Families London SW issue 226 May 2013

Issue 226ISSN 1354-9553

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

Take a copy

2 Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

04-05 Local news & info

08 Personal developmentIs life complicated?

09 HOW TO... our tipsHow to get kids growing things

13-16 Babies health• NCT’S Top Ten Tips • Over use of antibiotics• Mum and baby breaks• Choking: what to do

18 HealthNutrition tips for immunity

21 Education• Finton House• Fleet Tutors• Sinclair House School• White House School

22-23 Half-term activities

26-27 A “different” child

30-31 Days Out

32-38 What’s On• Drama • Events • Exhibitions & Museums • Diary dates

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May 2013

All content ©Families 2013www.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 2013 Deadline: early May•“Families® South West” heads a group of magazines. Allfranchised magazines in the group are independentlyowned and operated under licence. There are around 40UK local editions with a print run of more than 700,000copies in all, in which you can advertise too. Oh, and wehave a very useful website… familiesonline.co.uk• MOVING? Families® magazines can be be franchised innew areas. Read initial franchise information on thewebsite or call. • Printed by Ridgeway Press Ltd, Basingstoke, Hants.• We take every care preparing this magazine, but thepublishers and distributors cannot be held responsible forthe 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 felled arecontinuously replaced. Inks are soya-based, which can bere-cycled.

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Everything that is supposed to be in heaven is already here on earth

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Award WinnerLocal Mumpreneur Sarah Kohn picked upBrand Amplifier’s Platinum award for hercompany, Early Bird First Aid, an innovativetraining company that teaches parents essentialskills that could save their child’s life. Thecompany has been recognised as having the ‘BestBusiness Vision’, and Sarah offers coursescovering essential first aid skills including how toperform CPR on an infant. Classes are informal,hands on and completely flexible – they canarrange classes in your own home or you canattend a course at a venue nearby.www.earlybirdfirstaid.com

Get walkingYes, it’s that time of year again. 2013’s Walk ToSchool Week runs from 20 - 24 May, bringingtogether nearly one million schoolchildren,teachers and parents and promising to be thebiggest and best yet! As part of National WalkingMonth, the campaign aims to teach childrenabout the benefits of walking, with each dayfocussing on a different aspect of walkingincluding safety, discovery, healthy, eco-friendlyand social time. Take part in Strider’s 5-DayWalking Challenge and reinforce the benefits ofwalking, plus download puzzles, pledges andchallenges at www.livingstreets.org.uk/walk-with-us/walk-to-school/walk-to-school-week

Tennis on the RivieraAs the Championships draw closer and anticipationbuilds, you can now indulge your passion for allthings tennis with the arrival of Wimbledon LawnTennis Museum’s latest exhibition ‘Tennis On TheRiviera’. The exhibition features fascinatingFrench memorabilia, dating from the early 1890sto the late 1930s, treating visitors to a visual insightinto the rich history of tennis culture. Enjoyartefacts including a vibrant collection of posters,photographs and graphics from the era. Moreexciting news from the Museum is the re-openingof the upgraded Wimbledon Museum Shop.www.wimbledon.com/museum

Maternity retreatMermaid Maternity Retreat, a new concept in private maternity, launches in London this summer.Offering non-medical support services plus state-of-the-art accommodation, education and wellbeing, itwill help women prepare for birth,recover afterwards and give their babythe best possible start in life. Rununder the guidance of senior healthprofessionals, Mermaid ensures thatnew mothers and their babies are inthe best possible hands fromconception to delivery and beyond,offering birth preparation workshops,antenatal yoga, Pilates and exerciseclasses, plus soundproofed bedroomsin which to recover after the birth andbond with your baby. There is also a24-hour supervised Baby Zone wherebaby will be looked after while mumcatches up on sleep or enjoys atreatment! “We aim to bridge the gapbetween hospital and home,” says Nick Balfour, founder of Mermaid, “by giving you the skills and nurturingthat will help you embrace your new responsibility with confidence.” Mermaid Maternity Retreat, 234a KingsRoad SW3 5UA, www.mermaid.co.uk

Yummy yummyHail a new family-run online sweet shop with adifference. Goodness Goodies is all aboutmaking life sweeter for children and adults withallergies, vegetarians and vegans, stocking a rangeof allergy friendly treats, dairy free chocolate andgelatine free sweets together with healthy andgluten-free snacks. “Life is challenging enough forchildren with allergies,” says Goodness Goodiesfounder, Mandy Chowdhary. “Our aim is to ensurethat children with food allergies can enjoy delicioustreats and celebrate special occasions such as Easterand birthday parties, alongside their family andfriends.” www.goodnessgoodies.co.uk

Great news forBalham! No. 9 an Antiques and Interiors shop has openedin Hildreth Street, SW12. Tel 020 8616 9686

News

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May 2013 5®®

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

Get sportyLocal organisation Rugbytots gets your little onesexcited by sport while having fun at the same time.With Government guidelines recommending thatchildren of preschool age be physically active for atleast three hours per day, classes like Rugbytotsencourage children to participate in sport in a fun,active and safe environment. “Rugbytots helpsdevelop children's physical, physiological and socialattributes,” says Lorna Belchambers of RugbytotsSW London. “The classes are great for parent andchild to spend time together and learn valuableskills.” If your child would like to give rugby a try,contact Lorna on 0845 481 6444 [email protected]. www.rugbytots.co.uk

Young writers compBudding young writers get their pens at the readyas this year's National Young Writers' Awardreturns. The competition will be judged by best-selling author Cressida Cowell, and children 5 to14 are invited to write a 500 word short story onthis year's theme, "Around the World". Thecompetition is organised by tuition providerExplore Learning and is open for entries until 3June, with a prize of a trip to Disneyland Paris forthe whole family and £500 ofbooks for the winner’sschool. “Many children havea gift for writing,” saysHeather Garrick fromExplore Learning, “and it's soimportant to nurture this froman early age to build upconfidence and, mostimportantly, have fun anddevelop their imagination."Enter atwww.explorelearning.co.uk/youngwriters

Scholarship successYear 6 pupils at Hornsby HouseSchool in SW12 have achieved arecord number of scholarships tosenior schools this year. Year 6children were awarded a total of32 academic, sport, drama and artscholarships and most children arein the happy position of having achoice of offers from differentsenior schools. The Year 6children are now following a newtimetable in preparation for theirmove to senior school inSeptember, including Spanish,Latin, Debating, Touch Typing andPractical Maths. "The Year 6children worked very hard fortheir senior school entrance exams,” said Headmaster Edward Rees. “We are extremely proud of theirefforts and achievements.” www.hornsbyhouse.org.uk

Bop ‘til you dropTwo Barnes mums have set up an excitingnew music class for 2 to 4 year-olds.Letterbop helps children learn lettersounds phonetically through music anddance, introducing them to the phonicsystem and the fundamentals of reading bydrawing on visual, auditory and kinaestheticlearning techniques in a fun and funky way.The music has been composed specificallyfor Letterbop by a top stand-up comedianand children join in with actions, pom-poms and props. Times and venues acrossSW London at letterbop.com

Furniture toimpressLocal Wandsworth mum launches LovestruckInteriors, offering a bespoke consultancy servicefinding and creating the perfect hand-paintedfurniture for yourhome. Theysource and revampvintage pieces andupdate existingpieces of furniture,transforming aroom at a fractionof the cost ofbuying somethingnew. Check outtheir bespoke,stunning hand-painted furniture.And what betterpresent for mumor dad than afantastic Kids Rule– just fix to a walland mark the growth of your clan, from babe toadult. We love them!www.lovestruckinteriors.com

New range for kidsLocal cookery school Cookie Crumbles launcheskids baking mixes to introduce children to the joys ofhome cooking, including Sunny Oat & Raison CookieMix, Awesome Wholesome Brownie Mix, GranolaEnergy Bar Mix, and Blueberry & Vanilla Muffin Mix. “The flavours and quality of these baking mixescaptures the taste of home baking,” says Carola Weymouth. “There is no need to buy ten differentingredients or follow complex recipes and they are ideal for busy mums who want fun, fuss-free and failsafebaking with the kids. Keep a spare mix in the cupboard and be prepared for the next school bake sale!”Available online and in a number of delis and cafés in SW London. www.cookiecrumbles.net

Children’scompetitionAward winning actress Gillian Anderson launches anational school’s competition to raise money forChildren with Tumours. The Christmas CardChallenge is open to children of primary schoolage, with schools encouraged to hold an internalcompetition and then submit their winners to thenational competition. All six winning designs will beavailable to buy from the charity’s website.Children with Tumours is the UK’s first “no frills”charity to help raise funds to provide holidaycamps for children affected by Neurofibromatosisand to contribute towards vital research. Morethan 25,000 people in the UK are affected by NFand every day a baby is born with the condition.As yet there is no cure. Closing date 31st May 13www.childrenwithtumours.org/Pages/ChristmasCardChallenge

Social media and marketingPutney-based marketing and training company, Mumpreneur Marketing, has arange of new social media and marketing courses for small business running inMay and June. Learn more about Twitter, blogging for business and the mostcost-effective ways to market your business. The courses are great for meetingand connecting with other business mums.“Great marketing course with a relaxed feel. I found the coursecontent on low cost marketing, online and offline marketing, andblogging very useful.” Cathy Lang, The Tinker’s Tailor.• All welcome. Courses on 14 & 21 May, 5 & 10 June. (Alsosee diary dates page 38) Visit mumpreneurmarketing.com orKate Miranda 020 8789 1829 [email protected] • Do look at Families SW Facebook to see how great it looksnow! www.facebook.com/FamiliesSW


Dawmouse Montessori Nursery Schools

WWW.DAWMOUSE.COM

There are now two established MontessoriNursery schools in Fulham bearing theDawmouse name. The original DawmouseBrunswick in Haldane Road, SW6 7EUand Dawmouse St Peter’s at St Peter’sTerrace, SW6 7JS.

Both schools offer a wide range of Montessori equipment andhave outdoor play areas. They will offer a safe, stimulating andactive environment in which children can have fun and achieve.The broad curriculum covers all areas of the Early LearningGoals and includes science, drama, cookery and music lessons.Project work will give the children scope for creative developmentas well as an increased understanding of their world.We insist on our staff being Montessori trained teachers.

For a prospectus and a visit to view the schools please contact :

www.dawmouse.com or speak with Miss Emma 020 7381 9385

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THE WILLOW NURSERY823-825 Wandsworth Road, Clapham, SW8 3JLTel: 020 7498 0319 Est.1981

E-mail: [email protected] Heads: Caroline Henson & Virginia Bisset.Opening hours: 8.15am to 12.15pmSessions: Mornings onlyWeeks open a year: TermtimeAges: Two and half to 5 yearsMax no. of pupils: 40. Pupil/teacher ratio: Under 3yrs: 4:1, 3-5yrs 8:1Curriculum: Montessori and traditional methods.Activities: Art, craft, cooking, Spanish, gardening, home corner, ICT,messy play, computer club.Four specialist teachers for singing, dance, gym and cooking.Facilities: Large, bright, spacious hall and a smaller reception room.Contact: Please contact Amanda for Prospectus and to arrange a visit.

The Willow is renowned for its creativity. Our aim is to create astimulating, happy and fun environment so that the children love coming toschool. We develop confidence and a keen interest to learn bothindependently and with individual attention.

www.thewillownursery.co.uk

It’s about love actually

Q: My husband has not

been really fullypresent in ourrelationship since ourlittle girl was born.I find myself having to deal witheverything to do with our baby and hehardly even looks at her. He is cold anddistant to me as well. I am exhausted andwould love to be able to share some of theresponsibilities and just get him back tohow he was before.

A: A new arrival in the house can create majorupheaval in a relationship and that can be a hugeshock for both partners as it is usually notexpected. It sounds from your letter as thoughyou have both shut down from each other. So myadvice would be to start to re-open thecommunication channels because the changes yourlittle girl has brought to your household will need alot of discussing before readjustments are made.

If you are able to, then organise for your little oneto be looked after for a few hours once a week forthe next few weeks and then go out the two ofyou. Before going, both of you write down whatyou would like to discuss and then decide betweenyou which topics are to be covered that evening.Stick to the chosen topic(s), do not bring in otherproblems, give yourself a time frame to discussthem in and find a resolution and then spend therest of the evening re-bonding, no more shop talk.

Communication an issue?

Try thisDownload a tried and tested pre-prepared list of13 questions and spend 30 minutes with yourhusband to exchange and communicate. This is amulti-step process, created by Dr Demartini, inwhich you keep refining your answers until yourhierarchy of values finally emerges with crystalclarity. We’ve tried it, it‘s an amazing process!

Q: How much space do

you occupy?A: As full-on parents, we often put ourselves lastbecause we don't seem to have time to fiteverything in, especially not space for ourselves.When was the last time you have you everstopped to think about that?

We all go rushing about in our daily lives, gettingon with work, kids, the weekly shop. Often wethink we don't have time to take the time forourselves. We don't fill up some of the space weshould take up. So, how many times in the day doyou not acknowledge how much space you shouldactually use up? If you're not able to be consciousof that then who else is going to be? If youminimise the space that you're meant to fill that'swhen you invite in events and treatment that youdon't want in your life. If you're being smaller,then your boss might feel he can have a go at youfor nothing, or your partner might ignore yourperfectly reasonable request, or you wind upfeeling ill-treated,..

Occupy that space! When you feel yourself slidingdown that slippery slope of not filling up yourspace properly, do the exercise, hold your head uphigh and grow bigger. It will change your life!

Try this

Ten-second exerciseStand up, plant your feet firmly on the ground andthen just feel how much space you physically fillup. Feel how dense you are, how much roomyour arms take up in the space around you, thesolidity of your legs... anyway, you get the generalidea. If you're not considerate to yourself andaware of just how important your well-being,feelings and respect for yourself is, then you can'tbe surprised when others aren't either. And youwon't get there if you make yourself small bylowering your expectations and minimising yourneeds. If you do that you are contributing toreducing yourself.

We often don't listen to ourselves because we'reso used to not taking our feelings and needs intoaccount. It's often very hard to take a step backand realise that it's actually really important for ourwelfare and health to honour ourselves. If we'redepleted and not existing fully then how can wepossibly keep it all together and be properlyavailable to others and be happy.


Life doesn’t have to becomplicatedLife is very full for us, parents: holding a job, running a house, making sure the kids are ok, while alsofostering a great relationship with our spouse. Amanda is a psychotherapist and founder of Inspired Living, whichprovides motivational and life-changing advice for people of all ages and gender who want to let go of the shadows of theirpast and gain new direction in their lives. We asked her to reveal the most common problems she comes across...

For more answers to your questions: www.familiesonline.co.uk/loveactuallyIf you would like to have your questions answered for free (in full confidence), then

please write to Amanda at: [email protected]

For more on this article and others on personal development: www.familiesonline.co.uk/loveactually

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Children can really get engrossed in planting andcaring for flowers – even those with shorterattention spans! Most kids can’t get enough of theanticipation and excitement of waiting for a seed tosprout or a plant to grow, even making mud pies, asall children find pleasure in a patch of soil they cancall their own. Imagine sparking the green fingers oflittle children, as you point out the wonder of thenatural environment around them. And what betterway to learn about photosynthesis, by watching ithappen in front of your eyes! Show your child themagic of Mother Nature.

Getting StartedGardening doesn’t require a huge garden orallotment; in fact, it can actually be beneficial tostart out with smaller spaces such as a windowbox or a restricted area. Just ensure that theallocated area gets enough sunlight and start with asmall, manageable project. It needn’t cost a lot ofmoney either – you don’t need to buy anythingspecial or fancy, and if you grow your own fruitand veg then you’ll ultimately be making a saving!

Start with margarine tubs, yoghurt pots, and anyother small containers you might find lying aroundthe house. Instead of fancy trays with separatesections, you’ll find just as much use in empty eggcartons. A lollypop stick can make a great plantlabel and can be used when dipping out seedlings.And what about a water pistol instead of a wateringcan. Who would have thought watering the plantscould be so much fun. (hum good idea this?)

Opportunity to learnThere is so much for children to learn. Explain toyounger children that the seeds have poppedunderground and covered up to sleep, helpingthem understand that they need to be gentle withthem and treat them with care. Make sure theyknow to water regularly and then sit back andwatch it grow.

You don’t have to be green fingered yourself,gardening opens up a whole host of greatexperiments and different ways of looking at things,almost like having your own laboratory in yourkitchen. A good idea to show how plants needtime to grow, lots of sunshine and water is to growthree separate pots of cress. Place one in sunlightwith plenty of water, one in a dark cupboard withplenty of water, and one in sunlight with no water.The difference will be there to see.

Inspire their senses We all have a particular fondness for plants whichstimulate our senses and children are no different;point out plants with soft leaves and bright flowers,aromatic herbs, scented flowers, grasses andleaves that rustle when blown, etc. These can beparticularly beneficial for children with specialneeds and requirements.

Plants attract wildlife, which can be hugely exciting.Wildflowers attract bees and butterflies, and watchout for the insects. All of them have a purpose in thegarden, for example hedgehogs and toads eat theslugs and snails, and worms create holes in the soil.Kids will eat anything they have grown themselves,just try with peas, cabbage and lettuce. Sheer pridewill lend a flavour never to be forgotten. They willrealise that whenever they eat yummy fruit andvegetables that someone had to grow them andthat we can all grow our own fresh foods. Preparefor mess! Gardening isn’t a clean business but itslots of fun and easy enough for children to get togrips with. So peel your children away from theTV and explore the garden - touch the flowers, feelthe leaves, and look for bugs. Once they get in thegarden and explore, in time they will want to takecare of the plants they have learned to love andreally gain pleasure along the way.Enjoy!

May 2013 9

Involving children in gardening can be a great and fun experience for everyoneregardless of age. How do you encourage your children to discover the worldof gardening?

How to get the kidsto grow

things By Elisabeth Dolton

Inspirational ideasthat will makegardeners out of kids

Sunflowers – tiny seed with a big impact. See who grows the tallest?

Potatoes in a bucket – eat your own hard work

Cress egg heads – damp cotton wool withcress seeds, in an eggshell

Quick, edible lettuce – Let kids plant theirown small lettuce garden. Let them choosewhich types and plant them in different shapes

Fun with Peas – they don't need a lot ofspace, and once they start growing, growvoraciously. Kids can lead the peas to grow up the netting.

Create a theme – grow a tomato, courgette,basil and oregano plant, everything to top your pizza!

How to plan afun and relaxinggarden thatworks for the

whole family

When it comes to planning your outdoor space,approach it in exactly the same way that youmight plan a room indoors. For a growing family,top of the list of things to consider are stimulusand colour, play areas (for children and adults)and, of course, storage. Add to this mix a senseof exploration and fun and you have a designrecipe that will keep the kids busy.

There are lots of clever ways to keep thechildren happy in the garden without turning itinto an adventure playground. Green Dot hasbeen designing family gardens for over 10 yearsand they’ve created individual solutions that workfor grown ups and kids in gardens of all differentsizes. Crafty problem solving can make the mostof the available space. By day sand pits ortrampolines emerge from decking trap doors,and benches double up as storage chests so toyscan be tidied away. At the end of a day yourgarden can be swiftly transformed into an adultspace.

If you do have more space, you can create agreat environment for more adventurous play.You might choose a custom-designed pergola thatdoubles up as a climbing frame with detachablenets, monkey grips and slides. Or you can createa wonderful environment with child-friendlyplanting that encourages kids to learn aboutnature.

•Contact Green Dot Gardens on 020 7062 0384or [email protected]

The Families HOW TO series

May 2013 11®®®®

is delighted to announce the launch of our searchable online

What’s On

calendarVisit FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

Do you love taking the children to activities, shows and events but are

frustrated by the amount of time spent googling?

The frustration is over!

Our new calendar lets you search our comprehensive

listings by category, age group, date or location.

®

For example you can search for:• A show suitable for a 4 year old on Saturday• A holiday workshop for your 3 year old and your

8 year old within SW postcodes• What event or museum can I take my baby to?• What’s happening in half term—and see the results

on a map

What's On Calendar now LIVE!

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Babies’ Health

Vitamins and Supplements Taking 400 micrograms of folic acid each day before you become pregnant andin the first three months can help prevent birth defects. It is recommendedthat you also take 10 micrograms of Vitamin D each day throughoutpregnancy.

Pregnancy nutritionMany women start pregnancy with low iron stores or slightly anaemic. Yourblood will be tested at your first appointment, and you will be advised to takeiron supplements if you need them. Good sources of iron include red meat,kidneys, fortified breakfast cereals, bread, pulses such as baked beans andkidney beans, eggs and green vegetables. Extra Vitamin C will help absorb ironfrom food.

ExerciseExercise during pregnancy helps keep you and your baby healthy, andprepares your body for labour. Avoid contact sports like horse riding, skating,skiing, and cycling which are not recommended after the first three monthsdue to the risk of falling. There are many home based and external exerciseclasses for pregnant women. (See our Clubs and Classes Directory)

Pelvic floor exercisesDuring pregnancy, increasing pressure is put on the muscles of your pelvicfloor. The effects of the hormone relaxin encourage these muscles to relax inpreparation for labour. It’s therefore important to exercise your pelvic floormuscles regularly. Continuing these exercises after pregnancy can help preventlong-term problems such as involuntary urination and postnatal stressincontinence.

Drugs and prescriptionsAvoid taking over-the-counter medicines for yourself such as paracetamol oribuprofen with codeine without first checking with your doctor or pharmacist.Always tell your doctor, pharmacist, dentist, or anybody else advising you onyour health, that you are pregnant and check with them before using anyhomeopathic remedies, aromatherapy preparations or herbal oils.

Antenatal depressionIf you feel that you are tired all the time, have lost interest in yourself or yourpregnancy, always feel down or anxious or angry, or can’t sleep, then you mayhave antenatal depression. It is important to talk to either your midwife or GPif you feel depressed, so that they can help you.

Travelling/flying while pregnantIt is recommended that you avoid flying to an area which will require you tohave a vaccination. Most airlines will require a certificate or letter from yourGP if you plan to travel 28 weeks and onwards in your pregnancy. Be sure todrink lots of water and pack a supply of vitamin-rich fresh fruit to snack onthroughout the journey. If you are close to your due date and you aretravelling within the UK, go to http://www. nhs.uk/service-search to find yournearest hospital, should you need it.

Getting ill during pregnancyYour immune system is suppressed during pregnancy in order to protect yourfoetus from being rejected by your body. This unfortunately means you aremore susceptible to every bug in the book. If you are ill, contact your GP anddrink plenty of fluids and eat foods rich in Vitamin C which helps to fightinfections. Rest when you need to and keep your stress levels to a minimum.

Drinking and smoking during pregnancyCurrent government guidelines advise that women should stop drinkingalcohol during pregnancy altogether. If you don’t want to do this, it isrecommended that to protect your baby you should not drink more than 1 or2 units of alcohol once or twice a week and shouldn’t get drunk. It’s commonknowledge that smoking is bad for health, and smoking while pregnant canharm a woman’s unborn baby. If you are unable to give up completely, cuttingdown the amount you smoke during pregnancy will help to reduce the risk toyour baby.

Bodily discomfortsBack pain is incredibly common in pregnant women. Keep an eye on yourposture: straighten your lower back and gently draw your bump in. Wear flator low-heeled shoes and try to sit up straight with your lower back supported.Many women also suffer from heartburn, indigestion or constipation. Drinkplenty of water and include plenty of fibre in your diet to prevent constipation.To avoid the symptoms of indigestion, try eating smaller meals more often.Heartburn is often caused by lying flat so sleeping proppedup can help.

For these and more tips for a healthy pregnancy, visitwww.nct.org.uk

NCT’s top ten tipsfor a healthypregnancy Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it can also be nerve-wracking as mums-to-be, like the Duchess of Cambridge,are overloaded with guidance on what they should orshouldn’t do. To help expectant mothers make sense of allthe information, here are NCT’s top ten tips for a smoothand healthy pregnancy.

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Find out more at NoTube’s London Play Picnics, where NoTube’s experts will help your child learn to eat orprepare them for tube weaning. The Play Picnic is a 60-minute group therapy specific to children who sufferfrom early eating behaviour disorders, picky eaters and tube dependent children, where parents can askquestions regarding the feeding situation of their child. The next Play Picnic takes place on 1 June 2013,contact Eva for more details [email protected]

One child might be too bright and get involvedinto exhausting power struggles about what to eat;another one might have been premature born andshow various sensory issues leaving it to be verypicky and choosy. Others have no problems aslong as bottle-fed but start refusing any attempt totransit onto solids, and others again will only liveon crackers and cookies and refuse to eat anyfood which is considered healthy, and ageappropriate. The last group of infants and toddlershave actually never learnt to eat or swallow at allbecause – due to prior severe and complexmedical conditions and intensive care – they have

been fed artificially by a feeding tube and remaintube dependent and unable to make the transitionto oral intake. Since these problems demand amedically highly experienced and intensiveinterdisciplinary approach, many children remainunsupported with families desperate and inextreme impairment of their quality of life.

A team of highly specialized paediatricians,therapists and developmental psychologists offersa modern and effective solution: intensive onlinecoaching and guidance of the parents and anyprofessional wishing to be part of the process.

Babies’ Health

This is how it works:1. Enrolment and registration at www.notube.com — describe your problem, receive a

professional assessment and recommendation about what can or should be done. 2. After this you decide which “product” your child needs and might profit from: Whilst NET

coaching is the program designed especially for medically fragile infants and young childrenwith feeding tubes, the LTE (Learn to eat)- program will help all parents to solve thefeeding or eating problem of their child gently, effectively and at home! The clue is notmagic, no tricks, no medication and no solution or recipe which will solve all problems.

Online counselling helpschildren learn to eat!

Clapham Family OsteopathCranial specialist

Julia Finlay B.Ost M.Sc (Paed Ost), Registered Osteopath

BabiesChildren (inc special needs)Mothers pre and post natal

All the family

Contact: [email protected] Tel: 07779 017965

www.claphamfamilyosteopath.co.uk

Many children suffer from avariety of different problemsconcerning the process of learningto eat or the daily activity ofeating and drinking routines.

FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

Find events near you!search our comprehensive

What’s On listingsby date, venue, age groupor location.

May 2013 15®®

Over use of antibioticsThe Chief Medical Officer has called for urgent action toreduce antibiotic resistance to stop a global disaster in 20years' time. She describes it as a 'ticking time bomb' whichcould plunge us back into the bad old days.

Mum and baby breaksin TuscanyThe ‘Mum and Baby experience’ is fast becoming theultimate must try out feel good break for mums onmaternity leave

Villa Radicata, a beautiful villa in the heart of the Tuscan hills, close toMichelangelo's birthplace, is the setting for mum and baby/toddler breaks. So what is on offer: After a breakfast of homemade muesli and fresh smoothies you can enjoymorning (and evening) yoga classes by the pool overlooking Lake Montedoglio.Your little ones are happily entertained by their trained babysitters in thegarden below. The children fall in love with Fernanda and she has beennicknamed the "baby whisperer" by one of their guests.

After lunch on the terrace, relax by the pool and enjoy cooking sessions,making home made pasta, authentic pizza in their wood oven and other Italiandishes. Toddlers love to join in and the atmosphere is always laid back andhomely. Take advantage of the beauty therapist who can give you a massage orfacial in the comfort of your own room.

In the medieval town of Anghiari you can stock up from market stalls packedwith pancetta, aged parmesan and truffle oils. This is followed by agastronomical feast at the Ravagni family olive mill where you will taste theirhome made oils and wines .. they always make a big fuss of your children!

As well as the yoga/cooking breaks they also run fitness breaks where theemphasis is on healthy eating (sorry no tiramisu there!) with four exerciseclasses per day, including zumba.

This is what some of their guests say:“Fantastic location, amazing food, the best break I have

had since becoming a mum"

“To Rita and all other warm and generous Italians who have made our stay inTuscany a delight. It almost made it so easy with a 3 month baby. The combination

of baby play and mummy activities worked so well"

"Thank you for an amazing week at villa Radicata. Your hospitality has beenoverwhelming and your house is so beautiful. I adored the views and the fresh air. It

was a real home from home and we hope to return."

For more info see www.mum-and-baby-experience.co.uk or phone 0778 557 1292.

Villa Radicata (www.holiday-villa-in-tuscany.com) with its stunning lake andmountain views is also available for self catering stays (sleeps up to 12). Family friendly rentals also on Lake Como, Liguria, Florence, Naples and Amalficoast (www.my-italian-holiday-home.com)

• Do remember that antibiotics are important medicines and should onlybe taken when prescribed

• Do complete the prescribed course even if you feel better, because nottaking the full course encourages the emergence of resistance.

• Do remember that antibiotics cannot help you recover from infectionscaused by viruses, such as common colds or flu

• Don’t share your antibiotics with anyone else• Don’t keep left over antibiotics for next time, they expire and

incomplete courses cause more resistance• Don’t forget that resistant bacteria don’t just infect you; they spread to

other people in close contact with you.• Don’t forget that antibiotics can upset the natural balance of bacteria in

your body. This allows other organisms to increase and can result indiarrhoea and thrush.

The dos and don’ts:

Babies’ Health

We are all to blame. Colds and many other upper respiratory infections, as wellas some ear infections, are caused by viruses, not bacteria. If antibiotics are usedtoo often for things they can't treat (like colds or other viral infections), they canstop working effectively against bacteria when you or your child really needsthem. Antibiotic resistance (when antibiotics can no longer cure bacterialinfections) has been a concern for years and is considered one of the world'smost critical public health threats.

Bacteria is a survivor, it’s very clever and adapts with astonishing speed. Humansreproduce every 20-30 years. Bacteria can every 10 minutes.

When antibiotics were first mass-produced in the early 1940s, 95% of infectionswere sensitive to penicillin. Within four years the first penicillin-resistant strainsstarted emerging, and today we have regular health scares due to MRSA.Infections with other bacteria, such as E. coli and klebsiella, have increased fasterstill and now account for 44% of cases of the infection of the bloodstream.

Many antibiotics are prescribed and used for mild infections when they don’tneed to be. There are very few new antibiotics in development, only 3 in the last20 years, one was developed specifically to treat an infection caused by takingantibiotics. So it is important to use our existing antibiotics wisely and make surethese lifesaving medicines continue to stay effective.

This article was written by an A&E nurse trainer on behalf of R.E.D.I. Training Ltd. If you would like more information about our First Aid coursesplease call us on 020 7348 7117 or contact [email protected]. All trainers are experienced nurses with thatcan come to your house at a time that suits you and yourfamily.

DISCLAIMER: This article is written as general information and does not substitute medical advice. R.E.D.I.Training Ltd is not responsible or liable for diagnosis or actions taken based on this article.


Babies’ Health

If baby is still choking, call 999/112 and continue alternate five back blows and five chest thrusts untilemergency help arrives.

If at any point baby becomes unconscious, commence CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)

immediately.

Written by Emma Hammett for First Aid for Life

It is strongly advised that you attend a Practical First Aid course tounderstand what to do in a medical emergency. Please visitwww.firstaidforlife.org.uk [email protected] or tel 0208 6754036 for more information about our courses. First Aid for life providesthis information for guidance and it is not in any way a substitute formedical advice. First Aid for Life is not responsible or liable for anydiagnosis made, or actions taken based on this information.

What to do if yourbaby is chokingOne of the most frequent concerns for parents is what to do iftheir baby chokes. Choking is frightening, but rarely fatal.

Clearing a blockage - babies under 1 yearCalmly look in the baby’s mouth and if there is something obvious, remove it with finger tips. Neverfinger sweep or put your fingers down a baby’s throat as this can cause serious damage.

Lay the baby downwards on your forearm oracross your legs, supporting them under their chinand using the flat of your hand, give up to five firmback blow between the shoulder bladeschecking between each blow to see if the blockagehas cleared.

If the blockage hasn’t cleared, lay the baby on theirback, place two fingers in the centre of the chestjust below the nipple line and give up to five chest thrusts.

Massage is aform ofcommunicationNorthcote Baby Massage is a Claphambased mother and baby group run by SandraFerriter. Sandra has been teaching baby massagefor eight years and also teaches baby yoga. Sherealised that by combining the benefits of babymassage with baby yoga that it greatly enhancedthe benefits for both baby and parent so she hasdeveloped her own ‘signature’ course combiningthese techniques.

“Baby Massage is a wonderful technique to learnfor any parent/carer and can help strengthen thatall important bond between mother/father andbaby. It relieves the symptoms of colic and wind,calms and relaxes baby and for new mums/dads inparticular, it helps to build confidence in handling anew baby,” she explained.

Sandra has fantastic results from working withwomen who may have difficulty bonding with theirbabies due to post natal depression. She says“Massage is a form of communication with yourbaby and it really helps women to connect withtheir baby during difficult times. The power ofloving touch cannot be underestimated.”

Sandra holds her groups at The Plough Bar andRestaurant on St John’s hill in Clapham and alsodoes private sessions.

Contact Sandra [email protected] or tel 07890100 261. www.northcotebabymasage.co.uk

May 2013 17®®

Babies’ Health

Reader feedbackLetter received from a new mum, who asked to keep her anonymity.

“Your article on orgasmic birth, in the April issue, made me smile. (Search for it on Familiesonline. Ed) I wantedto say how much I felt moved by reading it. I have never written to a magazine before but I wanted to sharemy experience.

The birth of my first child was such a shock. By the second, I was prepared, I used all my knowledge to makeit a better experience. Because I was able to relax and enjoy the experience I was able to turn the experienceinto something very removed from fear and pain. Yes, I was feeling the pain but I was in control.

Every birth has been a deeply moving experience for me. I get taken to a different place, it will seem weird tosome, but when I give birth I am at one with mother nature, with evolution, with womanhood, it’s difficult toexplain. I feel the connection with every woman who has ever given birth. I sort of feel like I play my part ofeternity. I feel eternity, I feel the connection with everything. In my last birth I also felt the strong presence ofMother Mary, the Divine Mother at my side, it was extraordinary while completely ‘normal’. She was simplythere, it was really powerful. My soul, mind and body all connect at the moment of giving birth, in that precisemoment of birth.”

Wow! I never got one of those moments, did you?As this lady says, it is all about trusting ourselves and relaxing, feeling confident and believing in ourselves.It is important to trust in our ability. It is important to lose the fear. Birth CAN be a different type ofexperience. It is about the woman taking control… and we can empower ourselves.

How do you do that? • Speak with women, learn from each other, share your experiences, join discussion groups, etc. • Watch ‘Birth as we know it’ on You Tube. • Visit orgasmic birth.com, sheilakitzinger.com, birthintobeing.com or freedomforbirth.com • Explore natural pain relief and birth support like: doulas, hypnobirthing, acupuncture, home births,water birth etc.

• We’ve opened a discussion on Facebook.com/FamiliesSW for sharing our experiences. How was it for you? We always hear of pain and screams but let’s hear of the good stories.

How to make your homesafe before your baby ismobileBy Baby Safe HomesJohn and Lisa Humphrey live in a terraced house inHolland Park, which needed to be made safe for babyDylan, 9 months. Lisa comments, ‘Our house is a typicalthree storey Victorian terrace and we’ve got three flights ofnarrow stairs, which we knew would be a safety issue. Lotsof our friends have very active babies and having seen whatthey get up to, we thought it best to make the house safebefore Dylan started crawling. Several of our friendsrecommended Baby Safe Homes to do the work.’ Baby Safe Homes visited John and Lisa and during aninitial consultation they went through each roomassessing possible dangers. They suggested a list of tasksnecessary to make the house safe and the couple chosewhat they wanted to action. John says, ‘We were mostworried about the stairs and we were given a choice of threedifferent stair gates at different price points. The mostbasic was a pressure gate, but we actually chose a rollerblind model we hadn’t seen before, which is phenomenal.It’s made of opaque sunshield material and rolls left to rightlike a window blind. It’s clean looking and very discreetwhen you aren’t using it, plus there’s no bar across thebottom to step over.’There were several issues the couple hadn’t thought of.‘We had a cylindrical door stop in the bathroom with aplastic cap at the end,’ says John, ‘Chris from Baby SafeHomes pointed out that the plastic cap could easily bepulled off , becoming a choke hazard, so this was replacedwith a safer door stop.’

The company also pointed out which safety gadgets weren’t advisable: ‘We thought all our plug sockets would need plastic covers, but Chris pointed outwe have modern sockets with a safety catch, so even if you poke a finger or objectinto the socket, the power is cut off. However, if a plug cover was slightly pulledout the socket would be live, so we were advised not to use them,’ says John.Other safety measures were cupboard latches, securing of shelf units and a

heavy changing table sothey couldn’t be pulledover, and most importantlysecuring of all blind cords,as these are notoriouslydangerous.The couple are delightedwith the results, John says,‘Baby Safe Homes took justhalf a day to make our homesafe for Dylan and they werevery efficient and tidied upbefore they left. We weredelighted with the standardof work, the reasonable pricewe paid and we now have thepeace of mind that the workwas a professional job, ratherthan a hodge podge one byme!’

About Baby Safe Homes

Baby Safe Homes has madethousands of homes safe forbabies in the US and UK.The company carries out aninitial safety consultation andhome survey for a £25 fee. Ifsame day installation serviceis chosen, this consultationwill be free. Call 0207 5591491, or visitwww.babysafehomes.co.ukBenefits of

hypnotherapy tobaby are clearSandra Bush, Natal Hypnotherapy Practitionerand NCT Antenatal Teacher and Tutor explains: “The use of hypnosis for birth is widely recognised.Natal Hypnotherapy™ does not promise a pain-freeexperience but gives women techniques to deal withwhatever direction labour takes. What is not alwaysconsidered however are the benefits to the baby.

A mother’s emotional state can have a great impacton her child. Babies born to women who undergoserious stress in pregnancy can be affectedemotionally as exposure to high levels of cortisol canlead to anxiety and risks of ADHD. Whilst day-to-day stresses, worries about money and or career etc.do not in any way equate, it can only be a good thingfor the baby if stress levels are reduced. Studies have shown that babies born to mothersusing hypnosis have higher APGAR scores and breathemore easily and readily at birth. Women whopractice relaxation, an essential element of anyhypnosis session, have decreased heart rates andbetter blood flow, increasing oxygen levels to thebaby. A calm birth experience sets a woman up tobe a calm, confident mother which has to be in herbaby’s best interest.“

•For more on the benefitsof Natal Hypnotherapy™and the workshops sheruns, visitwww.birthconfidence.comor call Sandra on 07718 629445.


Boosting theimmune systemAt this time of year, resistance can be lowered,increasing susceptibility to colds and infections.Even Louis Pasteur, father of the germ theory ofillness, recognised that a strong immune system iskey. Otherwise how can we explain the fact thatout of three people exposed to a respiratory germ,only one will get pneumonia, the second personwill get minor cold symptoms whilst the thirdperson remains unaffected?

Make sure that reserves of these three keyimmune nutrients, which are not found abundantlyin the average diet, are well topped up in yourown and your family's diet. This will give theimmune system a fighting chance.

Zincis absolutely vital for a healthy immune system.The production and function of immune cells andimmune related hormones are all dependent onadequate zinc levels. Zinc is not found widely infoods apart from meat such as lamb and seafood.The best vegetarian sources are pecan nuts, pinenuts, oats, rye, dried split peas & ground pumpkinseeds. A poor sense of taste or smell, reducedappetite, frequent infections and white spots onthe nails may be signs of zinc deficiency. Stress,alcohol and pollution deplete zinc levels. A veryhigh fibre diet is likely to interfere with zincabsorption. A supplement should contain 15-20mgzinc for adults.

Vitamin Ddeficiency is now known to be common amongstthe general population. Vital not only for strongbones and preventing osteoporosis, this vitamin

has recently been found to play an important rolein immune health. Vitamin D is made by the bodyin the presence of sunlight but with the increaseduse of high SPF factors, advice to cover up and thefact that we are not overwhelmed with sunshine inthe UK, mean we are generally not obtainingadequate vitamin D by this means. The principlefood sources are oily fish and dairy foods.However is quite a challenge to obtain enoughvitamin D without supplementing 800-1000iu dailyfor adults.

Vitamin A(Retinol) is not a vitamin that currently gets muchpublicity. This is because deficiency in developedcountries is considered rare. The same thinkingused to apply to Vitamin D and hopefully the samechange of attitude will soon be applied to vitamin A.

Vitamin A has a special relationship to healthyimmunity. First, it enhances the action of theimmune cells, shortening the duration of illness. Adeficiency of Vitamin A increases the risk ofinfection.

Second, it strengthens the delicate outermembranes of the nose, throat, digestive tract andlungs. These membranes are the first line of defenceagainst attack from the outside. It’s also needed forthe healthy membranes of the eyes, ears andreproductive organs. Healthy skin, gums andprevention of recurrent infections (including thrushand cystitis) are dependent on adequate Retinollevels.

Another very important role for Vitamin A is thepart it plays in maintaining a healthy gut lining. Thelining of the intestine in its healthy state consists ofdensely packed cells like bricks in a wall. “Sheets” ofbricks are joined together at tight junctions. If thelining becomes damaged (e.g. by toxins, drugs, foodintolerances or parasites), it becomes toopermeable allowing substances to pass through thejunctions in the gut wall into the blood. This thentriggers an immune response. Gut permeability is anew research area. There are significant recent

studies which suggest that gut permeability is amajor factor in auto immune diseases such asrheumatoid arthritis.

Here are some common signs and symptoms tolook out for, relating to vitamin A deficiency (theycan also relate to other conditions which is why it’sadvisable to consult a practitioner before selfdiagnosing):

•Dry flaky skin •cracked dry skin on heels •acne •brown pigmentation spots on the skin • mouthulcers • poor vision especially at night • frequentcolds, viruses or infections • dandruff • thrush •cystitis • diarrhoea • anaemia that persists despitetaking iron supplements • psoriasis • atopicdermatitis • thyroid disorders • ear infections • dryeyes • vaginitis • cystitis • arthritis • hyperkeratosis(thickening of the skin e.g. on elbows, upper armsand heels) • diabetes • cervical dysplasia (abnormal)• Inflammatory bowel disease (e.g. Crohns, colitis)& diseases affecting the intestines such as Coeliacdisease, gluten sensitivity, giardia (parasite) infection.

Why is Vitamin Adeficiency morecommon thanpreviously thought?It is commonly believed that vitamin A is easy toobtain in a balanced diet. However this is notnecessarily the case. In theory, if we eat fruit andvegetables which contain beta carotene we shouldbe getting a plentiful supply of vitamin A. Betacarotene is converted into vitamin A by the bodywhen needed. However, the truth is somewhatdifferent. Whilst plenty of people do manage thisconversion efficiently, there are many who don’t orwho have poor absorption, leading to inadequatevitamin A levels. Low fat diets are still fashionablefor weight loss and this will lead to low vitamin Astatus as this vitamin can only be absorbed in thepresence of fat since it is fat soluble. Vegetariansand vegans who are relying on Carotenoids ingreen leafy vegetables, orange and yellow fruit and

Health

Nutrition tips for boosting theimmune systemBy Nutritionist Penny Crowther

What are the 3 most important nutrients for a strong immune system? Because average diets are often lacking in them,you need to know how to obtain them through foods and/or supplements.

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May 2013 21®®®®®®

vegetables should serve vegetables with fat toensure absorption of the carotenoids. Thehealthiest way to do this is to add a spoonful ofextra virgin olive oil, flax oil or hemp oil ontovegetables that are lukewarm rather than hot so asnot to change the beneficial fats in the oil into toxiccompounds.

The important fact to remember is that “vitamin Aproper” which is pre-formed vitamin A and knownas retinol is only found in animal derived foodsources (cheese, egg yolk, oily fish and liver are therichest sources – yoghurt also contains some). Itscousin, beta carotene is found in plant foods,particularly orange and yellow fruits and vegetablesand green vegetables.

People with underactive thyroid glands tend toaccumulate beta carotene, an indication of poorconversion to vitamin A. This leads to patches ofyellow skin particularly on the soles of the feet andpalms of the hands and in the creases of the nose.Anorexics and diabetics also have impaired vitaminA conversion. High alcohol consumption alsoblocks conversion. Vegetarians with an underactivethyroid are at particular risk of low vitamin A.Finally, low zinc levels will predispose to lowvitamin A since these two nutrients work together.

How much do I need?The UK recommended daily intake for adults isapproximately 600mcg (2,300iu ).

However it is going to depend very much on theindividual, taking into account the factors above

relating to vulnerability to deficiency. In many casesa higher intake will be required and therefore asupplement.

As an unfortunate result of scare stories andmisinterpretation of the research concerningvitamin A, many UK supplement companies nowuse beta carotene and not preformed vitamin A.This means you have to look carefully at the labelson multivitamins to check for pre formed vitaminA (this might appear as retinyl palmitate or acetateon the label).

Testing Vitamin A levelsThe normal range for retinol in the blood is 28 to86 g/dL. However, testing for vitamin A is notparticularly useful because deficiency will only showup when it is advanced and severe. This is becausethe liver stores large quantities of vitamin A.

CautionWomen trying to conceive, pregnant orbreastfeeding should not take vitamin Asupplements without the advice of a practitioner.

•Penny Crowther DN Med MBANT CNHCNutritional Therapy. One to one nutritionconsultations for children and adults inPutney. Appointments 01202 296 763www.nutritionistlondon.co.ukPlease note the information in this article is not asubstitute for medical advice. If you have a medicalcondition and/or are taking medication, check with yourhealth practitioner.

Focused, intelligent, consistent childcare for children on the pre-school journey with affordable, practical in-house ‘Trainingfor Nannies’ from child development to nutrition and cookery. We encourage our families to nurture and grow their nanny to meettheir child’s needs at every stage.0-5 Nannies—with you, with yourchildren, with your nanny— every step of the way. 0208 871 2211 [email protected]

Visit 345 Nursery where “The Nursery offers an exceptionally

welcoming and inclusive environment”(Ofsted November 2011).

Children become independent inquisitive and motivated in this richand vibrant learning environment.

Great outdoor space!Options include Afternoon School,

Lunch Club and Early Bird Club.www.345nurseryschool.co.uk

Please contact us on 020-8870-8441 or [email protected]

Fitzhugh Grove, Trinity Road, London SW18 3SA

‘The unique needs of the children arepromoted exceptionally well and staffare committed to meeting children’slearning and welfare needs' (Ofsted

Outstanding – December 2011)

Please come and see us in actionand capture the excitement of

learning at Oaktree Nursery School

Incorporating art, music, yoga, sport,cooking and drama and all aspects

of the Early Curriculum.

Contact: Annabel DixonPhone: 020 8870 8441

email: [email protected]

Ramsden Hall, 21 Ramsden Road, London SW12 8QX

Health

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Education

HAPKIDOSELF DEFENCEclasses available forchildren, teenagersand adults.

Dan Jun breathing, Kicks, punches, throws,joint-locks, tumbles, jumps and breakfalls.NEW: Learn the way of the Samuraisword, children ages 9yrs and overHapkido teaches:•Respect •Fitness•Discipline •Confidence•Control & sensitivity •Inner calm & peace•Defence •Strength & agility

Instructor: Jon Bailie, 2nd DanQualified Hapkido Instructor and fully insured

Classes available @ St Luke's Community Hall SW12,Broomwood Hall SW11, The Contact Centre SW4 andother venuesFor all enquiries/bookings, please call on

07932 667 336Private tuition/home visits also availablewww.semokwan-hapkido.co.uk

Living with

DisabilityFinton House School: A 2013 Special Needs ForumThursday 23rd May at 4.30pm

This event is open to anyone interested from a personal orprofessional point of view and is free of charge. Two outstandingspeakers will enlighten you with their past and present experiences ofliving with different kinds of disability.

John Simpson had polio as a childand at 14 had a couple ofoperations which went wrong,leaving him with only one goodleg. This left him physicallydisabled but not without ambition.He discovered that golf was theonly game he could play on a levelplaying field and he went on toforge a successful career withinthe golf industry. Now running hisown sporting events company, fortwenty years he worked withMark McCormack at IMGmanaging the world's top golfers.In 2010, John set up the “The OnCourse Foundation”, a charity thatsupports the recovery of injuredServicemen, women and veteransthrough golf.

Ros Blackburn still finds the world logically illogical as she is autistic. She is still challenged byreading and writing but as a speaker can communicate to others and help us understandwhat it means to have autism.

Come and listen to the highs and lows of these two inspirational speakers. Contact Hedi Radford on 020 8682 0921 for details.

Sinclair House

School newsWe are pleased to be able to announce that Sinclair HouseSchool will be moving their Upper School to new premises onFulham High Street. This will enable them to expand theintake and prepare children for the 11+ and 13+ entranceexamination. In addition they will be expanding their currentMontessori Nursery on Munster Road.

Sinclair House School opened in the heart of Fulham in 1989 asa co-educational little school with a Montessori Nursery thatprovides a strong all-round education that is based on academicexcellence. They have been regular advertisers in FamiliesSouth West ever since. (We looked back and spotted theiradvert in our issue one, in Nov/Dec 1990!)

The school prides itself on a high teacher-pupil ratio and awarm, caring, secure environment where the emphasis is ontreating each child as an individual and nurturing their personaltalents and capabilities. These aspects make Sinclair HouseSchool ideal for a variety of children. “Sinclair House School is aspecial place because of its size, happy atmosphere andstimulating environment, in which children can learn withenjoyment,” said principal Mrs Carlotta TM O'Sullivan.www.sinclairhouseschool.co.uk 020 7736 9182

How do you identifylearning difficulties?Currently 10% of the British population is dyslexic, but too often this is notidentified at school. Many dyslexic children are very bright, but struggle to fulfiltheir potential in the classroom if dyslexia or other learning difficulties are notproperly identified.

For many children, however, despite the best efforts of our over-burdened schools, many are unable toachieve their full potential due to a lack of resources, or more worryingly, through a lack ofunderstanding. A growing number of parents do not trust our schools when it comes to recommendingstrategies to help a child progress with their education once learning difficulties are identified.

Due to growing demand fromparents, Fleet Tutors, asupplementary educationservice provider, has nowextended its range of servicesbeyond tutoring to includeindependent educationalpsychologist assessments toidentify dyslexia, dyscalculia andother learning difficulties.These assessments will helpparents and pupils address theirdifficulties within the schoolenvironment and before thechild loses confidence.Assessments are conducted by afully qualified member of theBritish Psychological Society,with over twenty-five years’ experience and a comprehensive understanding of various learningdifficulties. Appointments are available now at Fleet Tutor’s West London and Farnborough offices.

With thirty-five years’ experience helping students of all ages achieve their goals, Fleet Tutors operates anetwork of over 5000 qualified, experienced tutors across the country.

For more information on Fleet Tutors’ services, visit www.fleet-tutors.co.uk or call 0845 644 5452

May 2013 23®®

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

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White Housesuccesses!A raft of fantastic successes at The White HouseSchool! Led by the Head of Girls' sports, TillyMetcalfe, the girls sports teams had a verysuccessful year, with the Netball teams unbeatenthis academic year. The girls are looking forwardto participating in Cricket and Rounderstournaments. Jamie Martin also continues to leadthe boys' teams from success to success.

The pupils across the school are also busypreparing for the annual end of year play, which thisyear will be The Lion King. Every year the Dramaand Music departments work tirelessly to producean excellent whole school production and thechildren thoroughly enjoy learning the songs,dressing up in the costumes and performing tofamily and friends.

The White House, 24 Thornton Road, LondonSW12 0LF020 8674 9514 and [email protected]

NEXT OPEN DAY: Saturday May 18th.


Half-term holiday activity listingsArts and CraftsEddie Catz PutneySW15 1SF 0845 201 1268eddiecatz.com/putney28 MayPuppetry Workshop Join the puppet fun and learn how tomake finger and hand puppets.10am-1pm £2228-29 MayRoald Dahl-inspired CookingExtravaganza with CookieCrumbles 2 days of Roald Dahl cookeryfun!10am-1pm £45Eddie Catz WimbledonSW19 2LP 0845 201 1268eddiecatz.com30 MayArty Fun with Creation StationArts & Crafts fun. 10.30-11.40am £8,£5 sibling Fun with Fimo ClayW3 6SB 020 8992 3767funwithfimoclay.co.uk30 MayCraft Activity Sessions Fun creative session, fully supervisedand non-messy! 10.15am-4.15pm £50Little Hands DesignNW3 5AU 020 7431 0573littlehandsdesign.co.uk 28-31 MaySpring Fashion BonanzaDesign and create your own outfitsand accessories. 9-4pm (full or halfdays) £180 full days/£96 half-dayweek incl. fabrics.Artyard HandmadeSW14 7JN 020 8878 1336artyard.co.uk28-31 MayHalf Term Workshops Art and Craft Workshops 10am-3pm £36

Music andDramaThe Artpeggios Music andArt school AcademySW5 9QF 020 7244 45 70artpeggios.com27-31 MayHalf Term Holiday CampsCourses in rock band playing andrecording, DJ-ing, art, Manga, makingmusic on Garage band and percussioncourse. 9am-12pm £300 members,£350 non-membersKensington ImagingLancaster Gate, near KensingtonGardens17, 18 and 19 May.Half Term Young Film Makers ClubHands-on club for 7-14 years.Discover the world of film making,handling professional equipment,editing DVD cover as well as scriptwriting, acting, filming and set setting.020 7993 6527,[email protected]

The Polka TheatreSW19 1SB 020 8543 4888polkatheatre.com28 MayFour Seasons Mobile Morningwith Charlie and LolaCreate decorative mobiles inspiredby the four seasons in Charlie andLola’s Extremely New Play. 3-4 years10-11.15am, 4-5 years, 11.30am-12.45pm £18 30 MayPirate Squidbone’s Super Duper Pirate Party with Charlie and LolaCome dressed up as a pirate andready for adventure and explorepirate stories and go searching forhidden treasure in this swashbucklingworkshop. 3-4 years 10-11.15am, 4-5 years 11.45am-1pm £18

31 MayBehind The Scenes - Designer for a DayCreate your very own set model andcostume designs for a Polka show.10.30am-3.30pm (7-11 years) £30 The Music House forChildrenW12 7LJ 020 8932 2652musichouseforchildren.co.uk28 MayAll About the SeasideUnexpected adventures with sun,sea, sand and ice-cream 10am £10The ExhibitSW12 9SG 020 8772 6556theexhibit.co.uk28-30 MayMay Half Term Kid’s ClubsThe Exhibit Cinema partners up withFunky Moves to bring you a packedafternoon of fantastic entertainment.1pm-4pm £15

SportsTelford Park TennisClubSW2 4NX 020 8674 5979telfordparktennisclub.co.uk/holiday-camps27-31 MayHotshots HolidayTennis Camps

ProgrammeFun coaching sessions for all levels,ages 4-15, 11.30am-4pm, £27 perday or £120 for the week.Wimbledon Park TennisCourtsSW19 7HR tennis4you.co.uk

28-31 MayTennis4you Half Term HolidayCampIdeal holiday fun for kids 10am-12pm£80 for four daysThe Spencer ClubSW18 3HF 020 8874 2717spencerclub.org28-31 MayHalf Term TennisDrop-in tennis camp 9.30am-12.30pm £10 members, £15 non-members, £12 siblings attendingtogether28-30 MayHalf Term Cricket10am-4pm Tues to Thurs, £105members, £125 non-members forU7s to U13s 10am-4pm £105members, £125 non-members forU7s to U13sClapham Common TennisCentreSW4 9AN tennis-teaching.com28-31 MaySW Sports Camp May Half TermCampSports camp including football, tennisand mini-volleyball 10am-3pm £35per dayKensington Prep SchoolSW6 5PA 020 7731 9300kensingtonprep.gdst.net28-31 MayHenry Lamb Tennis Half TermCampsTennis camps for children 5-15 years9am-1pm, age 5-8 £152Putney High SchoolSW15 6BH 020 8788 4886putneyhigh.gdst.net28-31 MayHenry Lamb Tennis Half TermCampsTennis camps for children 5-15 years10am-4pm, age 8-15 £228Ridgway StablesSW19 4SU 020 8946 7400ridgwaystables.co.uk,merton.gov.uk/activeplus 28-31 MayHalf Term Holiday CoursesLearn to ride and care for a ponyduring May half term. 10am-12pm or2-4pm £120

Tennis 4 You

Artpeggios Music

Kensington Imaging

May 2013 25®®

Furzedown RecreationCentreSW17 9BP 020 8871 7171wandsworth.gov.uk28-31 MayHalf Term Soccer SchoolAimed at all abilities improving ballwork, skills and techniques 10am-3pm £40.00 per week 28-31 MayHalf Term Tennis CampFun-filled courses for all abilities,based on the LTA mini tennisscheme. Times vary £26-£39 All Star CoachingSW18 3RT 020 8871 4706allstarcoaching.co.uk28-31 MayAll Star Coaching Tennis CampsPopular All Star Tennis camps for allabilities. Times vary Prices varyCentral London Golf CentreSW17 0AT 020 8871 2468 clgc.co.uk28 MayHalf Term Golf ActivitiesGolf tuition followed by fun andinformal competitions. 10am-2pm£35Chelsea FC Soccer School• Battersea Park, Prince of Wales

Drive SW11 4NU• Chestnut Grove School, Chestnut

Grove, Balham SW12 9JZ28-31 May. London Soccer School For boys and girls aged 3-13. Timesvary, from £28. Call 020 7957 8220,[email protected] [email protected]. www.chelseafc.com/soccerschools Fulham FC FoundationVenues in Fulham28-31 May.Half Term Holiday CoursesHoliday courses for all abilities in afun and challenging environment. 3-5yrs - 9-11am, 6-14 yrs - 9am-3pm,from £12. 0870 442 5432,[email protected]://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/february/05/holiday-courses-returnInspire Life and LeisureSW18 07977 311478inspirelifeandleisure.com28-31 MayMay Half Term Football and MultiSports FunJoin the Inspire Team for lots of funand action to keep your little onesbusy. 10am-2pm £20 per day

Museums andGalleriesThe Museum Of LondonEC2Y 5HN 020 7001 9844museumoflondon.org.uk27-28 MayLet's have a Frost Fair!Imagine a cold London, so cold thatthe Thames freezes. 12.30pm and2.30pm FREE28-29 MayFinds from the RiverJoin the Museum for a walk along the

foreshore of the River Thames andsee what exciting archaeological findsyou discover. 10.20am FREE30-31 MayPalaces by the ThamesThis art workshop explores theformer homes of kings and queensdotted along the Thames. 12.30pmand 2.30pm FREEThe London TransportMuseumWC2E 7BB 020 7379 6344ltmuseum.co.ukMonday 27 May – Sunday 2 JunePoster PeopleStorytimeTime: 11.00 and 14.00Open to all families but most suitablefor those with children aged 3 to 7yearsCedric Shopping bags is on a triparound London but he can’t find anypeace and quiet! Come and meetCedric and the poster people heencounters on his journey. Find outabout the stop that was missed, anadventure on the escalator – and seeif Cedric will ever find somewhere toescape from the hustle and bustle.Make and TakeTime: 11.30 and 14.30Open to all families but most suitablefor those with children aged 4 to 12yearsWork with air-hardening clay tocreate your own tiny Poster Personand bring it to life. Make it walk,dance, clap or wave and use it to tellyour own stories, before taking ithome to dry off.

Entrance to the Museum is free forchildren under 16. Adult admission is£15.00 (£11.50 concessions) andtickets allow unlimited entry for awhole year. The Museum of LondonDocklandsE14 4AL 020 7001 9844museumoflondon.org.uk/docklands29 MayJohn Taylor and the Boat ofPaperJohn Taylor was a poet and awaterman on the Thames whobecame an adventurer. 12.30, 2.30and 3.30pm FREE30 MayExplore the EstuaryCreate your own digital images usinginspiration from the Thames Estuary.12.30 and 2.30pm FREEWandsworth MuseumSW18 1RX 020 8870 6060wandsworthmuseum.co.uk31 MayWandsworth, A Treasure Trove of History!To celebrate this year’s WandsworthHeritage Festival and the WandleWeekends, get to know thetreasures of Wandsworth. 1.30pm £3Horniman MuseumSE23 3PQ 020 8699 1872horniman.ac.uk27-31 MayFroglife: Life Under the SurfaceMake giant British pond animals atthe Horniman Museum for a craftdisplay, on show 1 June. 11am,12pm, 2pm and 3pm FREE

The National PortraitGalleryWC2H 0HE 020 7306 0055npg.org.uk27-31 MayWorkshop: Portraits in SculptureBuild, shape, construct and createduring a week of activities inspiredby sculpture in the Collection.11.30am-4pm FREEThe Geffrye MuseumE2 8EA 020 7739 9893 geffrye-museum.org.uk28-31 MayHigh-Rise LivingJoin the museum for some high-risefun. 10.30am 2pm FREESir John Soane's MuseumWC2A 3BP 020 7405 2107soane.org30 MayFantastically FashionableCreaturesPrint your own designs on to T-Shirtsin time for summer, inspired by thefantastical creatures in the Museum.£20The Wallace CollectionW1U 3BN 0207 563 9500wallacecollection.org29 MayGood Gods!Go on a quest around the Museumto find out about different gods,heroes and monsters from GreekMythology. 10.30am and 2pm FREE

All-day CampsWild LearningSW19 4UW 28-31 MayWoodland Holiday CampPlay, learn, get muddy and have anadventure. 10.15am-4pm £40 per day

These are great listings, don’t you agree? Please make sure you tell them where you saw them—in Families.All Activities can now be searched in our brand new searchable What’s On – see FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

London Transport Museum

Wild Learning




May 2013 27®®

What to do if your child is“different”by Gabrielle Starkey, editor Families Warwickshire


I decided to write this article to help other parents to access the services they may need right at the start of their SEN journey. Every child is different and willneed their own, personal help, so one solution doesn’t fit all. But the SEN system can be a maze, and finding the right people and organisations to help youthrough it is all-important. I hope that if you’re struggling with the fact that your child seems different from his or her peers, you’ll find something on these pagesthat will help.

When I became pregnant, I felt like I’d stepped through thelooking glass. I’d been focusing on my career and neverpaid too much attention to family life, but suddenly it waseverywhere, and I’d unwittingly joined a new club. Therewere new rules, and I was playing catch-up, but I soonbegan to feel at home in this warm, welcoming world ofbumps and babies. But when my child’s behaviour startedto go off the rails, at just 18 months, it stretched thewelcome of my new world to the limit. I was forced,eventually, to step through another looking glass – into theworld of Special Educational Needs (SEN).

SEN support

See your doctorYour first port of call is your GP. If you feel something is wrong, you don’t needto wait for the nursery or school to tell you (although they will, if they feelyour child is struggling). Depending on your child’s symptoms, your GP canrefer you to CAMHS (the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service –thecounty’s child psychologists), a Speech and Language therapist or apaediatrician. If you’re referred to CAMHS, ask as soon as possible about thelength of the waiting list, as it can be very long (my son was waiting 16 monthsto be assessed).

Don’t be ashamedYour child’s disability is not your fault, you didn’t ask for it and beating yourselfup about it won’t help anyone. It’s natural to feel sad that your high-flyingdreams for your child might not now come true, but he/she is still your childand needs you. Think positive.

Keep talking to your child’sschool/nurseryIf your child is at nursery or school, liaise with the nursery manager or headteacher about your child’s progress and behaviour, and keep them informed ofany changes outside school/nursery. This can help to build up a full picture ofthe child’s environment, which might shed some light on the problem. Don’tget defensive – they will be trying to help you and your child, not judging you.

Get reading Once you have received a diagnosis – or even before – read up on theproblem, or what you think it is. I have amassed quite a library on AttachmentDisorder, Autism, Asperger Syndrome, ADHD, inflexible children and specialdiets! Be aware, though, that it’s all too easy to misdiagnose your child from abook or the internet – many symptoms overlap different diagnoses, and somebehavioural problems actually have their roots in physical or emotionaldifficulties. For instance, a child who is dyslexic might act badly throughfrustration, or a child with hearing problems might switch off in class becausethey can’t hear the teacher. It’s important to see the professionals to get aproper diagnosis.

Reach out and make connectionsJoin a support group, even before diagnosis. This might be controversial, buthaving a child with an SEN can be isolating, and meeting others in a similarsituation – whatever their children’s difficulties – can help you feel less alone.It’s also true that there is help out there that can’t normally be accessed beforediagnosis, and you can find out about it at these groups.

Become a “Velvet Bulldozer”Sandy Row, a mother of four adopted children with autism, has written a bookcalled The Velvet Bulldozer about her determined battle with the authorities toget her children properly diagnosed and supported. If you feel you’re not gettingappropriate support, don’t just give up – sometimes you have to fight for thebest for your child.

•British Dyslexia Association: www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/

•Special People: Autism support group that puts on talks by inspirationalpeople in the Autism field. Run by Kenilworth parents Julie and Neil Thomas,whose son Jack is on the autistic spectrum.www.facebook.com/specialpeopleuk/

•CYPS (Children and Young People’s Service) Service provides specialistemotional and mental health care for young people up to the age of 18. Tel:01452 894000 or visit www.2gether.nhs.uk/cyps

•The Key Information, advice on transitions, funding and benefit entitlements,leisure activities and equipment. For more informationvisitwww.keywords.org.uk/

•Family Information Services (FIS) Very helpful impartial service. Call 08005420202 or 01452 427362

Useful contacts

My top tips:

May 2013 29®®

The one that’s right for your child willdepend on whether:• you want to save on a regular basis or

have a lump sum to put away• you can afford to tie-up your money for a

set period of time• you want your child to have access to

the cash

Savings AccountsRegular savings accounts often pay higher rates ofinterest. For example, Halifax is offering animpressive 6% on its regular savings account. Butif you don’t want to save on a regular basis thenopt for the best paying account you can find. Forexample, Virgin Money’s Young Saver account pays3%. It’s also worth looking at standard savingsaccounts and if they offer better rates, you maywant to opt for one of them.

Some children’s accounts, such as Lloyds TSB’schildren account which pays 3%, are only availableif a parent has an account with the savingsinstitution. Other things to watch out for areminimum investment levels, how manywithdrawals you can make each year and if youneed to give notice before withdrawing yourmoney. As with any account, you need toregularly check the interest rates being paid tomake sure you’re getting a good deal. You can do

this at MoneyVista’s Savings Watch [link tohttp://www.moneyvista.com/savings-watch/]

Tax and savingsInterest earned on savings is taxable. But as youneed to earn more than the personal taxallowance (£8,105 in 2012/2013) to be a taxpayer,few children pay tax. To ensure they get interesttax-free fill in form R85. If they’ve already paid taxyou can reclaim this by completing form R40.There are special rules if a parent gives savings totheir child. If these savings earn gross interest of£100 or more a year (£200 if both parentscontribute), then all the interest is taxed as if itbelongs to the parent.

If you don’t want your child to be able to withdrawthe cash you’ve saved for them, look for anaccount where you can name yourself as trustee.You can still register for tax-free interest bycompleting form R85.

Junior ISAsThere are two types of Junior ISAs (JISAs) - cashJISAs and stocks and shares JISAs. Cash JISAs arejust like savings accounts except all the interestearned is tax-free. Parents can invest up to £3,600in the current tax year in JISAs and this money is

then locked away until the child reaches 18. CashJISAs are offered by a number of banks andbuilding societies and rates of interest are typically2% to 3% at present. The advantage of a JISA isthat once a child reaches 18 this money isautomatically tipped into an adult ISA which meansthe money remains in a tax-free savings account.The potential disadvantage with JISAs is that youcannot get at the money before your child is 18and when the account matures, it’s your child andnot you who has access to the cash. Any childunder 18 is eligible for a JISA providing they don'thave a Child Trust Fund which was thepredecessor to JISAs.

NS&I Children’sBondsThese are 5-year lump-sum investments forchildren under 16. You can invest between £25and £3,000 in each issue of the bonds. They earna guaranteed rate of interest (2.5% for the latestissue) and interest is tax-free.

• MoneyVista is a free personal finance website.Full of guides, budgeting tips and expert help, itaims to help you take control of your money andplan for your family’s future. To find out more visitwww.moneyvista.com/families

Savings accounts for childrenMost banks and building societies offer special savings accounts for children. These often pay better rates of interest thanstandard savings accounts and are designed specifically for children with free gifts, magazines and birthday cards.

30 All our listing can be seen on FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

Springdays outEscape the daily grind for a day. Pack apicnic, take a few extra little friends andgo! It’s easy to find a day out thatincludes the heady combination of fun,excitement and fresh air! Below is aselection of our favourites, don’t forgetto go to www.familiessouthwest.co.ukfor more ideas!

Join the BluebellSteam Railway East Grinstead 01825 720800

The Bluebell Railway has been extended to EastGrinstead. The new line opened to the public on23 March 2013. Families will now be able to travelby train from East Croydon, Sanderstead,Riddlesdown or Upper Warlingham directly to EastGrinstead. Connect with the volunteer-runBluebell Railway on the brand-new platform bysimply walking across to Platform 3.

For more details, prices and to book ticketswww.bluebell-railway.com

Learn all aboutanimals at LondonZoo Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY 020 7722 3333.Beat the queues and book tickets online now atwww.zsl.orgThere are over 750 different species of animal atZSL London Zoo. Check out Seahorses, whichopened during February half- term and home to172 long and short-snouted seahorses. And ofcourse you must visit Tiger Territory, a brand-new£3.6m flagship exhibit now home to the Zoo’slatest arrivals, Jae Jae and Melati. See theseSumatran tigers in their stunning Indonesian-

inspired habitat, designed to meet every sensoryneed of the endangered animals.

18 and 19 May ZSL SPECIAL CHILDREN'S DAYZSL welcomes children with special needs andtheir families and friends on this day to meet zoocharacters, dance to the Dixie Swing Band withextra staff and volunteers on hand for assistance.Plenty of hands-on activities including an art andcraft zone, sensory storytelling, Makaton signedevents, and a chill out zone, a chance to meet liveanimals and discover all about the natural world.Adult £23, child £17, child under 3, free. OnlineFamily Offer: Buy a minimum of 2 adult and 2 childtickets or 1 adult and 3 child tickets and save 10%on standard ticket prices.

Rediscover KewGardenswww.kew.org

Spring is a lovely time to visit Kew with over fivemillion bulbs coming in to bloom, and there areplenty of family-friendly activities on offer. Youngerchildren will love Climbers and Creepers, a uniqueindoor play zone for 3-9 year olds and, for outdoorfun, Treehouse Towers has giant swings, zip wires,scramble nets and slides to help burn off somemore energy. If you’ve got a head for heights, enjoyan exciting birds-eye view over the Gardens alongthe Xstrata Treetop Walkway, an 18 metre-highcircular walkway through the treetops. For rainierdays there are the Glasshouse galleries to explore.Climb up high inside the Palm House or theTemperate House to tower above the palms andplants and experience the huge scale of thesehistoric glasshouses. As well as incredible plants, thePalm House and the Princess of Wales Conservatoryalso feature aquatic displays where you can seepiranha, enormous catfish, freshwater stingrays andwater dragons. Adult entry to Kew Gardens costs£14.50 but children under 17 are free.

See real life chicks atthe London WetlandCentre Queen Elizabeth's Walk Barnes, London SW139WT 020 8409 4400 www.wwt.org.uk/visit/London

Over 200 species of birds have been spotted atthe WWT London Wetland Centre, which has alsobeen voted the UK's Favourite Nature Reserve byCountryfile magazine in 2012. You can roam thebeautiful walkways amongst the lakes and pools ofthis 105 acre wildlife haven. The centre is home torare birds from around the globe plus a family ofotters, you can also or watch birds from theirnumerous hides or from the comfort of theirheated Observatory. You can also join one of theirfree daily walks led by an expert guides. Have a coffee in the Water's Edge Cafe - or let thekids run free in their own adventure areas, bothindoor and out. Plus it’s just a ten minute walkfrom Hammersmith tube.Open 9.30am to 5pm. Adult £11.65, child £6.50,family £32.50, child under 4 years Free.

Leeds CastleMaidstone, Kent ME17 1PL, 01622 765400,www.leeds-castle.co.uk

Built in 1119 and set in 500 acres of beautifulparkland, Leeds Castle houses sumptuous interiorsand family treasures. Six medieval queens havelived at the castle, and it was regularly visited byHenry VIII, Catherine of Aragon and King EdwardVI. The castle has been used as a garrison, aprison, convalescent home, and home to theCulpeper, Fairfax and Wykeham Martin families,whose legacy can be seen in the furnished rooms. Take a springtime walk around the grounds insearch of clues and answers to win chocolateprizes, and sample Spring arts and crafts in theevents marquee. Open daily from 10am, admission £12.50 children,£19.75 adults, Easter activities £2.50 per child.

Bluebell railway steaming through Sussex

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ZSL

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Days OutBodiam CastleNear Robertsbridge, East Sussex TN32 5UA, 01580830 196, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bodiamcastle

Surrounded by a moat and beautiful Sussexcountryside, Bodiam Castle is the perfect exampleof a 14th Century castle. 18 May: Bodiam Military. Learn about medievalarmour and fighting techniques. 11am-4pmAdmissions fees apply25 May: IWA Boat Rally. See the boats as theymoor beside the Wharf Tearoom on the RiverRother. 11am-4pm Admissions fees applyOpen 10.30am-5pm daily, admission £3.50children, £7 adults, £18.60 families, Easter trail £2.

Dover CastleCastle Hill Road, Dover, Kent CT16 1HU, 0870 3331181, www.english-heritage.org.uk

Explore the castle’s Great Tower and immerseyourselves in the medieval world and royal courtof King Henry II. Richly furnished chambers areadorned with vibrant wall hangings and stunningfurniture, while at certain times, costumedcharacters re-enact famous historical figures suchas the King, Prince John and the King’s court jester.Beneath your feet are the atmospheric defensivemedieval tunnels and secret wartime tunnels whichhoused a WW2 military command centre andunderground hospital. Open 10am-6pm daily from 29 March, admission£9.90 children, £16.50 adults, family tickets£42.90, English Heritage members free.

Osterley Park andHouseJersey Road, Isleworth, Middlesex TW7 4RB, 0208232 5050, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/osterley-park

One of the last surviving country estates inLondon, Osterley’s spacious grounds are perfectfor a day outdoors, with gardens, lakes and woodsto explore. Pick up an audio-visual digital guide foran insight into the realities of life above and belowstairs. Admission £4.50 children, £9 adults, £22.50families for house and garden. 26 and 27 May FAMILY DISCOVERY DAYSCreative fun days for families and MINI FARMMeet rabbits, lambs, pygmy goats, piglets andchickens. 12-4pm. 29 May Outdoor themedactivities for families 30 May Craft activities forchildren. 12-3pm for ages 3-12.

Down HouseLuxted Road, Downe, Kent BR6 7JT, 07689 859119,www.english-heritage.org

The Grade 1 listed Down House was CharlesDarwin’s home from 1842 until his death in 1882.Visitors can see the study where he worked, therooms where he ate and slept, and explore theextensive gardens which inspired his travels anddiscoveries into the natural world. Open 10am-5pm Wednesdays to Sundays,admission £5.90 children, £9.90 adults, £25.70families, English Heritage members free.

Eltham Palace andGardens Court Yard, Eltham SE9 5QE, 020 8294 2548,www.english-heritage.org.ukOriginally the childhood home of Henry VIII,Eltham Palace is now one of the finest examples ofArt Deco architecture in England. Step into thestunning entrance hall and explore the marvellouspanelled dining room, magnificent medieval GreatHall and beautiful gardens. Open 10am-5pm Sundays to Wednesdays,admission to house and gardens free for under 5s,£5.90 children, £9.90 adults, £25.70 families,English Heritage members free.

Chiddingston CastleHill Hoath Road, near Edenbridge, Kent TN8 7AD,01892 870347, www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk

Chiddingstone is a unique and unspoilt castle whichhouses outstanding collections of Egyptian andBuddhist artefacts, Japanese armour and beautifulJacobean paintings. The 25 acre grounds include a lake, a magnificentwoodland and pretty gardens with nature trails tofollow. Open 11am-5pm, Sundays to Wednesdays andbank holidays. Admission free for under 5s, £4 for5-13 year-olds, £8 adults, £21.50 families.

Hever Castle andGardensHever, near Edenbridge, Kent TN8 7NG, 01732 865224, www.hevercastle.co.uk

With a double moat and drawbridge, the 13thcentury castle houses fascinating collections ofTudor treasures, from portraits and paintings tofurniture and tapestries. Within the grounds is arecreation of a Tudor Village, a yew maze andsplashing water maze; beautiful gardens, androwing boats for hire. Gardens open 10.30am-5pm, castle opens 12noon.Admission £8.50 children, £15 adults, £33 familiesfor castle and garden.

Eltham Palace and Gardens

32 Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.ukPlease say you booked as you saw them in Families!

Compiled by Joanna Parry

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

TheatreAmbassadors TheatreWC2H 9ND 08488 112334theambassadorstheatre.co.ukStompEvery day in May Celebrating its 10th sensationalyear in London, Stomp is now fresher, faster andfunnier than before. 3pm and 8pm £26-£52.50

The Chickenshed TheatreN14 4PE 020 8292 9222 chickenshed.org.uk/All I've KnownEvery Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturdayand Tuesday to 18 May Inspired by her ownchildhood growing up in a family that fosteredchildren, writer and director Rachel Yates hasinterviewed people with their own stories toshare. 1pm, 3.30pm, 7.30pm £10.00Tales from the ShedEvery Friday, Saturday and Sunday in MayTales from the Shed is a highly entertaining,interactive theatre show perfect for youngchildren. Fri 11.30am/Sat 10.00am & 11.30am£6.00Tales Big Day Out25 May A perfect opportunity to enjoy a familyday out, this mini festival has routines from Talesfrom the Shed, plus stalls with fun and creativeactivities. 2.30pm £8.00

The London PalladiumW1F 7TF 0844 412 4648reallyuseful.com/theatres/london-palladium/A Chorus LineEvery Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday,Monday and Tuesday in May The newproduction at The Palladium Theatre. 3pm and7.45pm, £20.50-£87.50

The Polka TheatreSW19 1SB 020 8543 4888 polkatheatre.comLullaby3-25 May Cocooned within a charming settingand layered with musical and visual surprises, thisplayful experience takes you on a gentle journey ofdiscovery. Times vary £10-£15Charlie and Lola's Extremely New PlayEvery Saturday in May Don't miss everyone'sfavourite brother and sister back onstage withtheir new show. 10.30am & 2.00pm £16.00/£11.00

The Colour House TheatreSW19 2RD 020 8542 5511colourhousetheatre.co.uk/Hansel and GretelEvery Saturday and Sunday in May PoorHansel and Gretel are lost in the forest. 2.00pm &4.00pm £10.00/£8.00

The Lilian Bayliss StudioEC1R 4TN 0844 412 4300 sadlerswells.com/Varmints17 May A brand new children’s dance theatre show,which tells the poignant tale of one small creature’sstruggle to preserve a world in danger of being lostforever. Fri 10.30am/Sat 2.30 & 7.00pm£12.00/£7.00

The Lyric HammersmithW6 0QL 020 8741 6850 lyric.co.uk/Egg and Spoon04 May In this highly interactive adventure, makefriends while you play peek-a-boo in puddles anddance at the butterfly party. 10.30am, 11.30am,1.30pm & 2.30pm £8.00Misunderstood Monsters11 May Georgie and Squeezy are on a dangerousmission to capture monsters and overcome theirfear of spiders, crocodiles and aliens. 11.00am &1.00pm £8.00My Brother the Robot17 May All Bobbie wants is a little brother to playwith. But when Bobbie gets into danger, will herrobot little brother come to her rescue? Fri1.30pm/Sat 11.00am & 1.00pm £8.00

Puppet Theatre BargeW9 2PF 07836 202 745 puppetbarge.comThe Hare and the Tortoise and Other Talesfrom Aesop4-6, 11, 12, 18, 19 May Get ready for a collectionof marionettes that tell a selection of tales fromAesop. 11am, 3pm, £10/£8.50Fowl Play 25-26 May In this farmyard adventure the arrival ofa foal causes excitement among the animals. 11am &3pm, £10/£8.50

The Arts DepotN12 0GA 020 8369 5455 artsdepot.co.uk/Star05 May Join the green-fingered Gardener and thetidy Tailor who live at opposite ends of the world.10am, 12pm, 3pm £7.00The Three Billy Pigs12 May Once upon a time there were three littlepigs... 12pm & 3pm £7.00Aston's Stones19 May Aston is a little dog who wants to take careof stones. Some are big, some are small, one is sad,another is cold. 12pm & 3pm £7.00Woodland - Craft Workshops30 May Meet the people who take care ofWoodland and help them build a safe and cost homefor one of their furry guests. 12pm & 3pm £5.00The Gruffalo's Child25 May Just how brave is she? Find out foryourselves. 12.00pm & 3.00pm £10.50Woodland28 May Woodland is a safe place for rare creatures,some so rare that you may never have heard ofthem. 11am £8.00

The Putney Arts TheatreSW15 6AW 0208 7886943putneyartstheatre.org.uk/The Witches of Eastwick08-11 May PLOS is back celebrating its 65thAnniversary show. 7.45pm £10/£7One Minute21-25 May A child goes missing on the streets ofLondon. 7.45pm £10/£7

The Little Angel TheatreN1 2DN 020 7226 1787 littleangeltheatre.comWe're Going on a Bear HuntEvery Saturday, Sunday, Thursday and Fridayin May We’re going on a bear hunt. We’re goingto catch a big one. £12/£10

Regents Park Open Air TheatreNW1 4NU 0844 826 4242 openairtheatre.com/To Kill a MockingbirdEvery Thursday, Friday and Saturday in MayHarper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel seesracial injustice envelop a small-town community.2.15pm, 7.45pm £20-£53

The Peacock TheatreWC2A 2HT 020 7863 8198sadlerswells.com/page/peacock-theatreNorthern Ballet—Ugly Duckling17 May Northern Ballet’s first productionespecially for children. 11am and 1pm £6

Theatre Royal Drury LaneWC2B 5JF 020 7850 8790reallyuseful.com/theatres/theatre-royal-drury-laneCharlie and the Chocolate Factory

From 18 May Roald Dahl's deliciously dark tale ofyoung Charlie Bucket and the mysteriousconfectioner Willy Wonka in a brand new musicaldirected by Academy Award® winner SamMendes. 2.30pm and 7.30pm, from £16.50

Broadway TheatreSE6 4RU 020 8690 0002 broadwaytheatre.org.ukChris & Pui19 May See Chris and Pui from ‘Show Me ShowMe’ live on stage! 1 and 4pm £10-£12

The Royal Albert HallSW7 2AP 0845 401 5045 royalalberthall.comFamily Ignite - Princes and Princesses28 May A fun packed family concert performed bythe Hall's very own Albert's Band. Children areencouraged to come in their favourite regal outfits!12.00pm and 2.30pm £3-5

The Southbank CentreSE1 8PX 020 7960 4200 / 0844 847 9944southbankcentre.co.ukLea Cornthwaite and Suzi Zumpe: Cries ofLondon06 May Using the early 'cries' of the London streettraders as a starting point, join this familyworkshop to learn songs from neighbourhoods farand wide. 11am & 2pm £6/£3 Spin25 May Join Apples & Snakes' word-wizards asthey cook up wonderful ways to play with words.11am FREEHook, Line and Singer: A Family Sing-Along with Cerys Matthews 25 May Everyone can sing and Cerys Matthewswants people to stop feeling so shy about it. 3pmFREESouthbank Centre's Fairy Tale Walk forChildren25 May Rachel Rose Reid leads a magical mysterytour of Southbank Centre, allowing the audience

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to experience the building in a way they’ve neverseen it before. 1pm £5Dog's Don't Do Ballet27 May The sublime and the ridiculous combine inthis story of a small dog named Biff, who thinksthat he is a ballerina. 11am and 2pm £8/£4 My Father and Other Superheroes31 May Nick Makoha’s moving and powerful one-man show about his journey from childhood tofatherhood. 6pm £8

Richmond TheatreTW9 1QJ 0844 871 7651atgtickets.com/richmondDance into the Fairytale Workshop26 May Step into your glass slippers and Danceinto the Fairytale for your first ballet class on stagewith English National Ballet. 1pm £20My First Cinderella25 May Everyone’s favourite rags-to-riches storyin a beautifully adapted version for youngaudiences. Sat 11am, 2pm & 5pm, Sun 11am &3pm £11 – £26, Child £9 - £21

Shaolin Warriors – Return Of The Master27 May The internationally acclaimed ShaolinWarriors return to the UK with a brand new show,Return Of The Master. 7.30pm £15-£25, FamilyTicket £75

The Tara Arts TheatreSW18 4ES 020 8333 4457 tara-arts.comLiang and the Magic Paintbrush01 Jun Liang dreams of being a painter but is toopoor to buy a paintbrush. 10.30am £10/£8

Unicorn TheatreSE1 2HZ 020 7645 0500 unicorntheatre.comSomething Very Far AwayEvery Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday,Saturday and Sunday to 02 Jun Kepler is anordinary man who loves two things beyond allothers: the cosmos and his wife Tomasina. After asudden loss he journeys deep into space to keepthe thing most precious to him alive. 2pm & 7pm£16/£10You're Not My Friend Anymore28 May–2 June What do you do when your friendwho makes you happy also makes you sad?11.45am & 1.45pm £16/£10

Museums &GalleriesThe Museum Of LondonEC2Y 5HN 020 7001 9844museumoflondon.org.ukMuseum ExploredSunday every other week starting 5 MayJoin one of the Museum's Hosts and explore thegalleries through fun, hands-on activities. 11am &2pm FREEArcheology Up Close17 May Drop in on monthly object-handlingsessions with members of the Museum of London'sArchaeological Collections department. 12pm to2pm FREERoman Fort Visit17 May Tour the remains of the western gate ofLondon's Roman military fort, located beneath thestreets next to the Museum. 2pm & 3pm FREEStorytelling: The Start of a CulturalEvening05 May Can an instrument change a life? Join us tohear the inspiring story of a man and his steel pan.1pm, 2pm & 3pm FREEStorytelling: Fire! Fire!06 May Travel back in time to 1666 with a magicalstoryteller and find out about the Great Fire ofLondon. 1pm, 2pm & 3pm FREEArchaeological Archive by Twilight17 May The Museum of London holds the largestarchaeological archive in the world. Discover somerarely seen finds after dark alongside curator-ledtours, object handling, performances andworkshops. 6.30pm to 9.00pm £7.00/£6.00Animated Animals19 May Join the Museum of London digitallearning team and bring some of the animals in thegalleries to life. 12.30pm, 2.00pm & 3.30pm FREE

The London Transport MuseumWC2E 7BB 020 7379 6344 ltmuseum.co.ukFriday Late - Brightest London17 May Celebrate their Poster Art 150 exhibitionand Kew Gardens edible festival as you partyMuseums At Night style. 6.45pm-10pm £8/£6

Bank of England MuseumEC2R 8AH 020 7601 5545 bankofengland.co.ukThe Huguenot LegacyEvery Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Monday andTuesday to 10 May The first Governor of theBank of England, Sir John Houblon, was thegrandson of a Huguenot refugee. This exhibition

celebrates the achievements of the Huguenots andtheir early connection with the Bank. 10am-4pm

PERFECT PARTIESTHEMED ACTIVITY PARTIES FOR

CHILDREN OF ALL AGES, ENTERTAINERS, FACEPAINTING & BALLOON MODELLING,

BALLOONS & BALLOON DECORATING, CAKES &CATERING, MASCOTS, PARTY BAGSCONTACT JUDE - [email protected]

020 7630 8330 or 07501 221 903www.pantaloons.co.uk

119 Lupus St, Pimlico, London. SW1V 3EN

robinft.co.uk 020 7350 0312 [email protected]

ROBIN FARQUHAR-THOMSONWonderful Pictures of Children

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


What’s onFREEMuseums at Night17 May A rare opportunity for an evening visit aspart of the nationwide Museums at Nightcampaign. 5.30pm-9pm FREE

The Florence Nightingale MuseumSE1 7EW 020 7620 0374 florence-nightingale.co.ukWorkhouse - Segregated LivesEvery day The Florence Nightingale Museum willhost an exhibition that explores the experience ofthe unfortunate inmates of the workhouse innineteenth century Britain. 10.00am to 5.00pm Miss Nightingale SaidWednesday May to 15 May An illustrated talkgiven by one of the museum’s curatorial teamexamining the incredible life and achievements ofFlorence Nightingale. 3.30pm £5.80/£4.80

Horniman MuseumSE23 3PQ 020 8699 1872 horniman.ac.ukAmazon AdventureEvery day Take a trip to the Amazon and discovera diverse landscape of exotic plants, unusualanimals and fascinating cultures. 10.30am to5.30pm £6/£3

The British MuseumWC1B 3DG 020 7323 8299 britishmuseum.orgIce Age Art: Arrival of the Modern MindEvery day to 19 May Created between 40,000 and10,000 years ago by artists with modern minds, thisis a unique opportunity to see the world's oldestknown sculptures, drawings and portraits. 10.00amto 17.30pm £10.00/£8.00Life and Death: Pompeii and HerculaneumEvery day Preserved under ash, the cities lay buriedfor just over 1,600 years, their rediscovery providingan unparalleled glimpse into the daily life of theRoman Empire. 10.00am to 5.30pm £15.00/£12.50Half-term Activity: Villas, vines andvolcanoes27 May Come to the Museum for a week of familyactivities inspired by Pompeii and Herculaneum.11am to 5.00pm FREE

Whitechapel GalleryE1 7QX 020 7522 7888 whitechapelgallery.orgThe Children’s Art CommissionEvery Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday,Saturday, Sunday in May Simon and Tom Bloor:Loose Parts. Each year the Whitechapel Galleryinvites a contemporary artist to create new work forChildren’s Art Commission. 10am-4pm FREE

The Natural History MuseumSW7 5BD 020 7942 5011 nhm.ac.ukSensational Butterflies ExhibitionEvery day From chomping caterpillars to beautifulbutterflies, the Museum comes alive. 10.00am to5.30pm £4.50/Family (of 4) £16.00Dino Snores17 May Ever wondered what goes on at the NaturalHistory Museum at night? 7 - 11 years. 7.00pm£49.00Marvellous Moths26 May What's the difference between a moth anda butterfly? 12.30 and 2.30pm FREEA Night in the Jungle29 May Sleepless nights are an occupational hazardwhen your job is collecting moths. 12.30 and 2.30pmFREEEarth's Biggest Mass Extinction23 May Join the Natural History Museum as itdiscusses mass extinction events. 2.30pm to 3.00pm

FREE

The Foundling MuseumWC1N 1AZ 020 7841 3600foundlingmuseum.org.ukFate, Hope & CharityEvery Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday,Sunday and Tuesday to 18 MayTokens, small everyday objects, were left bymothers with their babies at the FoundlingHospital between c.1741-1760. 10.00am to5.00pm Free with Museum AdmissionFlourishEvery Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday,Saturday and Sunday in MayPainting, sculpture and photography by artists upto the age of 25, each of whom has experiencedthe challenges of growing up being looked after bysomeone other than their parents. 10am-5pm FREE

The Victoria And Albert MuseumSW7 2RL 020 7942 2000 vam.ac.ukTreasures of the Royal CourtsEvery day The majesty of the courts of HenryVIII and Elizabeth I to Ivan the Terrible and theearly Romanovs in a major exhibition celebrating500 years of exchange between Britain and Russia.

The Orleans House GalleryTW1 3DJ 020 8831 6000richmond.gov.uk/orleans_house_gallerySee Saw SessionsEvery Friday in May Learn, play and exploretogether; 10.30am-12.30pm, drop-in, £4 children,£1 carersSaturday Social Family Art Sessions04 May Get creative and meet other parents;10am-12pm FREESunday Family Art Activities05 May Drop-in art sessions on Sundayafternoons; 2-3.30pm FREE

Wandsworth MuseumSW18 1RX 020 8870 6060wandsworthmuseum.co.ukSculptacular!11 May Wandsworth Museum offers you a chanceto try a range of drawing, printing and sculpting

from

p.3

3

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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Green Shoots DayNursery, SW8 1AR

Open for 0 to 5yr olds8am to 6pm

0207 582 3133www.greenshootsday

nursery.coop

Contact Vicky Barnett BA, MSc, PGCETel: 020 8876 [email protected]@firstclasslearning.co.ukwww.firstclasslearning.co.uk

Maths, English and 11+Tuition Study Centres

New nursery in SW19 (3 months to 5 years)

CONTACT: 07415 894 289www.work-n-play.co.uk

NOWOPEN!

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

May 2013 35®®

techniques. 1.30pm £3

The Museum of LondonDocklandsE14 4AL 020 7001 9844museumoflondon.org.uk/docklandsHow to be a Pirate04 May Join in with the fun and games in thisdrama performance to help the bungling buccaneerlearn how to become a proper pirate; 12.30pm,2.30pm and 3.30pm FREEMay Day on the Docks06 May Celebrate May Day in traditional style withcraft, dancing, storytelling and object handling.11am FREEFolk Dancing06 May Join the Belles of London City for thisdisplay of traditional Morris dancing. 1pm and 3pmFREEMake a Jack in the Green06 May Help make a 'Jack in the Green', a traditionalMay Day custom. 11.30am and 1pm FREEMay Day Procession06 May Celebrate May Day with a processioninvolving music, dancing and more! 3pm FREE

National Maritime MuseumSE10 9NF 020 8858 4422 rmg.co.uk/Explore SaturdaysEvery Saturday to 25 May Meet a characterfrom the past and take part in a performancebringing maritime history to life. 12pm, 1pm, 2pmand 3pm FREEDiscover SundaysEvery Sunday to 26 May Be inspired by ourmaritime past and explore your personalconnections to the sea. 11.30am and 2pm FREEPlay TuesdaysEvery Tuesday to 21 May Explore the Museumthrough making, music, dance and drama. 10.30am,11.30am, 1pm and 2pm £3Stitch up27 May Contribute to a giant textiles installation.11.30am and 2pm FREEWeave Together27 May Create a giant alternative tapestry full ofwords, colours and patterns to say why you loveyour favourite clothes. 11.30am and 2pm FREEJohn Morgan: Voice of a Lascar27 May Go on a journey with South Asian lascarJohn Morgan, as he tells you about working for theBritish East India Company bringing fabrics, spicesand tea to Britain. 12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm FREECreative Cargo: Ideas Trolley28 May How did people in Britain first get achoice of fabrics and patterns to wear? 11.30am

and 2pm FREE

V&A Museum of ChildhoodE2 9PA 020 8983 5200museumofchildhood.org.uk/Romp and RollEvery Saturday to 25 May Bust a move in thisfun, playful dance session for toddlers withAdrenaline Dance. 10.15am £3Children's DanceEvery Saturday to 25 May Enjoy a new danceclass exploring rhythm and creativity withAdrenaline Dance. 11.15am £3Spy Kids27 May Disguise! Decode! Detect! Listen to StorySpinner deliver a re-telling of Michael Foreman’schildren’s book, A Child’s Garden. 10.30am-4pmFREEEye Spy Art Workshop27 May An intensive Eye Spy Art Workshop led byArtbash. 10.30am, 12.45pm, 2.45pm £5Introduction to Chess Basics28 May Chess coach Richard Weekes will leadfamilies through the basic principles of a chessgame. 10.30am, 2pm £3

The Wallace CollectionW1U 3BN 0207 563 9500 wallacecollection.orgDrop-In Art Workshop: The Little Draw05 May Free drop-in workshop for all ages andabilities 1.30-4.30pm FREE

Dulwich Picture GallerySE21 7AD 020 8693 5254dulwichpicturegallery.org.ukMay Bank Holiday Family Drop-In - TheMagic Maypole06 May Help to create a giant maypole installationin the Linbury Room. 11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm £3Art Play05 May Make everything from bunting to blockprints and all things in between. 2-4pm FREE

The Geffrye MuseumE2 8EA 020 7739 9893 geffrye-museum.org.uk/May Workshop Lotions and Potions 11 May Create pampering products using herbs,flowers and plants from the garden. 10.30am -12.30pm and 2-4pm FREE

The National Army MuseumSW3 4HT 020 7730 0717 nam.ac.ukMuseums at Night 18 May Celebrating Museums at Night, theMuseum opens its doors after hours. 6-9pm FREE

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

8page 36

THE SOUTHFIELDS SCHOOL OF BALLET

We offer imaginative Ballet and Jazz classes forchildren (boys & girls) from 21/2 years. The

emphasis of the school is on fun, musicality andfitness, with the option to take Royal Academy

of Dance (RAD) examinations.020 8683 0222

classes held in Southfields andWimbledon

� Sibling Discount� Join anytime

Principal: Mrs. Eliane Gerhard, BA (Hons), LRAD





What’s on

The National GalleryWC2N 5DN 020 7747 2894 nationalgallery.org.ukFamily SundaysEvery Sunday in May Activities for families toenjoy and learn together. 11am and 3pm FREEMagic Carpet StorytellingEvery Sunday in May Fly away on the magiccarpet, coming to land in front of a differentpainting each day. Ages 2-5 10.30-11am and11.30am–12pm FREEGold, Bones and Mementos26 May Relic means “something left behind.”11am and 2pm FREE

The Design MuseumSE1 2YD 020 7403 6933 designmuseum.org/Design and Make Workshops: ChampionChairs19 May Explore the museum’s range of innovativechairs and then create your own miniature chair. 2-4.30pm £5

Days OutBattersea Park Children’s ZooSW11 4NJ batterseaparkzoo.co.ukThroughout May - With a zoo, animalencounters, play area and café, a visit to the worldfamous Battersea Park Children's Zoo is a must.

The Chelsea Physic GardenSW3 4HS 020 7349 6453chelseaphysicgarden.co.ukA Passion for Plants- Gardening forBeginners29 May Come along to learn some gardening tips.10.30am, 1pm Children: £6 half-day, £8 full-day.Adults: £9 half-day, £11 full-day The Lost Art of Nature Printing30 May Come along to learn some gardening tips.10.30am-2.30pm Children £6/£8, adults £9/£11

The Royal ObservatorySE10 9NF 020 8858 4422 rmg.co.uk/royal-observatory/Alien RevolutionEvery day Are we alone in this Universe? This exhibition takes a look at the history of ourrelationship with extraterrestrial life. 10.00-16.30 FREESky Tonight LiveEvery day in May A live show taking visitors on atour of what can be seen in the night sky on the day

of their visit and the months ahead. 5yrs+,Weekends/holidays: 12.30, 14.00, 15.30 | Weekdays:15.30 £6.50/£4.50Meet The NeighboursThroughout May Meet our neighbours in space inthis entertaining interactive show, where you decidewhich planets to visit. 5yrs+, 12.45, 13.45£6.50/£4.50Solar System, Galaxy, UniverseThroughout May Exploring the scale of the SolarSystem, Galaxy and Universe and how we measureit. 5yrs+, 12.45, 13.45 £6.50/£4.50Space SafariThroughout May Join Ted the teddy bear for livemusic and rhyme as he journeys throughout thesolar system looking for the Great Bear in the sky.Age 7 and under Weekends 11.00 | Tuesdays 12.45,13.45 £6.50/£4.50SciFi Movie Night16 May As part of Alien Season the RoyalObservatory Greenwich will be screening classicearly science fiction movies featuring aliens from Mayuntil August. 6.45pm £7.00 adults, £5.00child/concessionWe Are Aliens18 May Rupert Grint of Harry Potter fame narratesthis exciting planetarium show exploring how ourunderstanding of life on Earth guides our hunt foralien life. 4.15pm, 5pm, 5.45pm, 6.30pm, 7.15pm,£6.50/£4.50

The Tower Of LondonEC3N 4AB 0844 482 7799 hrp.org.ukRestoration and RebellionEvery day to 24 May After the Civil War, theTower of London saw some bloody events –religious extremists, pretenders to the throne, hatedjudges. 11.30am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pmAdmission fees applySilver for the Sovereign!25 May Revolutionary monarch William III is keen toset his finances in order.

Cutty SarkSE10 9HT 020 8858 442 rmg.co.uk/cuttysark/Family fun Weekend: ImaginaryJourneys…04 May Help create a giant map of journeysacross the sea. 11.30am and 2pm Admission feeappliesCutty Sark and National MaritimeMuseum Pirate Party05 May The annual Pirate Party is back, and nowfor the first time will take place aboard Cutty Sarkas well as at the National Maritime Museum.

11am-4pm Sea Chests27 May What would you take on a long seavoyage? 11.30am and 2pm Ahoy Captain!29 May Join Captain Woodget, Cutty Sark’slongest serving master, and hear tales of hisvoyages around the world. 11am, 12pm, 1.30pmand 2.30pm I Spy…29-31 May Create a colourful telescope to takeon an adventure. 11.30am and 2pm

Golden Hinde SE1 9DG 020 7403 0123 goldenhinde.comDrake Fun Days04, 25 and 31 May Just who was Sir FrancisDrake? 11am and 2pm £7/£5 Pirate Fun Day11 May Your little pirates will join the crew, raisethe anchor and fire the cannons before trying tofind the hidden treasure. 11am and 2pm £7/£5Tudor Fun Day18 and 27 May Step back in time and learn thehistory of the House of Tudor. 11am and 2pm£7/£5

Hampton Court PalaceKT8 9AU 0870 758 8080hrp.org.uk/HamptonCourtPalace/Tudor Cookery04 May Historic cooks are toiling in the Kitchensof King Henry VIII, preparing the exotic dishes forhis majesty as well as the plainer yet still lavishfood for the court. Bank Holiday Weekend at25-27 May The big picnic with music,entertainment, cinema and fairground rides at theFoodies Festival in the grounds.

Osterley Park And HouseTW7 4RB 020 8232 5050nationaltrust.org.uk/osterley-parkBirds & Beasts Roadshow5-6 May Make this Bank holiday unforgettablewith a close encounter of birds and beastiesincluding tarantula, snake, giant millipede. 11am-4pm Museums at Night – Twilight Tours17 May Join the collections manager on aexclusive tour of the Georgian mansion house. 6-9pm £9.95/£5 Family Discovery Day26-27 May Creative fun days for families. 12-3pm

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May 2013 37®®

Eltham PalaceSE9 5QE +44 (0) 870 333 1181elthampalace.org.uk/Art Deco Fair11 May Buy original 1930s objects in magnificentArt Deco surroundings. 11am-4pm £5.90-£9.90

HMS Belfast

SE1 2JH 020 7940 6300 iwm.org.uk/visits/hms-belfastPoints on a Compass11 May From bananas in Borneo to a 21-gunsalute in San Francisco harbour, explore the manycountries and cultures that HMS Belfastencountered as she sailed 500,000 nautical miles inher 30-year career. 11am –12.30pm and 2pm–4pm Sailor Tales25 May Join storytellers as they spin a ditty aboutlife on board HMS Belfast. 11am–12.30pm and2pm–4pm

Kensington PalaceW8 4PX 0844 482 7777hrp.org.uk/KensingtonPalaceMuseums at Night: Kids KensingtonSleepover!16 May Have a fun filled evening for children andfamilies at the Wild Boy’s Sleepover.Classical Music ‘Festival’: a celebration ofVictoria and Albert’s music24-27 May Enjoy events and activities to celebratethe musical partnerships between Victoria, Albertand their close friends Mendelssohn and Wagner. Modern Royals: School Holiday Activities24 May–2 June Visit Kensington Palace and join infun family activities, including craft and storytellingbased around the modern royals.

The London Wetlands CentreSW13 9WT 020 8409 4400 wwt.org.uk/visit-us/londonHalf Term Family Activities25 May–2 June June is the best time to spot fluffyducklings and WWT London Wetland Centre is agreat place to find them. Times vary Perfect pond season15 June onwards Take part in a series ofactivities including wildlife surveys, experimentsand shows. Storytelling sessions will focus onparticular underwater animals and after each storyyou’ll be able to have a go at creating the animalusing recycled materials.

Syon House and GardensTW8 8JG www.syonpark.co.uk 5 and 6 May Children Go Free! - On Sunday 5thMay and Bank Holiday Monday 6th May children(up to and including 16yrs) have free admission to

the gardens or House and gardens. Maximum 2free child tickets per paying adult. For moreinformation please contact The Estate Office on020 8560 0882 or [email protected].

Out of TownAudley End House and GardensCB11 4JF 01799 522842 or 0870 333 1181english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/audley-end-house-and-gardens/house-and-gardensGrand Victorian Fayre04 May Roll up, roll up and see May Day fun as itused to be! 11am-5pm Admission fees applyAudley End Through the Ages26 May Monks, Monarchs and Munitions!Discover the history of Audley End House andGardens. 11am-5pm Admission fees applyVictorian Fun and Games28 May 11am-4pm Admission fees apply

Kent & East Sussex Railway TN30 6HE 01580 765155 http:/kesr.org.uk Steam Up4-6 May Enjoy a good old “Steam Up”. £10/£15

Painshill ParkKT11 1JE 01932 868 113 painshill.co.uk/Family Fun: Bushcraft11 May Explore the wild woods and discover theart of bushcraft. 10am-1pm, £12/£8

Diary dates & eventsFirst Aid for LifeSW12 8QZ 0208 675 4036 firstaidforlife.org.uk/The Emergency Course07 May A 3-hour course covering care of theunconscious baby and child as well as mostcommonly occurring injuries and illnesses such aschoking, bleeding, breaks, bleeds, burns, headinjury and febrile convulsions. 9.30am-12.30pm£60/£65

The Parent PracticeSW12 8UD 0208 673 3444 theparentpractice.com The Teenage Years: For Tweens and Teens08 May All workshops at 68 Thurleigh Road,SW12 8UD, £50pp, 7.30pm The Teenage Year: Setting up for Success 08 May Raising Girls 16 May

Change of Signature9 - 12th May, 12 - 7pm Something a bit different:Change of Signature: Eléonore Pironneau, apainter, invited ten musicians, composers andsound designers to transpose her paintings intotheir own musical language, creating an original andunique joint work, signed and submitted by theartists. This should be interesting! At TESTBED1, 33, Parkgate Road, Battersea,London, SW11 4NPhttp://changeofsignature.wordpress.com/

L'Institut FrancaisSW7 2DT 020 7871 3515 institut-francais.org.uk/Baby and Kids TalesEvery Saturday to 18 May Fly to Fort-de-Francefor an incredible trip to Martinique. Becomefriends with turtles and go for walks in exotic andunforgettable landscapes. 11am £5/£7Cine Kids - Splot and Splodge18 May One is covered with tiny dots, the otherwith great big splodges but these cute rabbits areboth full of surprises! 11am £5

The Papered ParlourSW4 6BS 020 7627 8703 thepaperedparlour.co.uk/DIY Screenprinting12 May Immerse yourself in the world ofcontemporary printmaking. £77.50

8page 38

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


Dressmaking: Make Me a Domestic Sewing Goddess19 May Want to become a domestic sewinggoddess but not sure where to start? £77.50

Redi Training Paediatric First AidCourses15 May and 12 June, 7pm. Covers all essentialtopics on first aid for babies and children withpaediatric A&E nurses. Takes place at The

Maggie & Rose Club W8 6NX. 020 7348 7117www.redi-training.co.uk

MalocaSW18 1GG NCT Putney and Fulham Toddler GroupEvery Thursday in May Bring your toddler for a morning of safe play inMaloca's dedicated child room packed with books,toys and a ball pool 10am FREE

Imperial College LondonSW7 2AZ 020 7589 5111www3.imperial.ac.uk/festivalImperial Festival03 May For all those who’ve ever wondered whatlife’s like on the surface of Mars, why babies kickin the womb or how your brain understands andreacts to music. FREE

Professor Quantum's MagnificentTime TourWC2N 5BY timetour.co.ukMagnificent Time TourEvery Saturday and Sunday in May Combing theatre and technical trickery with aninsightful look at London's rich past, aboard theProfessor's 'Incredible Time Bus'. 2.45pm £14/£20

The Southbank CentreSE1 8PX 020 7960 4200 / 0844 847 9944southbankcentre.co.ukReal Food Market24-27 May The famous Real Food Market offers arange of fresh produce as well as delicious streetfood from all around the world. 12pm-8pm FREE

London Philharmonic OrchestraFunharmonicsPeter and the Wolf11 May Join Bird, Duck, Cat and Peter as theyoutwit the snarling Wolf in Prokofiev's timelessclassic. 12pm £10-£18

Earls Court TwoSW5 9TALondon Pet Show

11 May Featuring the wonderful world ofcreatures great and small. £14/£9.50

Kensington Town HallW8 7NX Summer Dollshouse Festival 11 May The UK’s largest Festival of miniaturedolls houses. 11am-6pm £4-£11

Stafford GallerySW19 5DQ 07939 048 436 staffordgallery.co.ukJack Morrocco - an Exhibition of NewPaintings13-26 May In collaboration with Wimbledon FineArt, 10.30-6pm FREE

5k RBC Race for the Kids Battersea Park, www.raceforthekids.co.uk 9 June. Ideal for families, the race is suitable for allages and participants can run, walk or jogindividually or in teams. Help raise vital funds forGreat Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity.

Alexandra PalaceN22 7AY Mums Show Live 16 May The UK's first consumer exhibitiontargeting parents of 4-12 year olds. 9am-5pm £10-£15

Benjamin Franklin House WC2N 5NG 020 839 2006benjaminfranklinhouse.org/Late Night Historical Experience18 May Live interpretation, sound and visualprojection reveal the uncertainty and excitementof Franklin’s London years. 6-8pm £10/£8 National Family Week: Georgian Homes

28 May Benjamin Franklin House was built circa1730. How are our homes different today? 11am,children £5, adults free

Battersea Park School SW11 5AP Pop-Up-Emporium18 May 40 stalls of fabulousness! 11.30am-4.30pmFREE

Royal HospitalSW3 4SL RHS Chelsea Flower Show21 May Celebrating its centenary year, nowheremakes gardening more fashionable. 8am-8pm

Trafalgar SquareWC2N 5DN The Second BMW LSO Open Air Classics27 May The London Symphony Orchestra inpartnership with BMW and the Mayor of Londonreturns to Trafalgar Square. 6.30pm FREE

Finton House Finton House School, 171 Trinity Road SW17 7HLwww.fintonhouse.org.uk2013 SEN Forum – Living With Disability23 May 4.30pm-6pm. Two experienced speakersdiscuss the highs and lows of living with theirdisabilities. FREE

Social media and marketingworkshops for business mums Putney, 020 8789 [email protected],www.mumpreneurmarketing.com Social media & marketing on a shoestring,21st May, 9:30am-4:30pm, £80.

Twitter for business, 14th May & 5th June,9:45am-1:15pm, £45.Twitter and blogging for business, 10th June,9:30am-4:30pm, £80.

Diary dates and eventsfro

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May 2013 39®®

PAINTING & DECORATING

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07794 084671

Learn to massageyour child

Massage is relaxing and bringsloving closeness.

Learn simple techniques in yourown home or your friend's. Hands-on parent and child

workshop by qualified massagetherapist and aromatherapist.

Call Lorraine on 079101 14153

VACANCY

Earn Extra Money?Capital Focus Groups are

looking for people to take partin Market Research

and give their opinion on avariety of subjects.

If you would like to earn extracash please call Liz on 07761

128059 or [email protected]

all is revealed on FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

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Families London SW issue 226 May 2013

Documents

Transcript of Families London SW issue 226 May 2013