families london sw issue 246 may 2015

Issue 246ISSN 1354-9553

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®SouthWest

“Families® SW” – useful information for parents of 0-12 year olds in SW London.Find us online: FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

May 2015

2 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk Tel: 020 8696 9680

To learn more about us just visit our new web site at www.dawmouse.co.uk or email [email protected]

Tel: 020 83989294

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

Celebrating 20 years of excellence in Montessori teachingCome and visit one of our two Dawmouse Montessori Nursery Schools in Fulham anddiscover why we have enjoyed such a long period of success teaching children from2yrs to 5yrs in their early years education.

www.dawmouse.co.uk

Passionate about teaching and learning

May 2015 3®

Blundells Nursery – BatterseaThe Old Court194/196 Sheepcote LaneSW11 5BWTel: 020 7924 4204www.blundellsnursery.co.uk

Parent’s comment:

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and all your membersof staff for all the wonderful work you have done with Jack. He hasthoroughly enjoyed every minute of his time with you. The dynamic andenthusiastic atmosphere created cannot be found anywhere else - welook at countless other nurseries before deciding on Blundells.

Thanks to your high standards of teaching, we believe my son is morethan ready to take on his next challenge. He is now well advanced in hisreading and writing and his confidence goes from high to even higher!

You have helped him become a wonderful little man. Thanks again foreverything and please thank all your members of staff

May 2015 5®

All content ©Families 2015www.FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk Tel: 020 8696 9680 Editorial: [email protected] News: [email protected]/artwork:[email protected], diary dates, what’s on info:[email protected] issue: June 2015. Deadline: Early May 2015•“Families® South West” heads a group of magazines. All franchised magazines in the group areindependently owned and operated under licence.There are nearly 40 UK local editions with a print runof more than 700,000 copies in all, in which you canadvertise too. Oh, and we have a very usefulwebsite… familiesonline.co.uk• MOVING? Families® magazines can be befranchised in new areas. Read initial franchiseinformation on the website or call us. • Printed by Ridgeway Press Ltd, Pewsey, Wiltshire.• Designed by Shirley Trimmer• We take every care preparing this magazine, but thepublishers and distributors cannot be held responsiblefor the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of thecontents nor for any consequence.• Paper used to print Families is from fully-managedsustainable sources — meaning trees which are felledare continuously replaced. Inks aresoya-based, which can be re-cycled.

06-09

23-25

16

Front cover photo, with thanks to:

ABI CAMPBELL photography

06-09 News & info• Local news

• Clubs and activities news

• School news

10-14 Education• Special Tutoring Feature

• Getting boys reading

16 Alternative Health• Reiki and Paediatric Osteopathy

17 Parental leave,

Shared Parental

leave, Paternity

leave

20-21 Spring Days Out,

in and out of

London

23-25 Half-term activities

27-34 What’s On• Theatre • Museums & Galleries

• Days out • Easter egg hunts &

events • Diary dates & events

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SouthWest

ContentsMay 2015

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1990-2015


Calling allvolunteersA leading disability charity is appealing forvolunteers at its pioneering gardening project inBattersea Park. National charity Thrive usesgardening and horticulture at the Herb Gardenand Old English Garden in Battersea Park astherapies to help people with a range ofdisabilities, offering safe places where people canmix socially, make friends and learn practicalskills. Now, Thrive is looking to recruitvolunteers to help in its new sales kiosk andoffice, selling plants and providing customerservice to visitors. They also need people tohelp with administration duties. If you areinterested in getting involved go towww.thrive.org.uk or call 020 7720 2212.

Young musicians sell out the HallMore than a thousand young musicians from Wandsworth performed at the Royal Festival Hall at theWandsworth Schools' Music Service concert. The seventh annual A Brighter Sound concert was a sell-out, and featured the most Wandsworth children in its history - 1120 young people performing inorchestras and choirs from the borough's primary and secondary schools. The audience was treatedto a wide selection of music, from Handel's Zadok the Priest to a Blues Brothers medley. ‘InWandsworth we are very proud of our Schools’ Music Service and I continue to be amazed by justhow much our students achieve,’ said cabinet member for children and schools, Cllr Kathy Tracey.‘We aim to inspire our young people, give them a lifelong love of music and, through concerts like this,share our vision with others.

PreschoolexpandsBattersea nursery The Babydropis building on the success of its 3-day a week preschool and willnow provide 5 mornings a week,while at the same time increasingits capacity. A unique concept inchildcare for children agedbetween 0 to 5, The Babydropoffers a varied curriculum and hasbecome a firm favourite in thearea as a stepping stone forchildren before going to nursery.Their much-loved crèche will still be available in the afternoons too, allowing parents to leave theirchildren for short periods of time on a flexible basis to run that much needed errand, or treatthemselves to lunch! The Babydrop, 32b Webbs Road (corner of Kelmscotts Road) SW11 6SF, 0207738 0019 www.thebabydrop.co.uk

Junior scientistswantedPsychologists at Birkbeck at the Universityof London are looking to recruit 7-12 year-olds to help with research in how children'read' faces. The research includes engagingface-reading computer games, and sessionsrun for around 2½ hours. Birkbeck is incentral London, and the college will refundtravel expenses. Participating children willreceive a £10 book voucher and a JuniorScientist certificate featuring pictures oftheir own brain waves. To find out more oroffer your child's help during the schoolholidays, call 020 7079 0656 or seewww.bbk.ac.uk/psychology/understandingfaceperception/

Get set for the bestfestival yetThis year’s Wandsworth Fringe is set to be thebiggest and best yet with a jam-packed scheduleof more than 70 different events and workshops.Get set for pop-up performances, picnics, plays,cabaret, talks and tea parties as the thirdborough-wide festival takes place 1–17 May.‘Wandsworth Fringe is growing fast into a vibrantfestival of fringe arts worthy of attention acrossthe borough and beyond,’ said WandsworthFringe producer Cath Mattos. ‘This year we’vealmost doubled the number of acts taking part –from amateurs to professionals, indoors andoutdoors, covering all corners of the borough.’New venue hubs this year include The Bedfordpub, Balham and Four Thieves ballroom,Battersea. There is something for everyone!Find out more atwww.wandsworthartsfestival.com/2015

News

Work or volunteer at Trinity HospiceDo you want to work or volunteerlocally for a family friendly charitableorganisation that supports your careeras well as your childcarecommitments? The much loved TrinityHospice pride themselves in offering aflexible working environment as theyknow that you give your best whenyour job fits in with your lifestyle. Theyhave opportunities for paid staff andvolunteers at their Hospice in ClaphamSW4 or one of their 24 shops in southwest London.

Trinity provides expert end of life care,support, information and advice topatients and those close to them. Theyare the only specialist end of life careprovider for 750,000 people in our central and south west community which includes parts of Hammersmith & Fulham, Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster.

Whatever time you have to give, if you have the skillsand passion for working in an organisation that cares notonly about its patients but its staff too, please take alook at www.trinityhospice.org.uk/familiessw

SPOTLIGHT

on

Send us your schoolfairs, fetes, streetevents and sales for freeinclusion in our pages.Send to [email protected] by Joanna Parry

Inclusion in these pages is always FREE: send to [email protected]

Art for us!Don’t just leave the clubs to the kids - with allthe wonderful activities on offer for our children,it’s about time something came along for parentstoo. Taking place during term times, ArtHistorical London runs courses in art history inChelsea and Richmond for anyone who likesgoing to museums every now and then, but isn'talways quite sure what they are looking at.Courses are held in small, friendly groups, withinvited experts, plenty of handouts but nohomework! Check the website for details ofclasses and to register your interest – mentionFamilies Magazine and you can join a trial lessonat their Chelsea venue, Worlds End Studios, LotsRoad SW3. www.arthistoricallondon.com

May 2015 7®

WIN a family ticket to ChestertonsPolo in the Park at Hurlingham ParkSW6!Chestertons Polo in the Park is the three-day sporting spectacular that brings world-class polo right to the heart of London inJune and you could be there with your familyfor free!As well as being the exciting climax of thethree-day tournament, Finals Day of Polo inthe Park is specially geared up to provide funand entertainment for families, withcomplimentary face painting, balloonsculpting artists and interactive children’s activities on the field. In addition, the hugely popularchildren’s entertainers, Sharky & George will be there performing their must-see acts throughoutthe day. Chestertons Polo in the Park provides a complimentary Kids Club, which is a safe, enclosed, fullystaffed area filled with bouncy castles, inflatable play zones, a soft play centre, table football gamesand circus games.www.polointheparklondon.comTo enter, go to www.FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk/competitionsTerms and Conditions apply. The competition closes at 9am on 1st June 2015.

Get playing……at Little Learners. This new morning nurseryin Clapham offers structured play sessions forchildren aged 15-30 months, where your littleone can develop those essential pre school skillsin a safe, nurturing environment, while learningthe principles of sharing and taking turns. Eachsession is based on a weekly theme withemphasis placed on playing and interacting withpeers, helping children foster friendships andboosting confidence. Sessions run Monday-Friday 9.30am-12pm during term times, andfrom September they will be offering afternooncrèche sessions for children aged 3+. LittleLearners, St Michael’s Church, Cobham CloseSW11 6SP, www.claphamlearners.com

ART HISTORICAL LONDONMarten de Vos Seven, liberal arts

Academy expandsSouth London’s Aim High Dance Academy haslaunched their 5th Academy in the capital, this timein Streatham. Joining their four other branches, theStreatham site offers classes every Saturday forStreet Dance Beginners ages 3-7 at 2.15pm–3pm,Street Dance Intermediate ages 8-13 at 3-4pm andStreet Dance Advance ages 14-18 at 4-5pm. Theother sites, including Brockwell Lido and SouthNorwood Leisure Centre, continue to offer a widerange of street dance classes and workshops, plusballet, tap, modern, contemporary and freestyledance, as well as drop-in after school clubs, private lessons and birthday parties. Worth a look! AimHigh Dance Academy, Streatham Ice and Leisure Centre, 390 Streatham High Road, Streatham SW166HX, www.aimhighacademy.co.uk

Hands-on, brains-on scienceFollowing a hugelysuccessful first year, LittleHouse of Sciencecontinues to expand itsunique brand of 'hands-on,brains-on' science forchildren aged 3-8. In addition, Little Maths fortoddlers aged 2-3 and as well as 3-4 has been ahuge success for the little ones.Starting 20th April, new classes will be takingplace in Chiswick and Fulham along with moreclasses being added to the already-establishedlocations of Chelsea, Kensington, Notting Hilland Swiss Cottage. Especially exciting is the newpartnership with Eddie Catz who will kindly playhost to classes in Putney. Children will explore arange of new topics including Nutrition, Robotsand Stars through interactive discussions,practical demonstrations and numerousexperiments! Visitwww.littlehouseofscience.com or call 08000921062 for more information.

Clubs and Classes

Walk to SchoolWeek This year’s Walk To School Week (18-22May) promises to be the biggest and best yet!If you want safer streets, better communities,you need to get involved, the more of us whowalk, the safer our streets. • Health benefits: There are plenty of funways to get involved. Why not set up a Park& Stride area around your school, or hold aWalk to School event? You could team upwith neighbouring schools and organise awalking relay between schools, withrefreshment stops at each one. A treasurehunt is a fun way to add a bit of competitionon the walk to school, too. • Enjoy being outdoors: Make a point ofwalking via tree-lined streets or parks, enjoywatching the seasons, blooms on trees, hearbird song. It matters! • Money savings: Walking to school can saveyou as much as £400 a year!Walk To School Week is part of NationalWalking Month, which takes place throughoutMay. It also includes Walk to Work Week, sowe parents can’t escape either! www.livingstreets.org.uk


Maths whizWith the government’s ‘war oninnumeracy’ recently launched,check out the brand newSecret Scholar Times TablesMats with Secret Decoders toget your child up to speed ontheir times tables. The TimesTables in Order and TimesTables Random mats put thefun back into learning withsecret coded answers that canonly be read using the secretdecoder. The mats got thethumbs up from all the childrenwho tested them and parents and teachers love the idea too! Available www.zoobookoo.com, £5.99

New Products

The drama continues……as Stagecoach Wimbledon expands. Their new drama, dance andmovement Mini Stages sessions for 2-4 year olds are a fun and exciting wayfor you and your child toactively experience theperforming arts in acomfortable, relaxing andsafe environment. The45-minute classesencourage tiny ones inkey learning areasincluding literacy andnumeracy skills,communication and socialdevelopment, throughmovement, imagination,creativity and curiosity. They are followed by social time and refreshmentsfor all, so all that is required from you is to join in and have fun! Classes areheld at The Mansel Road Centre, Mansel Road, Wimbledon SW19 4AA onThursdays at 11.30am. www.stagecoach.co.uk/wimbledon

Run into spring Now the weather is warmingup, why not go for a run onWimbledon Common?Common Runners offer smallrunning classes that arefriendly and for all ages andabilities, from completebeginners to improvers.Classes are term time only,beginner classes on Mondaysat 9.30am and 10.30am, andTuesdays at 8pm; improverclasses on Tuesdays at9.30am and 7pm, andThursdays at 9.30am. Freetrial sessions are available and there is a free practice social run everyWednesday with all course bookings. For more information contactCaroline on 07810 486286 or email [email protected],www.commonrunners.co.uk

Clubs and Classes

Secret Scholar Times Tables Mats

Journey with the RainbowDolphins Written by Dr Tamara Justus andillustrated by Ally May, £10.45,from Amazon

Seeing that her daughter hadtrouble falling asleep at night,natural therapist Dr. Tamara Justusconducted a guided meditation tohelp her relax. After seeing herdaughter’s improvement, Dr. Justuswrote a children’s book toempower other children to releasetheir emotional pain and discoverthe joy they have inside.This book combines healing techniques to teach children to loveunconditionally, express their feelings, be confident and courageous andultimately understand their inner qualities.A truly magical little book that will bring the joy (back) in your child.

NEW rotating sink tidy thatreveals the hidden contents atthe touch of a button.

Finished to a high glossspecification to complimentstylish kitchens everywhere.

Launched nationally last month and designed by a mum!

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Star gymnastsThis spring brought great success for gymnasts atStreatham & Clapham High School, includingtriumphs at national level. The school’s Under11team took first place in the group routine at theGirls Independent Schools GymnasticsAssociationfinals, whiletheir Over14team wasplaced secondin the grouproutine and4th as overallteam. Amongthe 500competitors, 8year-old EmilyPrest, asevereasthmatic, wasawarded the 'Against all odds' plate, given inrecognition of the individual who hadstruggled/battled to compete in gymnastics.With success in the Under9 Surrey Schools andthen The Girls' Day School Trust rally at BromleyHigh School, the girls then went on to competeat national level in the British Schools MilanoTeam Trio finals, where the Under11 andUnder16 teams were placed first for the Londonregion. And they keep going, with morecompetitions this term. Good luck girls!Streatham & Clapham High School, 42Abbotswood Road SW16 1AW, 020 8677 8400www.schs.gdst.net

Granard is tops!Granard Primary School in Wandsworth has beenawarded a Pupil Achievement Award, as it is namedone of the top 5 schools on the National value-added progress measure for pupil progress fromKey Stage 1 to Key Stage 2. This is the thirdconsecutive year that Granard has received thisaward, as the school continues to go from strengthto strength. ‘We are very proud of everything weachieve at Granard,’ said headteacher Cheryl Grigg.‘I would like to take this opportunity to thank all theteachers and staff for all their continued hard workand dedication to our children and their families atGranard.’ Granard Primary School, Cortis Road, Putney SW15 6XA, 0208 788 3606www.granardprimary.co.uk

May 2015 9®

School Open Days Call to book your place now

Francis Holland School SW14-18 Girls Junior School 8/6, 8.45am, Senior School 18/6 and 24/6 8.45ambooking required 7730 2971fhs-sw1.org.ukOliver House School SW43-11 Co-Ed 4/6, 810am-12pm 8772 1911 oliverhouse.org.ukQueen’s Gate W74-18 Girls Senior School 13/5 and 23/6, 9.30-11am book online 7589 3587queensgate.org.ukWhite House Prep School SW12 4-11 Co-Ed 9/5 9.30-11.30am 8674 9514 whitehouseschool.comIbstock Place School SW153-18 Co-Ed Prep 10/6 9.30am, Senior School 6/5 5-7pm booking required 8876 9991ibstockplaceschool.co.ukPutney High School SW15 4-18 Girls Sixth Form Open Events 3/6 and 4/6 booking required 8788 4886 putneyhigh.gdst.netThe Roche School SW18 2.5-11 Co-Ed 7/5 and 17/6 9.30-11am 8877 0823 therocheschool.co.ukThe Study Prep School SW194-11 Girls Tours 5/5, 12/5, 2/6, 16/6,23/6 and 30/6 booking required 9.20am and 10.30am 8947 6969 thestudyprep.co.ukThe Lady Eleanor Holles School TW12 7-18 Girls Junior School 6/5, 20/5 and 24/6, SeniorSchool 14/5 booking required 8979 1601 lehs.org.uk

Ravenscourt Park Prep W6 4-11 Co-Ed 10/6 9.30am booking required 8846 9153 rpps.co.ukVirgo Prep School SE1911-19 Girls 17/6 9.30am-3pm 8653 2169 vfps.orgRosemead Prep SE21 3-11 Co-Ed 5/5, 12/5, 19/5, 9/6, 18/6, 29/6 9.30-11am booking required 8670 5865 rosemeadprepschool.org.ukSydenham Junior School SE22 4-11 Girls 6/5 9.30-11am booking not necessary 8557 7000sydenhamhighschool.gdst.netSydenham High School SE2211-18 Girls 7/5 9.30-11am, 24/6 6.30-8pm booking not necessary 8557 7000sydenhamhighschool.gdst.netCity of London School for Girls EC2 7-18 Girls Prep 24/6 4-6pm, Senior School 2/7 4-6pm, Sixth Form entry 18/6 3-6.30pm booking required 7847 5500 clsg.org.ukCity of London School EC4V 10-18 Boys 18/6 and 25/6 2.30-4.15pm booking required 7489 0291clsb.org.ukBroomwood Hall Lower School SW16 Pre-prep 4-8 years Co-Ed 14/5 9-10.30amBroomwood Hall Upper School SW128-13 Girls 16/5 9-11amNorthcote Lodge SW11 8-13 Boys 16/5 10am-12 [email protected]

Raising theroofPutney High Junior SchoolChoir took the Royal FestivalHall by storm when theyperformed at Barnardo’sNational ChoralCompetition. Across theevening, 26 choirs sang theirhearts out for the winningjunior and senior choir crowns and raised £35K for Barnardo’s work with vulnerable children acrossthe UK. Putney High Junior School competed against 19 other under-12s choirs from across thecountry, singing One Fine Day by Mary Donnelly. ‘I would like to thank all the choirs for the hours ofextra work they have put in and for their enthusiasm,’ said Jen Privett, UK Events Manager atBarnardo’s. ‘The money they have helped raise will go on to make a real difference to the lives ofvulnerable children.’ Putney High School, 35 Putney Hill SW15 6BH

Putney High Junior School

Broomwood’sbudding artistChildren at Broomwood Hall Lower Schoolwere invited to design their perfect home bytheir local Hamptons estate agency, as part of acompetition in conjunction with 20th CenturyFox. All of the entries were displayed in thewindow of the Hamptons branch with localresidents voting for their favourite, and PoppyWolf in Year 2 was delighted to be announced asthe winner. Poppy’s design will be forwarded onto a national competition and we wish her all thebest! Broomwood Hall, 68-74 Nightingale LaneSW12 8NR. 020 8682 8830www.broomwood.co.uk

School News


My big sister warned me. Shesaid that the year my eldestenters Year 5 is the moststressful for any parent. Ithought ‘the sleepless nightsare over and she can fasten herown car seat - how hard couldYear 5 possibly be?’

And then the mothers started talking schools.It is around this time every year that manyparents face the same dilemma; what school dowe want our child go to next year and, perhaps,what can we do to facilitate this? Some are luckyenough to have good, local, community schools.But if the anxiety in the playground is anything togo by I am not alone in finding myself less thanhalf a mile from our local school, but not withinits catchment. Those outside the catchment haveonly one way in; the Wandsworth test. Otherparents are faced with 11+ exams, exams forprivate schools. What should we do?

My thinking has long been that my child is bright -she will do well wherever she goes - and, just asimportant for me, I don’t like this test-basedsystem so I shouldn’t participate in it. It dividesmy local community, disadvantages some childrenover others and results in hideous house-pricedistortions. Houses within the catchment canrent for up to 4 times the usual monthly rent inthe run-up to the application deadline.

But for me there was a third way. Whilst Istruggle to justify the idea of getting a stranger toprovide my daughter with a little extra support, Idid feel that if she needed a bit of exam practicejust to allow her to fulfil her potential, I should beable to provide this. So, no private tuition for mydaughter, but yes to a bit of parent-assisted helpat home.

But now the exam practice has started at home, Ifeel less sure.

Charlotte, a local mum and primary schoolteacher of 20 years, who offers private tuition inverbal and non-verbal tests (the basis of theWandsworth test and the 11+), illustrates why Iam now faltering. “Teaching your child in a one-to-one situation at home can be very dry and the childoften struggles with discipline. In small groups, thedynamic is more vibrant, the children learn fromeach other and discipline is not an issue”. But, discipline and the lessons’ “vibrancy” apart, I

would need other reasons why I should pay fees,of usually around £30, to a stranger, to teach mydaughter what I could teach her anyway.

Charlotte answers this too. “After 15 years ofpreparing children for the Test, I can alert them tothe tricks the examiners play and the traps they lay,providing them with strategies for avoiding wronganswers. If you come to it for the first time, with allthe will in the world, it’s a minefield”.

Typically, Charlotte says, her students achievearound 20-30% in their tests when they arrive.By the time they have finished their 6-monthcourse, they are achieving 80%+. Charlotte’sstudents work with her for one hour per week,in groups no larger than 4.

However, according to one local primary schoolHead “obviously these tests unfairly disadvantagethose who cannot pay for private tuition. Butperhaps what parents don’t realise is that thesetests can also disadvantage those children who get ahigh score. If a child does well in the test thanks totuition, then it is an artificial result which can meanchildren end up being placed in a school that reallydoesn’t suit their skills and talents”.

One local mum, Sarah, who went for the thirdway and tutored her eldest child for his 11+herself thinks the third way is the best way.There were several children in her son’s classwho had private tuition but, unlike Sarah’s son,none of them passed . “You cannot expect any

teacher, especially those teaching groups ofstudents, to be able to drill down into exactly whatyour child needs to work on in the way a parent can.Plus one hour a week doesn’t work - 15 minutes aday is far more beneficial, ideally before breakfasteach morning and no teacher can provide that”. Not all boroughs require children to sit a test, buteven in those boroughs, like Merton, where notest is set, parents often chose to put theirchildren forward for the Wandsworth test, togive them a chance of securing one of theborough’s selective places. For those withinWandsworth, getting a good score in the test willalso put your child in a higher band, so anywaiting list they end up on will be shorter. Theirtest result may also be used to decide how yourchild should be streamed.

Useful links:•www.wandsworth.gov.uk/info/

200086/schools_and_colleges/1820/year_6_test•www.richmond.gov.uk/secondary_admission.pdf•www.lambeth.gov.uk/schools-and-education•www.merton.gov.uk/learning/

schools/changingschool/admissions.htm•www.lbhf.gov.uk/Directory/Education_and_

Learning/Schools_and_Colleges/School_admissions/65018_Secondary_school_admissions.asp

•www.westminster.gov.uk/school-admissions-2014-2015

•www.daftlogic.com/projects-google-maps-distance-calculator.htm

Education

Schools admissions – to tutoror not to tutor? Or is there a third way?By Candida Jones

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We acceptChildcareVouchers

OfstedRegistered

Education


Education

Does your child need a tutor?When is tutoring really beneficial? Undoubtedly many children struggleto understand everything at school, and hard-pressed teachers don’t alwayshave the resources to ensure every child is learning at the same pace. Inthese cases tutoring can be a real help, allowing students to develop a morein-depth understanding of topics and increase their self-belief. In preparationfor Common Entrance Exams, for example, regular sessions covering themain disciplines of English, Maths, Verbal and non-Verbal Reasoningencourage students to develop much more familiarity with the subjects andthe exam format.

How do you find the right tutor? As well asbeing highly qualified and experienced, it is essentialto find a tutor who is personally and academicallycompatible with your child’s needs. A trustedtutoring Agency will find the best match and ensurethat all appropriate checks have been made on yourbehalf covering references, qualifications andimportantly DBS checks; a tailored plan with clearlydefined goals will then be agreed. For longer-termarrangements, it is best practice to discuss tutoringwith the school to see how learning can besupported beyond the classroom; a dialogue between the subject teacherand tutor will yield excellent outcomes for your child.

Whichever programme you choose, it is important to do someresearch so you are confident in the service provided by yourtutoring agency.

•Contact Serab Amro, Head of Tutoring Services at Gabbitas EducationalConsultants, established 1873. [email protected] 020 7734 0161

The four ingredients thatimprove examination successAll over the UK, primary and secondary school students watch with varyingdegrees of anticipation or despair as exams loom over the horizon. Whetherit's SATS, secondary school entrance exams or GCSEs that your son ordaughter is approaching, Franchisee Lauren Weatherley, ofNumberWorks’nWords Battersea has advice on how to reduce stress andensure the most effective approach to examination study. •Designate a good place to study. Make sure it’s available wheneverrequired; if the space is shared then reserve it when required according to astudy plan. The desk or table should be large enough to hold everythingneeded. A comfortable, upright chair is also a must. Eliminate interruptions:no telephone or mobile phone. •The second essential ingredient is motivation. If your child is notnaturally self-motivated, use the following steps to increase motivationlevels. Get your child to answer the question: “Why do I need to study?What’s my objective? Short term, such as getting into a good school orcollege course? Social: to keep up with peers? Long term: achieving a careergoal?” All children are different, but most see the benefits of achieving wellin their exams. Once motivation is sparked, it can be maintained by putting astudy plan in place to ensure that the student studies a pre-determinedamount at pre-set times.•The third ingredient is method. Depending on the subjects involved,there are a number of excellent study methods. A simple one for manysubjects is the pyramid study method. Students identify the content theyneed to learn and, on a flash card, write down key sentences fromparagraphs in their notes. On the reverse side of the card, they note the keyword or phrase. Once all cards are completed and re-read, they can beused for self-testing or a helper can test the student.

Finally, if your child is anxious about the upcoming exams, now is the time togive NumberWorks’nWords a call. Their centres offer specialist, individualmaths tuition and English tuition to school-aged students, carried out by fullytrained and vetted tutors. They’ll tailor a unique exam study program to suiteach student and his or her goals, and even coach exam technique.NumberWorks’nWords even promises to make it “so much fun it doesn’t feellike learning”! •For a free assessment call Lauren on 020 7223 1882www.numberworksnwords.com

Tutoring costs: what are youpaying for? Tutors vary massively in price; in theory, the more expensive a tutor, themore in demand, the more experienced and the more successful in workingwith children and young people, the better the track record in supportingtheir students in every way, and in gaining offers from top schools. Theymay also be skilled in specific demanding areas, such as tutoring childrenwith additional needs/special needs, those with serious disabilities and/orholistic learning.

However, this does not always hold true, and some agencies will charge ahigher fee, as a select high-end agency. Equally, there will be some lessprofessionally organised tutors out there who charge relatively smallamounts, but can deliver extraordinary results.

Cost effectiveness is difficult to quantify, as expensive tuition can gain anunlikely student a coveted place at an excellent school, which can then leadon to top universities and high earning careers. Certain schools will provideopportunities for social contact that will enhance their later lives and work.The higher the confidence and self esteem of a student the more likely theyare to achieve greater things later in life—but not necessarily.

Paid-for tuition may raise a child's educational level to a scholarship orbursary offer- Tuesday Tutors have managed to obtain these for a number oftheir students. However, there is never any guarantee that extra tuition willprovide scholarships, bursaries or offers from competitive entry schools.

It is better to see tuition as worthwhile in itself, for the increase inknowledge, skills and self-confidence that it engenders, and with luck,wisdom. The effect of this in later life is incalculable: the hope is it alsoleads to happiness and joy.

•Contact Ms Jane Vuglar, Tuesday Tutors on 020 7735 8268.www.tuesdaytutors.com

TUTORING

May 2015 13®

Education

TuesdayTutors

• We coach children for state andindependent school and entry tests:VR, NVR, English, Maths and interviewpreparation.

• We are also happy to offer Maths andEnglish support for children in school,and Home Education.

• NEW- a dedicated Maths tutor up to A Level available for home-visits in central London

Tuesday Tutors has placed many children intop state and private schools. It is advisable

to contact us early, as high demand maymean that your child will be placed

on our waiting list.

Experienced tutors welcome

Tel: 020 7735 8268 07906 312541 [email protected]

tuesdaytutors.com

www.firstclasslearning.co.uk

Children Learning to Succeed

Vicky Barnett BA, MSc, PGCE020 8876 2553

11+ Preparation

Maths, English,

Even bright children need tutoringnowadaysCompetition for good senior school places is now greater than ever. The 11+ exam itself is becomingincreasingly tougher year by year. The rush for tutors has been exacerbated by the fact that some ofthe country’s most prestigious schools have changed their entrance criteria and exam requirements.Many senior school entrance exams are now over a two-stage process, with the first exams takingplace much earlier in the year. This means children have to be fully prepared 4-5 months earlier thanpreviously (preferably by the end of July in Year 5). If a child is not tutored, they stand little chance ofgetting into the top grammar and private schools. Even the naturally bright children will need the righttuition to achieve places into the top schools.

With children now needing to be prepared much earlier, tutoring organisations are having to adjusttheir courses by increasing the number of teaching hours and /or the number of lessons. For instance,11+ specialists, Mrs Jones Education, have introduced a separate once monthly Mock Exam Coursefor their pupils in addition to their weekly teaching course. They introduced this last year and it provedinvaluable in helping the children’s confidence and exam technique (an absolute requirement for the11+). Parents can either choose to do the combined weekly tuition and monthly mock exam course,or, if their child is already receiving weekly tuition elsewhere, they can opt for the Mock Exam Courseonly. This also means they can offer a more affordable option to parents on lower incomes. TheirMock Exam Course is unique in that they provide an element of teaching as well as timed exampractice.

You should always check that your child’s tutor is a qualified graduate teacher, with substantialexperience of the 11 Plus exam requirements and process (including scholarships and bursaries). Agood tutor should have an excellent knowledge of the grammar and private schools throughout theirarea – they should be able to recommend appropriate senior schools depending on your child’s ability,personality and interests. Be realistic and do not push your child beyond their capabilities – find aschool which suits them, not one which suits you! Remember your child will potentially be spendingthe next seven years of their lives at their new senior school, so make sure it is the right choice.

•Contact Mrs Jones Education www.11plustuition.co.uk www.11plusmockexam.co.uk 020 8390 6076.

Making science funLittle House of Science is an after schoolscience cluboffering fun andinspiring classes andtutoring in Putney(classes at EddieCatz), Chelsea,Chiswick,Kensington, andFulham. Althoughtutoring is a smallbut growing part of their offerings, the responseto the science club has been tremendous andchildren have found it to be one of their mostloved activities. Little House of Science has takenon hundreds of pupils aged 3 to 11 every term -with the majority of kids continuing each term.Each week, their science club covers a new topicfilled with risk free experiments. Their teachers,all of whom are scientists, or teachers with ascience background, ensure pupils have anexciting, fun environment to let their creativityand knowledge be nurtured.

Little House of Science couldn’t have beenconceptualised at a better time with theshortage of Scientists and STEM relatedgraduates. We should be nurturing the nextgeneration to take up Science and to becomegreat future scientists. The introduction toscience and building confidence in science isoften being left too late. This is where LittleHouse of Science will hopefully make acontribution.

•Contact Veronika Covington, Co-founder LittleHouse of Science on 0800 092 1062www.littlehouseofscience.com

TeachingFrench toFrenchspeakingchildrenLe French Programme has provided lessons toFrench speaking children at Parsons Green PrepSchool (formerly Eridge House) for 14 years.They have adapted the Education Nationale’scurriculum for French children within the Englishsystem, helping children to acquire essentialbasics of the French language like spelling,grammar and conjugation.

Communication with parents and schoolsworldwide is essential to the FrenchProgramme’s team; they truly believe that theinteraction between parents, children and schoolis key to learning French under the bestconditions. From September 2015, the FrenchProgramme will be open to all French speakingchildren (Reception-Year 5) attending an Englishschool.

Lessons will be held at Parsons Green PrepSchool, on Saturday mornings from 10 am to 12pm. The first hour will be dedicated toacademic lessons following the Frenchcurriculum. During the second hour, the teacherwill encourage children to speak in order todevelop their vocabulary through variousactivities such as stories, cooking, art and crafts.

•For more information, please visitwww.lefrenchprogramme.co.uk [email protected]

feature

Warm loving environmentfor 2+ to 5 year oldsMontessori-qualified staffInternational atmosphereLight and airy premisesPrivate sunny patio

Fulham /Hammersmith border

Please ring—

020 7381 3511020 7736 8729

Morning sessionsplus Tuesdays 1-3pm

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What makes Jaderberg Kraistutoring different? This is what they have told us: “We are passionate about learning. Ouragency is run by two experienced, senior teachers who will be there foryou 24/7 with advice, support and tutors ready to teach your child and getthe results they deserve.

We want your child to succeed. We will always tell you the truth aboutyour child and create a bespoke package around their needs. All childrenare different and no one job is the same.

We will assess your children and guide them in the right direction. Ourassessments will not only tell you the academic level your child is workingat but how they compare against others nationally and also if they arereaching their full potential. Based on this we can then support them withthe 11+ exams and signpost them to the right secondary schools wherethey will be happy and reach their full potential. We meet with many of the local head teachers and know the type of child they are looking for intheir schools.

Your child is our priority.

Jaderberg Krais is about excellence and your child deserves the best. Ourbusiness is built on recommendation and repeat custom. We know howimportant these school years are, both academically and emotionally, andwe are there to support the whole family. “Jaderberg Krais offer educational advice, assessments and tutoring for allchildren, including the 11+. What makes us unique is our bespoke service.

•If you would like more information contact Lorrae Jaderberg and KatieKrais on: 020 3488 0754 at www.jaderbergkrais.co.uk

Victoria PageVictoria has been a private tutor since 1983, an amazing wealth ofexperience! Victoria offers one to one tutoring for 3-11yrs, includingremedial reading. She teaches children in her home in Fulham. She teaches students coming from abroad too.

•www.victoriapage.net 07050 246810

Fleet Tutors Fleet Tutors has helped over 100,000 students across London, the UK andinternationally, achieve the results they need in entrance exams, publicexams or catching up with their peers. They have a great network of tutorsand education experts who instil confidence and fast-track educationalattainment by tailoring their teaching to the needs of your child. Theirteams of tutors are experienced professionals who have all screened andvetted by their recruitment team.

•020 8580 3911 www.fleet-tutors.co.uk

Education TUTORING feature

Explore Learning tutors are topsPopular children’s tuition providerExplore Learning has been namedas one of the top companies in theUK to work for in the prestigiousSunday Times 100 Best Companieslist. With over one hundredcentres across the country teachingEnglish and maths to 5 to 14 yearolds, the company was touted asthe best company for personalgrowth in the mid-sized sector, aswell as 4th best overall. ExploreLearning tailors sessions to eachchild’s needs, with tutors workingin a low ratio (no more than 1:6),ensuring the right balance betweenindividual support and independentlearning. •For more information about theirtuition services visitwww.explorelearning.co.uk

May 2015 15®


Paediatric Osteopathyfor twinsQ: What was the condition treated? A: I was asked to look after two three month oldtwins. The parents were concerned that thechildren were not achieving appropriatemilestones in their development. The baby girlhad Plagoicephaly and Congenital Torticollis andthe little boy had Brachycephaly.

Plagiocephaly and Brachycephaly are commonlyknown as two different types of Flat HeadSyndromes or Head Mis–shaping found in littlechildren. Congenital Torticollis commonlyaccompanies Plagiocephaly and is a shortening ofa neck muscle called sterno-cleido mastoid; thechild exhibits a resultant tilt or listing of her head.

In my experience, children who present like thiswill sometimes develop an altered ‘sense ofcentre’, ‘midline’, or even ‘centre of gravity’.Developmental milestones can be influencedunfavourably by this shift in ‘midline’.

Q: What therapy was used? A: •Paediatric Osteopathy helped enormously

over ten weeks. •In week 1, there were several short

treatments.•Treatment became fortnightly when tailored

parental advice and proactive but gentlePaediatric Osteopathy showed results.

•At week 10 the parents were very happy.

Q: Patient feedbackA: I wish to respect patient anonymity.

The children’s parents are happy for me toreport that both babies had developed amuch better sense of centre. An incidentalobservation was that both children hadaesthetically beautiful heads and necks, withgreat body posture for a baby. Milestones hadbeen reached and the children have remainedhealthy. This is one example of many similarsuch patients who visit my practice at theimposing Royal Victoria Patriotic Building,Wandsworth.

•Contact Naval Mair Osteopathy & Wellbeing.Naval Mair DO, BSc(Hons) Ost.Med., Dip.Paed.OstConsultant Paediatric Osteopath. In practice inWandsworth for 24 years.020 8812 3733 [email protected]

Alternative Health

Osteopathy and Reiki benefits

Disclaimer : While, in the best of our knowledge, the therapists are bona fide, experiencedand qualified, it is your responsibility to check their references and qualifications.

To feature in this column write to [email protected]

Reiki for anxiety and concentrationQ: What was the condition treated? A: A ‘Special Needs’ teacher recommended me to the mother of one of herpupils who has been suffering from anxiety and concentration issues. He is 8years old and has been finding the transition from changing schools verydifficult and stressful. Reiki is extremely good for these types of problemsbecause it balances out the energy fields in both mind and body.

Q: What therapy was used? A: I use Reiki, which is an ancient Japanese method of healing; it works ondifferent levels such as physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. The benefitsare stress reduction and relaxation, triggering the body’s natural healingabilities (the immune system). This mental balance also enhances learning,memory and mental clarity. He has been coming to me once a week nowfor a month, and will continue to do so until he no longer feels the need.The session lasts for about 30 minutes and he loves it!

Q: Patient feedbackA: The parents of this little boy wish to remain anonymous and have askedme to report on their son’s behalf. After just one session, the boy’s teacherat school noticed a difference in his behaviour. Hewas much calmer, more focused and less anxious. Inthe words of the little boy when asked about hisReiki session, “It makes me feel much calmer andless stressed”.

Contact Georgiana Monckton, Reiki 1, 2, 3. Practised for 15 years. 07831 346 [email protected]

Pascale Gravell reports: Over the 23 years of bringing up my five children, I can say Ihave come across many childhood ailments. I have often relied on alternative healththerapists for help curing anything from recurrent nightmares, dealing with dyslexia, hightemperatures, tonsillitis, ingrained verrucas, cough and colds, ear infections to full onmastitis (with the twins, yep, cleared with homeopathy). Results were fast and lasting. Ifound the more we used alternative health therapies the stronger our immune system got.Our GP is very good but we hardly ever needed to see her. I have seen my friend’schildren’s asthma get dramatically better, babies who were crying non stop, sleeppeacefully thereafter following a treatment. Alternative health therapists come in allshapes and sizes, it can he hard to know to which one to turn to. We hope this selectionof real case studies will inspire you.

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Maternity Leave and Paternity Leave:• Maternity Leave will still be up to 52 weeks.

Mums can go back early by giving 8 weeks’notice. They may be entitled to up to 39weeks of Statutory Maternity Pay orMaternity Allowance, which can be ‘curtailed’if they want to create a pot of paid SharedParental Leave (SPL).

• Paternity Leave will still be 1 or 2 weeksshortly after the baby is born. Only dads andpartners who meet the conditions can getPaternity Leave and Pay – they must haveworked for the same employer throughoutthe pregnancy and earn at least £111 a week(£112 from 5 April 2015). This means self-employed people don’t usually qualify.

• Additional Paternity Leave, which some dadsand partners could take if mum goes back towork early, may still be taken where a baby isdue before 5 April 2015.

Parental Leave:• Each parent also has the right to up to 18

weeks of unpaid Parental Leave, per child, tobe taken before the child is 18 (again, thisapplies only from 5 April 2015, for childrenunder 18 from then onwards). The parentmust have worked for at least a year for thesame employer. Before 5 April 2015, the agelimit for Parental Leave to be taken is 5,except for children on Disability LivingAllowance or Personal IndependencePayment where it is 18.

Shared Parental Leave:Shared Parental Leave is a new right, whichapplies to parents of babies due on or after 5April 2015. This allows parents to have a pot ofup to 50 weeks of Shared Parental Leavebetween them, 37 weeks of which can be paid.Both parents have to meet conditions aboutemployment and earnings, and Maternity Leave,Statutory Maternity Pay or Maternity Allowancehave to finish early (notice to do this can be givenin advance).

Self-employed dads and partners, or those whostart new jobs during a pregnancy, still won’tqualify for any form of paid time off, but mightenable a mum to take some Shared ParentalLeave.

Mums and dads/partners can take leave at thesame time under the new system, because mumcan be on Maternity Leave whilst dad is onshared Parental Leave.

There won’t be any more paid time off thanthere is now, so there will be a maximum of 37weeks of Statutory Shared Parental Pay whichcould be taken by a dad or partner where awoman getting Statutory Maternity Pay orMaternity Allowance chooses to stop thosepayments. You have to meet the same conditionsas currently though, so self-employed dads andpartners will, generally, still lose out.

Parental Leave,

Shared Parental Leave,Paternity Leave...

confused? Read on…With Shared Parental Leave, another differenceis that you can stop and start your leave – so amum could go back to work, and then returnto her time off looking after her baby. This maybe useful for some families (but it will only bepossible where there is a partner who meetsthe conditions).

Need more advice?If you are a parent or expectant parent andwant more advice about the new rights, pleasecontact the Working Families’ free legalhelpline team on 0300 012 0312, or emailthem at [email protected]’s more information about SharedParental Leave, Parental Leave and PaternityLeave on the charity’swebsitewww.workingfamilies.org.uk

Working Families is the UK’s leading work-lifebalance organisation. The charity supports andgives a voice to working parents and carers,whilst also helping employers create workplaceswhich encourage work-life balance for everyoneThe free legal advice service for working parentsis available on 0300 012 0312 or [email protected] helpline is supported by the Big Lottery Fund.

We asked the Working Families’ helpline team to explain:

For babies born after 5 April 2015, a big shake up in parental rights has given parents lotsmore options. But exactly what has changed, and what is staying the same?


Private scans available on Clapham High Street for:

•antenatal •infertility•gynaecological ultrasound

Prices start from £120 per scanClapham SPMS Tel: 020 3049 6611

'Meet your baby before your baby meets you'

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Spring Days out, in and out of London

Get out more: It’s good for your soul,it’s good for your body

New statistics released by Sustrans reveal the magnitude of the inactivity epidemic, with nearlyhalf of parents in London saying that their child does as little as 40 minutes or less exercise in atypical weekday. The government recommends that children and teenagers undertake a minimum of60 minutes of exercise a day.

The survey, carried out by YouGov, asked parents of 5-16 year olds about the amount of exercise their child gets during the school week andwhat their main concerns would be if their child was not getting enough exercise. Of the parents surveyed, 32 per cent said that they werechiefly concerned about their child putting on excess weight, as a result of being physically inactive.Here are a few tempting outdoorsy ideas:

London, The Weekends Start Here: Fifty-two

Weekends of Things to See and DoBy Tom JonesTom’s book will get you off our couches, you will discover 52 themedweekends, organised by season, with quirky entries for unusual andsurprising attractions. There is no best time of the year to be in London,but as we step blinkinginto the light of a warmLondon morning after thelong dark winter nights, itcertainly feels like thisnew season is the best.Parks suddenly burst intocolour, grass becomes safefor sitting and eveningstrolls can be conductednot only in daylight, butwithout the need for acoat or hat. Best of all, theseason for outdoor eventsis upon us and there isplenty to see and do.

Enjoy the cherry blossom in Regent's Park –

April & MayIn April & May, London's streets and gardens come alive with the pinks andwhites of cherry blossom, and Regent's Park is an exceptional place to takein this riot of colour. Queen Mary’s Garden, within the park's inner ring,is home to Japanese Yoshino Cherry Trees, also known as the Tokyo cherry,which was brought to Europe around 1902. Other types of blossoms can beseen in the park on Chester Road and in Avenue Gardens.www.royalparks.org.ukGo foraging in Bostall Heath & WoodsComprising nearly 400 acres of woodland and heath in the London Boroughof Greenwich, Bostall Woods is fresh with new green leaves in spring, andbefore the leaf cover shades the woodland floor rich pickings can be foundby the urban forager. Much of the woodland here is ancient, once part ofthe Manor of Plumstead, and the woods are connected to Lesnes AbbeyWoods, once the foraging grounds of the Abbey's monks. Nearby Turpin'scave was reputed to have been a haunt of highwayman Dick Turpin.Camp out in Abbey WoodFew imagine it is possible to camp out in London, let alone in a woodlandsetting surrounded by nature, but the Caravan’s Club’s site at AbbeyWood in south-east London is open to all. Boasting 210 pitches, with fiftyset aside for tents, the site has all modern conveniences such as hotshowers. www.caravanclub.co.uk

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What to do in London this spring

May 2015 21®

Throughout

South West London

07801 [email protected]

16 months - 5 years

Mummy & Me Ballet,Baby Ballet,

Tiny Tap,Mini Movers Hip Hop,Didi Drama & Singing

Indoor climbing for the whole familyGo along to Urban Ascent this spring for someindoor climbing madness for all the family.Children from age 5 can learn how to climb like apro from one of their fully qualified instructors orthe whole family can climb together bycompleting one of their family taster sessions.Sessions run every weekend and they areguaranteed to be a fun healthy activity for all thefamily to enjoy. Give them a call on 020 77510913 to chat to one of their friendly spare staff orvisit www.urbanascent.co.ukGo Ape adventure course

opens this monthFamilies will soon be scaling the treetops as workcontinues on Battersea Park’s exciting newfamily-friendly treetop adventure course. Go Ape, the multi-award winning forestadventure company with 28 sites across the

country, has nearly finished its first ‘City ParkAdventure’ in the park, suitable for anyone aged6 and over. Incorporating some of the park’staller trees, the tree top obstacle course looksset to thrill and challenge. It is the first of its kindin central London and is due to open this May, soget out there and get climbing!www.goape.co.uk/battersea-parkTooting Field DaysJoin local safaris based in and around Tooting; achance to get outside and play, walk, chat andmake something. FanSHEN is an award winningWandsworth-based theatre company specializingin outdoor performances and workshops forfamilies. Sunday 17th May: Decorate your ownwater bottle, then join an audio walk, followedup optional swim/paddle in Totting Bec Lido,ending with games and samosas on TootingCommon. Tooting Field Days run April toSeptember, check out fanshen.org.uk

Days Out awayfrom LondonAlice Holt ForestBucks Horn Oak, Farnham GU10 4LSwww.forestry.gov.uk/aliceholt26 May. Magic Forest in a Box. Create your ownlittle forest that continues to grow at home. Age 6+,10.30am-12pm, £6 per child30 May. Forest Survival Day. Do you knowanything about surviving in the woods? Learn theskills like Ray Mears and Bear Grylls. Join Nigel forsome serious fun. For ages 8+, bring your ownpacked lunch and an adult, booking essential, 10am-3pm, £15 per childClandon ParkWest Clandon, Guildford GU4 7RQwww.nationaltrust.org.uk/clandon-park25-31 May. 50 Things Quest. Solve the clues andfollow the trail. 11am-4pm, admission + £2Kent & East Sussex Railway Tenterden Town Station, Tenterden TN30 6HEwww.kesr.org.uk23-25 May. Bank Holiday Steam Up. Four ormore locomotives will be in action running anintensive service to mark the 25th anniversary of there-opening of Northiam Station. Trains will also runover the little-used section beyond Bodiam toJunction RoadLeeds CastleMaidstone ME17 1PLwww.leeds-castle.com26-31 May. Knights Challenge for Children.Budding knights practise battle tactics whilewannabee princesses learn courtly dancing. Smalladditional charges applyWinkworth ArboretumHascombe Road, Godalming GU8 4ADwww.nationaltrust.org.uk/winkworth-arboretum23-31 May. Children’s Half Term Trail. Enjoy theoutdoors and have fun with their children’s trail thishalf term. 10am-4pm, admission plus 50p for trail27 May. Outdoor Adventure Session for kidsand mums. Enjoy a bug hunt, tree and bird spottingand looking at the difference in the seasons. Eachsession ends with a craft activity using naturalmaterials found on your walk. For under 5s with anadult, book on 01483 208 936. 1.30-2.30pm,admission + child £5, accompanying adults free

More ideas and things to do this spring

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From the book Learning with Nature, published by Green Books. £17.99. 30% discount with voucher code FAMILIES2015


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Send your email address to [email protected] withFREE SUB in subject. We promise we will never, ever, give it to

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May 2015 23®

Compiled by Joanna Parry

We took every care in preparingthese entries but sometimes eventsare cancelled or times changed.Please double check event with theorganiser to avoid disappointment.

ARTS &CRAFTBank of EnglandMuseumBartholomew Lane EC2R 8AH020 7601 4878www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum26-29 May. Magical MosaicsLearn about the colourful mosaicsthat decorate the ground floor ofthe Bank. Join a creative workshopand make your own mosaic to takehome, with designs inspired by theanimals and plants featured in theMuseum’s Flora and Faunaexhibition. 10am–4.30pm

Eddie Catz Putneyand Wimbledon• First Floor, 68-70 Putney High

Street SW15 1SF• 42 Station Road SW19 2LP0203 4755268 eddiecatz.com25-29 May. Half Term WorkshopsDrop off workshops for 4-7 yearolds including ball games withPlayball, scientific fun with LittleHouse of Science, plus FrozenDance Workshops and Lego UrbanPlanning and Vehicle BuildingWorkshops with Mini Engineers

Fulham PalaceBishop’s Avenue SW6 6EA020 7736 3233www.fulhampalace.org23-29 May. Half Term Workshops23 May. Young Archaeologists’Club. If you want to learn aboutarchaeology but don't know whereto start, the Fulham Palace YAC isthe place for you. During thissession examine, measure andrecord finds from the foreshore justlike a professional archaeologist.Ages 8-16, £15, booking essential,10.30am-12.15pm25 May. Young Archaeologists’Club Drop-in. Are you interestedin archaeology? Join theirenthusiastic archaeologist volunteerson the main lawn for this hands-onsession. Ages 8-16, free, no bookingnecessary, 1pm-4pm 27 May. Fulham Palace Fun Day.A day of family fun including crafts,drama and dressing up. WithHammersmith and Fulham AdultLearning and Skills Service. Free, nobooking necessary, 10am-12pm and1pm-3pm29 May. Half-Term ArchaeologyWorkshop: Who was here before?Find out all about our prehistoricancestors and how they lived on thesite of Fulham Palace. Examinearchaeological finds, handleartefacts, try on costumes and getmessy with art and crafts. Aged 8-12, £15 per child, booking essential,10am-4pm

Geffrye Museum136 Kingsland Road E2 8EA020 7739 9893www.geffrye-museum.org.uk26-29 May. Half Term ActivitiesGive Me Shelter - exploredifferent types of shelters from thepast and present day, includinggarden homes in celebration of theChelsea Fringe festival. Age 5-16,10.30am-12.30pm and 2-4pmSafe Shelters – Nursery RhymeTime - discover different types ofhomes through stories, songs andcraft activities. Age 2-5, 10.30-11.30am and 12-1pm

The HornimanMuseum100 London Road SE23 3PQ020 8699 8924www.horniman.ac.uk25-29 May. Half Term ActivitiesA half term full of events inspired bythe Horniman’s Plantastic exhibitionincluding craft activities, ponddipping, mini-beast hunting, sheepshearing and more

Imperial WarMuseumLambeth Road SE1 6HZwww.iwm.org.uk23-29 May. Family Activity ArtWorkshop - Design a 1940sScarf Find out about the fashion ofthe 1940s and be inspired to designyour own bold and colourful scarfto take home. This activity isinspired by items in the museum’sFashion on the Ration exhibition.Uniforms and patriotic fashions ofthe Second World War were anessential part of the war effort andhad to be durable but could also bestylish, with scarf designs featuringanything from propaganda slogansand cartoons to bright colours andpatterns. Suitable for ages 11 andabove

Landmark ArtsCentreFerry Road, Teddington TW11 9NN0208 977 7558www.landmarkartscentre.org27-28 May. Half-term Activities

27 May – make your owndecorative Arabian Nightsglowing lantern. A fun workshopdesigned and supervised byprofessional art educators. Earlybooking essential, £12 per child,10.30am-12.30pm, 6-12 years, callto book on 0208 977 7558 or [email protected] May – Hulabop! Fun hula-hooping for all the family, from 6years. No need to book, just turnup on the day. Child and adult sizedhoops provided. 2-3pm, £2.50

LANGUAGESEt Patati et PatataFulham Start Centre and St Andrew’sChurch, Fulham SW607966 [email protected] www.etpatatipatata.com Throughout half term holidays.Fun in French100% French club, 100% fun!Learn French this half term and setyour child on the fast track tobecoming bilingual. French classes,workshops and fun activities, withFrench dancing and storytelling,ages 3-9

French and dramasummer club Your child wants to act? And youwant them to learn French? Whynot mix it all together? Book themin an immersion week withExchange Theatre. They offer actingclasses in the morning and culturaland drama related fun in theafternoon. What a brilliant idea!From 7 year olds. 27th July to 21stAugust, in London Bridge.www.exchangetheatre.com 0208403 8560.

Lively languageclassesLittle Trees Language Clubprovides language classes during theschool term, half-term and thesummer holidays in Chelsea andNotting Hill. They organise parent

Half Term Activities

Fulham Palace fun day

Eddie Catz Cont

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& toddler, as well as childrengroups, in French, Spanish, Italian,German, Russian, Mandarin, Arabicand English as a second language.Courses are delivered by qualifiedand experienced teachers. 25th-29th May. To enrol your child intheir half-term and/or summerholiday programmes, please call 0203598 0719 orwww.littletreeslanguageclub.com/early-immersion-classes/

Club Petit PierrotAcross SW London020 7385 5565www.clubpetitpierrot.co.ukThroughout half term holidays.

Fun French TuitionFrench private tuition at your homefor individual children or mini-groups (all ages) during all holidayperiods. These can be lessons whichfollow the Club's unique "immersionmethod" programme with funactivities, games and exercises(reading/writing for older children), orcreative classes (cooking, decoratingEaster eggs) or help with course workor even revision for exams

MUSICANDDRAMACaterpillar MusicBattersea, Fulham, Southfields andTooting020 8540 1762 / 07968764301,[email protected] May. Music Classes Fun, stimulating classes usingpuppets, nursery rhymes, actionsongs and instruments

Funky MonkeyKeyboard ClassesStreatham and Battersea0800 107 7949,[email protected] May. Funky FingersWorkshops

Fun packed one-day workshops forbeginner musicians aged 4-8. Read,write, play music, enjoy art activitiesand have lots of fun the FunkyMonkey way! 10am-2pm, £40, £5sibling discount

Funky MovesThe Exhibit, Balham SW12 9SG07810 431101www.funkymovesdance.com26 and 28 May. Movie FunFunky Moves and The Exhibit cometogether once again to bring youtwo afternoons of fantastic fun. Thekids will relax and watch a film, thenget moving and grooving as theylearn a dance routine to a song fromthe film. 1-4pm, £15,26 May - Peabody and Sherman,28 May - 101 Dalmations9 May - Holy Innocents Church andCentre, Paddenswick Road,Hammersmith W6 0UB6 June - St Peter's Hill Church,Portobello Road, Notting Hill W113DBTo celebrate 10 years of FunkyMoves, join a workshop and getfunky! With two and a half hours ofjam-packed fun, games and supercool dancing, your little ones arebound to come away with a springin their step and smiles on theirfaces. Learn a dance routine,experience a breaking workshopfrom a top industry breaker, betreated to an amazing performancefrom the dancers, games for theyounger ones and choreography forthe older kids, plus a performancefor the parents. £20, 2.30-5pm, 5-7years and 8-11 years, book now atwww.funkymovesdance.com/london-workshops, call 07810 431101or [email protected]

Polka Theatre240 The Broadway, WimbledonSW19 1SB020 8543 4888 www.polkatheatre.com26 May. Cosmic DancerDance across the midnight sky inthis sensory movement workshopinspired by The Cosmic Dancer,£18, 9.30–10.30am, age 5-7

27 May. Behind the Scenes:Craft a CharacterRaid the Polka props store to findsome weird and wonderful items tobe used as inspiration for your ownpiece of theatre. Create charactersand bring them to life in this dramaand improvisation workshop. £25,10.30am–1pm, ages 6-928 May. Story DenBuild a den and then come insidefor an interactive story inspired bythe Polka’s Adventure Theatreshow Casa... Home. Ages 3–4,9.45am-10.45am, ages 4–5, 11am-12pm, £1829 May. Behind the Scenes:Acting Master ClassSpend the day with an experiencedactor discovering the techniquesand exercises used by professionals.It’s essential training for all buddingactors! £30, 10.30am-3.30pm

SPORTCentral London GolfCentreBurntwood Lane SW17 0AT020 8871 2468,[email protected] May. Half Term GolfCamps What better way to spend theholidays than improving your golfwith an array of skills challenges,competitions and tasks? Includesgolf coaching, daily fun competitionsand prizes. For children of all levels,£30 per half day 9am-12pm, £40per full day 9am–3pm, bring apacked lunch

Gambado Chelsea7 Townmead Road SW6 2PYwww.gambado.com/clubs/chelseaThe best Holiday Clubs in Chelsea!Running in conjunction with KidsplayChildcare these holiday camps arefor ages 4-12, 8.30am-5.30pm, withweekly themes and action packedactivities. £45 per day25-29 May

Fulham Palace storytelling

Little Trees Language Club

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Chelsea FC SoccerSchoolVenues across SW London020 7957 [email protected]/ [email protected]/foundationThroughout May half termholidays. London Soccer School For boys and girls aged 3-13. Timesvary according to course, from £30

Fulham FCFoundationVenues in Fulham0870 442 5432,[email protected] May half term.Holiday Courses Holiday courses for all abilities in afun and challenging environment. 3-5yrs, 9-11am, 6-14 yrs, 9am-3pm,from £15 per day

KiddikicksAcross South West London020 7937 7965,[email protected]

Throughout May half term.Holiday Sessions Kiddikicks (football 18m to 5 years)Kiddisports (multi-sport 18m to 5years) and Ligasoccer (footballUnder 8’s) sessions run throughoutthe holidays. Or arrange a bespokesession (1 to 3 hours) for yourplayer and their friends: pick yoursport and they’ll provide the coach,equipment and place

The Little GymUnit 8, Compass House, SmugglersWay SW18 1DB0208 864 6567,[email protected]/wandsworthfulham26-29 May. Half Term HolidayFunLet your child bunny hop, skip andjump at these ever popularCamps. The 3-hour OFSTEDapproved camps for over 3s buildgymnastic skills and developconfidence while the kids have loadsof FUN. Please call for timings andto book a camp

Ridgway Stables93 Ridgway, Wimbledon Village SW19 4SU020 8946 7400www.ridgwaystables.co.ukThroughout May half termholidays. Pony Riding CampsA range of pony riding activities forchildren, including riding onWimbledon Common and Caringfor Ponies sessions. Email Julia [email protected]

SwimWayEast Sheen, Knightsbridge, Putney andStreatham020 8871 3972, [email protected] May. Swimming Courses Intensive crash courses to improveyour child’s swimming technique, ona private or semi-private basis.Courses run for half an hour eachday on a first come first served basisso book early to avoiddisappointment. 3-9yrs, dates andtimes dependent on venue.

Telford Park Tennis Club35A Killieser Avenue SW2 4NX020 8674 5979www.telfordparktennisclub.co.ukThroughout May half termholiday. Tennis CampsA series of fun, 5 day coachingsessions for all levels and abilitiesfrom 5 to 15 years, Mondays toFridays, 11.30am-4pm, £30 per dayor £140 for the week

Urban Ascent RockClimbingUnit 5 Parsons Green Depot, 33-35Parsons Green Lane, Fulham SW64HH020 7751 0913,[email protected] May half termholiday. Climbing ClubEnsure your kids get the most outof this half term holiday and bringthem rock climbing. Kids sessionsstart at age 5, each session lasts 1hour and costs from £10

Youngstars Multi-Sports andActivity CampBalham, Clapham, Putney, ParsonsGreen, Wimbledon and Dulwich07920 426499, [email protected] www.young-stars.co.uk26-29 May. Easter Holiday Camps Fun, games and excitement whilstbeing introduced to all aspects ofsports, in an all inclusive and non-competitive environment. 3-7 years,times and prices vary so check websitefor details of your nearest camp

Warner Bros.partners with Fit for SportVenues across the UK includingWimbledon Park Primary School andBishop Gilpin Primary School 0845 456 3233www.fitforsport.co.ukWarner Bros. Consumer ProductsUK and Ireland (WBCP) has teamedup with Fit for Sport to encouragemore children to lead a healthy,active lifestyle with a little help fromBugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and theentire Looney Tunes gang. Fit forSport will be bringing Looney Tunes-themed sports, games and even thebeloved characters themselves tomore than 250,000 children at 80Activity Camps during schoolholidays across the country.The energetic Looney Tunescharacters are Warner Bros.ambassadors for active lifestyles,making them a perfect fit for Fit forSport’s Activity Camps, wherechildren are encouraged to beactive and healthy through funsports and games.Dean Horridge, Founder and CEOof Fit for Sport, said: “The best wayto get kids moving is to make it fun,and the Looney Tunes will help us toinspire even more children to enjoyphysical activity. We know kids needat least 60 minutes of physical activityeach day to be healthy, activity campsin the school holidays are a perfectway to get children engaged andactive whilst having fun.”

Swimway


Specialist pet transportation service for Europeand the UK. 0207 354 5131,[email protected], www.ept-uk.co.uk

May 2015 27®

Please always phone before setting out in casedetails have changed since press deadline orwe got it wrong...

Drama

The Cambridge TheatreSeven Dials, 32-34 Earlham Street WC2H 9HUuk.matildathemusical.comMatilda The Musical Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl,Matilda revels in the anarchy of childhood, thepower of imagination and the inspiring story of agirl who dares to change her destinyThroughout May

Colour House TheatreMerton Abbey Mills, Merantun Way SW19 2RDwww.colourhousetheatre.co.ukAlice in Wonderland Alice disappears down that famous rabbit holeagain for some truly mad adventures in the

strange and magical world of Wonderland. A newmusical adaptation of this famous tale… Ages 3+,2pm and 4pm, £8-£10 Every Saturday and Sunday to 28 June

The Little Angel Theatre14 Dagmar Passage, Cross Street N1 2DNwww.littleangeltheatre.comThe Paper Dolls When a little girl cuts out a string of paper dollsshe takes them by the hand and together they goon a fantastical adventure whirling through theirhome and garden. Ticky, Tacky, Jackie the Backie,Jim with two noses and Jo with the bow flythrough time and tear across worlds of fun andexcitementTo 28 June

Lyric HammersmithLyric Square, Kings Street W6 0QLwww.lyric.co.ukBugsy Malone Join Bugsy, Blousey and Tallulah for anunforgettable theatrical experience. Age 6+, £8Throughout May

The AdventureAn interactive mystery promenade performancefor 7–13 year olds that will take audiencemembers backstage. When a famous scientist isabducted, it takes his two children, their bestfriend, an incompetent storyteller and audiencemembers to rescue him. 11am and 1pm23 May to 6 June

New Wimbledon TheatreThe Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1QGatgtickets.com/venues/new-wimbledon-theatreOctonauts and the Deep Sea Volcano Adventure When there’s trouble under the sea, theOctonauts dive into action! Get ready to embarkon an exciting new mission with the underwateradventure super heroes, Captain Barnacles,Kwazii and Peso. From £18.402-3 MayMy First Ballet: Swan Lake English National Ballet and English National BalletSchool return with the enchanting My First Balletwith their fourth classical ballet to be recreatedespecially for children. From £12.9015-16 May

The 02Peninsula Square SE10 0DXwww.NightGardenLive.comIn The Night Garden Live This summer, the world's only In the NightGarden Live Showdome returns. See Igglepiggle,Upsy Daisy and Makka Pakka brought to life withbeautiful costumes, magical puppets, enchantingmusic and breathtaking projections. From £14.5028 May to 13 June

The Polka Theatre240 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SBpolkatheatre.com Shh...Bang!Mole is my best friend, he is brave and funny.Mole goes everywhere I go. No one can see himapart from me. A gentle tale about imaginationand a very special friendship. Age 3-6, £11.50/£9 1-3 May

Operation Magic Carpet An action-packed adventure from London toBaghdad. Characters from the Arabian Nightscome to life as Nomi meets Sinbad, swims theTigris and sees a water buffalo. But when herthree wishes run out, how will Nomi get backhome? Ages 6- 11, £14.50/£10 To 24 MayThe Cosmic Dancer Pepita wants to be a dancer. More than that, shewants to become a cosmic dancer, to swing froma star and be lifted by the clouds. But that’s notas easy as she thought. Exquisite balletic charm iscombined with swirling digital projections, set toDebussy’s rich and evocative music. Ages 4-8,£13.50/£10 27-31 May

Putney Arts TheatreRavenna Road SW15 6AW www.putneyartstheatre.org.ukSister Act A high energy musical based on the famous film.£15/£126-9 May

Chicken ShedChase Side, Southgate N14 4PE020 8292 9222chickenshed.org.ukIf you haven’t yet discovered thisgem of a theatre company, it’stime to visit now. From its earlydays in a chicken shed to theworldwide reach it has today,Chickenshed is the UK’s firsttruly inclusive theatre company,encouraging an understanding ofdiversity and inclusivenessamongst its young performers.

Within this environment,Chickenshed createsextraordinary theatre that is bothentertaining and thoughtprovoking. Not afraid of tacklingtopical social issues, it presents performances for young children, families and adults alike thatshowcase the wonderful talent of its young performers.

Chickenshed tours hundreds of schools around the country, running workshops to educate childrenabout relevant social issues. Plus, Young Creators offers young people aged 14-25 vocational trainingand practical work experience in a variety of theatre skills, including music recording, stage lighting,directing, choreography, dance and vocal classes.

Don’t miss out on their fantastic seasonal workshops (Easter Shed and Summer Shed) and SaturdayShed sessions for children aged 5-12, exploring and developing a wide range of performance skillsthrough drama, dance, singing and story-making.

This May, don’t miss their performance of Tales Big Day Out, an entertaining outing for all the family.Take part in an interactive workshop, watch a performance of Tales from the Shed, and then cometogether for a huge Tales extravaganza outside in the amphitheatre. Age 0-6, 10am-12.30pm,2.30pm-5pm, £8, 23 May.

See more events in our online What’s On calendar

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Bank Of EnglandMuseumThreadneedle Street EC2R 8AHwww.bankofengland.co.ukMagical Mosaics This half term, why not learn aboutthe colourful mosaics that decoratethe ground floor of the Bank ofEngland? Join a creative workshopwith the whole family and make yourown mosaic to take home, withdesigns inspired by the animals andplants featured in the Museum’sFlora and Fauna exhibition.10am–4.30pm26-29 MayFREE

Families ‘top five’ this monthHalf term is on its way, and we’ve found some fantastic holidays workshops for thewhole family. Don’t miss out – book now!

The NationalGalleryTrafalgar Square WC2N 5DNwww.nationalgallery.org.ukHalf Term Art Workshops Don’t miss out on the NationalGallery’s fantastic school holidayart workshops. They run everyday throughout half term, andcater for children of all ages25-28 May

The Geffrye Museum136 Kingsland Road E2 8EAwww.geffrye-museum.org.ukHalf Term ActivitiesExplore the range of activities and workshops at the Geffryethis half term, including Give Me Shelter, exploring differenttypes of shelters from the past and present day, includinggarden homes. Age 5-16, 10.30am-12.30pm and 2-4pm.Plus, Safe Shelters – Nursery Rhyme Time, where you candiscover different types of homes through stories, songs andcraft activities. Age 2-5, 10.30-11.30am and 12-1pm 26-29 May

National Maritime MuseumPark Row, Greenwich SE10 9NFwww.rmg.co.ukMake Your Own TalismanTaking inspiration from examples in the museum'scollection, create your own talisman to ensure youstay safe at sea. 11.30am-1pm and 1.30-4pm25-29 MayThe Rohilla Disaster Story Join in an interactive storytelling session forfamilies about one of the RNLI’s most epic rescuesat sea in 1914. Noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm26-28 MayA Sailor's Trafalgar Story Discover what life was like for a sailor in Nelson’snavy through the eyes of John Simmonds, whowas press-ganged from his home in Jamaica.12noon, 1, 2 and 3pm26-28 MayFREE

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CuttySarkSE10 9HTwww.rmg.co.uk/cuttysarkCutty Sark CharactersCome aboard Cutty Sark this halfterm to hear incredible storiesbrought to life by characters fromthe ship’s past. Meet CaptainWoodget, the ship’s most daringmaster, Jock Willis, the man whobuilt Cutty Sark, Nannie, the ship’sfigurehead, and the ship’s cook,James Robson, who all have anextraordinary story to tell!Throughout half termWeather Mobiles Cutty Sark sailed in all kinds ofweather. This half term try bringingwaves and storms to life bydesigning your own weather mobileto take home. 11.30am-1.30pm and2-4pm25-26 MayFish in a Dish What lives in the water? Using apaper plate and your imagination,create a colourful sea creature withyour family to take home and playwith. 11.30am-1.30pm and 2-4pm27-29 May

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What’s OnThe Star and The Sea Join Rosie on an adventure along the tideline,meeting all sorts of characters from a cheekySeagull to some very suspicious Seaweed.Through puppetry, song and shadows everydayobjects are brought to life. A show designed forages 3-6, performed in The Old Burial Ground 1minute walk away from the theatre. 11.30am,1.30pm and 3.30pm10 May

The Royal Albert HallSW7 2APwww.royalalberthall.comStorytelling and Music Sessions Sessions for babies and toddlers using musicalinstruments, singing, movement and stories. Ages0-4, 10am and 11.30am, £413, 20 and 27 MayShh...Bang! A dance-theatre performance exploring soundand silence. Two characters set out on a journeythrough a world filled with Boings, Whooshes,Tick-Tocks… and Cacophony! Their journey ispunctuated by silence… and as they are wrappedup in stillness they learn to listen to that silence.Ages 3+, 11am and 2pm, £926-27 May

Royal Court TheatreSloane Square SW1W 8ASwww.royalcourttheatre.comThe TwitsMr and Mrs Twit are not very nice. In fact they'reextremely nasty. They're nasty to each other, andthey're vile to everyone else. Mischievouslyadapted from one of the world's most lovedbooks by Roald DahlTo 31 May

Sadler's WellsRosebery Avenue EC1Rsadlerswells.comBBC Young Dancer 2015 The Grand Final of BBC Young Dancer, with theUK’s best young dancers performing for thisprestigious award. 6.30pm, £12-£259 MayRambert A powerful and uplifting work, celebrating howbrass band music endures as the legacy of thecommunities which mined the coalfields – the'dark arteries' – of Britain. £8-£38 12-16 May

Southbank CentreBelvedere Road SE1 8PXwww.southbankcentre.co.ukMorgan & West's Spectacular Magic Show The time-travelling Victorian magic duo unloadanother boxful of bafflement and impossibility forkids and childish grown-ups. £102-23 MayLondon Philharmonic Orchestra FamilyConcert FUNharmonics sets out on a musical adventureto the home of jazz, blues, bright lights, big cities,Hollywood and the Wild West. 12pm, £10/£33 MayCaptain Flinn and the Pirate Dinosaurs Captain Flinn and the Pirate Dinosaurs is settingsail for an adventure at Southbank Centre. £1227-28 MayCircus Geeks: Beta Testing Three jugglers share their obsession withthrowing and catching through theatre, comedyand circus skills. From £1026 May to 21 June

The Unicorn Theatre147 Tooley Street SE1 2HZwww.unicorntheatre.comUp Club Join the Unicorn play club every Saturday. Takepart in free activities from rocket building to

portrait painting, giant Jenga tournaments, cakedecorating and lots more. 12noon-1.30pmEvery Sat in MayHenry the Fifth Kings need crowns and castles to provethemselves, and so does Henry. Henry the Fifth,that is, of England. From £1017-31 MayPlaneta Ka An explorer gradually discovers this mysteriousland; its mountains, craters and caves full ofsurprises. £10 for one child and up to 2 adults7 May to 4 JuneOne Little Word Two characters play together, exploring newspace, objects, dressing up and taking turns. Butthere’s a bit of a struggle when one of themwants to be the ONLY captain of the ship. From £106-21 June

Regent’s Park Open AirTheatreRegent’s Parkwww.openairtheatre.comPeter PanJ. M. Barrie’s classic, now set in 1914. GeorgeLlewelyn Davies, killed in action in WW1, wasone of the children who inspired the iconiccharacter of Peter Pan. Remembering him and ageneration of lost boys, Timothy Sheader and Liam Steel rediscover J. M. Barrie’s original stageplay. For ages 9+15 May – 14 June

Museums & Galleries

The British MuseumGreat Russell Street WC1B 3DGbritishmuseum.orgDefining Beauty A major exhibition on the human body in ancientGreek art. This exhibition will explore the Greekexperience and its preoccupation with the humanform. £16.50 adults, under 16s freeTo 5 July

Our skilled staff prepare children aged 25years for their next school and start them on

a journey of lifelong learning.

Incorporating art, cooking, music, sport,drama and all aspects of the Early Years

Curriculum. Please arrange a visit to see thelearning and excitement in action.

www.oaktreenurseryschool.comRamsden Hall, 21 Ramsden Road, SW12 8QX

Tel: 020 8166 5932

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The Design Museum28 Shad Thames SE1 2YDdesignmuseum.orgDesigns of the Year Celebrating design that promotes or deliverschange, enables access, extends design practiceor captures the spirit of the yearTo 16 August

The Florence NightingaleMuseum2 Lambeth Palace Road SE1 7EWwww.florence-nightingale.co.ukMiss Nightingale Said An illustrated talk given by one of the museum’scuratorial team examining the incredible life andachievements of Florence Nightingale. 3.30pm,£5.80/£4.80Every Wednesday in May

Grant Museum of ZoologyUCL, University Street WC1E 6DEwww.ucl.ac.ukStrange Creatures: The Art of Unknown Animals When new regions are explored and the animalsin them discovered, how does the wider worldget to experience them? 1-5pmThroughout MayFREE

Imperial War MuseumLambeth Road SE1 6HZwww.iwm.org.ukFashion on the Ration - 1940s Street Style Explore how fashion survived under the strictrules of rationing during the Second World War innew and unexpected ways. £10/£5To 31 August

London Transport MuseumCovent Garden Piazza WC2E 7BBwww.ltmuseum.co.ukLondon Places & Spaces The Prize for Illustration 2015: London Places &Spaces exhibition will display 100 illustrations thatcapture a variety of aspects of London’s uniquecharacter and qualities15 May to 6 September

The Museum Of LondonLondon Wall EC2Y 5HNwww.museumoflondon.org.ukThe London 2012 CauldronA new home for the London 2012 Cauldron tells

the story of this iconic symbol of the Olympicand Paralympic Games. The exhibition celebratesThomas Heatherwick’s cutting edge design andthe unforgettable moment it was revealed to theworld during the Olympic opening ceremonyThroughout May FREE

Museum ExploredJoin one of the Museum's hosts and explore thegalleries through fun, hands-on activities. 11amand 2pmEvery Sunday in MayFREE

National Maritime MuseumPark Row, Greenwich SE10 9NFwww.rmg.co.ukAgainst Captain's Orders An exhibit for 6-12 year olds and their families,taking audience members on the adventure of alifetime through the National Maritime Museum’sextraordinary collection of maritime artefacts.Exciting, enlightening and perhaps just a tiny bitdangerous, the event promises a theatricaljourney through the museum, the like of whichhas never been seen before. £19.75To 31 August

Natural History MuseumCromwell Road SW7 5BDwww.nhm.ac.uk Wildlife Photographer of the Year Combining the extraordinary work of talentedprofessionals and gifted amateur photographersfrom around the globe to showcase the beauty,magnificence and diversity of life on our planet.From £5 Throughout May Dino Snores Discover what really happens at the Museumwhen the staff and visitors have gone home. Ages7–11, 7pm, ends 9.50am the following day.£60/£54 members9 MayBig Nature Day 2015 Join the Museum in celebrating International Dayfor Biological Diversity and find out whybiodiversity is so crucial to us all. Meet Museumscientists and experts who will be sharing theirknowledge and passion for nature alongside morethan 40 of the UK’s naturalist and conservationgroups. 10am-5pm23 MayLates Visit the Museum after hours and experienceLondon’s most unique Friday night out. 6-10.30pm29 MaySensational Butterflies Wander through a tropical enclosure full of thesebeautiful creatures. Discover the science behindthem and their amazing life cycles as they evolvefrom crawling caterpillars into beautifulbutterflies. £4.95/family £16.95Throughout MayCoral Reefs: Secret Cities of the Sea Plunge into spectacular seascapes and explore therichness of life beneath the waves at theMuseum’s exciting new exhibition on coral reefs.£12.60/£6.30Throughout May

The Royal Air ForceMuseum LondonGrahame Park Way NW9 5LLwww.rafmuseum.org.ukFirst World War Airfix Make and Take Head along to the RAF Museum as their popularAirfix make and take workshops return for halfterm. Take on the Red Barons Albatros or fightyour way to victory with the classic BritishSopwith Pup. All paints, glue and instructionssupplied with each Airfix kit. 11am-1pm and 2-4pm, £3 per Airfix kit25-31 May

345 is proud to be entering its 32nd year as anindependent nursery school where

'children become independent, inquisitive andmotivated in a rich and vibrant environment' (Ofsted).

An exceptionally warm welcome and a very largeoutdoor space awaits every child. We also haveMusic, Sport and Spanish plus Playball, Relax Kids

and Ballet in afternoon clubs.

Please do visit us to capture some of the children's excitement in learning.

Contact: Annabel [email protected] nurseryschool.co.uk020 8870 8441Fitzhugh Grove, Trinity Road, London SW18 3NH

• EYFS and Montessori Method of teaching • MEAB inspected and accredited Montessori

nurseries (the only ones in SW12)• Ballet, Football, French and Music classes • Morning, afternoon and full day sessions

(term time only)• Summer ClubsNightingale 1 Montessori: St Luke's Church Hall,194 Ramsden Rd, SW12 8RQNightingale 2 Montessori: St Stephen's ChurchHall, 35 Weir Rd, SW12 0NUContact: [email protected] Nightingale 1 Montessori 07958 567210Nightingale 2 Montessori 07930 401769www.nightingalemontessori.co.uk

Register early to avoid disappointment.

Est 1976Ofsted registered and MEAB Accredited

An independent nursery school for children 2 to 5 years

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Science MuseumExhibition Road, South Kensington SW7 2DDsciencemuseum.org.ukEngineer Your Future Think like an engineer and have yourpreconceptions challenged in this free interactiveexhibition. Engineer Your Future puts visitors’problem solving skills to the test, exploringengineering through interactive games and digitalexperiences that bring to life the skills engineersuse every day. Ages 11+ Throughout MayFREECosmonauts: Birth of the Space Age For the first time in the UK, the remarkable storyof Russian scientific and technological ingenuitythat kick-started the space age will be exploredin a landmark new exhibition at the ScienceMuseum. Age 8+, charges applyThroughout MayChurchill’s Scientists Explore the triumphs in science during WinstonChurchill's period in power, both in war and inthe post-war era. Suitable for 13+ Throughout May

V&A Museum of ChildhoodCambridge Heath Road E2 9PAwww.museumofchildhood.org.ukSmall Stories: At Home in a Dolls' House Revealing the fascinating stories behind some ofthe UK's best-loved dolls' houses, taking you on ajourney through the history of the home,everyday lives and changing family relationships Throughout MayFREEIt's My Party... Taking a look at children's birthday parties fromthe perspective of both children and parents. Thecentrepiece is a life-sized installation telling thestory of a party thrown for Wilfred, a shyresident of the MuseumThroughout MayFREEThe Alice Look Get a whole new view of Lewis Carroll’s heroinein this display marking the 150th anniversary ofAlice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Follow Alice’sevolution from follower-of-fashion to trend-setter through a selection of garments,photographs and rare editionsThroughout MayFREEHalf Term Workshops Enter Alice’s weird and wonderful world with

activities, story-telling and dressing up inspired bythe classic children’s book. Drop-in, all ages, free.Plus Mad Hatters Hat Making and Playing CardPrint Workshop, times and prices vary.25-29 May

Wandsworth Museum38 West Hill SW18 1RXwww.wandsworthmuseum.co.ukMapping Wandsworth Stories Exhibition Celebrating stories and memories hidden fromhistory through the creation of a Wandsworthstory map. 4–17 May at St Mary’s Church,Putney SW15 1SN 4-17 May

Days Out

Brixton WindmillWindmill Gardens, end of Blenheim Gardens SW25EU www.brixtonwindmill.orgWindmill Tours Visit the 'two mills in one' and hear the intriguingstory of the Ashby family. You will see the originalwind-powered machinery and find out how itwas once used to make stone ground flour.Booking requiredEvery weekend in May

Chelsea Physic Garden66 Royal Hospital Road SW3 4HSchelseaphysicgarden.co.ukDrop-in Family Activities An assortment of drop-in activities for families.Free with entry to the garden 17 MayFamily Activity Days Includes The Lost Art of Nature Printing - a one-day workshop exploring a wonderful way ofdepicting and discovering plants, which wasdeveloped by physicians in the 15th century as anaid in the study of plants. Plus Making Sense ofthe Garden - how do we detect ‘make sense’ ofthe world around us? And Puppetry in Motion -design garden-inspired creatures and turn papercups into beautiful characters. Dates, times andages vary26-28 May

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What’s OnPlease send info for consideration to: [email protected]

Cutty Sark King William Walk, Greenwich SE10 9HTwww.rmg.co.uk/cuttysarkShiny Sea Join a Cutty Sark artist to create ashimmering silver sea complete withships, waves and icebergs. 11.30am-1.30pm and 2-4pm2-3 MayHawk Talk Join Norman the hawk on the maindeck of the Cutty Sark and find outhow he helps look after the ship andher rigging. 10am-12noon1-29 JuneThe Great Wave Help recreate a huge wave thatcrashed over Cutty Sark in June1881. Add hand-print splashes to agiant collage and watch the wavegrow. This event is also celebratingWorld Ocean Day. 11.30am-1.30pmand 2-5pm 6-7 June

Firepower RoyalArtillery MuseumRoyal Arsenal, Woolwich SE18 6STwww.firepower.org.ukMuseum Sleepover Put That Light Out! is an eveningpacked with fun activities followed bysleeping in among the guns andexhibits of the Museum. £60 for oneadult plus one child, 6pm-7am16 MayWaterloo WeekTo mark Waterloo 200, themuseum's half term activities willhave a Waterloo theme. 11am-4pm,admission plus £4.50 for children26-29 MayIn Their Own WordsA new exhibition about the GreatWar bringing to life artillerymen ofdifferent nations, through extractsfrom their diaries, letters home andphotographsThroughout May

Kensington PalaceKensington Gardens W8 4PXhrp.org.uk/KensingtonPalaceThe Kid's Sleepover Princes and princesses are welcomefor a fun filled evening of activitiesand entertainment before beddingdown in one of the spectacularpalace rooms. Then rise and shinethe next morning for a breakfast fitfor royalty. Ages 5 -11, adult andchild £60 each with breakfastincluded16 MayWhen I grow up…Join in with games, dress up, craftactivities and storytelling and heartales from Princess Victoria’sgoverness about Victoria’s strictchildhood growing up in the palace. Ages 4-1126-30 May

London DungeonCounty Hall SE1 7PBwww.thedungeons.com/londonRogues & Rascals 'Stand and Deliver' as LondonDungeon brings to life the deadly(and dandy) highwaymen (andhighwaywomen) who robbed therich (and not so rich) on the roadsaround 17th century London21-31 May

Bank Of EnglandMuseumThreadneedle Street EC2R 8AHwww.bankofengland.co.ukMuseums at Night A rare opportunity for an eveningvisit to the Bank. 5.30-9pm15 May

The NationalGalleryTrafalgar Square WC2N 5DNwww.nationalgallery.org.ukThe Horse's Tail FamilyFestival Day

Celebrate the unveiling of HannHaake’s fourth plinth by taking partin a special horse themed day full ofinteractive performance and artworkshops23 MayFamily Tour A themed journey through thecollection where gallery staff willwalk, talk and bring paintings alive.For all ages, 12.30–1.30pm7 June

The LondonWetlands CentreQueen Elizabeth, Barnes SW13 9WTwww.wwt.org.ukWeekend Family Activities Spot the first signs of new life asbuds appear, flowers burst intobloom and bugs come out fromtheir winter hibernation. Enjoy apond dipping session to see whatmini-beasts are about and join themfor a nature walkEvery Saturday and Sunday to17 May

Diarydates &events

Warner Bros StudioTour Studio Tour Dr, Leavesden WD25 7LRwww.wbstudiotour.co.uk This May, visit the originalHogwarts Express steam engine in arecreation of Platform 9 ¾ at TheMaking of Harry Potter, and get aglimpse into how some of the films’most iconic scenes were created.Climb aboard the train’s carriageand pose with a luggage trolley as itdisappears through the platformwall. Entrance included in ticket.Throughout May

NCT Kensington AndChelsea www.nct.org.uk/branches/kensington-chelseaNCT Kensington And ChelseaMeet UpGambado Chelsea, 7 TownmeadRoad SW6 2PYA great opportunity to meet othermums with babies under 1. 9.30-11am, £1, show your NCT card toget inEvery Wednesday in May

NCT Kensington AndChelsea Baby &Toddler First AidCoursesRadisson Blu Edwardian, TheVanderbilt Hotel, 68-86 CromwellRoad SW7 5BTMorning session starts at 10am,afternoon session at 1pm, [email protected] to book your place9 May

Fulham PalaceSW6 6EA fulhampalace.org Every Monday in May.The Palace ExplorersFor children aged 2-4. £3 per child,which includes a drink and healthysnack. Booking essential, 10.30am-12pm23 May. Young Archaeologists’ClubTake a trip to the Thames andexplore the local foreshore. Suitablefor 8-16 years, £15, bookingessential, 10.30am-12.15pm

Royal Opera House WC2E 9DD www.roh.org.ukEvery Sunday in May. FamilySundaysA regular event for families toexplore the Royal Opera House, itsartists and the world of opera andballet. Packed full of creative andpractical activities for all the familyincluding informal performancesfrom Royal Ballet dancers, plusinteractive singing and danceactivities. 12–4pm, £5 adults, £3children

French CoffeeMorningContact Teresa atinfo@leclubtricolore or 020 79244649 / 07889 967003Every Wednesday morning inMay Get together ‘between theCommons’ for coffee and to speakFrench for an hour. Livelydiscussions on a topic (articles aredistributed in advance) and a greatopportunity to practise your French

NCT Wimbledon &Wandsworthwww.nct.org.uk/branches/WimbledonCoffee, Me and Baby. Every otherWednesday in May, 2pm onwards atThe Old Frizzle, Wimbledon. Comealong and meet new and expectantmums in the area over a relaxingcup of coffeeBreastfeeding Drop-in. EveryThursday in May, 10am–12pm,Gooseberry Bush Café (upstairsstudio), Wimbledon SW19 1LT

Dulwich PictureGallery SE21 7ADdulwichpicturegallery.org.ukFirst and last Sunday in May.Family SundaysEnjoy being creative together inthese drop-in Artplay sessions,making everything from bunting toblock prints. 2.10pm and 3.10pm,no booking necessary, free forfamilies with a Gallery ticket or £3per child


Fulham Palace


Little Folk with AlboConcertsColour House Theatre, MertonAbbey Mills, Watermill Way SW19 2RDwww.littlefolkwithalbo.com /www.colourhousetheatre.co.ukRecommended for children frombabies to 5 years, 10.30am-11.15am, tickets £5, call 020 85425511 or book online2 May

Putney EmbankmentArt and CraftMarketThe Embankment, Putney (Betweenthe Thai Square Restaurant andThames Place)www.facebook.com/artonputneyembankment3 May and 7 JuneAn exciting market showcasing arange of arts and crafts such aspaintings, sculpture andphotography, wood carvings andfurniture from established andemerging artists. 10am–4pm

Mum2mum Market16th May. Nearly new baby andchildren's sales where mums sellto mums. Ricards Lodge High

School, Lake Road. WimbledonSW19 7HB. Sales are 2pm to 4pmStall bookings should be made viatheir websitewww.mum2mummarket.co.uk/book-a-stall.html

NCT Putney &Fulhamwww.nctpregnancyandbabycare.com6 and 20 May. Fulham FC coffeemorning10am–12pm at Cafe at the Cottage,Fulham Football Club, StevenageRoad SW6 6HH. Join Debs if you’renew to the area, starting to get outwith your baby or just need anexcuse for a well-deserved cup ofcoffee6 and 20 May. Putney newmums' group10.30am–12.30pm at Tried and TrueCafe, Upper Richmond Road SW156SP. [email protected]

First Aid for LifeBalham and Westminsterfirstaidforlife.org.uk9, 14 and 30 May. TheEmergency CourseA 3-hour course covering care ofthe unconscious baby and child as

well as most commonly occurringinjuries and illnesses such aschoking, bleeding, breaks, bleeds,burns, head injury and febrileconvulsions. 9.30am-12.30pm,£60/£65

MoveBattersea, Furzedown & Wandsworthwww.wandsworthartsfestival.com/2015/event/move-artDiscover a showcase of work ofaspiring and professional artists,with free and exciting workshopsfor all. Move is a celebration of artby ages 4 to 83, in collaborationwith Wandsworth charities, schools,local business and residents. Booknow online or [email protected] May

HappynestChildren's FairStreatham Tate Library, 63 StreathamHigh Road SW16 1PNwww.lambeth.gov.uk/places/streatham-libraryWith over 25 local businessesproviding a mix of beautifulproducts, plus creative workshopsfor your mini makers and do-ers,including baking, dancing andphotography. 10.30 to 4pm, freeentry 16 May

In The Night Garden Live www.NightGardenLive.comAn amazing musical theatreexperience for all the family.Children’s favourite CBeebies’ stars- Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy, MakkaPakka and friends - are all brought tolife on stage using full-size costumes,magical puppets, enchanting musicand breathtaking projections. Bookonline or at the box office 0333 3000023, £12.50-£33Live Quarter at The O2, 28 May - 13 June Richmond Old Deer Park,20 June - 4 July

Somerset House WC2R 1LAwww.somersethouse.org.ukChildren’s Wildlife Drawing:Birds of a FeatherTake part in a family drawing classwith a difference. Learn essentialwildlife sketching skills with liveanimals. Ages 7-12, 11am-1pm and2-4pm, booking essential, £20 forone child with accompanying adult30 May

Friends of BatterseaPark Barbecue Battersea Park Children’s Zoo SW11 4PYwww.batterseapark.org/bbq With live music and loads offantastic activities for children. Freeparking in Chelsea Bridge Car Park,advance tickets only £16/£7,children under 6 free. 6-9pm. Bookonline or call 020 7622 51998 June

There's no room to list more here, but use our unique local searchable What’s On calendar on FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk What’s On

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First Aid for Life

Happynest

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May 2015 35®

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families london sw issue 246 may 2015

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