and how brilliant their results were. There was no mention of children!” Another parent told us, “Looking around the school it was difficult to get a feel for it, but when we met the head, I was instantly swayed. She spoke with such passion and dedication, I knew my child was going to be alright.”

Think through the logistics

Look, it may be the “best” school on the planet, but if it’s going to take an hour and a half to get there each day and all their friends are going to live miles away, it’s just not going to work. Work out the journey, the school times and what you’re going to do in the early days, if you have to get there in a hurry.

Talk to your child about the decision

They will have formed an opinion while looking around and also talked to their friends about it. Discuss their feelings about each school and offer the opportunity to talk through the aspects of education they may not have thought about. If you make them feel like they control over the decision making process too, they are more likely to be involved.

Preparation, preparation, preparation….

Changing schools can sometimes feel like planning a military campaign. Be very clear about what the application process involves, noting key dates for getting the form in, date of any entrance exams they may need to do, the selection process including interview, and the dates of final decisions. Have a pile of passport photographs ready to stick onto forms and don’t forget to let your child’s present school where applications are being sent so that they are prepared for writing references.

Relax

It’s a difficult time for all but you will be doing your child no favours whatsoever if you are constantly worrying about their next move and they can hear you discussing it at any available opportunity. Keep stress levels in check! Go to www.familiesonline.co.uk/LOCATIONS/London-West/Education-Childcare for plenty of information about local schools and more hints and tips.

October 2014

October 2014

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

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education

© 2014 Marks and Spencer plc

School Open Day Dates

School

Address

Dates and Times

Contact

Portland Place School

56-58 Portland Place W1B 1NJ

9-18

Ages

Tours: 13 Oct, 12 and 26 Nov 9-11am. Open morning: 8 Nov 10am-12 noon

020 7307 8700 www.portland-place.co.uk admin@portland-place.co.uk

Southbank International School (Westminster Campus)

63-65 Portland Place, W1B 1QR

11-18

10 Nov 9.30-11am By appointment

020 7243 3803 or admissions@southbank.org www.southbank.org

Ravenstone Pre-Preparatory School

The Long Garden, Albion Street, London W2 2AX

1-7

By appointment

020 7262 1190 www.ravenstoneschools.com e:admissions@ravenstoneschools.com

Connaught House School

47 Connaught Square, London W2 2HL.

4-8B 4-11G

By appointment

020 7262 8830 office@connaughthouseschool.co.uk www.connaughthouseschool.co.uk

Pembridge Hall

18 Pembridge Square W2 4EH

4-11G

By appointment

020 7229 0121 www.pembridgehall.co.uk contact@pembridgehall.co.uk

Arts Educational Schools London

Cone Ripman House, 14 Bath Road, W4 1LY

11-18

1 Oct 6pm for Sixth Form entry 2 Oct 6pm for 11-16 year olds entry.

020 8987 6600 www.artsed.co.uk e:pupils@artsed.co.uk

Orchard House School

16 Newton Grove, W4 1LB

3-11

4 Oct 9.45am-12noon

020 8742 8544 www.orchardhs.org.uk info@orchardhs.org.uk

Heathfield House School

Turnham Green Church Hall, Heathfield Gardens, W4 4JU

4-11

By appointment

0208 994 3385 www.heathfieldhouse.co.uk

Chiswick and Bedford Park Preparatory School

W4 1TX

3-7B 3-11G

By appointment

020 8994 1804 www.cbppschool.co.uk e:info@cbppschool.co.uk

The Falcons Pre-Prep School for Boys

2 Burnaby Gardens, Chiswick W4 3DT

3-7B

By appointment

020 8747 8393 www.falconschool.com admin@falconschool.com

Clifton Lodge School

8 Mattock Lane, Ealing, W5 5BG

3-13

4 Oct 10am-12noon

020 8579 3662 www.cliftonlodgeschool.co.uk admissions@cliftonlodgeschool.co.uk

Durston House

12 Castlebar Road, Ealing, London W5 2DR

4-13B

9 Oct 9.15-11.45am. Call the school to book.

020 8991 6532 www.durstonhouse.org info@durstonhouse.org

St Benedict’s School

Junior School and Nursery 5, Montpelier Avenue, Ealing, London W5 2XP

3-18

Open Mornings: Nursery: 14 Oct and 20 Nov Junior School: 7 Oct, 6 Nov Senior School Open Mornings: 3 and 16 Oct, 13 Nov (all years) Saturday Open Morning for Junior and Senior Schools: 11 Oct (no booking necessary) Advance booking only

Advanced booking necessary for all events except for 11 Oct open day

Senior School and Sixth Form 54, Eaton Rise, Ealing, London W5 2ES

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020 8862 2254 www.stbenedicts.org.uk enquiries@stbenedicts.org.uk

Harvington Prep School

20 Castlebar Road Ealing W5 2DS

3-4 co-ed 5-11G

By appointment

0208 997 1583 www.harvingtonschool.com e: admin@harvingtonschool.com

St Augustine’s Priory

Hillcrest Rd, W5 2JL

3-18G

11 Oct 10-12 noon and 1-3pm. Sixth form: 1 Oct 5pm.

020 8997 2022 www.saintaugustinespriory.org.uk/visit e:admissions@staugustinespriory.org.uk

Barbara Speake Stage School

East Acton Lane W3 7EG

3-16

By appointment

020 8743 1306 www.barbaraspeake.com e:speakekids3@aol.com

International School of London

139 Gunnersbury Avenue W3 8LG

3-18

By appointment

020 8992 5823 www.isllondon.org

Latymer Prep School

36 Upper Mall, Hammersmith W6 9TA

7-11

Open days throughout the Autumn term. Telephone for an appointment

0845 638 5700 www.latymerprep.org/open-mornings registrar@latymerprep.org

Latymer Upper School

King Street, Hammersmith London W6 9LR

11-18

8 Nov. 11+ entrance only. (children in Year 6) Tickets required - contact the Admissions Office. 8 Oct - Sixth Form open evening

0845 638 5721 www.latymer-upper.org registrar@latymer-upper.org.uk

St Paul’s Girls School

Brook Green W6 7BS

11-18G

11+ entry 8 Oct 5pm, 11 Oct 9am and 11.15am

020 7605 4882 www.spgs.org admissions@spgs.org

Godolphin and Latymer School

Iffley Road W6 0PG

11-18G

For 11+ entry: 14 Oct 4.45 - 7 pm (last tours at 6pm). 6th Form - 2 Oct, 4.45pm. No need to book

020 8741 1936 www.godolphinandlatymer.com registrar@godolphinandlatymer.com

Hawkesdown House

27 Edge St W8 7PN

3-8B

By appointment

020 7727 9090 www.hawkesdown.co.uk

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

October 2014

education School

Address

Thomas’s Kensington

(Lower School-age 4-7) 39-41 Victoria Rd, W8 5RJ

Dates and Times

Contact

3-11

Ages

By appointment

020 7937 0583 (Lower School) 020 7361 6500 (Preparatory school) www.thomas-s.co.uk E:kensington@thomas-s.co.uk

(Prep School-age 7-11) 17-19 Cottesmore Gardens W8 5PR The Lloyd Williamson School

12 Telford Road W10 5SH

6 months -14 yrs

By appointment

020 8962 0345 www.lloydwilliamson.co.uk

Bassett House School

60 Bassett Road W10 6JP

3-11

11 Oct 10am-12.30pm

020 8969 0313 www.bassetths.org.uk

Notting Hill Preparatory School

95 Lancaster Rd, W11 1QQ

4-13

By appointment

020 7221 0727 www.nottinghillprep.com e:admin@nottinghillprep.com

Southbank International School (Kensington Campus)

36-38 Kensington Park Road, W11 3BU

3-11

10 Oct 9.30-11am by appointment

020 7243 3803 www.southbank.org admissions@southbank.org

Norland Place School

162-166 Holland Park Avenue W11 4UH

4-8B 4-11G

By appointment

020 7603 9103 www.norlandplace.com office@norlandplace.com

Avenue House School

70 The Avenue, Ealing W13 8LS

3-11

Individual tours by appointment

020 8998 9981 www.avenuehouse.org school@avenuehouse.org

Notting Hill and Ealing High School (GDST)

(Junior) 26 St Stephens Rd, W13 8HH

4-18G Entry at 4+ , 7+, 11+ and 16+

(Junior- 4+ and 7+) Parents Only 8 Oct 1.15am, 16 Oct 10.15am, 7 Nov 1.15pm 18 Nov 10.15am (Senior) Parents Only 6 Oct 10.45am 13 Nov 10.45am Senior School Open Evening, Parents and girls welcome - no need to book 15 Oct 4.30pm

Booking essential. Admissions (Mrs Barwell)-020 8991 2165 www.nhehs.gdst.net enquiries@nhehs.gdst.net

(Senior) 2 Cleveland Rd, W13 8AX

St James Junior School

Earsby St, W14 8SH

4-11B 4-10G

By appointment

020 7348 1793 www.stjamesjuniors.co.uk admissions@stjamesjuniors.org

St James Senior Girl’s School

Earsby Street W14 8SH

10-18G

Open Morning: 4 Oct 9.30-12.15pm Open Evening: 9 Oct 4.30-7.00pm School in Action: 5 Nov 9-10.45am Sixth Form: 1 Oct 5.30pm

020 7348 1748 www.stjamesgirls.co.uk admissions@sjsg.org.uk

Fulham Prep School

200 Greyhound Rd W14 9SD

7-13

By appointment

020 7386 2444 www.fulhamprep.co.uk prepadmin@fulhamprep.co.uk

Eaton Square School

79 Eccleston Square, SW1V 1PP

2.5-13

By appointment

020 7931 9469 www.eatonsquareschool.com admissions@eatonsquareschool.com

Westminster Under School

Adrian House, 27 Vincent Square Westminster SW1P2NN

7-13B

4 Oct for 7+ and 8+

020 7821 5788 www.westminsterunder.org.uk

Westminster School

Little Dean’s Yard Westminster SW1P 3PF

13-18B Girls in Sixth Form

By appointment

020 7963 1003 www.westminster.org.uk registrar@westminster.org.uk

Fulham Pre Prep School

47A Fulham High Street SW6 3JJ

4-7

20 Nov 9.30-11am

020 7371 9911 www.fulhamprep.co.uk admin@fulhamprep.co.uk

Ravenstone Preparatory School and Nursery

24 Elvaston Place, SW7 5NL

2.9 -11

By appointment

020 7225 3131 www.ravenstoneschools.com registrar@ravenstoneschools.com

Thames Christian College

Wye St, SW11 2HB

11-16

4 Oct 10am-1pm. 6 Nov 11am-1pm

020 7228 3933 www.thameschristiancollege.org.uk info@thameschristiancollege.org.uk

The Harrodian School

Lonsdale Rd, Barnes, SW13 9QN

4-18

11+ Open morning: 8 Oct, 6 Nov Advance booking essential

020 8762 6321 www.harrodian.com admissions@harrodian.com

Ibstock Place School

Clarence Lane London SW15 5PY

3-18

Pre-Prep and Prep School: 12 Nov 9.30am Senior School: By appointment 6th form 25 Sept 6-8pm

020 8876 9991 www.ibstockplaceschool.co.uk registrar@ibstockplaceschool.co.uk

Hampton School

Hanworth Road, Hampton Middlesex TW12 3HD

11-18B

Visitor’s afternoon (booking required) 9 and 14 Oct, 6 and 20 Nov 2.30-4.30pm

020 8979 9273 www.hamptonschool.org.uk admissions@hamptonschool.org.uk

Orley Farm School

South Hill Avenue, Harrow on the Hill Middx HA1 3NU

4-13

4 Oct 10am-12pm or Wednesday morning by appointment

020 8869 7634 www.orleyfarm.harrow.sch.uk registrar@orleyfarm.harrow.sch.uk

Harrow School

5 High Street, Harrow on the Hill Middlesex HA1 3HP

13-18B

4 Oct, 8 Nov, 6 Dec 10am-12.30pm.

020 8872 8007 www.harrowschool.org.uk admissions@harrowschool.org.uk

Quainton Hall School

Hindes Road, Harrow, HA1 1RX

2.5-13B 2.5-11G

By appointment

020 8427 1304 www.quaintonhall.org.uk admin@quaintonhall.org.uk

The John Lyon School

Middle Rd, Harrow on the Hill Middx HA2 0HN

11-18B

11 Oct 10am-1pm

020 8515 9400 www.johnlyon.org admissions@johnlyon.org

Northwood College for Girls

Maxwell Rd, Northwood, Middx HA6 2YE

3-18G

By appointment

01923 825446 www.northwoodcollege.co.uk admissions@northwoodcollege.co.uk

Merchant Taylors School

Sandy Lodge, Northwood, Middx HA6 2HT

11-18B

By appointment

01923 845514 www.mtsn.org.uk admissions@mtsn.org.uk

ACS Hillingdon International School

Hillingdon Court, Vine Lane Hillingdon Middlesex, UB10 0BE

4-18

By appointment

01895 259771 www.acs-schools.com/acs-hillingdon hillingdonadmissions@acs-schools.com

Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School

Butterfly Lane, Elstree, Herts WD6 3AF

5-18B

11 Oct 1-4pm (Main School and Prep School)

020 8266 1700 (01727 873 632 for pre-prep open day) www.habsboys.org.uk office@habsboys.org.uk

Haberdashers’ Aske’s School for Girls

Aldenham Road, Elstree, Herts WD6 3BT

4-18G

Junior School: 11 Oct 10am-12.30pm Senior School: 7 Oct 6-8pm and 11 Oct 2-5pm Sixth Form: 8 Oct 2.30-4.30pm by appointment

020 8266 2302 (Junior School and Sixth form entry) 020 8266 2338 (age 11+) www.habsgirls.org.uk admissions@habsgirls.org.uk

Eton College

Windsor, Berkshire SL4 6DW

13-18B

By appointment

01753 671000 www.etoncollege.com

October 2014

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

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October half term workshops

ALLSORTS DRAMA FOR CHILDREN run their popular drama classes during term time. Friday’s at More House School,22-24 Pont Street SW1 for ages 4-6 from 4pm – 5pm and ages 7-11, 11-13 and 14-18 from 5pm – 7pm and on Saturday’s at Notting Hill Prep School, Lancaster Road W11 and South Hampstead Girls School, Netherhall Gardens NW3 for ages 4-6 from 10am – 11am and ages 7-11, 11-13 and 14-18 from 11pm – 1pm. Tel 0208 767 5298 or for further info visit www.allsortsdrama.com Allsorts also run wonderful holiday workshops and arrange bespoke drama parties. PERFORM DRAMA WORKSHOPS ICE QUEEN HOLIDAY COURSE Based on the popular Ice Queen story, drama, dance and singing workshop for ages 4-8. Three days of colourful costumes, original songs and live music followed by a show for family and friends. Book on 0845 400 1285 www.perform.org.uk Dates and Venues: Ealing: 27 –29 Oct (10am-12pm) at St Barnabas Millennium Hall, Pitshanger Lane, Ealing, London, W5 1QG 10am – 12pm. Kensington: 21-23 Oct (10am-12pm) and 27-29 Oct (10am-12pm and 2.304.30m) at Baden Powell House, 65-67 Queens Gate, Kensington, London, SW7 5JS. Notting Hill: 27-29 Oct (2.30-4.30pm) at St Peter's Hall, 59A Portobello Road, Notting Hill, London, W11 3DB FUN WITH FIMO CLAY CRAFT ACTIVITY SESSION Fun and creative session, fully supervised and non messy, for age 6+. Workshops take place in family home in West London. Morning refreshments are provided. 10.15am-4.15pm. Call Clare McKnight 020 8992 3767 e: fimofun@tiscali.co.uk www.funwithfimoclay.co.uk. 28 Oct – WINNIE THE POOH & PIGLET TOO. 30 Oct – ALL THINGS HALLOWEEN. 3 Nov – FRIED EGG CHALLENGE PITZHANGER MANOR HOUSE AND GALLERY ART WORKSHOPS Artist-led workshops encourage children to create artworks in response to the exhibitions and heritage. Tickets are £6 and are for unaccompanied children. All materials are supplied – dress for mess.

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29 Oct UNBELIEVABLE SOANE, 10am-12pm and 2-4pm. Discover Soane, the practical joker, whose imagination led him to create fake Roman Ruins at Pitzhanger Manor House and invent a rather spooky character in this workshop led by a storyteller. 29 Oct – PERSUASIVE PROPS, 10am-12pm and 2-4pm. Intrigue your friends and family with props inspired by the fantastical stories of Pitzhanger Manor.

28 Oct – MUSICAL THEATRE, 10am-3pm for ages 5-11. Musicals will be brought to life with singing, moving, dancing, instruments, composition, art and design. Musicals include Mary Poppins, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Wizard of Oz and Matilda. A final showcase presented to friends and family at 3pm.

ISIS EDUCATION CENTRE SCIENCE WORKSHOPS www.SupportTheRoyalParks.org/experiences 29 and 30 Oct DISCOVERY DAY – ‘GO BATTY FOR BATS,’ 11am-3pm, free, drop-in, all ages. Batty about bats? Separate bat fact from bat fiction. Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens are home to several different bat species – common pipistrelles, soprano pipistrelles, and noctules – learn about the lifestyles of these mysterious creatures and follow the bat trail in the garden. CHELSEA PHYSIC GARDEN SCIENCE/ CRAFT WORKSHOPS www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk/ learning/family-activity-days 28 Oct CHOCOLATE TUESDAY, 10.30am-2.30pm, for ages 7+ Look into the history, geography and science of chocolate-craft activities, a Garden tour, chocolate tasting and the chance to create your own mixtures to take away. With a tasting session with Rococo Chocolates staff. 29 Oct LOTIONS & POTIONS – an introduction to herbal medicine, 10.30am-2.30pm, for ages 7+ Find out something of the history of medicine and the amazing power of plants. Make some of your own ointments, syrups and scented bags to take away as well as your own mini medicinal garden. 30 Oct THE BIG DRAW – autumn art, 10.30am - 2.30pm, for ages 6+ Art and craft activities inspired by the Garden. Develop your observational skills and drawing techniques. 31 Oct CREEPY CRAWLING, 10.30am 12 noon or 1 - 2.30pm, for ages 4+ Discover the diverse world of animals including a hissing cockroach, giant millipede, corn snake, giant African snail and Mr. Jelly Belly the tree frog. Find out how they are suited to their environments and hold them (if you like). THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL MUSIC WORKSHOPS www.royalalberthall.com 28-30 Oct BLUES STORYTELLING FOR FAMILIES. The journey of Blues music in a magical interactive storytelling workshop for ages 5 – 11. MUSIC HOUSE FOR CHILDREN MUSIC WORKSHOPS 27 Oct MUSICAL STORYTELLING, 10am for ages 2-4. Musical storytelling based on the much loved story “Say goodnight to the sleepy animals” 27 Oct MESSY HANDS, 11.15am for ages 2-4. Create finger-print trees, leafy birds nests and clay owls.

RBKC LIBRARIES HALF TERM AND CRAFTS SESSIONS For ages 4-10, Book on 020 7361 3010 or e-mail libraries@rbkc.gov.uk 27 Oct – 1 Nov THE BIG BAT HUNT They’re everywhere! Search high and low for the hidden bats. For all ages. 27 Oct DINOSAUR CRAFTS, 10.30am 12.00 noon and 2.30 - 4.00pm. Make a scary monster from the past. For children aged 5+­­. 28 Oct, 10.15am; 31 Oct, 10.15am AUTUMN COLOURS Songs, rhymes and craft session for little ones. For children aged 0-5. 29 Oct ELMER THE ELEPHANT Party at North Kensington Library, 3pm to 4pm. 30 Oct ELMER THE ELEPHANT Party at Kensington Central Library, 2-3pm 31 Oct MASK MAKING, 2pm to 4pm at Kensington Central Library. 1 Nov BONFIRE NIGHT AND CRAFT SESSION at, 11.30am-12.30pm. Maida Vale Library: 29 Oct Spooky Hallowe’en crafts, 10.30am - 12 noon and 2.30 - 4pm. Make witches’ hats and bats to scare your friends, for children aged 5+. 31 Oct HALLOWE’EN PARTY, 4.30 - 6pm. Come dressed in a scary costume and take part in the fun. For children aged 5+ CONCERTS FOR CHILDREN 13 Oct BUSH BABY ORCHESTRA A classical concert for babies. Outstanding musicians perform a repertoire of traditional and contemporary music under the chandeliers of Bush Hall’s concert hall at 10.30am. www.musichouseforchildren.co.uk/whats-on 21 Oct BACH TO BABY 10.30am at St. John's Church, Lansdowne Crescent, London W11 2NN. www.bachtobaby.com/londonnorth 26 Oct FUNharmonics: THE TOAD AND THE SNAIL 12 noon at Royal Festival Hall, London. New music to accompany Roald Dahl’s hilarious masterpiece of absurd verse, suitable for children aged 3–11. Also, 10am–2pm: Have a go at an orchestral instrument. www.lpo.org.uk/whats-on-and-tickets/searchevents/236-funharmonics-the-toad-and-the-snail.html 29 Oct BACH TO BABY 10.30am at Saint Philip's Church, Earl's Court Road, London W8 6QH www.bachtobaby.com/londonnorth 31 Oct BACH TO BABY 10.30am at St. Michael and All Angels, Bath Road, W4 1TT www.bachtobaby.com/londonnorth 2 Nov SUNDAY COFFEE CONCERT Classical musicians performing traditional and contemporary pieces for all the family. 11am at Bush Hall, W12. www.musichouseforchildren.co.uk/whats-on October 2014

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what's on 8, 9 Nov INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS SHOW Meet over 190 of the UK's leading nurseries, preparatory and senior schools. Gain a balanced understanding of the private schools sector - quite possibly discovering the perfect school for your child, a school you may never have considered before visiting the show. The longest running and most established exhibition of its type, it is a 'must attend' event for parents considering private education. Register for your complimentary tickets at www.schoolsshow.com

FIREWORKS NIGHT 7 Nov BISHOPS PARK Fulham Palace Road, SW6. Funfair, food and family fun with space themed music. Gates open at 6pm More on our website and the children's fireworks will take place at 7.15pm. Main www.familieswest.co.uk firework display choreographed to music at 8pm. Buy your tickets from Oct 1. Book in advance and get 25% off (£6) 4 Oct HARVEST CRAFT AT ST BARNABAS EALING a morning nearer the time! or on the door for £8. Advance booking closes on Oct 6. of fun craft activities. Parents can relax with tea, coffee and Entry for children under five-years-old is free. Tickets available home-made cake while their children enjoy many creative from www.lyric.co.uk or call 020 8741 6850. surprises. 10am-12 noon, free. St Barnabas Church, Pitshanger Lane, 7 Nov CORAMS FIELDS 93 Guilford Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1 Family Ealing, W5 1QG www.barnabites.org friendly fireworks that start and finish early (by 6pm.) www.coramsfields.org 11 Oct KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA NCT NEARLY NEW SALE Top-quality baby

DIARY DATES

and children’s clothes and equipment at bargain prices straight from their owners. 10am - 12noon at Westbourne Grove Church, Westbourne Grove, Notting Hill W11 2RW £2 admission / per person. For more info e:nns.kensington@nct.org.uk 12 Oct DIWALI Every year, Trafalgar Square hosts a Diwali celebration that includes free music and dance from community groups and professional artists on the main stage, as well as food stalls and a range of child-friendly activities. www.london.gov.uk 25 Oct PUMPKIN PARTY AT CHISWICK HOUSE GARDENS Come in costume with carved pumpkins to be displayed and lit up as it gets dark. Games, activities, fancy dress parade, and face painting from 4-6.30pm. Food and refreshments on sale, tickets on the door. £5 per family (4 people) 24-26 Oct THE BABY SHOW LONDON OLYMPIA is back, offering visitors a one stop shop of parenting essentials and expert advice while providing an enjoyable day out. For further information or to book tickets, go to www.thebabyshow.co.uk/olympia/

8 Nov THE EALING CRICKET CLUB The Display will be set to music featuring favourites from “Century Cinema” and includes a laser display. Venue: Corfton Road, Ealing W5 2HS at 6pm. (Display at 7.30pm.) Children’s fun rides, refreshments, £6 adult/ £4 Child under 14 (accompanied). Call Louise Chippendale for more information on 020 8997 1858 or 020 8810 7999 or e:cricket@ealingcc.co.uk

8 Nov BRENTHAM CLUB (EALING) Display at 7pm. Food stalls and entertainment for all the family. www.brenthamclub.co.uk 8 Nov RAVENSCOURT PARK, Paddenswick Road, W6. Funfair, food and family fun with a space theme. Gates open at 6pm and the children's fireworks will take place at 7.15pm. Main firework display choreographed to music at 8pm. Buy your tickets from Oct 1. Book in advance and get 25% off (£6) or on the door for £8 . Advance booking closes on Nov 7. Entry for children under five-years-old is free. Tickets available from www.lyric.co.uk or call 020 8741 6850.

DAYS OUT CHELSEA PHYSIC GARDEN SW3 4HS www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk London’s oldest botanic garden FAMILY ACTIVITY DAYS Pre-booking and pre-payment essential. Call 020 7349 6453 or e:education@ chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk 28 Oct CHOCOLATE TUESDAY Look into the history, geography and science of chocolate and celebrate this very special substance. The day will include craft activities, a Garden tour, chocolate tasting and the chance to create your own mixtures to take away. With a tasting session with Rococo Chocolates staff. For ages 7+ 10.30am-2.30pm

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Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

29 Oct LOTIONS & POTIONS – AN INTRODUCTION TO HERBAL MEDICINE Find out something of the history of medicine and the amazing power of plants, make some of your own ointments, syrups and scented bags to take away as well as your own mini medicinal garden. For ages 7+ 10.30am-2.30pm 30 Oct THE BIG DRAW – AUTUMN ART Create art and craft inspired by the Garden. Try out printing, painting, sketching, collage and model making using natural and recycled materials and develop your observational skills and drawing techniques. For ages 6+ 10.30am-2.30pm

October 2014

Big Draw © Charlie Hopkinson

what's on Chelsea Physic Garden

31 Oct CREEPY CRAWLING See a marvellous menagerie including a hissing cockroach, giant millipede, corn snake, giant African snail and Mr. Jelly Belly the tree frog. Find out how they are suited to their environments and hold them (if you like). 10.30am – 12 noon or 1pm-2.30pm, for ages 4+

CUTTY SARK SE10 9NF www.rmg.co.uk/cuttysark 4 and 5 Oct FAMILY FUN WEEKEND: PORT OF LONDON Cutty Sark visited London more than any other port in the world. But how has the city changed in the last 150 years? Help to create a modern Port of London with famous buildings and places that are important to you.11.30am and 2pm. 27 and 28 Oct THE BIG DRAW: CROSSING THE SEA Learn what lies in the wake of a ship. Explore the world of ports, rivers and oceans and help create a shimmering sea underneath Cutty Sark’s hull.11.30am and 2pm. 29 and 30 Oct DIWALI SHIP LIGHTS Make a ship diwa inspired by Cutty Sark’s long journeys to India to light up in a colourful display. 11.30am and 2pm. 31 Oct SPOOKY SHIPS Create a ghost ship or sea monster and see it come to life in your very own spooky puppet show.11.30am and 2pm. 1, 2 Nov FAMILY FUN WEEKEND: CELEBRATION SHIP Come and celebrate Cutty Sark’s 145th birthday by helping decorate a spectacular ship with flags, bunting and sails. 11.30am and 2pm. Weekends and school holidays CUTTY SARK CHARACTERS Come aboard to hear Cutty Sark’s incredible stories brought to life by characters from the ship’s past. Meet Captain Woodget, the ship’s most daring master; Jock Willis, the man who built Cutty Sark; Nannie, the ship’s figurehead; or the ship’s cook, James Robson, who all have an extraordinary story to tell.

FULHAM PALACE SW6 6EA www.fulhampalace.org Every Mon THE PALACE EXPLORERS A weekly parent/ carer and toddler sessions for children aged 2-4. £3 per child, which includes a drink and healthy snack, booking essential. 10.30am-12noon. 5 Oct THE BIG DRAW try your hand at still life drawing. Free, no booking necessary. 10am-12 noon. 19 Oct APPLE DAY CELEBRATION Join in the family fun celebrating the apple trees and different varieties of apples with craft activities, story telling, baking competition, live music, food and drink stalls and more. 11am-3pm.

October 2014

28 Oct ARCHAEOLOGY HALF-TERM WORKSHOP Learn about the work of archaeologists and the history of Vikings at Fulham Palace. Activities include examining archaeological finds, handling artefacts, trying on costume, role play activities and crafts. For ages 8-12. 10.30am-3.30pm 31 Oct HALLOWE’EN CRAFTS AND PARADE Bring a precarved pumpkin and any musical instruments or noisy objects to make some noise to scare away the ghouls on a pumpkin parade around the Park at 4pm. 2pm-4.30pm

HAMPTON COURT PALACE KT8 9AU www.hrp.org.uk

HOLLAND PARK ECOLOGY CENTRE W8 6LU www.rbkc.gov.uk/ecologyevents 4 Oct OPEN DAY: AUTUMN’S HARVEST IN THE WILD-LIFE AREA Search for the colours, fruits and seeds of autumn. Drop in from 12- 4pm, free, suitable for all ages. 27-31 Oct HALF TERM HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES Fun environmental creative activities for ages 5-10. Activities include a mixture of outdoor activities such as orienteering, survival, creepy crawlies and hibernation, and will be based in the wooded wildlife area as well as animal themed sessions with crafts. 10am-12noon and 2-4pm. Pre-booking required.

Until 30 Nov THE GLORIOUS GEORGES Join George I's court as tensions brew between the King and his son. A stunning re-presentation of the Queen's State Apartments illuminates the story of the Hanoverian dynasty in Britain. Every Thurs TINY EXPLORERS Discover the fascinating stories of Hampton Court Palace in a multi-sensory workshop which includes music, movement and messy play for 0-4yrs. Booking essential. 4, 5 Oct, 1, 2 Nov TUDOR AND GEORGIAN CHOCOLATE COOKERY – Live cookery session. 25 Oct – 1 Nov CALLING DOCTOR DOCTOR! Interact with costumed interpreters and make new discoveries as you take on the challenge of being a royal physician to King George 1. 29, 30 Oct THE BIG DRAW - ANIMATED DRAWING WORKSHOPS Create your own digital story inspired by past residents of the palace. Bring your creation to life on an ipad to make your very own story. 10.30am-1pm and 2-4.30pm, drop-in.

HMS BELFAST SE1 2JH www.iwm.org.uk ONGOING: GUN TURRET EXPERIENCE – a chance to see what fighting at sea would have really been like. Lights, audio, projections and movement will recreate the experience that would have seen twenty-six men in this confined space at any one time. INTERACTIVE OPERATIONS ROOM – the nerve centre and brain of the entire ship which now has exciting interactives. Until 31 Dec D-DAY FAMILY TRAIL Learn about the role HMS Belfast played during this important day. The trail will bring visitors through the ship while pointing out interesting facts that relate to D-Day. 25 Oct-2 Nov DAZZLE CAMOUFLAGE How do you hide a ship at sea? Learn how dazzle camouflage was used to keep HMS Belfast from being discovered by other ships and take part in workshops. 11am and 2pm.

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

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what's on KENSINGTON PALACE W8 4PX www.hrp.org.uk/kensingtonpalace Until 30 Nov THE GLORIOUS GEORGES Visit the glittering court of George II and Queen Caroline in the sumptuously restored King’s State Apartments. Every Weds TINY EXPLORERS Discover fascinating stories about Kensington Palace in these multi-sensory workshops. Music, movement, messy play and more for 0-4yrs. 25 Oct-1 Nov HALF TERM ACTIVITIES Hear tales from King George II’s dining table told by the head cook and discover the truth about what the Georgians ate for dinner. Free drop in activities throughout the day, including games, craft activities and storytelling.

KEW BRIDGE STEAM MUSEUM TW8 0EN www.kbsm.org 11-12 Oct THE BIG DRAW take part in the biggest drawing festival in world. Create a masterpiece inspired by the fascinating collection of historic objects and engines. 25 Oct -2 Nov HALLOWEEN SPOOKFEST Discover the spooky secrets of the historic engine houses and maybe meet a few of their past occupants. Plenty of Halloween craft activities, a ride on the Ghost Train and a trip through the creepy wood.

KEW GARDENS TW9 3AB www.kew.org 18 Oct-2 Nov DEADLY AND DISGUSTING PLANTS AND FUNGI The ensnaring, bewitching and lethal offerings from the natural world. Look out for the Deadly Poisons Trail, a theatre show of ‘The Peril of the Poisonous Plant’, workshops, tours, and plenty of fun for the children.

ODDS FARM PARK HP10 0LX www.oddsfarm.co.uk A fabulous day out at the farm. Meet the farmers and get close to the animals in the hands-on area and in the large undercover animal barns. There is also a huge outdoor play area with an Adventure Maze, Go-Karts, Log Play Areas, Crazy Golf and plenty of farm animals to meet. Weekends in Oct and daily in half term week: HALLOWEEN FAMILY FUN Carve a Pumpkin, follow the Wicked Wizard’s Trail to earn a treat and brave the Boo Barn… if you dare! Plus daily during half term week, join in with the madness and mayhem of the Crazy Entertainers.

OSTERLEY PARK AND HOUSE TW7 4RB www.nationaltrust.org.uk/osterley-park 19 Oct COLOURS OF AUTUMN TREE WALK Discover the changing colours in the autumn estate on this guided walk. 2-3.30pm. 25 and 26 Oct HALLOWEEN PUMPKIN FESTIVAL Take part in silly games and enjoy spooky fun. 12-4pm. 28 Oct LITTLE SEEDLINGS GARDENING CLUB Get hands on in the garden. 12-4pm 29 Oct AUTUMN ANTICS – 50 THINGS TO DO BEFORE YOU'RE 11¾ See what autumnal challenges you can complete.12-4pm. 30 Oct CRAFT CART Get crafty with a Halloween theme. 12.30-4.30pm. Free – donations requested.

ROYAL OBSERVATORY GREENWICH SE10 9NF www.rmg.co.uk Until 4 Jan 15 LONGITUDE PUNK’D Celebrates the creations of wacky inventors, star-gazing scientists and extremely elegant explorers of the 18th-century. Nine UK ‘Steampunk’ artists create new works inspired by the technical inventions that were presented to the Board of Longitude between 1714 and 1828. 18

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

Odds Farm Park

Until 4 Jan 15 STARS TO SATELLITES Explore the history of satellite navigation. Discover the links between satellite and astronomical navigation and consider how ‘satnav’ has changed the world. 18 Sept-Feb 15 ASTRONOMY PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR A display of the spectacular winning images from this year’s competition. PLANETARIUM SHOWS 1, 3, 6-8, 13, 15, 17, 20-22, 24 Oct MEET THE NEIGHBOURS Meet our neighbours in space in this entertaining interactive show, where you decide which planets to visit. 5yrs+, £6.50/£4.50. 2, 16, 23 Oct SOLAR SYSTEM, GALAXY, UNIVERSE Exploring the scale of the Solar System, Galaxy and Universe and how we measure it. 5yrs+, £6.50/£4.50. SPACE SAFARI Join Ted the teddy bear for live music and rhyme as he journeys throughout the solar system looking for the Great Bear in the sky. Age 7 and under, £6.50/£4.50. Weekends and weekdays in the holidays at 11am and 14 Oct at 12.45pm and 1.45pm. MEET THE TIME TRAVELLERS Meet time-travelling Astronomer Royal Nevile Maskelyne or his human computer Mary Edwards, and find out about their life and work at Greenwich in the 18th century. Performance and storytelling at weekends and holiday weekdays hourly from 12 noon-3pm for ages 7+

TOWER OF LONDON EC3 www.hrp.org.uk 25 Oct – 2 Nov HALF TERM ACTIVITY When it comes to the First World War, the Tower has lots of stories to tell. Find them all by looking for clues and asking people questions before putting them all together in a commemorative logbook. 2, 9 Nov TOWER TWILIGHT TOURS Dare to take an evening tour as Yeoman Warders lead exclusive tours of the Tower, taking in some of the gruesome sights and spooky stories which make it world famous. Over 12’s only. Tours at 7pm.

THE LONDON WETLANDS CENTRE SW13 9WT www.wwt.org.uk 25, 26 Oct ADVENTURES WITH MONSTERS AND MYTHS If you ever wanted to know the size of a pixie scull or see the world’s only scorpion orchid. See a rare selection of exhibits that showcase the beauty and weirdness of these unusual creatures. 10.30am-4pm, free. 25 Oct-2 Nov THE YUK! SHOW: BIZARRE BODIES Delve deep into skeletons and sinews, guts and gizzards, organs and oddities. Discover the bodily adaptations that help animals survive in the watery world of wetlands. 2pm. 25 Oct-2 Nov NATURE CRAFTS Make your own gory creation, create an eyeball badge or preserve your own scientific specimen. 11.30am.

MUSEUMS & GALLERIES BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM EC2R 8AH www.bankofengland.co.uk YOUR MONEY: WHAT THE BANK DOES A new permanent display which explains the role of the Bank of England in today's economy. The display looks at how the Bank maintains the value of your money, and how it protects the financial system from economic shocks. Until 31 Dec THE FIRST WORLD WAR AND THE BANK OF ENGLAND The impact the Great War had on the economy, and its effects on the Bank of England and its staff. 27-31 Oct THE BIG DRAW: AS SAFE AS THE BANK OF ENGLAND Make the Bank even more secure by designing a new safe for their vaults. Enter the competition with prizes to be won. The winning designs will be displayed on the Bank's website.10am - 4.30pm.

8 Nov LORD MAYOR'S SHOW Professional face painters will transform young visitors into one of the well-known characters from 'The Wind in the Willows' by Kenneth Grahame, a former Secretary of the Bank of England. 11am - 5pm.

BRITISH MUSEUM WC1B 3DG www.britishmuseum.org Until 30 Nov ANCIENT LIVES, NEW DISCOVERIES Features the mummified remains of eight people who lived in the ancient Nile Valley. The mummies include women, men and children. DIGITAL WORKSHOPS Takes place at weekends and school holidays on a variety of themes. Free, 11am-4pm, for ages 7+ (unless stated) 4 Oct PASSPORT TO THE AFTERLIFE Follow an augmented reality trail around the Egyptian galleries, solving clues about the ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead. 11 Oct EXPLORING EGYPTIAN MUMMIES Explore digital techniques used by Museum scientists to uncover the secrets of the ancient Egyptians. 11am 12 Oct SCRATCH WORKSHOP Join experts from Codasign to turn your Museum visit into a game using Scratch software. Ages 6-9. 10.30am-1pm and 2-4.30pm. 18 Oct TALK LIKE AN EGYPTIAN Learn about ancient Egyptian characters and then use digital technology to bring their stories to life. 19 Oct MAKE A HOTCHPOTCH HORSE Use Photoshop to create your own hotchpotch horse from different parts of the Museum’s collection. Then see your horse race on a giant screen. 11am 25 Oct CHINESE ADVENTURES Take part in a range of digital activities inspired by China. Find your zodiac character, make your own digital vase and more. For 5+ 26 Oct SHADOW PUPPET WORKSHOP Learn about the ancient tradition of Javanese shadow-puppetry and decorate your own beautiful puppets. Use voice recording software and video cameras to then bring your characters to life through film. 11am and 2pm. Special Events: 26 Oct THE BIG DRAW: MING FAMILY DAY Drawing workshops, storytelling and creating designs to celebrate the glories of the Ming Imperial courts 27-31 Oct MAGNIFICENT MING CHINA A week of activities taking inspiration from the BP exhibition Ming: 50 years that changed China. Create jewellery, help create a giant handscroll painting or join a family gallery talk.

FOUNDLING MUSEUM WC1N 1AZ www.foundlingmuseum.org.uk FAMILY TRAILS AND ACTIVITIES: HETTY FEATHER TRAIL Explore the world of Hetty Feather with a range of art based activities. Free. FAMILY DRESS UP CORNER Dress up as a character inspired by the Foundling Hospital, such King George, a Foundling pupil, a Victorian servant or soldier. Free. FAMILY BOOK CORNER Read about the history of the Foundling Hospital and its famous figures in the family book corner. Free. NINA COSFORD FAMILY TRAIL Follow a creative adventure around each room of the Foundling Museum with illustrator Nina Cosford. Free. FAMILY WORKSHOPS Free for children and up to two accompanying adults. 29 Oct LEECHES AND LESIONS Make your own eighteenth-century medicine kit inspired by Dr Mead. Create your own labels then fill boxes and bottles with potions and herbs. Prepare the leeches to cure everything from the pox to the plague! 31 Oct PLAGUE, PESTILENCE AND POISONS Conjure your own magic spells against the ghosts of the Foundling Hospital using ink, paper, quills and words from the past. Make magic to render monsters, ghosts and poisons utterly harmless. October 2014

October 2014

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

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what's on GRANT MUSEUM OF ZOOLOGY WC1E 6DE www.ucl.ac.uk/museums/zoology/whats-on 18 Oct EXPLORE ZOOLOGY Ever wondered what the skin of a python feels like or how sharp a shark’s tooth is or how many spots a leopard has? Bring your budding zoologists and be inspired to ask these questions and many. Drop- in, 1- 4.30pm, free. 27 Oct-1 Nov MARVELLOUS MAMMALS Come face-toface with marvellous mammals and have a chance to get your hands on and handle some fantastic specimens like elephant tusks, tiger skulls and leopard skin. Drop- in, 1- 4.30pm, free. 1 Nov FESTIVAL OF GEOLOGY Take part in brilliant activities allowing you to handle fantastic fossils, marvellous minerals and remarkable rocks. Try your hand at gem panning, identifying minerals and casting fossils, or come and listen to the range of talks on topics as varied as tropical forests at the poles or Mars exploration or the colour of dinosaurs. Drop- in, 10am- 4pm, free.

IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM www.iwm.org.uk SE1 6HZ HOLOCAUST EXHIBITION Film, photographs and a large number of rare artefacts document the history of the Nazi persecution of the Jews and other groups before and during the Second World War. A FAMILY IN WARTIME Explores the lives of William and Alice Allpress and their ten children and what life in London was like during the war. HORRIBLE HISTORIES®: SPIES Uncover the deadly world of spies at this major new interactive exhibition for families which brings the horrible history of Second World War spies and their secret schemes to life. Based on Terry Deary’s book from the bestselling Horrible Histories series. SECRET WAR The clandestine world of espionage, covert operations and the work of Britain’s Special Forces. NEW GALLERY: FIRST WORLD WAR Discover the story of war - how it started, why it continued and its global impact. Over 1,300 objects including weapons, uniforms, diaries, letters and souvenirs, as well as a recreated trench with periscopes and a dug-out, along with a soundscape and projection will evoke what daily life was like for the troops. Every Sun OBJECT CONVERSATIONS New immersive object handling sessions where families can explore objects from the collections. Drop-in, free, for all ages. 11am12.30pm and 2-4pm. CREATIVE RESPONSE Art activities based on themes featured in atrium and galleries. Drop-in, free, for all ages. 11am-12.30pm and 2-4pm. 4-5 Oct INTRODUCTION TO THE HOLOCAUST Discussion and replica object handling session for families who wish to learn about the Holocaust. Suitable for ages 11+ (Holocaust Exhibition is recommended for children aged 14 and above. 11.30am and 2.30pm. 25 Oct-2 Nov A POPPY FIELD Grow your own poppy from paper and wire and plant it in the Poppy Field to remember those who gave their lives to protect their country – both world wars to conflicts today. 11am-5pm

LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM WC2E 7BB www.ltmuseum.co.uk From buses to tubes, original posters to workers and travellers' stories, London Transport Museum explores the heritage of London and its transport system. Children and young people aged 17 and under go free at London Transport Museum. Adult admission is £15.00 (£11.50 concessions) and tickets allow unlimited entry for a whole year. ALL ABOARD! Let your under 6 'drive' a scaled-down bus, train, tube or taxi , complete with passengers. 20

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

National Portrait Gallery

They can also take control of the transport system, moving buses and trains around the museum's miniature London. FAMILY STATION. Pick up a free coin bag and choose some activities to do as you explore the Museum. Whether you fold your own bus and drive it between the vehicles, design your own poster-postcards or take photos through flickr frames, there is something here for families with children of all ages. GOODBYE PICCADILLY – FROM HOME FRONT TO WESTERN FRONT Discover the untold story of London’s Home Front during the First World War; how drivers took their buses to the Front to support the war effort, how women advanced into the transport workforce for the first time and how Londoners came under deadly attack from the air as total war came to the Capital. 27-31 Oct BUSES IN DISGUISE Join the museum on a time travelling adventure to Victorian London - can you make it back to 2014 without anyone finding out you’re from the future? Maybe you’ll need some sort of disguise. Fun and interactive storytelling sessions for ages 3-7, at 11am and 2pm.Get messy with some hands-on craft activities – build your own bus inspired by over 150 years of public transport, then take it on a ride round the Museum before taking it home. Suitable for ages 4-12, at 11.30am and 2.30pm. 31 Oct SEN MORNING London Transport Museum opens early for a limited number of visitors with an autistic spectrum condition (ASC). Enjoy the Museum at a quieter time, free from the general public and take part in one of the museum's interactive workshops and demonstrations. Book first on 020 7565 7298. 9-11am

NATIONAL GALLERY WC2N 5DN www.nationalgallery.org.uk Every Sun FAMILY SUNDAYS Activities designed for families to enjoy and learn together, 11am and 3pm MAGIC CARPET STORYTELLING for children aged 2-5. Sundays 10.30-11am and 11.30am–12pm. Fly away on the magic carpet, coming to land in front of a different painting each day. Musical Magic Carpets on 19 Oct. DRAWING SUNDAY explore gallery paintings as inspiration for your art. For ages 5-11. Sundays 11am and 2pm. 5 Sept UNFURL THE TALE Take an imaginary boat trip inspired by paintings of the sea. Sail across the ocean, explore new places and create a picture story which tells the tale of your journey using words and drawings. STUDIO SUNDAYS are hands-on workshops that start in the Gallery, followed by a studio session (2 hours) 19 Oct PRINTING FROM PAINTING Artist Thomas Gosebruch will show you how to experiment with print-making techniques and transform paintings into prints. Hands-on workshops that start in the Gallery, followed by a studio session 11am and 2pm. 5 Oct WALK AND TALK: CREEPY CREATURES 12.30-1.30pm. For all ages. 12 Oct THE BIG DRAW: OLD BUILDINGS INTO NEW CITIES Create a 3D landscape inspired by National Gallery paintings. Drop-in session for all ages, 11am and 2pm. HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS: 26, 27, 28 Oct SPOOKY SHADOWS Seek out creepy creatures and spooky monsters lurking in the National Gallery and create your own shadow puppet. Drop-in, 11am and 2pm. 26, 27, 28 Oct ARTIST'S APPRENTICE WORKSHOP: MAKING PHOTOGRAPHS WITH LIGHT Take inspiration from 'Rembrandt: The Late Works’ – take paper negatives and use photographic and photogram techniques to transform them into images using light. £16 for one adult and one child aged 7-12. 11am and 2pm. 28 Oct TALK AND PLAY Meet a costumed character brought to life, for singing, talking and playing inspired by a Gallery painting. For ages 2-5. 10.30 and 11.30am.

27, 28 Oct STAY AND PLAY Drop-in session for children under 5 and their adults. Drop in and explore a playful, hands-on environment inspired by a painting. 11am and 1.30pm. 27 Oct DRAWING STORIES Tell a story through artmaking and play. 10.30-11.30am. For ages 2-5.

NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY WC2H 0HE www.npg.org.uk 18 Oct STORYTELLING FOR FAMILIES 10.30am and 1.30pm for ages 3+ Interactive storytelling session followed by a fun art activity. 27-31 Oct PEACOCKS AND DRAGONS A week of drop-in and ticketed events such as puppet making and designing wallpaper, inspired by the exhibition ‘Anarchy & Beauty: William Morris and his legacy.’ 11am-4pm.

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM SW7 5BD www.nhm.ac.uk ACTIVITES FOR FAMILIES: 3 Oct, 15 Nov DINO SNORES Ever wondered what goes on at the Natural History Museum at night? 7 - 11 years. 7pm till morning, torchlit trails through the museum, live animal shows and more. 4 Oct INVESTIGATE FOR FAMILIES Become a scientist for the day in the hands-on science centre. 11am-5pm. 5 Oct HEDGEROW HARVEST Discover hedgerows and the creatures that call them home. 12-5pm. 4, 18, 25 Oct HANDS ON NATURE: MAMMOTHS Games and specimen handling. 11am and 2pm. 5, 19 Oct, 2 Nov HANDS ON NATURE: DINOSAURS Get up close with real specimens. 11am and 2pm. 11, 29 Oct, 8 Nov ANIMAL VISION A show which features live animals, reveals a world only visible to certain reptiles and invertebrates. 10.30am. 26, 27, 31 Oct PUPPETS: MAISIE AND THE MAMMOTH TOOTH When Maisie finds an odd-looking tooth under her pillow, she's determined to discover who it belongs to. Find out how a time-travelling tooth fairy takes Maisie back to the Ice Age on an adventure she'll never forget. 12 noon and 1.30pm. 28, 29, 30 Oct THE ANIMAL STORY PUPPET SHOW A magical adventure through the woodland with Charlie the fox. Shows at 11am, 12, 1 and 2pm.

PITZHANGER MANOR HOUSE AND GALLERY W5 5EQ www.pitzhanger.org.uk 4 Oct BIG DRAW WORKSHOP: THE ROLLING SOANES Join the gallery artist for this year’s free Big Draw family workshop, inspired by the exhibition Crafting Narrative and Sir John Soane’s collection of statues in the Monk’s Dining Room. Drop-in, 11.30am-4pm.

SCIENCE MUSEUM SW7 2DD www.sciencemuseum.org.uk Until Jan 15 3D: PRINTING THE FUTURE Discover how innovators use 3D printers to turn computer data into physical objects. 11, 12, 18, 19 Oct 3D SPECTACULAR – Make your own 3D glasses. For ages 5+ 11 Oct, 7 Nov SCIENCE NIGHT A special overnight event for 7-13 year olds featuring exciting hands-on workshops, science shows, a sleepover at the Science Museum among the amazing exhibits, followed by a tasty breakfast and a film in the IMAX Cinema. INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCE: FLYZONE STUDIO A new experience that transports visitors using the latest in green screen technology. Come along and dress up as pilots or astronauts and then take away photographs of yourself flying through the air or exploring Space. For all ages. October 2014

what's on THEATRE BARBICAN THEATRE EC2Y 8DS www.barbican.org.uk/theatre 2-4 Oct THE FIVE & THE PROPHECY OF PRANA Five young troublemakers are drawn into a power struggle that has divided a secret group of warriors. Set in modern Tokyo, the show sees dazzling visuals frame a dynamic fusion of hip-hop and martial arts. Free preand post-show performances on 4 Oct. 28 Oct-4 Nov PSST! SECRETS OF A WHITE RABBIT Fall under the spell of a little creature conjured out of tissue paper by a duo of gentle clowns. A blend of physical theatre, puppetry and enchanting humour. For ages 2+ From 28-30 Oct and 1-2 Nov, drop-in art activity.

CAMBRIDGE THEATRE

28 Oct - 1 Nov THREE WISE MONKEYS Join three cheeky monkeys in this laugh-packed adventure with live music, puppetry and plenty of mischief. For ages 3-7 at 11am and 1pm.

NATIONAL THEATRE SE1 9PX www.nationaltheatre.org.uk 29 Oct-14 Nov ROMEO AND JULIET A swift, contemporary celebration of Shakespeare’s much loved drama, set against a vibrant urban backdrop, and full of dancing and live song. Suitable for ages 8-12. Family workshops available during half term.

PEACOCK THEATRE

WC2H 9HU www.matildathemusical.com

WC2A 2HT www.sadlerswells.com

Booking until Dec 14 MATILDA THE MUSICAL The Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of Roald Dahl’s magical story about a girl with extraordinary powers.

Until 4 Oct THE SEVEN FINGERS – SEQUENCE 8 Hailing from Québec, watch one of the world’s bestloved and most inventive contemporary circus companies. Weaving together theatrical narratives and physical skills with breathtaking results, it features a cast of eight acrobats showcasing explosive circus skills and astonishing aerial stunts. A great family show with original music and beautifully constructed sets. 28 Oct-15 Nov JUMP A gravity-defying show that combines comedy, martial arts and jaw-dropping acrobatics. Jump tells the story of a pair of hapless burglars, who get more than they bargained for when they break into the home of a very unusual family, complete with karate-chopping mother and Tae-kwondo expert grandfather.

GLOBE THEATRE SE1 9DT www.shakespearesglobe.com

PUPPET THEATRE BARGE 27-31 Oct MUSE OF FIRE Deep beneath the streets of London lies Muse, the last spirit of Fire. Hidden for 400 years by the cooling waters of the Thames it watches and it waits… Discover an Elizabethan hermit hiding under the stage, learn from a master of magic in a secret forest, take tea with the strange puppets that live in the abandoned library and uncover the clues to stop Muse burning down the Globe once more. For ages 6-11.

LYRIC HAMMERSMITH W6 0QL www.lyric.co.uk 3, 4 Oct MUCKY PUP A funny and engaging story about a tidy boy, a scruffy dog and a very special friendship. For ages 5-11 at 10.30am and 1.30pm. 11 Oct PIED PIPER A mix of puppetry, foot-tapping music and storytelling for ages 3-7 at 11am and 1pm.

18 Oct TONY & MIKE: THE COUNTRY OWL AND THE CITY SQUIRREL A heart-warming story about an unlikely friendship featuring puppetry, original music and a flying squirrel machine. For ages 3-7 at 11am and 1pm. 25 Oct INSIDE OUT A brother and sister use their imaginations to change their room into a wonderland of mess and discover the joy of turning things upside down and inside out. For ages 2-6 at 11am and 1pm, plus 15 mins free play after the show. October 2014

W9 2PF www.puppetbarge.com 27-31 Oct, weekends until 16 Nov 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 and other country characters whilst Country Mouse meets a town cat and a grandfather clock, and faces up to the noisy city traffic. For ages 3-8

SOUTHBANK CENTRE SE1 8PX www.southbankcentre.co.uk 4, 5 Oct FUN PALACE In 1961 Joan Littlewood and architect Cedric Price conceived and designed the Fun Palace: a ‘laboratory of fun’, ‘a university of the streets’, a revolutionary venue where art and science met, encouraging engagement, debate and enjoyment. Now the Southbank Centre is being turned into a Fun Palace with talks and demonstrations for all ages. 11am – 6pm, free. 10, 23 Oct, 7 Nov RUG RHYMES FOR THE UNDER FIVES A short session of nursery rhymes, poems and rhyming stories, and the opportunity to look at and borrow books. Free but booking essential. 10.30-11am. 19 Oct OAE TOTS The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment's event for children under six and their families. 19 Oct OAE FAMILY CONCERT – WATERCYCLE Members of the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment perform a lively family concert exploring music inspired by water, music about water and music to be performed on water. For ages 7-11.

29 Oct-2 Nov OLIVER JEFFERS’ THE WAY BACK HOME A space adventure with puppets for ages 4-8. When a boy discovers a single-propeller aeroplane in his closet, he does what any young adventurer would do: he flies into outer space. 11am and 2pm.

THEATRE ROYAL DRURY LANE WC2B 5JF www.reallyuseful.com/theatres/theatre-royal-drury-lane Ongoing CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY Roald Dahl's deliciously dark tale of young Charlie Bucket and the mysterious confectioner Willy Wonka in a brand new musical directed by Sam Mendes. 2.30pm and 7.30pm.

UNICORN THEATRE SE1 2HZ www.unicorntheatre.com Until 2 Nov SEESAW Being little can be hard work. There are holes to dig, sand castles to make, treasures to find, adventures to be had. It's much easier when you have a friend to help. But what if making friends is hard work too? Seesaw explores the push and pull of friendship, and the ups and downs of being very young. For ages 2+ Play lasts 40 mins, followed by free play time in the sandpit. Until 12 Oct THE SECRET LIFE OF SUITCASES Larry works in an office and he likes it very much. He likes sorting and tidying and generally putting things in order. Everything in its place, a place for everything. But one day, a suitcase suddenly appears at his door. A suitcase with a tiny label. A tiny label with Larry’s name on it. And this suitcase has a mission... For ages 4+ 9 Oct-9 Nov HOW NIGERIA BECAME: A STORY, AND A SPEAR THAT DIDN’T WORK It's 1914, one hundred years ago exactly, and Nigeria is about to be formed. Herbert and his well-known troupe of female actors are preparing to stage a story for the British Governor and his wife. The story of the Spear of Shango is about a brave young woman who must use her strength and agility to save her father's kingdom. But there's a problem, the story doesn't quite fit with the governor's vision of a united country. For ages 8+

28-29 Oct TRIPLE BILL The Unicorn and Dance Umbrella join forces for an exciting new mixed bill of award-winning, international dance for ages 8-12. Three dance performances each with a distinctive style and all visually stunning.

30 Oct-2 Nov NOSFERATU A young lawyer named Hutter travels from his small town to the Carpathian mountains to close a sale for a mysterious count. Despite surprises and bad omens he encounters on the way, he continues his journey to the castle where he is welcomed by Count Orlock - someone who looks a bit like a bat but also a bit like a garlic clove.That when things start to get scary. A story full of humour, horror and an inventive use of light bulbs. For ages 8+ Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

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clubs & classes ART, CRAFTS & MUSIC DRAWING CLASSES FOR CHILDREN, Nadja Gabriela Plein 07714500145 nadjagabrielaplein@yahoo.co.uk www.nadjagbrielaplein.co.uk KITE STUDIOS www.kitestudios.org PAINT POTS Montessori Schools and Creative Classes www.paint-pots.co.uk

DANCE ARTS EDUCATIONAL SCHOOLS www.artsed.co.uk/part-time KENSINGTON BALLET 18 months-2 years. Kensington, Chelsea, Knightsbridge, Notting Hill & Fulham 07957 650042 www.kensingtonballet.com TWISTERS run classes for ages 2-14 years in Ballet, Dance, Drama, Boys and Girls Street Dance also Tap. www.twisters.org.uk twisters@btinternet.com Hermione 8933 9997 or Louise 8840 4452 WEST LONDON DANCE ACADEMY Offers dynamic and enjoyable classes in Ballet and Tap dance to children of all ages. Based in Chiswick and Ealing, our main objective is to inspire good technique and progression within a fun environment. 07771 984590 info@westlondondanceacademy.com www.westlondondanceacademy.com WEST LONDON SCHOOL OF DANCE Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Singing, Annual performances for boys and girls age 2.5 - 16 years old. Studios in W1, W2, W11, W12 and SW7. 020 8743 3856 westlondondance@aol.com www.thewestlondonschoolofdance.co.uk

DRAMA JIGSAW PERFORMING ARTS SCHOOLS Run weekend dance, drama and singing classes for children aged 3 - 18 years. Children are divided into age appropriate groups and work towards shows and presentations. Jigsaw focuses on having fun and building confidence through engaging performing arts activities. 020 8447 4530 www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk

PERFORM Drama, dance and singing weekly workshops for 4-12 year olds to help develop confidence, co-ordination, communication and concentration skills. A fun-packed mix of energetic dances, games and catchy songs will guarantee to be the best fun your child will have all week. Free Trial Session Available! New schools opening all over London, Hampshire, Wiltshire, W Sussex, Dorset and Staines. 0845 400 4000 enquiries@perform.org.uk or go to www.perform.org.uk STAGECOACH THEATRE ARTS SCHOOL CHISWICK AND KENSINGTON Quality, down-to-earth training for 4-18 year olds in the three performing arts disciplines of dance, drama and singing in a very safe and happy environment. Professional teachers with industry experience in their fields teach all classes. Chiswick-Strand on The Green School, Thames Road, Chiswick W4 3NX and The William Hogarth School, Duke Road, Chiswick W4 2JR. 020 8398 4709 e:chiswick@stagecoach.co.uk www.stagecoach.co.uk/chiswick Kensington-Addison Primary School, Addison Gardens, London W14 0DT and St Barnabas & St Philips School, 58 Earl’s Court Road, Kensington W8 6EJ 020 8398 8106 e:kensington@stagecoach.co.uk www.stagecoach.co.uk/kensington YOURSPACE Saturdays 07580 474638 www.yourspacedrama.com

LANGUAGE CLASSES ARABIC LANGUAGE CLASSES WITH REEM ABDELHADI Goal oriented classes for all ages and all levels, using multimedia and innovative educational material. GCSE and GCE courses also offered. 07956 845 053 e: r.i.abdelhadi@gmail.com CLUB PETIT NAVIRE EALING Fun French Parent and toddler group in Ealing W13 (parking available). Come and learn your colours, shapes and much more in French through songs, movement and crafts on Thursdays, for children of 22 months to 4 years. 020 8997 7116 info@arkofnoah.net

CLUB PETIT PIERROT Fun French lessons for children (from 8 mths to 8 yrs old). Parent & toddler groups, after-school & Saturdays, all in French. Venues include Notting Hill and St John’s Wood/Maida Vale. Private tuition at home for individuals and mini-groups also offered. Free trial lesson for new members. 020 7385 5565 admincpp@btconnect.com www.clubpetitpierrot.co.uk

SONGS AND RHYMES/MUSIC & MOVEMENT ALMEDIA MUSICA – Early Musical Training based in Ealing. Music Lessons for children and adults focusing on piano, cello and musical theory. 020 8840 0283/ 07889 434274 tlisboa@rcm.ac.ukplay, www.almeidamusica.com

MATHS DOCTOR 7-18 years. Private online maths tuition Free online tuition assessment 0845 286 7770 www.mathsdoctor.co.uk/families

AMANDA’S ACTION CLUB Using unique props and funky music, they dance, they sing, they learn through the music, but most importantly of all, they have FUN! Available for classes and parties. 07946 707695 info@amandasactionclub.co.uk www.amandasactionclub.co.uk

VICTORIA PAGE PRIVATE TUITION for all ages 21/2yrs-11+ Scholarship. Fully qualified teacher with many years experience. (est 1982). Exceptional References. Private tutoring instead of school or extra tuition after school. Maths, English, Reading, Verbal and Non Verbal Reasoning, 11+ Common Entrance, Preparatory School Exams & Nursery Syllabus. 0705 0246810 (no texts) or 020 7381 9911 www.victoriapage.net

BLUEBERRY PLAYSONGS Guitaraccompanied nursery rhymes, action songs, instruments, games and dancing for 6 months-3 year olds in Barnes, Chelsea and Notting Hill. Lots of fun for little ones with live music! 020 8677 6871 info@blueberryplaysongs.co.uk www.blueberryplaysongs.co.uk www.facebook.com/Blueberry. Playsongs CULTURE CURRY Introducing the breadth of the Indian culture to our children through interactive and fun classes. Hindi language, songs, hymns, folk dances, yoga, mythology and heritage are part of these classes. 07774 788002 culturecurry@ymail.com www.culturecurry.co.uk SING AND SIGN Ruislip/Uxbridge/Hayes Baby Signing Classes with songs, rhymes, puppets and play for babies and toddlers from 2months old. Free tasters. Call Cathy Now! 07712047621 cathyseddigh@singandsign.co.uk TIPPITOES Classes for under4’s in Ealing www.tippitoes-ealing.co.uk WEST LONDON YMCA www.westlondonymca.org

TUTORS AND LEARNING SUPPORT EXPLORE LEARNING Get the new academic year off to a great start at Explore Learning. Our tailored courses are designed to support your child to become a confident and engaged learner. Explore Learning centres provide maths, English and 11+ tuition to 5-14 year olds of all abilities. Explore fits easily around family life; the centres are open 7 days a week, with children able to attend up to twice a week on a drop-in basis. Call your local centre to book a free trial, or visit www.explorelearning.co.uk. Ealing 020 8090 8710 Hayes 020 8561 8530 Westfield London 020 809 01216 22

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

FLEET TUTORS National tutoring service provider with over 36 years’ experience in helping students of all ages and academic backgrounds with personalised tuition. Specialising in small group revision courses and one-to-one tuition in all academic subjects starting from school entry and Common Entrance right up to GCSE, A-level and university. Recommended by ‘The Good School’s Guide’. 020 8580 3911/0845 644 5452 clientsupport@fleet-tutors.co.uk www.fleet-tutors.co.uk

MRS JONES 11 PLUS TUITION Mock exam practice. 020 8390 6076 www.11plustuition.co.uk

VIVIEN BORNEMANN Art, Crafts, Jewellery, Design and Technology, Computer Graphics, and History of Art. HOME TUITION CRB checked and teaches all ages, covering the national curriculum programs for GCSE, AS and A levels, as well as just for fun! 020 8932 1010 vivborn@hotmail.com

ACTIVE BODIES GYMNASTICS TWISTERS run gymnastics classes in Ealing and Chiswick for children from 6 months to 14 years+. Teachers at Twisters are well known for their patience and understanding. Children of all abilities are welcome. Adult exercise classes are also available. Call Hermione on 020 8933 9997 or Louise on 020 8840 4452 e:twisters@btinternet.com WEST LONDON YMCA www.westlondonymca.org FENCING COBRA SWORDS fun youth Fencing club. Wednesdays at Westside School, Galena rd, Hammersmith for U12s and U18s. Details of the Autumn term can now be found on www.cobraswords.com Contact Neil Hutchison on 07710771242 cobra.swords.uk@gmail.com FOOTBALL KIDDIKICKS. Football (W2, W4, W8, W10, W11, TW8)Energy burning football classes for your toddler and child. Available for boys and girls from 18 months to age 7. All coaches qualified and CRB checked. 020 7937 7965 info@kiddikicks.co.uk www.kiddikicks.co.uk MULTI-SPORT FIT FOR SPORT 0845 456 3233 e:enquiries@fitforsport.co.uk October 2014

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Parties Paint Your Own Ceramic Party Great Birthday Party for all children from 3-10 years old – Hanwell. Exercise their natural creative skills and have fun! 07947690776

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