families london west issue 102 sep 2015

Families West · PO Box 32231 · London W5 1JR · Tel: 020 8930 4707 · Email: [email protected]

ISSUE 102SEPTEMBER 2015

www.familieswest.co.uk

Back to School• Helping your child

settle into school• Clubs and Classes

listings• School open day

information• What's on locally

for families

2 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR September 2015

‘Families West is part of Families Magazines Ltd a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated underlicence. Families® is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, TempleHouse, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families West are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of the publisher. We take every care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisersnor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.’ Designed by Martin Driscoll. Email: [email protected] by The MANSON Group Limited, 8 Porters Wood, Valley Road IndustrialEstate, St Albans AL3 6PZ. www.mansongroup.co.uk

September 2015 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR 3

news & views

In this issue:What happened? One day it felt like there were six glorious weeks ahead and here we are scrabbling around frantically naming those last minute

uniform purchases. If your little one is starting at a new school, it is a mixture of excitement and nerves. Read our top tips on what to do to ensure a smoothtransition.Now is the time to timetable a few after-school clubs and classes.We arereally lucky in West London to have such a great choice. Look throughour listings and see what’s on offer. Autumn is also the time to schedule in

visits to your local schools to help you make a decision. We have put together a list of all the schools in West London and a few just outside the area that are easy to get to and when they will be flinging their doors open. Some of these need to be booked ahead so organisation is the key. Don’t forget to let them know you found the info in Families West. Our October issue will

be all about education and how to go about making that choice. Look out for it at the beginning of October.

In this issueNews & Views Clubs & Classes Page 6Education & School Open Days Page 12What’s On in West London Page 19Classified Section Page 23

Pharmaton Vitality CapsulesWe all know what it’s like to feel physically andmentally exhausted from a busy dayat work or with the kids, and copingwith everything can be an everydaybattle. Taking Pharmaton Vitality Capsules can help reduce temporary tiredness and restore vitality when taken daily, and can be taken for a period of twelve weeks.Pharmaton Vitality Capsules are packed with the uniqueGinseng G115, vitamins and minerals to help relieve tempo-rary periods of fatigue and restore vitality. It is clinically provento enhance mental and physical performance. PharmatonVitality capsules are also supported by over 30 clinical trials and are a Licensed medicine for temporary periods of fatigue.Always read the label.

New Twisters classes in Ealing thisSeptemberTwisters are starting newBoys Circus Skills - A great way to develop yourchild’s co-ordination, buildconfidence and expand theirfocus by challenging them-selves whilst learning skillssuch as Juggling, SpinningPlates, Chinese ribbons, Poi,Diabolos, Gravity sticks andbalancing Peacock feathers.Classes will take place onWednesdays at 5pm for ages 6+ at St Thomas’sChurch Hall, 182, Boston Rd, London W7 2AD

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news & views

New Headmaster for St Benedict’sSchoolAndrew Johnson has been appointed as Headmaster of St Benedict'sSchool from 1st September, 2016 to succeed Chris Cleugh who will beretiring after being at the helm for nearly fifteen years. Andrew has beenthe Headmaster of Stonyhurst College in Lancashire since September2006.Pat Murphy-O’Connor, chairman of the governing board said: “To recruit Andrew as our new Head is a major coup for St Benedict's.During his time at Stonyhurst, Andrew has achieved a great deal, particularly around academia and the co-curricular. He is an excellentcommunicator and is very focused on getting the best out of every pupil. He has extensive experience in strategic planning and marketing and hasdemonstrated the drive and passion necessary to get things done. We arevery excited to have Andrew join us and continue the legacy of ChrisCleugh. This is a new era for the School and I am sure that I speak for all of us in offering Andrew and his wife Dawn our best wishes and prayers.”www.stbenedicts.org.uk

Do you coo?Babies learn different aspects oflanguage from mum or dadA study has shown that mums are more likely to coo and use non-word based languagewith babies. Dads are more likely to talk in ‘proper’ language. Surprisingly, bothapproaches are good for your baby’s development and have a role to play in how babieslearn language. A team at Washington State University attached microphones to parents of pre-schoolchildren and recorded verbal exchanges with their children, using speech recognitionsoftware to analyse results.They believe the way women speak to children - using high pitched sounds and cooingto them - promotes bonding, while the more adult speech of dads gives them a bridge toadult life.Professor Mark VanDam, who led the research, said: “The parents are complementary to their children’s language learning.” He added: “This isn’t a bad thing at all, it’s not afailing of the fathers.”

NEW PERFORMCLASSES INHYDE PARKOwing to popular demand, Performchildren’s drama school arrives in theHyde Park area on Saturdays fromSeptember, with their unique mix ofdrama, dance and singing in small classes for ages 4-7. Principal LucyQuick says “We are incredibly excited about opening in Hyde Park.Parents have been asking us to have class in this area and we have a fantastic venue and have found some brilliant teachers to lead the work-shops.” Classes will run on Saturdays from 9.30 - 11 at St John’s HydePark, Hyde Park Crescent, W2 2QD. All children are invited to a freedrama Class at their nearest Perform venue. Call 020 7255 9120 to find out more. Visit: www.perform.org.uk

New Children’s Laureate AnnouncedChildren’s writer Chris Riddell has been named as the ninth newChildren’s Laureate, taking over from Malorie Blackman. The illustrator and writer has worked with Neil Gaiman and Quentin Blake,as well as being the illustrator for Russell Brand’s children’s book. He is also political cartoonist at The Observer. He won the CostaChildren’s Book Award in 2013 for his novel Goth Girl and has won twoKate Greenaway medals for illustration. You can see some of his illustrations on his Instagram account, chris_riddell.

We love to read - More kids than ever are reading for pleasureFormer Children’s Laureate, Malorie Blackmanhas said she is “Delighted” at figures released bythe National Literacy Trust that show thatincreasing numbers of UK schoolchildren arechoosing to read in their spare time and aredeveloping a love of books as a result.The Trust asked 32,000 eight to 18 year oldsabout their reading habits; favourites mentionedincluded The Diary of a Wimpy Kid by JeffKinney and Suzanne Collins’ The HungerGames. 40% of the kids questioned thought readingwas “cool”, while only 10% said they did notenjoy it.

Favourite books included:• Diary of a Wimpy Kid - Jeff Kinney• The Hunger Games- Suzanne Collins

• Twilight - Stephanie Meyer• Harry Potter - JK Rowling• Gangsta Granny - David Walliams• Alex Rider - Anthony Horowitz• How to Train Your Dragon- Cressida Cowell

• Divergent - Veronica Roth• Frozen - Calliope Glass• The Fault in our Stars - John Green


Fatter Families...Obesity is now a problem at a youngerageObesity has long been seen as a problem in the UK but the age at which healthprofessionals are seeing obese children is getting younger, according to a study.Researchers at University College, London, examined data from 56,000 peopleborn between 1946 and 2001. They found that obesity has become much morecommon and is starting earlier in life.Because obesity is often carried on into adult life, these children are at risk of severe health problems in future and cost the NHS over £5 billion per year. Thestudy showed that while 23% of six to 10 year olds were overweight in 1994, thefigure now stands at 30%.Eustace De Sousa, spokesperson for Public Health England, said: “Almost one in 10 children in Reception are obese - but what’s even more shocking is that by the time they leave primary school, this doubles to nearly one in five.”

Chaos over childcare support.Parents left in the dark over new rulesChanges in child support has led to confusion among parents.The system previously allowed working parents to pay childminders with vouchersworth up to £243 per month. From this autumn, the scheme will change. Families can claim a ‘top-up’ payment of20p for each £1 they spend on childcare. Single parents earning below £150,000 orcouples earning less than £300,000 can claim. Families with one parent who stays athome are not eligible.With parents having to work out the rules themselves, some may slip through theloop. The voucher system will remain but the Government has not confirmed iffamilies will have to re-apply.

Coffee: Now you can!New thinking claims coffee may be good foryou after allWe’ve been told for years to cut down on how much coffee we drink. It’s bad for theblood pressure, it can be linked to certain cancers and it makes you jittery - right? Well, it seems new evidence has emerged to show that it may actually be good foryou. Three to five cups a day can reduce type 2 diabetes and heart disease, may pro-tect from Parkinson’s and can reduce the risk of cancer of the pancreas, liver, breastand prostate. One of the chemicals in coffee - caffeic acid - can help cells defendthemselves against cancerous cells. Sadly, the fancy coffee shop kind packed with fatty and sugary flavourings is stillbad for you!

Bigger, Bolder, Hattier!Date announced for Wear A Hat Day 2016 - get your thinking caps on.The UK’s premier brain tumour awareness event will be back onThursday 24th March 2016. Wear A Hat Day 2015 was the biggestand hattiest by far. Hundreds of schools and families across the UK tookpart and helped to fund the fight.The organisers said, “For many, Brain Tumour Research is a cause close toyour hearts and we continue to be humbled by your commitment to helpingfind a cure for this devastating disease. Indeed, your collective participation in Wear A Hat Day is a wonderful contribution to the overallsuccess of the annual campaign and an inspiration to all of us! It would be#hattastic to have you join us again in 2016! Register now at: www.wearahatday.org and we’ll get your fez-tastic fundraising packsout to you by February.”

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news & views


Clubs & Classes: Too much, too soon?Are we pushing our kids too far by signing them up to lots of clubs and classes - or offering valuable advantages? By Sally J. Hall

Most parents agree; kids needto be stimulated and to haveplenty going on to stop themgetting bored. Mums and dadsare only too aware of the valueof after-school clubs to ensuretheir children are well lookedafter and stimulated.

But with a vast range on offer,it can be tempting to sign themup for a different activity everyevening. Piano on Monday,gymnastic Tuesday, mathsWednesday - and so it goes on,with more over the weekend.

Of course we might not all beable to offer our child such apacked schedule - financesalone might make this impossible - but there’s nodoubt that a couple of well-chosen activities can be greatfor giving your child an insightinto areas that the school cur-riculum can’t cover.

What age is best to startclasses?Early years: They get very tiredso keep outside activities to aminimum. For excess energy, agood run in the park is greatfor letting off steam. An art, singing or baby ballet-type class with the emphasis onplay would be great.Infant school: Add a low-keyactivity to look forward to.Singing, music making,

dancing, simple sports and swimming are all greatchoices for little ones.

Junior school: As dreaded testsloom, add an educational classif your child is struggling withone subject. Extra maths or reading tuitioncan make all the difference toconfidence.

Senior school: It’s easier to addactivities as energy and inde-pendence increases. As more exams come up, beflexible about allowing them tomiss or drop activities.

What’s on the menu?Mini Mozart?Many parents are convincedtheir child is a musical genius -and they may be right - butpushing a child into playing aninstrument can put them off forlife! From seven years, a 30 or45 minute class is plenty, withten minutes of daily practice.This can increase slowly.

MUSIC AND MOVEMENT

AMANDA’S ACTION CLUB… 07946 707695info@amandasactionclub.co.ukwww.amandasactionclub.co.ukBLUEBERRY PLAYSONGS… 020 8677 6871www.blueberryplaysongs.co.ukWEST LONDON YMCAwww.WestLondonYMCA.org

MUSIC LESSONS

EALING JUNIOR MUSIC SCHOOL at Twyford Church of England HighSchool, W3 every Saturday (in termtime) 8.30am -1.30pm teachingmusic to children aged 3-18.Classes range from musicianship(group music & movement lessonsfor younger children) to individualorchestral instrumental lessons and3 choirs, many ensembles/orches-tras which can be joined free forthe first term. www.ejms.org.uk … 0208 930 [email protected] MUSIC HOUSE FOR CHILDRENwww.musichouseforchildren.co.uk

Fitness FanaticSports and dance are great forfitness and flexibility and thechance to play with teams fromother areas – though foryounger kids, avoid classes thatare too aggressive or pres-surised. Be prepared for manyhours spent track, field or pool-side if your child loves sports.

GYMNASTICS

THE LITTLE GYMwww.thelittlegym.co.uk

TWISTERS run a range of excitingactive classes for children from age1 to teens in Gymnastics, Ballet,Dance Drama, Street, Tap and BoysCircus Skills. Classes take place inEaling (at St John’s Church,Mattock Lane, W13 9LA), Hanwell,Elthorne Sports Centre Ealing W72AH, at St Thomas's Church Hall,Ealing W7 2AD and in Acton,Acton Baptist Church, Church Rd,ActonW3 8PP … Hermione: 020 8933 9997 or Louise: 020 8840 [email protected] www.twisters.org.ukWEST LONDON YMCAwww.WestLondonYMCA.org

CIRCUS SKILLS

ALBERT & FRIENDS INSTANTCIRCUSwww.albertandfriendsinstantcircus.co.ukTWISTERS New in Ealing forSeptember - Boys Circus Skills.A great way to develop your child’sco-ordination, build confidence andexpand their focus by challengingthemselves whilst learning skillssuch as Juggling, Spinning Plates,Chinese ribbons, Poi, Diablos,Gravity sticks and balancing PER

Clubs & Classes continue on page 8


Clubs & Classes continuedJIGSAW PERFORMING ARTS Drama, dance and singing for students aged 3to 18 years. Locations in Ealing, Harrow,Hendon and more. Two week trial available. … 020 8447 [email protected]

PERFORM Drama, Dance & Singing - For West London classes are held in CoventGarden, Fitzrovia, Marylebone, Acton, BaronsCourt, Bayswater, Brook Green, Ealing, HydePark, Ladbroke Grove, Maida Vale, Notting Hill,Turnham Green West Kensington, Chiswick andKensington.Perform Weekly Workshops for 4-7 and 7-12year olds are run by an expert team who createa magical space for imaginations to run free.Child development is at the heart of everythingwe do and our unique curriculum is designed toboost confidence, improve communication andgive children a creative outlet to make friendsand have fun.Perform offer free, no-obligationstrials. For more information visit: www.perform.org.ukor call: … 020 7255 [email protected].

STAGECOACH THEATRE ARTS SCHOOLCHISWICK AND KENSINGTON Quality, down-to-earth training for 4-18 year olds in the threeperforming arts disciplines of dance, drama andsinging in a very safe and happy environment. All classes are taught by professional teacherswith industry experience in their fields. Venues: Chiswick: Strand on The Green School, ThamesRoad, Chiswick W4 3NX and The WilliamHogarth School, Duke Road, Chiswick W4 2JR… 020 8398 [email protected] www.stagecoach.co.uk/chiswick

Clubs & Classes continue on page 10

TWISTERS CIRCUS SKILLS continued

Peacock feathers. Wednesdays 5pm for ages 6+St Thomas’s Church Hall, 182, Boston Rd, London W7 2AD… Hermione: 020 8933 9997 or Louise: 020 8840 [email protected] www.twisters.org.uk

FOOTBALL

KIDDIKICKS Football (W2,W4,W8,W10,W11)Energy burning football classes for your toddlerand child. Available for boys and girls from 18months to age 7. All coaches qualified and BDSchecked. … 020 7937 7965 [email protected] SOCCER SCHOOLwww.qprcommunitytrust.co.uk

MARTIAL ARTS

SEIDO KARATEwww.seido-london.co.ukSMOUHA KARATE SCHOOL www.smouhakarate.comWEST LONDON YMCA www.WestLondonYMCA.org

RIDING

EALING RIDING SCHOOL www.ealingridingschool.bizWEST LONDON STABLES www.westlondonstables.co.uk

RUGBY

RUGBYTOTSwww.rugbytots.co.ukEALING TRAILFINDERS [email protected]

SWIMMING

BABY SPA www.yourbabyspa.comSWIMMING NATURE www.swimmingnature.com

TENNIS

WILL TO WIN www.willtowin.co.uk

MULTI SPORTS

FIT FOR SPORT… 0845 456 3233www.fitforsport.co.uk

Mini ThespianKids thrive in acting and singing classesand may go on to theatre school. It buildsconfidence and the ability to express them-selves.

PERFORMING ARTS

will be running their popular holiday coursesfor the weeks of 20th & 27th July

from 9.30am-3.30pm at Notting Hill Prep School, 95 Lancaster Road W11

Open to ages 4 - 6 & 7 -12 The children will have lots of fun working towards

a spectacular performance on the last day. Tel: 0208 767 5298 or 0208 969 3249

www.allsortsdrama.comAllsorts also run term time drama classes,holidayworkshops and private tuition including LAMDA.

Allsorts drama for children


Classes for Boys and Girls aged 21/2 to 16 years oldBallet, Pointe Work, Jazz, Tap, Annual Performances

Classes held in:Bayswater, Notting Hill Gate, Oxford Street, Shepherds Bush and South Kensington

From Baby to Ballerina

To advertise your Half Term Workshops in our October issue contact us at:

[email protected]


Clubs & Classes continued

DANCE

ANGELA GRANT SCHOOL OF DANCE After school RAD ballet classes from 2-16yrs. … Contact Angela on 0781 [email protected]

DANCE GALLERY teaches children from 4-18years including jazz, street dance and tap. It isrenowned for its fabulous bi-annual musical theatre shows and their new show entitled‘Dance Gallery Rocks!’ will be performed inMarch 2016 at Questors Theatre in Ealing. It will feature many different styles of dancingand the juniors will be performing a sequencefrom ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ and theseniors a sequence from ‘Grease.’ Visit: www.dancegallery.co.ukwhere you find an enrolment form.St Stephen’s Hall, St Stephen’s Road, EalingW13 8HB… 020 8566 [email protected]

DANCEWEST Contemporary dance for childrenand young people (6-24 years). Develop yourdance skills in a friendly & inspiring environmentat Lyric Hammersmith. Open to all levels ofexperience, £8 per class or £80 per term (12classes). … 020 8741 6850www.lyric.co.ukINNOVATIONS offer children’s classes in RADBallet, ISTD Tap/Modern, Jazz, Street Dance,Break Dance, Musical Theatre, plus drop-in babyclasses. Adult’s classes in Ballet, Tap, StreetDance, Yoga, Pilates and Work-Out!… 0208 998 2283emma@innovationdancestudios.co.ukwww.innovationdancestudios.co.uk

LAIRD ACADEMY OF DANCE,CHISWICKSaturday ballet & contemporary classes for ages3-18 taught by professional teachers in a superbdance studio in Chiswick. W4 1BB.Royal Academy of Dance accredited. … 07816 [email protected]

TWISTERS run classes in Ballet, Dance Drama, Street and Tap.Free trial class available… Hermione: 020 8933 9997 or Louise: 020 8840 [email protected] www.twisters.org.ukWEST LONDON DANCE ACADEMY offersdynamic and enjoyable classes in Ballet and Tapdance to children of all ages. Based in Chiswickand Ealing, our main objective is to inspire goodtechnique and progression within a lively andfun environment.… 07771 984590 info@westlondondanceacademy.comwww.westlondondanceacademy.comWEST LONDON DANCE ACADEMYwww.westlondondanceacademy.comRelax at Villa Sonbahar www.luxuryvillanorthcyprus.com

PERFORMING ARTS continued

STAGECOACH THEATRE ARTS SCHOOLCHISWICK AND KENSINGTON continuedKensington/Hammersmith: St Barnabas & StPhilips School, 58 Earl’s Court Road, KensingtonW8 6EJ and Addison Primary School, Addison

Gardens, London W14 0DT … 020 8398 [email protected]/kensington

Acton: Holy Family Catholic Primary School, The Presbytery, Vale Lane, London, W3 0DY… 020 8819 [email protected]/actonEaling: Hobbayne Primary School, GreenfordAvenue, Hanwell, London, W7 1HA and NorthEaling School, Pitshanger Lane, Ealing, London,W7 1HA… 01494 700 [email protected]/ealing

Excellent after school activity at Ealing’s Leading Dance SchoolDance Gallery specialises in Modern/Jazz/Tap classes and MusicalTheatre productions for children aged 4-18 years old. Pupils havethe opportunity to perform at local events and bi-annual shows atQuestors Theatre, Ealing. All classes take place at St. Stephen’sChurch, St Stephen’s Rd, Ealing W13 8HB

Tel: 0208 566 9672Email: [email protected]

A GREAT wayto keep yourchild fit!


Dance and drama coursesYourspace Saturdays

for 6-10 & 11-16 years.10 weeks, 10-12 noon, £195.

Theme: BEST OF BRITISH!Start 12 Sept - show 5 Dec.St Augustine’s Priory W5 2JLwww.yourspacedrama.com

Arabic for Women and Children

Families welcome – Goal Oriented

• Dynamic • Innovative • E�ective • Native Female Teacher (& mother of 3!)

Call Reem on07956 845 053

Ealing Arabic Schooloffers a goal oriented adult class. The class is designed for Arabs and non Arabs who

want to start learning Arabic or to improve their language skills.

Please call 07725 764 086

or 07956 845 053 for further details

WEST LONDON SCHOOL OF DANCEBallet classes from age 2½. Our performance inJune 2016 is for dancers age 4+, enrol now forthe opportunity to perform on stage. … 020 8743 [email protected] www.westlondonschoolofdance.co.ukKENSINGTON BALLET 18months-2 years. Kensington, Chelsea,Knightsbridge, Notting Hill and Fulham… 07957 650042www.kensingtonballet.comWEST LONDON YMCAwww.WestLondonYMCA.org

ARTS AND CRAFTS

KITE STUDIOS · www.kitestudios.orgPAINT POTS Creative Classes @Paint PotsHouse - The Boltons, Chelsea and also inNotting Hill offer accompanied and unaccompa-nied classes for children from as young as 6months of age in the mornings and afternoons,Tuesdays - Fridays. Children love the atmos-phere of exploration and discovery at theseclasses, where everyone has fun, makes friendsand learns along the way!… 08456 434441 www.paint-pots.co.uk

MastermindIf one subject is a struggle, one-to-onetuition can pay dividends and if your childwants to study a particular subject lateron, it can be invaluable.

SCHOOL SUPPORT

EXPLORE LEARNING Free trial sessionExplore Learning centres provide maths andEnglish tuition for 5 to 14 year olds of all abilities. The centres are open 7 days a week,meaning Explore can fit into busy family life. As Explore members, children work with tutorswho are great educational role models, enthusiastic about learning and fantastic motivators. Each child has an individualisedlearning programme, and all Explore coursesmap to the National Curriculum in England andthe Curriculum for Excellence in Scotland. Find out how your child can benefit fromExplore Learning membership today. … Ealing 020 8090 8710… Hayes 020 8561 8530… Westfield 020 8090 1216www.explorelearning.co.ukFLEET TUTORS National tutoring service with37 years experience in helping students of allages and abilities, in all academic subjects fromschool entry and Common Entrance through toGCSE, A-Level and University. Recommended by‘The Good Schools Guide.’… 020 8580 3911 [email protected] www.fleet-tutors.co.uk

LEARN HAPPY LONDON Specialises in providing individual and small group tuition forchildren aged 4 - 16 years as well as Spanishand French Clubs for children aged 3 - 11 years.Common Entrance and SATs prep provided.Children with SEN welcome.… 07540 893384 [email protected] JONES EDUCATION… 020 8390 6076 · www.11plustuition.co.uk VICTORIA PAGE PRIVATE TUITION for ages 2½yrs - 11+ Scholarship. Fully qualified teacherwith many years experience. (est. 1982).Exceptional References. Private tutoring insteadof school or extra tuition after school. Maths,English, Reading, Verbal and Non VerbalReasoning, 11+ Common Entrance, PreparatorySchool Exams & Nursery Syllabus. … 0705 0246810 (no texts) or 0207 381 9911www.victoriapage.netVIVIEN BORNEMANN Teaches art, crafts, jewellery, design technology, computer graphics,and history of art. DBS checked and teaches allages, covering the national curriculum for GCSE,AS and A levels, as well as just for fun!… 020 8932 1010

LANGUAGE CLASSES

ARABIC FOR WOMEN AND CHILDREN Female teacher. Ealing Arabic School Saturday10.00 - 13.00.Montpelier Primary School Tuesday 3.15 - 4.20North Ealing Primary School Wednesday 3.15 - 4.20.Southfield Primary School Friday 3.15 - 4.20.Private lessons for adults and children.GCSE and A level courses… 07956 845053 · [email protected] PETIT PIERROT Est 1993. Fun Frenchlessons for children from 8 mths to 8 yrs old.Parent and toddler groups (with multi-sensoryactivities), After-school classes & Saturdays.Excellent results, fantastic team of native Frenchteachers. Venues include Notting Hill, St John’sWood/Maida Vale, Putney & Chelsea (with new

classes during the week at The Hut, Alpha PlaceSW3). Private tuition at home for individuals andmini-groups also offered.… FREE TRIAL LESSON 020 7385 [email protected]

EALING ARABIC SCHOOL Arabic tuition forArabs and non-Arabs and to all levels. Saturday10.00 - 13.00. … Contact Reem Abdelhadi07956 845 053. The school also offers classesto children aged 4 - 18. … Contact Dr Rafiq Salem 07725 764 086


Mums and dads of olderchildren share their toptips on what they wouldhave told themselves toavoid problems whenthey were new to theschool run.

• Complaining to the teacher - based onwhat your child told you happened…onlyit didn’t… You take what your child has said asgospel, march into see the teacher, onlyto fall flat on your (red with embarrass-ment) face when you discover your littleone has got completely the wrong endof the stick. Even the most switched on,truthful child can mishear or misunder-stand sometimes. Stay open-mindedand communicate to the teacher thatyou appreciate what you’ve been toldmight not be what actually occurred!

• Sweating the small stuff An interest in how your child is doing ishealthy but getting overly-wrapped upwith the minutiae of reading levels isless so. Who could tackle the hardestspellings at the age of five will not goon their CV, after all. As Emma, mum toJamie, 12, and Lucy, 9, puts it “I realisenow that who was sitting on whichtable or reading which books wasn’tanywhere near as important as Ithought it was then. If your child is

progressing and enjoying school, try notto worry.”

• Getting embroiled in school gate com-petitivenessEngaging with ‘Competitive Mum’(there’s one in every class…) is a lose-lose situation. If your child is ahead ofhers, she’ll hate you for it. If hers hasone up on yours, you’ll end up inwardlyfuming at her smugness. Do not partici-pate in her FBI-style interrogations aboutwhether your child has done grade 42piano or is taking their platinum swim-ming badge yet. If all else fails, adopt avacant look and mutter “the readingscheme - don’t understand it”, orchange the subject quickly - the weath-er, last night’s Eastenders, anything butschool.

• Not helping at school… or doing sofor the wrong reasonsVolunteering for the Parent TeacherAssociation is an ideal way to makefriends and feel that you’re a part of theschool community. You might also beable to assist in class as a volunteer -just don’t do it to snoop on who getsup to what in there.

• Freaking out about friendship fall-outsReception children switch friends quickerthan you can ask ‘who’s your bestbuddy?’ It’s completely normal andbust-ups are quickly forgotten. Provide ashoulder to cry on and offer reassuring

Been THERE, done THAT!Ten mistakes that parents make when they’re newto school life.

By Liat Hughes-Joshi

education: Starting School Advice

advice. You could also arrange playdateswith other classmates to build bonds. Cath, recalls how daughter Ava, 7, fellout with her best friend: ‘I was ready tostorm around to her house. Then Irealised they change best friends everyday. It wasn’t a big deal for her. “

• Tackling other parents about problemsbetween the childrenSome little horror has been merciless toyour child and your protective instinctsare kicking in. But do not head over togive the other mum what for. She couldhave a different version of events andyou’re unlikely to change her mindabout who said or did what to whom.There’s also scope for a parental fall-outthat will endure long after the kids makeup. Cue an awkward few years at theschool gate…If the situation’s serious,raise it with the teacher and let themsort things out.

• Losing sight of the fact the teacher has 29 other pupils to look afterAt ‘big school’, you aren’t going to beable to have the daily chat with staffyou might have been used to at nurseryor with a childminder. There could be 30children in the class - if every parentasked for that ‘quick five minute catchup’ on a daily basis, ‘Miss’ would bethere for 2.5 hours. Sangeeta, mum toMaya, 6, says: “there’s an element of‘no news is good news’. If they’re struggling or misbehaving, the teacherwill tell you. You get used to not knowing so much about what they do.”

• Expecting your child to be chatty anddelighted to see you at 3pmEven little ones who were fine with full-time nursery can have the stuffingknocked out of them by starting school.With so much to learn, by home timemany reception kids (and teachers!) areexhausted. Alison, mother of Jack, 7, advises: “I wanted to catch up with him but heused to be so grouchy. Don’t sign up forany after-school activities initially. Lots of


early nights helped, too. Oh, and always have a snack waitingfor them - he still comes out starving every day”.

• Focusing on whether they know their letters before they startbut not worrying about whether they can get their clothes orshoes on by themselves.Ask a reception teacher what they would like their new chargesto be able to do and it probably won’t be about letters orcounting. What they would like is for your child to be able todress and undress for PE, use the loo independently and mayberecognise their name on their coat peg/ belongings.

• Not naming absolutely anything of use or importance!There’s a black hole in every primary school into which chil-dren’s belongings fall, never to be seen again. If you want to maximise chances of getting lost items back, add theirname to everything. And be very wary when your child asks ifthey can take their favourite teddy/ toy into show the otherchildren, as there’s a chance it will never be seen again.

But what about if your childis starting secondary school?Sarah Pratley gives us her tips to ensurethat smooth transition.

• Practice the journey to school with your child before termstarts. If it involves pubic transport, practice taking it and pre-pare alternative routes should there be any disruptions.

• Organise with neighbouring parents for your children totravel to and from school together.

• If they don’t already have one, get your child with a mobilephone. Resist using it to constantly check up on them, they willcontact you if they need you. Also give them some extra moneyfor emergencies (such as their Oyster card running out, betterstill activate an auto top-up).

• Buy all of the necessary uniform and equipment early andbe prepared to compromise. Children will have definite ideas

about what is ‘cool’.

• Encourage your child to pack their bag and lay out their uni-form the night before school. Resist taking control and let themlearn to take responsibility for themselves, even if this doesresult in a few missed homework deadlines or turning up toschool without their PE kit.

• Your child will have a planner where they note down theirassignments and teachers can write notes to you and vice versa.Look at this once a week to keep track of homework deadlinesand events at the school. Also check the school website to keepup to date. It will help you feel a little less isolated from theschool now that you’re not waiting at the gates every day.

• Be prepared for friendships to change very quickly. Insteadof racing into school whenever your child comes home upset,just reassure them that everything will be OK. If there seems tobe something more serious going on, such as bullying, speak toyour child’s form tutor.

• Encourage your child to invite their friends over for dinner or sleepovers. This will not only help you get to know their newfriends but also meet other parents.

Liat Hughes Joshi is a parenting journalist and the author of four books including ‘New Old-fashioned Parenting’ and ‘How to Unplug Your Child’ (both published bySummersdale) and ‘Raising Children:The Primary Years’

(Pearson).

education


Durston House

12 Castlebar Road · London W5 2DR 12 Castlebar Road · London W5 2DR

Boys Prep School 4-13 years · Registered Charity No. 294670

A great spirit of . . .communityA great spirit of . . .community

a real pride in achievementa real pride in achievement

Visit our www.durstonhouse.org

Send for an

Or come to see us

Mrs Caroline Ferns (Registrar)

020 8991 6532

[email protected]

website

Information Pack

telephone

email

contact

Visit our www.durstonhouse.org

Send for an

Or come to see us

Mrs Caroline Ferns (Registrar)

020 8991 6532

[email protected]

website

Information Pack

contact

telephone

email

A leading West London Prep School for BoysA leading West London Prep School for Boys


Thursday 24 Septemberat 10.15am

Thursday 8 Octoberat 10.15am

Wednesday 4 Novemberat 1.15pm

Monday 16 Novemberat 1.15pm

Wednesday 25 Novemberat 1.15pm

Open Days Autumn 2015

School Open Day DatesSchool Address Age Dates Contact details

Portland Place School 56-58 Portland Place W1B 1NJ 9-18 Tours: 16 Sept, 7 Oct 020 7307 8700 www.portland-place.co.ukand 10, 24 Nov 9-11am. [email protected] morning: 3 Oct 10am-12 noon

Southbank International School 63-65 Portland Place W1B 1QR 11-18 29 Oct 9.30-11am 020 7243 3803 www.southbank.org(Westminster Campus) By appointment [email protected]

Ravenstone Pre-Preparatory and Nursery School The Long Garden Albion Street 2-5 18 Nov, 9 Mar, 020 7262 1190 www.ravenstoneschools.comW2 2AX 8 Jun 9.30-11am. [email protected]

Connaught House School 47 Connaught Square, W2 2HL 4-8B By appointment 020 7262 8830 4-11G [email protected]

www.connaughthouseschool.co.uk

Pembridge Hall 18 Pembridge Square, W2 4EH 4-11G By appointment 020 7229 0121 www.pembridgehall.co.uk [email protected]

Arts Educational Schools London Cone Ripman House, 11-18 29 Sept for Sixth Form entry 020 8987 6600 www.artsed.co.uk14 Bath Road, W4 1LY 30 Sept for 11-16 year olds [email protected]

Orchard House School 16 Newton Grove, W4 1LB 3-11 3 Oct 9.30am-12noon 020 8742 8544 [email protected]

Heathfield House School Turnham Green Church Hall, 4-11 By appointment 0208 994 3385 Heathfield Gardens, W4 4JU www.heathfieldhouse.co.uk

Chiswick and Bedford Park Preparatory School Priory House, Priory Avenue, 3-7B By appointment 020 8994 1804 www.cbppschool.co.uk W4 1TX 3-11G [email protected]

The Falcons Pre-Prep School for Boys 2 Burnaby Gardens, Chiswick 3-7B 26 Sept 10.30am-12.30pm 020 8747 8393 www.falconschool.comW4 3DT [email protected]

Clifton Lodge School 8 Mattock Lane, Ealing, W5 5BG 3-13 3 Oct 10am-12noon 020 8579 3662 www.cliftonlodgeschool.co.uk [email protected]

Durston House 12 Castlebar Road, Ealing 4-13B By appointment 020 8991 6532 www.durstonhouse.orgW5 2DR [email protected]

St Benedict’s School Junior School and Nursery 3-18 Open Mornings: 020 8862 2254 www.stbenedicts.org.uk5, Montpelier Avenue, Ealing,W5 2XP Nursery: 8 Oct, 5, 26 Nov [email protected] Senior School and Sixth Form 9.30-11.15am. 54, Eaton Rise, Ealing,W5 2ES Junior School: 17 Sept, 10 Nov 9.30-11.15am.

Saturday Open Morning for whole school: 3 Oct, 10am-12.30pm.

Senior School: 15 Sept, 15 Oct, 13 Nov 9.15-11am.

Advanced booking necessary for all events except for the 3 Oct open day

Harvington Prep School 20 Castlebar Road 3-4 co-ed By appointment 0208 997 1583 www.harvingtonschool.com Ealing, W5 2DS 5-11G e: [email protected]

St Augustine’s Priory Hillcrest Rd, W5 2JL 3-18G 10 Oct 10-12 noon and 1-3pm. 020 8997 2022 Sixth form: 15 Oct 5pm. [email protected] (registration and tea from 4pm) www.saintaugustinespriory.org.uk/visit

Barbara Speake Stage School East Acton Lane, W3 7EG 3-16 By appointment 020 8743 1306 www.barbaraspeake.com [email protected]

International School of London 139 Gunnersbury Ave, W3 8LG 3-18 By appointment 020 8992 5823 www.isllondon.org

Latymer Prep School 36 Upper Mall, Hammersmith 7-11 Open days throughout the 0845 638 5700W6 9TA Autumn term. www.latymerprep.org/open-mornings

[email protected]

Latymer Upper School King Street, Hammersmith 11-18 7 Nov. 11+ entrance only. 0845 638 5721 www.latymer-upper.org W6 9LR (children in Year 6). [email protected]

Tickets required- contact the Admissions Office.30 Sept- Sixth Form open evening

St Paul’s Girls School Brook Green, W6 7BS 11-18G 11+ entry 7 Oct 5pm, 020 7605 4882 www.spgs.org 10 Oct 9am and 11.15am [email protected] Nov 5pm

Godolphin and Latymer School Iffley Road, W6 0PG 11-18G For 11+ entry: 17, 23 Sept, 020 8741 193613 Oct 4.30 - 7 pm (last tour 6pm). [email protected] Form- 1 Oct, 4.45pm. www.godolphinandlatymer.com


We have listed schools in postcode order from W1 - W14 and then outside the ‘W’ postcodes that serve children living in West London. There is plenty of advice on ourwebsite on what you should be looking for when you do the tour of schools. Don’t forget to log in with your postcode so you get the information that is relevant to yourlocal area at: www.familieswest.co.uk


Thomas’s Kensington (Lower School-age 4-7) 39-41 Victoria Rd, W8 5RJ 3-11 By appointment 020 7937 0583 (Lower School)(Prep School-age 7-11) 17-19 Cottesmore Gardens, W8 5PR 020 7361 6500 (Preparatory school)

[email protected]

The Lloyd Williamson School 12 Telford Road, W10 5SH 6 months-14 yrs 020 8962 0345By appointment www.lloydwilliamson.co.uk

Bassett House School 60 Bassett Road, W10 6JP 3-11 10 Oct 10am-12.30pm. 020 8969 0313 www.bassetths.org.uk

Notting Hill Preparatory School 95 Lancaster Rd, W11 1QQ 4-13 By appointment 020 7221 0727 [email protected]

Southbank International School 36-38 Kensington Park Road, 3-11 18 Sept 9.30-11am 020 7243 3803 www.southbank.orgW11 3BU by appointment [email protected]

Norland Place School 162-166 Holland Park Avenue 4-8B By appointment 020 7603 9103 www.norlandplace.comW11 4UH 4-11G [email protected]

Avenue House School 70 The Avenue, Ealing, W13 8LS 3-11 Individual tours by appointment 020 8998 9981 www.avenuehouse.org [email protected]

Notting Hill and Ealing High School (GDST) 26 St Stephens Rd, W13 8HH 4-18G (Junior- 4+ and 7+) parents only Booking essential. (Junior) Entry at 4+ 7+ 11+ and 16+ Admissions (Miss Smith) 020 8991 2165

24 Sep 10.15am, 8 Oct 10.15am, www.nhehs.gdst.net 4 Nov 1.15pm, 4 Nov 1.15pm [email protected] Nov 1.15am, 25 Nov 1.15pm

(Senior) 2 Cleveland Rd, W13 8AX (Senior) parents only 22 Sep 10.45 am, 5 Oct 10.45am, 12 Nov 10.45am14 Oct 4.30pm Senior School Open Evening, Parents and girls welcome - no need to book

St James Junior School Earsby St, W14 8SH 4-11B By appointment 020 7348 1793 www.stjamesjuniors.co.uk4-10G [email protected]

St James Senior Girl’s School Earsby Street, W14 8SH 10-18G Open Morning: 3 Oct 020 7348 1748 www.stjamesgirls.co.uk9.30-12.15pm [email protected] Evening: 7 Oct 4.15-6.30pm School in Action: 4 Nov 9-10.45amSixth Form: 30 Sept 5.15pm

Fulham Prep School 200 Greyhound Rd, W14 9SD 7-13 By appointment 020 7386 2444 www.fulhamprep.co.uk [email protected]

Eaton Square School 79 Eccleston Square, SW1V 1PP 2.5-13 12 Nov, 10 Mar, 9 Jun 020 7931 9469 www.eatonsquareschool.com

[email protected] · [email protected]

Westminster Under School Adrian House, 27 Vincent Square 7-13B 12, 26 Sept for 7+ and 8+ 020 7821 5788 Westminster, SW1P2NN 10 Oct for 11+ www.westminsterunder.org.uk

Westminster School Little Dean's Yard Westminster, SW1P 3PF 13-18B

Sixth Form 7 Sept 4-7pm (Girls) 020 7963 1003 [email protected]

Fulham Pre Prep School 47A Fulham High Street 4-7 19 Nov 9.30-11am 020 7371 9911 www.fulhamprep.co.uk SW6 3JJ Call to book [email protected]

Ravenstone Preparatory School 24 Elvaston Place, SW7 5NL 4-11 12 Nov, 10 Mar, 020 7225 3131 www.ravenstoneschools.com 9 Jun, 9-10.30am [email protected]

Thames Christian College Wye St, SW11 2HB 11-16 22 Sept 11am-1pm, 020 7228 39333 Oct 10am-1pm, www.thameschristiancollege.org.uk7 Oct 11am-1pm [email protected]

The Harrodian School Lonsdale Rd, Barnes, SW13 9QN 4-18 11+ Open morning: 020 8762 6321 www.harrodian.com

Advance booking essential 7 Oct, 5 Nov [email protected]

Ibstock Place School Clarence Lane, SW15 5PY 4-18 Pre-Prep and Prep School: 020 8876 9991 www.ibstockplaceschool.co.uk23 Sept, 18 Nov 9.30am [email protected] Senior School: 16 Sept 5-7pm,19 Sept, 9am-12.30pm, 6th form 24 Sept 6-8pm

Hampton School Hanworth Road, Hampton, 11-18B 26 Sept 10am-1pm 020 8979 9273 www.hamptonschool.org.uk Middlesex TW12 3HD Visitor’s afternoon [email protected]

(booking required) 3, 16, 26 Nov 2.30-4.30pm

Orley Farm School South Hill Avenue, 4-13 020 8869 7634Harrow on the Hill, Middx 3 Oct 10am-12pm or www.orleyfarm.harrow.sch.ukHA1 3NU Wed morning by appointment [email protected]

School Address Age Dates Contact details

Back to school:How to cope with first day nerves (their’s AND yours!).

You’ve bought the uniform,sewn on the nametapes andpacked their book bag. Nowthe big first day is almostupon you, reduce the chancesof tears at the classroom doorwith our starting school tips.

A few days beforehand, ease them intoa ‘school compatible’ routine.If you’ve been enjoying the summer holidays with later nights and relaxed,lazy mornings, head towards the sort ofgetting up and bedtimes needed forschool in advance of day one. It’ll be lessof a shock than a sudden change.

• Highlight the positives of school life Read stories about school together - tryLauren Child or Janet and AllanAhlberg’s lovely books on the subject. Or recount tales of your own positiveexperiences (skip the anecdotes aboutthe super-scary teacher and inediblelunches). Remind them, too, of thethings they enjoyed at any settling-in visits, such as ‘Ooh, you’ll be able toplay with the dressing up box again!’

• Pre-empt worriesYour child could be anxious about class-room life but unable to articulate theirconcerns. Ask them how they’re feelingabout it and listen out for anything thatyou can help explain. It could be, whatto do if they need the loo during lessons, where you’ll be at picking uptime or what happens if they don’t likelunch. Tell them that it’s absolutely fineto talk to the teacher if they’re scared orsad.

• Check out the school run in advanceA parent getting flustered becausethey’ve spent ten minutes trying to findparking or the right entrance to thebuilding will not contribute to the calmfirst day vibe we’re after here. Do a practice school run a couple of daysbefore if it’s anything other thanstraightforward and make sure youknow where to pick up from, as well asdrop off.

• On the morning, keep farewells shortbut sweetA quick hug will often be more reassuring than a ten minute parting ritual which makes it all seem a biggerdeal than just a few hours apart. Avoidsaying that you’ll miss your child too -

it puts the idea in their head that theyshould miss you. If your little one isespecially nervous, it can work well togive them a kiss on their hand to ‘keep’in their pocket during the day.

•Skip the mascara but remember a tissue!It’s not just the children who can end upin tears - it’s normal for parents to feelemotional when they first send theirreception child through those schoolgates. If you think you’re about to cry,do try and hold off until you’re out ofsight of your child if possible. Most four-year-olds will be more likely to get upsetif they see mum sobbing - they probablywon’t understand that it’s becauseyou’re proud/taken aback by howgrown-up they suddenly look. But restassured, if tears should roll, be it yoursor your child’s, you won’t be the onlyones and we promise no-one willremember in years to come.

Liat Hughes Joshi is a parenting journalistand the author of four books including‘New Old-fashioned Parenting’ and ‘Howto Unplug Your Child’ (both published bySummersdale) and ‘Raising Children: ThePrimary Years’ (Pearson).

By Liat Hughes-Joshi



what’s on

4 Sept INSTRUMENTAL EXTRAVAGANZAExperience and try a range of instruments plus

information and advice available on instruments and

lessons. 1.45-4.30pm.

www.musichouseforchildren.co.uk

12 Sept GREAT RIVER RACE A 21 mile course run

upstream from London Docklands to Ham. Around

300 crews from all over the globe take part. Watch

locally from Chiswick Pier (the first boats should pass

at around 12.50pm) where there will be a BBQ, bar

and refreshments. www.chiswickpier.org.uk

13 Sept ROAD DAHL DAY Celebrate at home!

Plenty of ideas on the website.

www.roalddahl.com/create-and-learn/join-in/roald-

dahl-day

18 Sept-31 Oct RUGBY WORLD CUP 17 matches

in London with the World Cup Final taking place at

Twickenham Stadium on 31 Oct.

19, 20 Sept OPEN HOUSE LONDON The doors to

hundreds of buildings and spaces in London will be

thrown open. More than 800 free guided tours,

architectural-themed walks, cycle rides, debates and

activities are available during the weekend. Explore

iconic buildings that are not usually open to the

public, find out interesting details about more familiar

spaces, and step into the private homes of the rich

and famous. www.openhouselondon.org.uk

27 Sept CHISWICK HOUSE DOG SHOW A great

family day out, 11.15am - 4.15 pm. This event

coincides with the staging of the 2015 Rugby World

Cup in West London. In honour of this, and along

with all the favourite classes, there’ll be a special fancy

dress ‘Dogwalk’ featuring dogs dressed in rugby-

themed canine fashion. Dress code for their owners is

optional. www.chiswickhousedogshow.org.uk

27 Sept EALING HALF MARATHON AND MINIMILE Starts and finishes at Lammas Park, W13.

Cheer on the runners from 9am.

www.ealinghalfmarathon.com

DAYS OUT CUTTY SARK

SE10 9NF www.rmg.co.uk/cuttysark

Every weekend CUTTY SARK CHARACTERS Comeaboard to hear Cutty Sark’s incredible stories brought tolife by characters from the ship’s past. Meet CaptainWoodget, the ship’s most daring master; Jock Willis, theman who built Cutty Sark; Nannie, the ship’s figurehead;or the ship’s cook, James Robson, who all have anextraordinary story to tell. Suitable for ages 3+Every Mon HAWK TALK Join bird of prey specialist,Gary Railton, and Norman, the hawk, and find out howhe helps us look after the ship and her rigging. 10am-

12noon for all ages.Every Weds TODDLER TIME Bring your little sailorsalong for songs, stories and playtime on board. 2-4pm for ages 4 and under.5, 6 Sept FAMILY FUN WEEKEND: SAILOR GAMESPlay out a sailor’s life in your very own board game.Create the rules then throw the dice to start your sailingadventures.All ages, 11.30am and 2pm.

FULHAM PALACE

SW6 6EAwww.fulhampalace.org

every Mon THE PALACE EXPLORERS A weekly parent/carer and toddler sessions for children aged 2-4.£3 per child, which includes a drink and healthy snack. Booking essential. 13 Sept MUSEUM DROP-IN try on period Viking costume, handle artefacts and learn about the history ofFulham Palace. 2-3.30pm, free.

CUTTY SARK

DIARY DATES

Days Out listings continue on page 20


what’s on CONTINUED

To advertise in the What’s On sectionplease contact us at:

[email protected]

IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM

OSTERLEY PARK AND HOUSE

TW7 4RB www.nationaltrust.org.uk/osterley-park

6 Sept CANOEING IN THE PARK Try out canoeing withyour family and friends on the middle lake. Learn thebasic skills and techniques of canoeing from qualifiedspecialist instructors. For more information contact Isaac Rocke on: 020 8232 5061, Email: [email protected], 16, 19 Sept BAT WALK WEEK Join the rangers ona sunset tour of the park and learn about the differentspecies of bats at Osterley.

ROYAL OBSERVATORY GREENWICH

SE10 9NF www.rmg.co.uk

26 Sept SUNDAY SPACE EXPLORERS Drop-in familyworkshops, where one of the astronomers will show youhow to make a star finder, to identify stars and constella-tions in the night sky all year round. Every half hour from12-3.30pm, for age 5+PLANETARIUM SHOWS MEET THE NEIGHBOURS Meet our neighbours in spacein this entertaining interactive show, where you decidewhich planets to visit. 5yrs+SOLAR SYSTEM, GALAXY, UNIVERSE Exploring thescale of the Solar System, Galaxy and Universe and howwe measure it. 5yrs+SPACE SAFARI Join Ted the teddy bear for live music andrhyme as he journeys throughout the solar system lookingfor the Great Bear in the sky. Age 7 and under, Tues interm time and every day in the weekends and holidays. SKY TONIGHT LIVE A live show presented by a RoyalObservatory Astronomer takes visitors on a tour of whatcan be seen in the night sky. 12.30, 2 and 3.30pm,5yrs+DARK UNIVERSE Astrophysicist, Neil de Grasse Tyson,narrates this exciting planetarium show that goes beyondthe night sky and into deep space. For ages 5+

THE LONDON WETLANDS CENTRE

SW13 9WT www.wwt.org.uk

3, 10, 17, 24 Sept BAT WALKS Watch the sevenspecies that hunt on site and learn about them from abat expert before heading out with bat detectors to helpyou identify the species. For ages 8+Weekends in Sept Discover more about the mysteries ofmigration. The UK’s most colourful ducks return in time tospend the winter here. Look out for teal, our smallest butone of the most colourful ducks with their green eye‘make-up’ and shovelers with their spade-like bills. Take your pick from a variety of creatures includingmighty lions, wise owls, and the popular characters from‘The Wind in the Willows,’ whose author KennethGrahame worked in a Bank for 30 years.

MUSEUMS & GALLERIESBANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM

EC2R 8AH www.bankofengland.co.uk

The Museum tells the story of the Bank of England fromits foundation in 1694 to its role today as the UK's centralbank. Examine intricately-designed banknotes, feel theweight of a genuine gold bar and see the pikes and muskets that were once used to defend the Bank.

19, 20 Sept OPEN HOUSE LONDON WEEKENDEnjoy 30-minute guided tours to parts of the Bank notgenerally accessible to the public. No booking required,but early arrival is advised.

IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM

SE1 6HZwww.iwm.org.uk

EXHIBITIONS:HOLOCAUST Film, photographs and a large number ofrare artefacts document the history of the Nazi persecu-tion of the Jews and other groups before and during theSecond World War. For ages 14+A FAMILY IN WARTIME Explores the lives of Williamand Alice Allpress and their ten children and what life inLondon was like during the war.HORRIBLE HISTORIES®: SPIES Uncover the deadlyworld of spies at this interactive exhibition. SECRET WAR The clandestine world of espionage, covertoperations and the work of Britain’s Special Forces.FIRST WORLD WAR Over 1,300 objects includingweapons, uniforms, diaries, letters and souvenirs on dis-play as well as a recreated trench with periscopes and adug-out, along with a soundscape and projection willevoke what daily life was like for the troops. Every Sun in Sept OBJECT CONVERSATIONSNew immersive object handling sessions where familiescan explore objects from the collections- feel the weightof a shrapnel piece from the First World War and come togrips with real objects. Drop-in, free, for all ages. 11am - 12.30pm and 2 - 4pm. 6, 13, 27 Sept CREATIVE RESPONSE Art activitiesbased on themes featured in atrium and galleries. Drop-in, free, for all ages. 11am - 12.30pm and 2 - 4pm.19, 20 Sept INTERNATIONAL PEACE WEEKENDInformal drop-in discussions about the subject of war and peace and learn to fold an origami paper crane.11.30am - 12.30pm and 2 - 4pm, free.

LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM

WC2E 7BB www.ltmuseum.co.uk

Let your children's imaginations run wild as they aretransported back in time at the historical and interactiveLondon Transport Museum. Filled with buses, trains, andtaxis they can take the wheel, try their hand as a tubeconductor or bump around with the other passengers inthe back, as they explore the vehicles of London's pastand present. THE FAMILY STATION Visit the Family Station, pick up acoin bag and choose some activities to do as you explore

GOLDEN HINDE

SE1 9DG www.goldenhinde.com

Every Sat PUBLIC GUIDED TOUR Let the costumededucators bring the Golden Hinde and its history to life.Learn about life at sea and Drakes voyage around theworld in this family-friendly tour. 26 Sept FAMILY OVERNIGHT EXPERIENCE Childrenwill be dressed as Tudor sailors and become members ofthe crew. After learning the ship’s rules, they will betrained in navigation, barber surgery and gunning, beforebedding down to sleep amongst the weapons on theGun Deck. A Tudor style dinner and continental breakfastis provided. For age 6+

HMS BELFAST

SE1 2JH www.iwm.org.uk

ONGOING: GUN TURRET EXPERIENCE a chance to seewhat fighting at sea would have really been like. Lights,audio, projections and movement will recreate the experi-ence, highlighting the hectic and cramped conditions thatwould have seen twenty-six men in this confined space atany one time.INTERACTIVE OPERATIONS ROOM the nerve centreand brain of the entire ship which now has exciting interactives.FREE FAMILY DROP-IN ACTIVITIES5, 6 Sept TATTOO T-SHIRTS: DAVY JONES’S LOCKERDesign your own t-shirt, inspired by traditional navy tattoos, learn about their history and why as a sailor youwouldn’t want to be visiting Davy Jones’s Locker in ahurry! Drop-in, all ages, 11am - 12.30pm and 2 - 4pm.

ISIS EDUCATION CENTRE

W2 2UHhttp://www.supporttheroyalparks.org/explore/isis

_education_centre 11 Sept WALK IN THE PARK - BAT WALK A wonderfulchance to walk in Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park atnight and see several different bat species. Learn howthey hunt and separate bat facts from bat fiction. For age8+ 8.30-10pm.

KENSINGTON PALACE

W8 4PX www.hrp.org.uk/kensingtonpalace

30 Sept TINY EXPLORERS Discover fascinating storiesabout Kensington Palace in these multi-sensory work-shops. Music, movement, messy play and more for 0-4yrs. Babies 0+ 10.30am, Toddlers - 4yrs 1 and1.30pm.

ODDS FARM PARK

HP10 0LX www.oddsfarm.co.uk

A fabulous day out at the farm. Meet the farmers and getclose to the animals in the hands-on area and in the largeundercover animal barns. There is also a huge outdoorplay area with an Adventure Maze, Go-Karts, Log PlayAreas, Crazy Golf and plenty of farm animals to meet. Youcan also win a medal at sheep racing, board tractor andtrailer rides and play in the sand and water area.


too? And how big can they get? Meet a moth curatorand find out.12 Sept ANIMAL VISION A show which features liveanimals, reveals a world only visible to certain reptilesand invertebrates. See how adaptations allow them toescape predators and locate prey. 10.30am for age 7+18 Sept DINO SNORES Ever wondered what goes on at the Natural History Museum at night? 7 - 11 years.7pm till morning, torchlit trails through the museum, liveanimal shows and more. For ages 7-11.13 Sept CLOSE UP ON CORALS Handle real speci-mens, create your own coral artwork and piece togetherwhat adaptations make animals such as fish suited totheir environment.13 Sept MARY ANNING Meet Mary Anning, a pioneer-ing fossil hunter from 19th century. 11.30am and 2pm.19, 20 Sept DINO SCENE INVESTIGATION Uncover areplica dinosaur skull.20 Sept CHARLES DARWIN Meet Charles Darwin, hewill share his collection of beetles and tell you his famoustheory of evolution.27 Sept PUPPETS: JACK AND THE BEANSTALK Takea trip to the top of the beanstalk with modern day hero-ine Jackie. Will she do better than Jack when it comes tooutwitting the Giant? And find out just how beans andother plants grow. For under 7s at 12.30, 1.30 and 2pm.

SCIENCE MUSEUM

SW7 2DD www.sciencemuseum.org.uk

Book ahead: 10 Oct SCIENCE NIGHT A specialovernight event for 7-13 year olds featuring excitinghands-on workshops, science shows, a sleepover at theScience Museum among the amazing exhibits, followedby a tasty breakfast and a film in the IMAX Cinema.Every Tues, Thurs and Sun until 15 Sept LIVE SCIENCE An ongoing project where scientists carryout research using Museum visitors as volunteers. You can take part in their scientific experiments to find outmore about yourself. Latest experiment: Are you payingattention? Have you ever missed seeing something thatwas right in front of you - like when you’re looking for acertain piece of food in a full fridge? Researchers fromUniversity College London want to find out more aboutwhat people notice and how much information peoplecan pay attention to. For ages 8+

VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM

SW7 2RL www.vam.ac.uk

Every Sun DROP-IN DESIGN Pick up a design challenge, hunt for ideas in the galleries, then create yourown. 10.30am-5pm, for age 5+ 6 Sept INCREDIBLE INVENTIONS Become inspired bythe Museum’s weird and wonderful inventions, fromGlove Stretchers to Moustache Spoons, then design andmake a prototype of your own. 13 Sept CHUSEOK KOREAN FAMILY DAY The KoreanHarvest Festival with traditional music, games, storytellingand kite making and the chance to try on Korean costumeand take part in a K-Pop dance workshop. 20 Sept LIVELY LETTERS Search the Museum for unusual letters, then create your own marvellous monogram masterpiece27 Sept DIGITAL DESIGN WEEKEND Join a range ofdigital activities around the museum. Every Sat POP UP PERFORMANCES 11am, 1 and3pm. Interactive performance each with a different theme.Free, drop in, for all ages.5, 12 Sept HOW THE MICE GOT RID OF THE CATSA traditional tale from the Middle East about princes, car-pet merchants, cats and some very clever mice.19, 26 Sept ROCK, POP AND CHARMING Dress upand dance. Celebrate the role of costume design in the1980s’ music scene in this fun costume and drama work-shop.FREE ART FUN-BACK-PACKS, ACTIVITY CART ANDANIMAL BAGS Families can pick up an activity Back-Pack, get creative at Drop-in-Design or go on a galleryadventure trail. Free, drop-in. Suitable for children aged 4to 11Activity Cart: Fantastic hands-on art fun for children tocreate collages and pictures to take home.Agent Animal bag: A sensory activity bag that has beendeveloped especially for under 5s. Each bag contains anaudio map and fabric cubes.

the museum. Whether you fold your own bus and drive itbetween the vehicles, design your own poster-postcardsor take photos through flickr frames, there is somethinghere for families with children of all ages. Open weekendsand school holidays, suitable for families with 3-12 year-olds.

LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM ACTON DEPOT

W3 9BQ www.ltmuseum.co.uk

26, 27 Sept DEPOT OPEN WEEKEND: DESIGNUNCOVERED Uncover the stories behind design classicsat London Transport Museum’s depot open weekend thisautumn. From the development of the first tube map tothe secrets behind moquette design, there’s plenty toexplore. 11am-5pm.

NATIONAL GALLERY

WC2N 5DN www.nationalgallery.org.uk

Every Sun FAMILY SUNDAYS Activities designed forfamilies to enjoy and learn together, 11am and 3pmMAGIC CARPET STORYTELLING For children aged 2-5.Sundays 10.30 - 11am and 11.30am - 12pm. Fly awayon the magic carpet, coming to land in front of a differentpainting each day. DRAWING SUNDAY Explore gallery paintings as inspiration for your art. For ages 5-11. Sundays 11am and2pm. Drop-in. 6 Sept CHANGING PERSPECTIVES Discover how todraw a perspective landscape using the shapes and linesin Hobbema’s famous Avenue of Middelharnis. 20 Sept HOW’S MY HALO? Create your own magnificent halo inspired by Cione’s ‘Adoring Angels’altarpiece.STUDIO SUNDAYS are hands-on workshops that start inthe Gallery, followed by a studio session (11am and 2pm). 6 Sept FAMILY WALK AND TALK: TAKE ONE PICTURE A themed journey through the collection wheregallery staff will walk, talk and bring paintings alive.12.30–1.30pm. For all ages.13 Sept DREAM DESIGNS Be inspired by Raphael’sdreaming knight and design your own pillowcase toinspire your dreams. 11am-1pm and 2-4pm16, 23 and 30 Sept WELCOME WEDNESDAYS Earlyyears activities and bring paintings to life through interac-tive music, storytelling, art and messy play activities. EveryWednesday, 10.30 and 11.30am for walkers under agefive, 1pm for sitting babies to walkers.

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

SW7 5BD www.nhm.ac.uk

Until 13 Sept EXHIBITION: SENSATIONAL BUTTERFLIES Step through the humid greenery of thetropical butterfly house, and find chomping caterpillars,jewel-like chrysalises and beautiful butterflies. Follow thetrail and interactive displays, while hundreds of strikingbutterflies and moths flutter above your head. Now in itsseventh year, the exhibition is a firm favourite for families,as well as adults escaping the bustle of the city. Until 13 Sept EXHIBITION: CORAL REEFS-SECRETCITIES OF THE SEA Meet the inhabitants of these richlydiverse habitats, and find out why reefs are so important,as well as how their future is being secured. 6 Sept MARVELLOUS MOTHS What's the differencebetween a moth and a butterfly? Can moths be colourful

Days Out listings continue on page 22

NATIONAL GALLERY

Please check before you head out to make sure that the Day’s Out event has

not changed after publication of your Families West magazine.


THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL

SW7 2AP www.royalalberthall.com

Until 12 Sept BBC PROMS20 Sept HOW TO MAKE A HERO The stories of theAncient Greeks where the 500 strong choir are the Gods.Zeus is not happy. He created humans but they turnedout to be so self-absorbed that he despairs of their badbehviour; what he wants is a hero. Enter Ulysses and awhole series of adventures.

SOUTHBANK CENTRE

SE1 8PX www.southbankcentre.co.uk

5, 6 Sept DISCOVER INDONESIA FESTIVAL Familyactivities include a gamelan (percussion orchestra) tasterfor ages 6+ (11am and 3pm), an interactive workshopand puppetry demonstration for all ages (12 noon), and a Javanese dance workshop. (12 noon). 5 Sept MEET ELLA’S KITCHEN An interactive demowith Ella's Kitchen, a fast-growing baby food company.Create healthy eating habits that last a lifetime. For chil-dren under 13 at 9am. 6, 13, 20, 27 Sept, MONSKI MOUSE’S BABY DISCODANCE HALL A toddler friendly disco hosted by MonskiMouse for under 5s and their parents. 3pm11, 18, 25 Sept RUG RHYMES A short session of nursery rhymes, poems and rhyming stories, followed bythe opportunity to look at and borrow books. For ages 0-5 at 10.30am.

16 Sept GROOVE BABY PRESENTS RANDOLPHMATTHEWS Grown-up concerts your baby can grooveto, featuring improvisation and stories. For babies andtoddlers.

THEATRE ROYAL DRURY LANE

WC2B 5JF www.reallyuseful.com/theatres/theatre-royal-drury-lane

Ongoing CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORYRoald Dahl's deliciously dark tale of young Charlie Bucketand the mysterious confectioner Willy Wonka in a brandnew musical directed by Sam Mendes. 2.30pm and7.30pm.

UNICORN THEATRE

SE1 2HZ www.unicorntheatre.com

2 Sept-4 Oct BREAKING THE ICE A show about a wildpolar bear who makes friends with a husky. Watch as theanimals learn to play and get involved in the fun yourselfby interacting with projected images that mirror yourmovements. For ages 2-5. On 5 and 12 Sept, the showwill be followed by a musical play session, “Ice IceBabies” play time with music, instruments, hand puppetsand lots of singing of much-loved songs.

CONCERTS AND MUSICWORKSHOPS

BACH TO BABY

www.bachtobaby.com/londonnorth High-quality classical concerts for babies and their familiesperformed by mum and pianist Miaomiao Yu, along withother internationally renowned musicians.15 Sept in Notting Hill (St. John's Church, Lansdowne Crescent, London W11)17 Sept at Foundling Museum WC1 at 10am23 Sept in Kensington (Christ Church, Victoria Road, Kensington, W8)25 Sept in Chiswick (St. Michael and All Angels, Bath Road, W4)

WALLACE COLLECTION

W1U 3BNwww.wallacecollection.org

6 Sept THE LITTLE DRAW Free, drop in workshop forall ages and abilities with artist Millie Nice using drawing,observation and creative experimentation as a tool tolearn more about the objects and paintings in the WallaceCollection.1.30am-4.30pm. 26 Sept FAMILY DAY: BEHIND CLOSED DOORSMeet the quirky characters in the paintings, make upsome spooky stories and compose your own music toperform onstage at the Wigmore Hall at the end of theday. 10.30am-3.30pm for age 5+ Booking via WigmoreHall. www.wigmore-hall.org.uk

FAMILY THEATRECAMBRIDGE THEATRE

WC2H 9HUwww.matildathemusical.com

Booking until Dec 15 MATILDA THE MUSICALThe Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of RoaldDahl’s magical story about a girl with extraordinary powers.

LYRIC HAMMERSMITH

W6 0QL www.lyric.co.uk

12 Sept PINOCCHIO A retelling of the classic tale withpuppetry, illusion and specially composed music. For ages 4-919 Sept PUSS IN BOOTS A host of puppets, a workingwindmill and an avalanche of fruit and nuts on an incredible sloping stage. For ages 4-726 Sept MY PET MONSTER AND ME Adventures onthe farm with Sophie and her new friend George, themost lovable monster in the land, with magical songs,enchanting music and exquisite puppetry. For ages 3-7

LYRIC THEATRE

W1D 7ES www.nimaxtheatres.com/lyric-theatre

Until 6 Sept THE GRUFFALO Join Mouse on an adventurous journey through the deep, dark wood in amagical, musical adaptation of the award winning picturebook by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Songs, laughsand scary fun for children aged 3+

PALACE THEATRE

W1D 5AY www.nimaxtheatres.com/palace-theatre

Until 6 Sept THE THREE LITTLE PIGS A musical twiston the retelling of this classic fairytale. Discover how thethree little porkers become world renowned celebritysuperstars when forced to leave the warmth of theirmother's overcrowded sty. For age 3+

PUPPET THEATRE BARGE

W9 2PF www.puppetbarge.com

Until 27 Sept FOWL PLAY Down on the farm a foal isborn, causing much excitement among the animals. Thechickens soon spread the news which leads to an unex-pected turn of events. The production features carvedmarionettes and original music. For ages 3+ (The PuppetBarge will be moored in Richmond in Sept- see websitefor details.)

what’s on CONTINUED

LYRIC HAMMERSMITH

UNICORN THEATRE


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families london west issue 102 sep 2015

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