Families London West Issue 98 Jan/Feb 2015

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

ISSUE 98:January/February 2015www.familieswest.co.uk

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The best guide to what is going on for families living in West London

The best guide to what is going on for families living in West London

2 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR January/February 2015

news & views

From the Ed:A Happy New Year!

I hope you have recovered from the festivities by the time this copy reachesyour hand and the routine has started well. We are talking all about nurseriesthis issue - how to choose them, what to expect from them and also givingyou the lowdown on what is new at your local nurseries in West London.

There is loads more info on our website: www.familieswest.co.uk as well asa nursery directory with links to your local nursery schools, playgroups and

nurseries offering daycare. Plus of course our pages are stacked with plenty ofevents going on for families in and around West London.

Grab a cup of tea and enjoy!

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In this issueNews & Views Page 2Nursery News Page 6Education Feature Page 12Clubs & Classes Page 14What’s On in West London Page 16Half Term Workshops Page 21New Year = New You Page 22

Classifieds Page 23

Families West is part of the Families group, established in 1990 and headed by Families SouthWest. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated underlicense. We take every care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannotbe held responsible for the claims of the advertisers nor the accuracy of the contents nor for anyconsequence. Copyright Families West Magazine 2014.Designed by Martin Driscoll. Email: [email protected] by Ridgeway Press, 12 Campbell Court, Bramley, Tadley, Hampshire RG26 5EG.

Front cover credit: Checked shirt from £8. T-shirt from £4. Tan trousers from £9.Brown shoes from £14. Faux fur moose hat from £6.www.sainsburys-tu-clothing.co.uk

Will to Win - Pitshanger Park, EalingWill to Win has spent 20 years working hard to improve tennis andsports facilities in public parks across London and enable year roundplay for all ages and abilities. This summer they transformed PitshangerPark and resurfaced 8 tennis courts, 4 with floodlights, and put in aMulti Use Games Area (MUGA)/5 a-side 3G football pitch, also withfloodlights, and netball facilities. They strive to make everyone feel welcome with affordable pay and play facilities. In addition they offer afull range of adult and junior tennis and football programmes, and theirBack to Netball sessions are very popular. Visit the website for moreinformation on all of their courses and drop-in sessions. Much to thedelight of park users they have also built a new café where you canunwind on the covered and heated deck, drink great coffee and usethe free WiFi. Call to book courts and lessons on 020 8991 9844.www.willtowin.co.uk

Scholarship place at Jigsaw Performing Arts SchoolJigsaw Performing Arts School is offering a free scholarship place attheir Ealing school for the Spring term 2015 to give away. Classestake place at the weekend for students aged 3-18 years. A term’sscholarship is worth between £150 for 3-6 years and £280 for 7-18years. For more details go to: www.jigsaw-arts.co.ukTo be entered into the prize draw, please email your name, address, telephone number and your child’s name and age to: [email protected] FAMILIES SCHOLARSHIP in the subject box.

Get Into London Theatre with great newyear deals on more than 55 top showsTheatres all over the capital will welcome in the New Year by offering fantastic ticket deals as part of Get Into London Theatre, the annual promotion that allows the public to seesome of the best-loved shows in London for a fraction of the normal cost. From 1 January to 13 February 2015, more than55 participating productions ranging from plays to musicals and opera to ballet will offer tickets from as little as £10, so every-one has the chance to experience the best of London theatrethis winter. There is a host of sensational shows to choosefrom, including long-running West End hits Billy Elliot TheMusical, Disney's The Lion King and Wicked, alongside new-comers Made In Dagenham, Sunny Afternoon and MemphisThe Musical. Fans of dance can enjoy Swan Lake or DonQuixote, plus there are lots of family-friendly shows taking partsuch as The Railway Children, Slava’s Snowshow, Room OnThe Broom and The Wind In The Willows. As well as West End theatres, a range of venues across the capital have signed up tothe promotion including the New Wimbledon Theatre,Greenwich Theatre and the Barbican.

January/February 2015 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR 3

Language Perfect Competition - Clifton Lodge gets first place in the 51-100 pupil categoryHeadmaster, Mr Floyd Steadman, is delighted to announce the results of the Language Perfect Northern Hemisphere competition. As usual, CliftonLodge pupils have done fantastically well. 62 certificates were achieved during the 10 day competition including 12 Golds, 6 Silvers, 23 Bronzes and21 Credits. On a more global scale and with 117 schools taking part overall, Clifton Lodge have succeeded in coming first in their category (51-100pupils) for the first time. Pupils came first in French and 2nd in Latin. Find out more about the school by contacting headmaster Floyd Steadman on:[email protected] · www.cliftonlodgeschool.co.uk

Reduce tiredness and restore vitalityWe all know what it’s like to feel physically and mentally exhausted from a busy day at work or with the kids and coping witheverything can be an everyday battle. Did you know that taking Pharmaton Vitality capsules helps reduce temporary tiredness and restore vitality when taken daily, and can be taken for a period of twelve weeks? Pharmaton Vitality capsules are packedwith vitamins, minerals and the unique Ginseng G115 that’s clinically proven to relieve fatigue and also aid mental and physical wellbeing. Pharmaton Vitality capsules are also supported by over 30 clinical trials and studies. Try Pharmaton Vitality Capsules, to feel the positive difference. (Licensed medicine) For the relief of fatigue. Always read the label.

Do we REALLY know how fit our children are?As parents, we all know our children's ability in reading, writing and arithmetic, but often have no idea of our children’s activity and fitness levels. We’re allaware of the benefits of active children and the impact this has on their future of health - so now’s the time to find out.The UK’s leading children's activity provider Fit For Sport has been working with kids across the country to help them to get active. A study of 10,000 children found fitness levels improved on average up to 15% over a year, just by engaging kids in their active schools programme. They’re encouraging

families across the nation to take their FREE kids active challenge. Fit For Sport founder Dean Horridge said: “It’s really easy to take simple steps towards a more active lifestyle.Active children are far more likely to become active adults, so encouraging kids now sets them on a journey for an active, healthylife - and they should have fun doing it!”To discover your child’s fitness levels and how to improve them simply visit: www.fitforsport.co.ukto take the Active Challenge, track progress and access lots of tips andadvice for an active 2015!


nursery featureHow to choose the best nurseryfor your child By Hannah Hunter

For many parents, nurseries arethe ideal choice for childcare. They offer working hours, with alot of flexibility - you can choosehours to suit you, from a few halfdays to full working weeks.Nurseries give children the oppor-tunity to socialise with groups ofother children and adults. They canalso give a reassuring continuity ofcare, with an assigned key worker.Your child may be at the same set-ting from babyhood, right untilthey start at school.

Finding the right nursery can be a difficultand stressful process. The first time youhand over full-time care of your preciousoffspring to someone else is always goingto be emotional, so you want to beabsolutely sure that you have made theright choice for all of you.

Different types of nursery• It’s important to research what’s available as early as possible to find thebest fit. This webpage: www.gov.uk/find-nursery-school-placedirects you to your local council’s web-site, which will list all Ofsted-checkedregistered childcare providers.

Different options may include:• Day Nurseries - great for working parents, as they are usually open from8am-6pm• Nursery Schools - for older toddlers (usually about 2 and a half and up) thesenurseries offer a more structured preparation for school.Nursery classes in schools - usually runfor the year before reception, they havea similar structure to nursery schools,though often only run half-day sessions.• Montessori and Steiner nurseries–Montessori philosophy informs how theirschools are run, they are seen as theoriginators of child centred learning, and

there is a focus on developing eachchild’s independence and skills. Focusingon creative play, Steiner schools don’tbelieve in any formal teaching until theage of 6.

Read more here:www.familiesonline.co.uk/LOCA-TIONS/Chiltern/Articles2/Nursery-and-preschool/What-are-all-the-different-types-of-nursery/(language)/eng-GB]

Your first visitMake time to look around potential nurseries, well before you are going toneed to use them. Read the Ofstedreport (www.ofsted.gov.uk) and make alist of your priorities before you go. See if you can find out any first-handinformation from friends (though bear inmind what’s good for one family mightnot work for another).

Things to consider:Staff and ethosSee what the turnover of staff is (alwaysa good indicator of happiness) and checktheir qualifications. The presence ofolder staff members brings added lifeexperience and suggests that the nurseryvalues its staff enough to pay for this.Check out the routines, such as whatfood they offer and when it’s served, orwhen and where the children can nap.

CostBe realistic in how much you can pay. A perfect work-life balance doesn’t meanworking more hours to pay for a ‘better’nursery! Most nurseries have fundedplaces for 3 to 5-year-olds, and yourworkplace may offer childcare vouchers,a tax-free way to pay. You may also beeligible for childcare tax credits, to findout more go towww.gov.uk/help-with-childcare-costs

The ‘feel’ of the placeGoing by gut instinct alone isn’t advisable,

but if you don’t get a good feeling, itmight not be the place for your child.Happy staff and children can make up fora lack of perfection in other areas. Lookout for children’s work on the walls, andstaff who actually play with the kidsrather than stand around chatting.

Your child’s personalityIs your child quiet and shy, or loud andoutgoing? Do they love playing out-doors, or prefer indoor games? It seemsobvious, but try to match the nursery toyour child’s interests.

Your own needs!There might be a wonderful nursery halfan hour drive away from you, but con-sider how will both of your tirednesslevels be after this daily journey - wouldyou be better to find somewhere closerthat is a good fit? Equally the most con-venient, say a work-place nursery, maynot be the best for your child.

Useful linkswww.ndna.org.ukNational Day Nurseries Association offer expert advice and information forparents looking for childcare.

The Family and Childcare Trust is a campaigning organisation with helpfulinformation for parents. This site willhelp you find your local FamilyInformation Service:http://findyourfis.familyandchild-caretrust.org/kb5/findyourfis/home.pagegiving local information, advice and assistance to parents, carers and professionals on the range of children,family and young people's services

www.ofsted.gov.uk www.montessori.org.uk www.steinerwaldorf.org


nursery NEWS

Uniquely set in thirteen acres, 3-4 year oldchildren at St Augustine’s PrioryNursery benefit from a large meadowwith wooden play equipment, a willowhouse and a Forest School where weeklysessions take place. ISI has consistentlyrated the both the pastoral provision andteaching as “outstanding.” Each nurserychild is allocated a key person who helpsthem to settle in and takes responsibility forrecording their progress and development,and who communicates with parents. As an all-through school, girls who join theschool in Nursery have a foundation whichensures they continue to receive an outstanding education until Sixth Form. It is the top performing Catholic school inEaling for GCSE results. www.saintaugustinespriory.org.uk

Maria Montessori Nursery School isnow under New Ownership. The schoolwas founded in 1976 and since then it hasalways been one of the most renownedMontessori Schools in the Ealing Area.One of the major changes that they areintroducing from start of the Spring Term(January 2015) is to extend their openinghours for the School. It will now be openfor 5 full Days (9am-3pm, Monday toFriday). The range of activities offered atthe nursery has also now been extendedto include Tatty Bumpkins Yoga sessions,music, French, ICT and PE lessons. They welcome all the parents to see thenursery in action so call and book a visit on07717 050761/020 8814 9527 or email: [email protected]

Avenue House School Nursery, partof Avenue House Preparatory School inEaling, along The Avenue is in a lovelyhouse setting. They admit children fromthe age of three who can come in for halfday or full day sessions. The children benefit from having their own outside playarea which was renovated after fundingfrom Ealing Borough Council and the children have the choice of outdoor andindoor activities all day. The children participate in whole school activities too,such as Road Safety Week and seasonalconcerts and also share facilities with theReception class. Recently the Nurserypupils joined Reception for their weeklycooking activity to make Road Safety TrafficLight biscuits and had a fabulous time!www.avenuehouse.org

Opening soon: Micro-crèches in Hanwell.Les Jardins d'Emile will be a bilingual(French/English) nursery, based on sus-tainable development. It will be set up innewly refurbished premises in CheringtonRoad W7, with specialized wood furnitureimported from France. Using interactivepedagogy, they will be setting individualeducation plans for children. They will alsooffer an extended daily schedule to suit theneeds of working parents. Contact Emmanuelle on: 07468 416490 or email: [email protected] for moreinformation. www.ljemile.com

Playdays has been providing quality care for children for almost 20 years and hasexpanded into 5 branches across primeareas in London including Kensington andChiswick. It prides itself on the childrenbeing their first priority. They take childrenfrom three months to five years with separate baby, toddler and pre-schoolrooms and have a variety of dedicated staffincluding Nursery Nurses, NurseryAssistants and Montessori teachers. Find out more on: www.playdaysnurseries.co.ukor call the Chiswick nursery on 020 87479599 or the Barons Court nursery on 020 7386 9083.

Visit www.familieswest.co.ukfor updated News and Views and lots of

things to see and do in west London

St Augustine’s Priory Nursery

Avenue House School Nursery

New World Montessori are proud to have achieved the award from theMontessori Evaluation and AccreditationBoard for both of their nurseries for thesecond time. This places their establishmentnot only as a true advocate of Montessorieducation and philosophy but also ensuresthat they are following the criteria set out inEarly Years Foundation Stage. At NWM theyoffer Montessori education for children 2-5years by qualified Montessori teachers only.They have extra curricular classes such asyoga and gymnastics, music, French andmost recently have set up a cooking club.They also have a trained Special Needsteacher at both settings They have organised parents workshops for thosewishing to learn more about the Montessoriway of teaching. For more information goto: www.newworldmontessori.com


nursery NEWS

Children learn best when they are havingfun and are confident in their environment.Active Learning promotes the develop-ment of the complete child introducingthem to an exciting programme of learningthrough their truly innovative studio programme. Dedicated specialist teachersin the ‘state of the art’ studios nurture children as unique and individual, ensuringthey bring out the best in each and everychild, helping them to discover and maximize the potential of their own talents.Visit the Chiswick nursery at HartingtonRoad, Chiswick W4 3AN. 020 3167 4994.www.activelearningchildcare.co.uk

Having a second language is such an assetin all aspects of life. Consider it for yourchild at the Ark of Noah Bilingual(French/English) Nursery School. It hasbeen running successfully for seven years inW13. Children need no prior knowledgeof French and staff find that they are soonpicking up both languages quite easily. The nursery work closely with the Frenchschool, A. Malraux, which now acceptsmore English children. A Mother andToddler group takes place on Thursdayswith French songs and movement andthere is an afterschool club on Wednesdaysfor older children (ages 4-10). Find out more at: www.arkofnoah.netE: [email protected] call: 02089977116.

Words that parents have used to describethe childcare and education delivered atButtons Day Nursery School over thepast 13 years are; outstanding, quality,

happy, innovative and consistent. Unusually the nursery fees are all inclusiveof Pampers nappies, wipes and formulamilk (for babies and toddlers) and all children’s meals are prepared on thepremises using fresh organic ingredients.The nursery understands that a consistentstaff team is important and ensures that the staff ’s personal and professional devel-opment is catered for and that they arerewarded for their hard work and commitment. It is this thinking that has ledto the nursery being recognised as ‘AnInvestor in People’ organisation over thelast 9 years, recognition not normally associated with nurseries. Find out moreby calling them on 020 8840 3355.E: [email protected] www.buttonsdaynursery.co.uk

LEYF family of nurseries continues to growacross London. London Early YearsFoundation (LEYF) began 2014 by addingthe Soho Family Centre Nursery to theircollection of nurseries. They didn’t stopthere, adding five more over the year toreach their current total of 30 individualsettings in the city. Running since 1903 andwinners of Nursery World’s ‘NurseryGroup of 2014’ award, they pride themselves on providing an enjoyable andenriching experience in a safe, welcomingand caring environment. They have ambitious plans to reach 50 nurseries by2017, and to provide their outstandingchildcare to 5000 children. To enquireabout a place at one of their nurseries visitwww.leyf.org.uk or call 020 7592 3603.

London Early Years Foundation (LEYF)

Active Learning Buttons Day Nursery School


Give your child a head start

English and FrenchNo Language skills necessary

EALING W13 0EBTelephone: 020 8997 7116

www.arkofnoah.net

from

2-5 y

ears

To advertise in future issues of Families West magazine please email [email protected] or phone 020 8930 4707



nursery featureWhat to expect from your child’s nursery educationWe’ve all heard about the

importance of early years education. Apparently a child whohas gone to pre-school has morechance of getting better examresults and ultimately earning higher wages, according to newresearch undertaken by academicsat the Institute of Education.So you send your child to nursery,

in the hope that it will improvetheir education prospects. Butwhat are they actually going to dothere all day?They’re not going to tell you!Teenagers struggle enough to recallwhat’s happened a few hoursbefore, so you can’t expect detailedinformation from a 3-year-old.

To give you some idea of what will happen, you can look at the legalrequirements for nurseries in the UK.The Early Years Foundation Stage frame-work is a document that sets out thestatutory welfare and developmentalgoals for children 5 years and under. Itgives guidelines for safety and learningand development for all early yearsproviders - all nurseries, child minders,playgroups, preschools and receptionclasses.

The EYFS explainedThe EYFS framework document canseem daunting, but it’s there to ensurethat all children receive a suitable level of care.It sets out the legal requirements thatkeep your child safe and promote theirwelfare. This includes:• Basic checks, such as staff securitychecks• Setting the number of children eachmember of staff can look after• Ensuring the facilities and equipmentare safe and suitable • Checking the quality of the environment, e.g. recommending accessto outdoor spaceIt also covers the seven areas of learningand development. These are: • communication and language• physical development

• personal, social and emotional development• literacy• mathematics• understanding the world• expressive arts and design

The activities they will do at nursery, tosupport their learning and developmentwill be unique to your child’s needs.They will learn by playing and exploring,being active, and through creative andcritical thinking which takes place bothindoors and outside. There is a requirement for ‘continuousprovision’, which in layman’s termsmeans that there needs to be high quali-ty resources and activities available all ofthe time, so your child can learn throughplay in lots of different ways.

AssessmentThe EYFS also lays out guidelines forassessment of your child’s progress.Soon after your child turns 2, you willget a written summary of how your child is progressing in communicationand language, physical development and personal, social and emotional development. Any areas where theyneed extra help or support will be highlighted at this stage.

The next written assessment will comewhen your child is 5, usually at the endof their reception year, which is the last

year they are classed as being in earlyyears education. This will includeassessment of skills such as writing theirname, reading and talking about afavourite book, speaking to people yourchild is not so familiar with or theirunderstanding of numbers. The schoolwill give you a progress report includingsome of this information.

How will I know how my childis doing?Your child will have a ‘key person’ atnursery, pre-school or reception class,who is responsible for putting togetherinformation on how they are developing.This person will be your main point ofcontact, and it’s important that you worktogether and communicate well. Anyworries about your child should be dis-cussed with their key worker, and theywill be able to build on what your childis learning at home.

Look at the full document here:https://www.gov.uk/government/publica-tions/early-years-foundation-stage-frame-work--2

For a detailed parent’s guide tothe EYFS go to:http://www.foundationyears.org.uk/files/2014/08/EYFS_Parents_Guide-amend-ed.pdf

For more general advice for parents:http://www.ndna.org.uk/parents


Playdays NurseriesOpen 8.00am to 6.00pm, 51 Weeks a year

for children aged 3 months to 5 Years

Barons Court W14Tel: 020 7386 9083

Wimbledon Hill Road SW19Tel: 020 8944 8959

Chiswick W4Tel: 020 8747 9599 www.playdaysnurseries.co.uk

Queens Road SW19Tel: 020 8946 8139

A Montessori school,creative workshopsand much more...

www.pangbournehouse.com · [email protected] 418 372 · Pangbourne Avenue, W10 6DL

OUR MARCH/APRIL 2015 ISSUE

Featuring Childcare in General.More on Nurseries, Au Pairs, Pre-School Groups.

If you wish to be included please contact [email protected]

or: [email protected]

020 8930 7704www.familieswest.co.uk


Does your seven-year-old know 7,100words? Extensive research shows that a person’s vocabulary level is the best single measure for predicting future occupational success.The importance of vocabulary to a child’s ability to succeed inschool and beyond is why English and verbal reasoning make upone half of the 11+ exams in many selective schools. Indeed, parents often find these prove to be the most difficult tests for theirbright children, and it is usually for one reason only: vocabulary.Research into learning vocabulary has given us some startling data:· Gaps in vocabulary appear as early as age three, and widen thereafter.· The extent of a child’s vocabulary at age five is so critical to thedevelopment of their perceiving, thinking, and understanding that itis used as a measure of these cognitive skills.· The top quarter of pupils know about 7,100 words by age seven,and add about three new ones each day. The bottom quarter havefewer than half as many words at that age - about 3,000; theyacquire only about one word a day, so the gap continues to widen.· Early gaps in vocabulary and in language and communication skillsare seldom made up in school.Clearly, vocabulary acquisition must start early. Parents need notinvest time or money in specialist training, equipment, or software.Indeed, some of the same research also reveals what parents cando to build vocabulary at home from an early age:· Provide a rich language environment. The more parents talk totheir children from birth to age three, the greater their children’svocabulary, rate of vocabulary growth, and chances of success inschool.· The early language environment should include teaching nurseryrhymes. Children who learn eight nursery rhymes in their first threeyears typically rise to the top rank of readers by age eight.· Provide opportunities for play. Physical play teaches the vocabulary of the body, of space and of motion. Incorporate rhyme and song into physical play and vice versa. Organised gamesteach the vocabulary of rules and fair play. Imaginative play withtoys, or home storytelling or theatrics, increases the vocabulary ofgeneral knowledge, of other times and places, and of thought andemotion. Spend time outdoors.Time spent with children outdoors - in varied locations and weather- can build vocabulary in nature, the physical world, commerce and society, even emotional states. Museums, parks, fields, gardens, awalk to the chemist or newsagents - can give you both time for

Does YOUR seven-year-old know

7,100 words?By Janet Sherlock, BA LLb

www.thameschristiancollege.org.uk

OPEN MORNING THURSDAY 5th MARCH 11.00-13.00

For full list of open mornings, enrolment and fee details contact 020 7228 3933 Thames Christian College, Wye Street, London SW11 2HB

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educationrelaxed conversation, and exposure to various new and familiar things to talk about.· Give your children and yourself the giftof daily reading. Read to your children foras little as ten minutes a day at a regulartime - more depending on the children’sattention and interest. Much of the vocabulary gap correlating tosocio-economic status can be explained byparental behaviour: fewer than half of children from low income families are readto daily at age three; four out of five of therichest families read to their children daily.Three-year-olds who are read to every daytend to become five-year-olds who flourishin school.· When reading to young children, engagethem with questions and conversation. The vocabulary of most seven-year-olds is mainly oral. Most of this vocabulary isacquired at home and in the world, frombeing read to and from conversing withadults.

(Pre-GCSE · GCSE · A-level · Undergraduate)

Mr Nicholas TsangaridesBSc MSc MPhil DIC PGCE

Chartered Mathematician (CMath)CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) checked

T: 01895 271841 · M: 07540737310 E: [email protected]

Durston House

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

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

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

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Visit our www.durstonhouse.org

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Mrs Caroline Ferns (Registrar)

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website

Information Pack

telephone

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Visit our www.durstonhouse.org

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Mrs Caroline Ferns (Registrar)

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· Expose children to adult conversationwhenever possible. Talk to them aboutevents of the day and the realities of par-ents’ lives. Parents can increase children’s vocabularies by using less common wordsin helpful, instructive or explanatory ways inordinary conversation. Such use defies theeffects of poverty and is independent of theparents’ level of formal education.· Ensure your children learn how to read. By school age, new vocabulary acquisitioncomes primarily from books. Children whoread more have larger vocabularies. This correlation holds across a range of IQscores and other measures of intellectual ability. Allow your children plenty of timefor quiet reading. The amount of readingand size of vocabulary correlate to greater general knowledge. The more childrenread, the more they know and the betterthey learn. Children who read more alsoread more efficiently. The amount of reading done by the most reluctant reader

in a year can be done by a keen reader injust two days.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Janet Sherlock, BA LLb, is a mother of two

and she heads the programme development

team of language acquisition specialists,

mathematicians and professors at Leaders

are Readers.

Telephone: 01992 651 300

www.leadersarereaders.co.uk


clubs & classes

Arabic for Women and Children

Families welcome – Goal Oriented

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

Call Reem on07956 845 053

New! Yourspace Saturdays

10-week course starts Sept 13 Drama and/or jazz dance for

6-11s and 12-18s, 10-11am and/or 11am-12. £105/term drama or dance,

£195 two hours drama and dance. St Augustine’s Priory, Ealing W5 2JL

07580 474638 www.yourspacedrama.com

Yourspace Saturdaysdrama and/or jazz dance

for 6-16s.10-week Spring course

Into The Wild!Starts Sat Jan 10 at 10am.£105/term drama or dance,

£195 two hours drama and dance.St Augustine’s Priory, Ealing W5 2JL

www.yourspacedrama.com

Aniko’s Dance Academy

Ballet Classes from age 3every WednesdayISTD exams and annual showcases

www.AnikosDanceAcademy.co.ukCall: 07789 605 166

Chiswick branch

DANCE

KENSINGTON BALLET18 months -2 yearsKensington, Chelsea, Knightsbridge, Notting Hill & Fulham07957 650042www.kensingtonballet.com

WEST LONDON DANCE ACADEMYan IDTA accredited school offers classes in Ballet and TapDance to children. Qualified teachers in Chiswick & Ealingteach classes.07771 984590info@westlondondanceacademy.comwww.westlondondanceacademy.comBecome a Dance Teacher, a new concept in dance teachertraining www.becomeadanceteacher.co.uk

WEST LONDON SCHOOL OF DANCE21/2 -16 years020 8743 [email protected]

DRAMAALLSORTS DRAMADrama classes, holiday workshops and parties020 8767 5298www.allsortsdrama.com

SONGS AND RHYMESBLUEBERRY PLAYSONGSGuitar-accompanied nursery rhymes, action songs, instruments, games and dancing for 6 months-3 yearolds in Barnes, Chelsea, Notting Hill and Hammersmith.020 8677 6871 [email protected]

AMANDA’S ACTION CLUB Using unique props and funky music, they dance, theysing,they learn through the music, but most importantlyof all, they have FUN! Available for classes and parties.07946 [email protected]

Culture CurryIntroducing the breadth of the Indian culture to our children through interactive and fun classes.07774 [email protected] www.culturecurry.co.uk

TUTORS AND LEARNING SUPPORTEXPLORE LEARNINGMaths & English Tuition Centres5-14 years. Free Trial sessionEaling 020 8090 8710Hayes 020 8561 8530Westfield London 020 809 01216 www.explorelearning.co.uk

FLEET TUTORSPrivate home tutoring020 8580 3911www.fleet-tutors.co.uk

MATHS DOCTORMRS JONES 11 PLUS TUITIONHome tuition. Art, craft and design. All ages020 8932 1010

VICTORIA PAGEPrivate tuition 21/2 – 11years07050 246810

VIVIEN BORNEMANNHome tuition. Art, Craft and design. All ages020 8932 1010

PERFORM DRAMA SCHOOLPerform children’s drama school for ages 4-7 arrives in Mayfair onWednesdays from 14th January. The school uses a mixture of drama, danceand singing in small groups taught by experienced actors and teachers.Principal Lucy Quick says “We are incredibly excited about opening inMayfair. Parents have been asking us to open locally for ages and we have a fantastic venue and have found some brilliant teachers to lead the work-shops.” Classes will run on Wednesdays at Danceworks Studios, 16 BaldertonStreet, Mayfair from 4-5pm and 5-6pm. All children are invited to a Free Drama Class at their nearest Perform venue.

Call 0845 400 4000 to book your free trial.www.perform.org.uk

FOOTBALLKIDDIKICKSFootball (W2,W4,W8,W10,W11,TW8) Available for boys and girls from 18 months to age 7. 020 7937 [email protected]

To advertise your business or classes here, please contact:

[email protected]

STAGECOACH THEATRE ARTSDance, drama and singing for 4-18 year olds.Chiswick 020 8398 4709Kensington and Brook Green 020 8398 8106Hammersmith 020 8398 8106Acton 020 8819 1399Ealing 01494 [email protected]

YOURSPACE DRAMA COURSESSaturday ClassesSt Augustine’s Priory, Ealing, W507580 [email protected]

LINK CHINESE ACADEMY0208 3320 [email protected]

LANGUAGESARABIC FOR WOMEN AND CHILDRENFemale teacher07956 845053

CLUB PETIT NAVIRE EALINGLearn French, Parent & Toddler group22months - 4years020 8997 [email protected]

GYM AND DANCETWISTERS. Gymnastics, Ballet,Dance DramaToddlers to Teenagers

020 8933 9997020 8840 [email protected]



what’s on

BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM

EC2R 8AHwww.bankofengland.co.uk

The Bank of England Museum tells the story of the Bankof England from its foundation in 1694 to its role today as the UK's central bank. Examine intricately-designedbanknotes, feel the weight of a genuine gold bar and seethe pikes and muskets that were once used to defend theBank. 16-20 Feb STRIKING GOLD STORIES Listen to somefascinating true stories about gold narrated by a costumedstoryteller, from the California gold rush to the sewer manwho found his way into the Bank’s vaults nearly 200years ago. Follow the gold trail around the Museum to claim your small prize. 10:30 and 11:30am, 12:30, 2, 3, and 4pm

BRITISH MUSEUM

WC1B 3DG www.britishmuseum.org

Until 19 Apr ANCIENT LIVES, NEW DISCOVERIESThe exhibition features the mummified remains of eightpeople who lived in the ancient Nile Valley. Some of themummies are in their coffins/wrappings while the naturalmummies have less covering with more of the body

GRANT MUSEUM OF ZOOLOGY

WC1E 6DE www.ucl.ac.uk/museums/zoology/whats-on

17 Jan, 7 Feb EXPLORE ZOOLOGYEver wondered what the skin of a python feels like orhow sharp a shark’s tooth is or how many spots a leopardhas? Bring your budding zoologists and be inspired to askthese questions and many. Drop- in, 1- 4.30pm, free. 31 Jan, 28 Feb THE IMAGINARY MENAGERIESee the amazing, unusual and beautiful animals on display like the quagga, a not very stripy zebra, or theduck billed platypus. Create your own animal artwork inthe Imaginary Menagerie with a Museum artist. Drop inbetween 1pm and 4pm, free.

IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM

SE1 6HZ www.iwm.org.uk

EXHIBITIONS:HOLOCAUST Film, photographs and a large number ofrare artefacts document the history of the Nazi persecutionof the Jews and other groups before and during theSecond World War. For ages 14+A FAMILY IN WARTIME Explores the lives of William

MUSEUMS & GALLERIES

and Alice Allpress and their ten children and what life inLondon was like during the war.HORRIBLE HISTORIES®: SPIES Uncover the deadlyworld of spies at this major new interactive exhibition forfamilies which brings the horrible history of Second WorldWar spies and their secret schemes to life. Based on TerryDeary’s book from the bestselling Horrible Histories series.SECRET WAR The clandestine world of espionage,covert operations and the work of Britain’s Special Forces.FIRST WORLD WAR Discover the story of the war -Over 1,300 objects including weapons, uniforms, diaries,letters and souvenirs, will be on display as well as a recre-ated trench with periscopes and a dug-out, along with asoundscape and projection will evoke what daily life waslike for the troops. Every Sunday in January and February: OBJECT CONVERSATIONS New immersive object handling sessions where families can explore objects fromthe collections- feel the weight of a shrapnel piece fromthe First World War and come to grips with real objects.Drop-in, free, for all ages. 11am-12.30pm and 2-4pm.Every Sun in Jan, 1, 8 Feb CREATIVE RESPONSEArt activities based on themes featured in atrium and galleries. Drop-in, free, for all ages. 11am-12.30pm and 2-4pm.24, 25 Jan HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL DAYIntroduction to the Holocaust sessions aimed at familieswith younger children. 11.30am and 2.30pm. Free discussion and replica object handling for ages 11+ 14-22 Feb PRINT IT: TRUTH AND MEMORYFree family printing activity. Have a go at drawing yourfavourite artworks on display in the exhibition “Truth andMemory”: and then transfer your design into a print.11.30am and 2pm.

Elves & Ovens is a children’s party catering company providing delicious, home-made food and

treats for unforgettable parties to children and adults of all ages.

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available to view.DIGITAL WORKSHOPS Takes place at weekends andschool holidays on a variety of themes. Free, for ages 7+


NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY

WC2H 0HE www.npg.org.uk

18 Jan SOUND AND VISION Drop-in family session.Explore sound by using sound recorders, instruments andfound material to create a portrait in sound. 1-2.30pm forages 3+ and 3-4.30pm for age 7+

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

SW7 5BD www.nhm.ac.uk

10 Jan, 21 Feb DINO SNORES Ever wondered whatgoes on at the Natural History Museum at night? 7-11years. 7pm till morning, torchlit trails through the museum, live animal shows and more. For ages 7-11.10 Jan, 14, 16, 18 Feb ANIMAL VISION A showwhich features live animals, reveals a world only visible to certain reptiles and invertebrates. See how adaptationsallow them to escape predators and locate prey. 10.30am.For ages 7+11 Jan, 8 Feb MARY ANNING Meet Mary Anning, a pioneering fossil hunter from 19th century. 11.30amand 2pm.25 Jan PUPPETS - WOLF TALES A lively storytellingshow with puppets about animal and humannature.11.30am and 1pm. For children under age 7. 31 Jan, 14, 15 Feb CHARLES DARWIN Meet CharlesDarwin, he will share his collection of beetles and tell youhis famous theory of evolution. 11.30am and 2pm.7 Feb STEGOSAUR MYSTERIES Meet a Museum paleontologist who studies stegosaur skeletons. 12.30 and 2.30pm. For ages 7+15, 18 Feb TYRANNOSAURUS REX VERSUS THEDUCK-BILLED DINOSAUR Can a paleontologist convince you that the little known Lambeosaurus moreinteresting than the fearsome T Rrex? 12.30 and 2.30pm.For ages 7+

LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM

WC2E 7BB www.ltmuseum.co.uk

Let your children's imaginations run wild as they are transported back in time at the historical and interactiveLondon Transport Museum. Filled with buses, trains, andtaxis they can take the wheel, try their hand as a tubeconductor or bump around with the other passengers inthe back, as they explore the vehicles of London’s pastand present. Museum open 10am-6pm Mondays toThursdays and weekends, from 11am Fridays. Admissionfree for under 16s, £15 adults. Tickets are valid for 12months' unlimited admission.Until 8 Mar GOODBYE PICCADILLY Discover theuntold story of London’s Home Front during the FirstWorld War; how drivers took their buses to the Front tosupport the war effort, how women advanced into thetransport workforce for the first time and how Londonerscame under deadly attack from the air as total war cameto the Capital.

NATIONAL GALLERY

WC2N 5DN www.nationalgallery.org.uk

Every Sunday: FAMILY SUNDAYSActivities designed for families to enjoy and learn together, 11am and 3pmMAGIC CARPET STORYTELLING for children aged 2-5. Sundays 10.30-11am and 11.30am-12pm. Fly awayon the magic carpet, coming to land in front of a differentpainting each day. Musical Magic Carpets with PaulRubinstein on 18 Jan and 21 Feb. DRAWING SUNDAY explore gallery paintings as inspiration for your art. For ages 5-11. Sundays 11am and 2pm. Drop-in. 11 Jan, 8 Feb UNFOLDING STORIES create your ownconcertina storybook, filled with imaginative illustrations. 25 Jan, 22 Feb CUTTING THE LIGHT OUT Learn

about tone, form and volume in chiaroscuro painting andcreate 3-tone pictures. STUDIO SUNDAYS are hands-on workshops that startin the Gallery, followed by a studio session (2 hours).18 Jan PUTTING THE PRESENT IN THE PAST WITHPAINT Create contemporary self-portraits painted ontotraditional renaissance backgrounds using acrylic paintson wooden panels11am-1pm.1 Feb SURREAL SUNSETS Discover beautiful sunsets in paintings and find your own mythical creatures to add to your landscapes, through painting and rubbingtechniques. 1 Feb WALK AND TALK: FRIENDS AND FAMILYA themed journey through the collection where gallerystaff will walk, talk and bring paintings alive!12.30–1.30pm. For all ages.HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS15-17 Feb FANTASTICAL FLYERS Make magneticmoving pictures. 11am and 2pm, for all ages.16-18 Feb ARTIST’S APPRENTICE: SECRET SPACESIN MINIATURE PLACES Create your own boxed landscape and learn how to mix watercolour paintsinspired by the Balke exhibition. For ages 7-12. £16 for one adult and one child. 16 Feb MESSY MONDAYS For under 5’s at 10.30amand 1.30pm. storytelling and art activities. 17 Feb TALKING TUESDAYS For under 5’s, varioussessions from 10.30am-2.30pm. Bring a painting to lifethrough singing, talking and playing. 21 Feb CHINESE NEW YEAR FAMILY FESTIVALDAY Art and music activities all day long for all ages.

15 Feb OUT OF THE SHADOWS Drop-in family session. Create a pop-up photographic studio to dress up,make up stories and explore family portraits. 1-2.30pm for age 3+ and 3-4.30pm for age 7+16 – 20 Feb HALF TERM ACTIVITIES-FRIENDSHIPActivities inspired by Sargent: Portraits of Artists andFriends. During the week there will be a range of ticketedand drop-in activities for ages 5+, from 11am-4pm.


what’s on

CHELSEA PHYSIC GARDENSW3 4HS

www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.ukLondon’s oldest botanic garden FAMILY ACTIVITY DAYSPre-booking and pre-payment essential.Call 020 7349 6453 or email:[email protected] Feb CHOCOLATE TUESDAY Lookinto the history, geography and science of chocolate. Craft activities, a Garden tour,chocolate tasting and the chance to createyour own mixtures to take away. With atasting session with staff from RococoChocolates.10.30am-2.30pm. 18 Feb LOTIONS & POTIONS Find outsomething of the history of medicine andthe amazing power of plants and makesome of your own ointments, syrups andscented bags to take away as well as yourown mini medicinal garden. 10.30am-2.30pm. 19 Feb GARDEN EXPLORERS ANDARTY ENTHUSIASTS Explore the hiddensecrets of the Garden including the jungleroom and the creatures living in the pond.Capture what you see using different mediasuch as clay, ink, paint and more. Perfectfor an artistic naturalist. 10.30am-2.30pm.

CUTTY SARKSE10 9NF

www.rmg.co.uk/cuttysark7-8 Feb FAMILY FUN WEEKEND: DANCING SAILORS Stamp your feet andclap your hands, Cutty Sark’s sailors arehaving a dance! Make a colourful sailorpuppet to dance around the ship and takehome to play with. 11.30am and 2pm. 19-20 Feb FAN-TASTIC ANIMALSWhich Chinese year were you born in? Foldand design a fabulous animal fan to peekthrough and play with. Can you spot youranimal on the ship? 11.30am and 2pm.21 Feb DANCING DRAGONSDid you know Cutty Sark was built to carrytea from China? Bring a traditional Chinese

GOLDEN HINDESE1 9DG

www.goldenhinde.comEvery Sat PUBLIC GUIDED TOURLet the costumed educators bring theGolden Hinde and its history to life. Learnabout life at sea and Drakes voyage aroundthe world in this family-friendly tour. 10, 31 Jan, 14, 28 Feb PIRATE FUNDAY Raise the anchor and fire the cannonsbefore trying to find the hidden treasuresomewhere aboard the ship. 11am-1pm.17, 31 Jan, 7, 28 Feb TUDOR FUNDAY Learn the history of the House ofTudor with two eccentric 16th century characters, gruesome stories, crazy gamesand fun activities. For ages 6+ 10, 17 Jan, 7 Feb DRAKE FUN DAYSFind out all about Sir Frances Drake. For age 6+24 Jan, 21 Feb TUDOR BATTLEWORKSHOP Children will be transportedback to the 16th century to become crewmembers of the Golden Hinde. As well asexperiencing life on board for the sailors,they will learn how they defended the shipand tended to the wounded.31 Jan, 28 Feb FAMILY OVERNIGHTEXPERIENCE Children will be dressed asTudor sailors and become members of thecrew. After learning the ship’s rules, theywill be trained in navigation, barber sur-gery and gunning, before bedding down tosleep amongst the weapons on the GunDeck. A Tudor style dinner and continentalbreakfast is provided. For age 6+

FULHAM PALACESW6 6EA

www.fulhampalace.orgEvery Mon in Jan and Feb THE PALACE EXPLORERS A weekly parent/carer and toddler sessions for children aged 2-4. £3 per child, whichincludes a drink and healthy snack, bookingessential. 10.30am-12noon.8 Feb MUSEUM DROP-IN Try on periodRoman costume, handle artefacts and learnabout the history of Fulham Palace. 2-3.30pm, free. Please book ahead. 17 Feb BEDAZZLED PALACE BANQUET A jam-packed workshop filledwith themed games, activities, mini challenges and lots of fun. Learn aboutgrowing and making food, then enjoy yourvery own banquet just like the Bishops ofLondon would have hosted at FulhamPalace.10am-12pm (3-5 year olds) and12.30pm-2.30pm (6-8 year olds). £14 perchild, £12 for a sibling. Booking essential.

HAMPTON COURT PALACEKT8 9AU

www.hrp.org.ukThurs and Sats in Feb TINY EXPLORERS Discover the fascinating stories of Hampton Court Palace in a multi-sensory workshop which includes music,movement and messy play for 0-4yrs.Booking essential. 14, 21 Feb FAMILY GHOST TOUR Jointhe State Apartment Warders for an earlyevening walking tour to hear stories ofghostly apparitions and paranormal activityat Hampton Court Palace. 7-8.30pm. 16-21 Feb MOVIE MAKERS Work withAardman Animations (Wallace and Gromit,Chicken Run) to tell 500 years of HamptonCourt stories in 5 minutes. Create drawings, sound effects and music in thisworkshop which can be used in the finalfilm. For children aged 4 -7 years old,10.30am-3.30pm.

HMS BELFASTSE1 2JH

www.iwm.org.ukONGOING GUN TURRET EXPERIENCEA chance to see what fighting at sea would have really been like. Lights, audio,projections and movement will recreate the experience, highlighting the hectic andcramped conditions that would have seentwenty-six men in this confined space atany one time.INTERACTIVE OPERATIONS ROOMThe nerve centre and brain of the entireship which now has exciting interactives.FREE FAMILY DROP-IN ACTIVITIES10, 11 Jan CRACKING CODES Interceptmessages, map hazards on the sea chartand make up your own secret code. Learnabout the skills intelligence officers had tohave as well as some of the dangers thatsurrounded HMS Belfast during WW2.11am and 2pm.14-22 Feb TATTOO T-SHIRTS Designyour own t-shirt, inspired by traditionalNavy tattoos and learn more about the history of Navy tattoos as well as theimportant role that HMS Belfast played inOperation Overlord - the largest naval, airand land operation in history. 11am and 2pm.

KENSINGTON PALACE W8 4PX

www.hrp.org.uk/kensingtonpalace Weds and Sats in Feb TINY EXPLORERS Discover fascinating storiesabout Kensington Palace in these multi-sensory workshops. Music, movement,messy play and more for 0-4yrs.14 Feb CAN YOU BUILD A PALACE?Young builders, architects and interiordesigners are welcome to the home ofQueen Mary to help her create a palacethat is ‘fit for a Queen’. 12, 1.30 and 3pm.

ODDS FARM PARK HP10 0LX

www.oddsfarm.co.uk A fabulous day out at the farm. Meet thefarmers and get close to the animals in thehands-on area and in the large undercoveranimal barns. There is also a huge outdoorplay area with an Adventure Maze, Go-Karts, Log Play Areas, Crazy Golf andplenty of farm animals to meet.Every weekend in Jan and FebCRAZY ENTERTAINERS Shows full ofmadness and mayhem.

THE LONDON WETLANDS CENTRE

SW13 9WT www.wwt.org.uk

10 Jan - 28 Feb FAMILY WEEKENDACTIVITIES Storytelling in the yurtthroughout the day; on cold days they lightthe wood burning stove to make it extracosy. Hear tales of wetland creatures andtheir amazing adventures. Then go on abird watching walk and learn to use binoculars and telescopes to see birds upclose.13-22 Feb EGGS & BUGS & ROCK ‘N’ROLL Discover how birds, bugs and mammals attract a mate, their dating habitsand what sort of partner they make. A funand fascinating look at how animals meet,mate and mind the kids for ages 8+ Also decorate a bird box to give a goodhome to a young (feathered) couple orbuild a bird feeder from scrap.

DAYS OUT decoration to life by making a colourfuldancing dragon to play with. Take a closerlook at decorations on tea pots, cups andcaddies for inspiration. 11.30am and 2pm.Every weekend: CUTTY SARK CHARACTERS Comeaboard to hear incredible stories brought to life by characters from the ship’s past.Meet Captain Woodget, the ship’s mostdaring master; Jock Willis, the man whobuilt Cutty Sark; Nannie, the ship’s figurehead; or the ship’s cook, JamesRobson, who all have an extraordinarystory to tell. Suitable for ages 3+


what’s onGLOBE THEATRE

SE1 9DT www.shakespearesglobe.com

SHAKESPEARE UNTOLD The stories youknow from characters you don't. The partyplanner, the pie maker, the banker and theconvict... Behind all great stories are thepeople you probably didn’t notice.Shakespeare may not have mentionedthem, but they are the ones who reallyknow what happened. Discover the magicof Shakespeare’s timeless tales in theseexciting new family adaptations. For ages6+, shows at 11am and 2pm.17 Jan A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’SDREAM14 Feb ROMEO & JULIET-THE PARTYPLANNER'S TALE16 - 20 Feb MUSE OF FIRE Deepbeneath the streets of London lies Muse,thelast spirit of Fire. Hidden for 400 years bythe cooling waters of the Thames it watchesand it waits... Discover an Elizabethan hermit hiding under the stage, learn from amaster of magic in a secret forest, take teawith the strange puppets that live in theabandoned library and uncover the clues tostop Muse burning down the Globe oncemore. For age 6+

LYRIC HAMMERSMITHW6 0QL

www.lyric.co.uk10 Jan THE PRINCESS AND THE PEAA funny and fantastical re-telling of theclassic tale about a Prince, a Princess and apesky pea. For ages 3-7, 11am and 1pm. 24 Jan THE MAGIC PORRIDGE POTAND OTHER TASTY TALES Three traditional tales with puppets, pop-up setsand original music. For ages 3-7, 11am and1pm.

31 Jan FIRESIDE TALES WITHGRANDAD Puppets, storytelling and shadow puppetry combine to create anenchanting show. For ages 4-7, 11am and1pm.6, 7 Feb HANSEL AND GRETEL Music,film and puppets in a show for ages 5-11.10.30am and 1.30pm on 6 Feb, and 11amand 1pm on 7 Feb.

14 Feb SHOE KANGAROO AND THEBIG BAD BOOT A journey to the island oflost shoes where creatures strange andmysterious live including the wondrous,magical Shoe Kangaroo. For ages 4-7,11am and 1pm.17-21 Feb DOTTY THE DRAGONA fairytale adventure about a charmingdragon for ages 3-7. 11am and 1pm. 28 Feb WHATEVER THE WEATHERA charming tale of a weather house and itsinhabitants as the winds of change blow intheir direction and bring with them all kindsof topsy-turvy conditions. For ages 3-7,11am and 1pm.

LYRIC THEATREW1D 7ES

www.nimaxtheatres.com/lyric-theatreUntil 11 Jan ROOM ON THE BROOMAdapted by the award winning Tall Storiestheatre company from the spellbinding picture book by Julia Donaldson and AxelScheffler, Room on the Broom is the quintessential festive treat for the wholefamily to enjoy. This Olivier Award nominat-ed production tells the story of a friendlywitch, her cat and three loveable animalswho take to the skies on a broom and facea fearsome dragon in this magical, musicaladventure. With enchanting puppetry, original sing-along songs and scary fun,Room on the Broom is ideal for familieswith children aged three and up.

NATIONAL THEATRESE1 9PX

www.nationaltheatre.org.ukUntil 19 Feb TREASURE ISLANDIt’s a dark, stormy night. The stars are out.Jim, the inn-keeper’s granddaughter, opensthe door to a terrifying stranger. At the oldsailor’s feet sits a huge sea-chest, full ofsecrets. Jim invites him in - and her dangerous voyage begins. Robert LouisStevenson’s story of murder, money andmutiny brought to life in a thrilling newadaptation.

PUPPET THEATRE BARGEW9 2PF

www.puppetbarge.com17 Jan-15 Mar RED RIDING HOODAND THE WOLF WHO TRIED TO EATHER Every weekend and daily from 16-20Feb at 3pm. With marionettes and shadowpuppets, original music, lighting andeffects, an enchanting show for ages 3+

RICHMOND THEATRETW9 1QJ

www.atgtickets.com/RichmondUntil 11 Jan SNOW WHITE AND THESEVEN DWARFS Mirror mirror on thewall, who is the most fabulous panto starof them all? Jerry Hall will be bringing atouch of glamour to this year’s pantomimeSnow White and the Seven Dwarfs as shetakes on the role of the Wicked Queen. 25 Jan THE SOOTY SHOW A new showwith all the old favourites-Sweep, Soo andSooty's TV partner Richard Cadell. 28 Feb-1Mar OCTONAUTS AND THEDEEP SEA VOLCANO ADVENTUREWhen there’s trouble under the sea, theOctonauts dive into action! An exciting newmission with the underwater adventuresuper heroes, Captain Barnacles, Kwaziiand Peso, in the new live stage show.

FAMILY THEATRE

Southbank Centre

BECK THEATREUB3 2UE

www.becktheatre.org.uk18 Jan THE SNOW QUEENWhen Gerda’s friend Kay is taken by theSnow Queen, she decides she must set outto find him. A long and dangerous journeyensues until she eventually reaches theSnow Queen’s palace, only to find Kay irretrievably under the Snow Queen’s spell.An adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’smagical tale for all the family. 24 and 25 Jan OCTONAUTS AND THEDEEP SEA VOLCANO ADVENTUREA new action-packed, musical interactivestage show with the quirky and coura-geous underwater adventure heroes. 11, 12 Feb CIRQUE BERSERKCombining contemporary ‘cirque’ skills withthrilling stunt action. Presenting the world’smost dangerous circus act, the legendaryGlobe of Death, plus a troupe of over 30jugglers, acrobats, aerialists, dancers, musicians and death-defying stunt men. 18 Feb THE CHUCKLE BROTHERS-THE CHUCKLES OF OZ A family showwith audience participations, comedy, spectacular sets and special effects in anew version of the familiar Wizard of Ozstory.

CAMBRIDGE THEATRE

WC2H 9HU www.matildathemusical.com

Booking until Dec 15: MATILDA THE MUSICAL The RoyalShakespeare Company’s production ofRoald Dahl’s magical story about a girl withextraordinary powers.


what’s on

SOUTHBANK CENTRESE1 8PX

www.southbankcentre.co.uk16, 30 Jan, 13, 27 Feb RUG RHYMESFOR THE UNDER FIVES A short sessionof nursery rhymes, poems and rhyming stories, and the opportunity to look at andborrow books. Free but booking essential.8 Feb THE PIED PIPER OF HAMELINHear the London Philharmonic Orchestraperform a new version of this familiar legend written especially for families. 9-22 Feb IMAGINE CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL Theatre, books, music, free funand workshops for all ages. Appearancesand readings from top authors like JudithKerr and Anthony Horowitz, live perform-ances of Charlie and Lola and Pirate school,world-class orchestras with child friendlyperformances and Alice in Wonderland on its 150th anniversary, with eventsincluding Alice’s Imaginarium, interactiveinstallations, Flamingo Croquet and adressing-up day. Plenty for under 5’s toowith Baby Yoga, Dragon Babies, Move &Shake and two theatre shows. See website for details. 10 Feb CIRCLES IN THE SANDA world of buckets, castle building, spin-ning and tumbling in this delightful showfor under 3s which explores sand in newand exciting ways with no words, andaccompanied by an evocative soundtrack. 21 Feb OAE TOTS The Orchestra of theAge of Enlightenment's event for childrenunder six and their families.THE BIG SLEEPOVER Explore the building by torchlight, then hear and tellstories before spending the night on thestage and in the auditorium of RoyalFestival Hall. For ages 8-11.

THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL

SW7 2AP www.royalalberthall.com

6 Jan-8 Feb CIRQUE DU SOLEIL -KOOZA Combining the two circus traditions of acrobatics and clowning inspectacular style and set in an electrifyingand exotic visual world full of surprises,thrills and chills.

THEATRE ROYAL DRURY LANE

WC2B 5JF

www.reallyuseful.com/theatres/theatre-

royal-drury-laneOngoing: CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY Roald Dahl's deliciously dark tale of young CharlieBucket and the mysterious confectionerWilly Wonka in a brand new musical directed by Sam Mendes. 2.30pm and 7.30pm.

UNICORN THEATRESE1 2HZ

www.unicorntheatre.com9-25 Jan THE POLAR BEARS GOWILD Join two friendly (and slightlynaughty) polar bears on the adventure of alifetime. Where are they going? What willthey get up to next? And have they gotenough sandwiches? Music, laughter and abit of cheekiness! For age 2+16 Jan-21 Mar THE CAUCASIANCHALK CIRCLE Blood runs through thestreets and the Governor's severed head isnailed to the gates of the city. A young servant girl must make a choice: save herown skin or sacrifice everything to rescuean abandoned child... A time of terror, followed by a time of peace. Order hasbeen restored and the Governor's Wifereturns to reclaim the son she left behind.Now the choice is the judge's: who is thereal mother of the forgotten child? For age 11+13 Feb-15 Mar BRITAIN'S BESTRECRUITING SERGEANT Little Tilley'sdreams are realised as she follows in herfather's footsteps and grows up to becomeVesta Tilley, a shining star of the music hall whose much-loved act as a maleimpersonator makes her world-famous.War breaks out and she supports the causeby helping to recruit soldiers to fight forking and country, but has she used herstardom for good? And is winning the mostimportant thing? For age 8+

14-22 Feb 50 DANGEROUS THINGS(YOU SHOULD LET YOUR CHILDRENDO) Have you ever cooked a meal in thedishwasher? Made a rope swing? Or lickeda 9 volt battery? No? Well this is the showfor you! Face your fears, weigh up and protect yourself against risk, question life,the universe and everything in between.For ages 3-10.

VAUDEVILLE THEATREWC2R 0NH

www.nimaxtheatres.com/vaudeville-theatreUntil 11 Jan POTTED SHERLOCKThe entire works of one of the greatestdetectives in literary history, SherlockHolmes. All sixty stories retold in eighty elementary minutes. Set in the rich andvibrant world of Arthur Conan Doyle whereplot twists, elaborate disguises and secretpassages are compulsory and fun for allaged 6+Until 17 Jan THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS Join Badger, Ratty, Mole andthe irrepressible Toad on their adventures.From lazy days on the riverbank, to speed-ing cars, a jail break and criminal deedscooked up in the Wild Wood, told throughnarration, dance and song, colourful costumes and masterful puppetry,

CONCERTSBARBICANEC2Y 8DS

www.barbican.org.uk8 Feb LSO DISCOVERY FAMILY CONCERT: VIVA ESPAÑA! Featuring thefull London Symphony Orchestra. Childrencan get involved by bringing along theirinstrument or singing along with the

audience participation piece.In the mornings before the Family Concertsthere are art and music workshops and the opportunity to meet LSO players andpractice the audience participation piece.For ages 7-12.

CADOGAN HALLSW1X 9DQ

www.cadoganhall.com21 Feb SOUTHBANK SINFONIA FAMILY CONCERT For ages 3 to 11, anaction-packed, interactive musical morning.Before the concert, from 10.45am, meetthe friendly musicians of the orchestra, tryout their instruments and get creative witha range of free craft activities.

MUSIC HOUSE FOR CHILDREN

W12 7LJ www.musichouseforchildren.co.uk

10 Feb BUSH BABY ORCHESTRAA classical concert for babies. Outstandingmusicians perform a repertoire of traditionaland contemporary music. Tickets include 1 adult, 1 baby/2 siblings. Maximum age30mths. Adults must be accompanied by ababy. 10.30am, £10 per adult, babies free. 15 Feb SUNDAY COFFEE CONCERTClassical musicians performing traditionaland contemporary pieces. 11am. Adults £6, Child £4, Family £16

The Polar Bears Go WildUnicorn Theatre

Please check before you head out to make sure the event has not changed

after Families West magazinehas gone to press.


Corner 9 Art workshop (W9)16-20 Feb Mornings - Art sessions exploring animals in 2D and 3D for children age 5+, Afternoons - Circus skill sessions for children age 6+ www.corner9.com

Holland Park Ecology Centre Environmentalactivities (W8)16-20 Feb The Ecology Service runs a scheme of environmental activities for children in the half term holiday utilising the park and our wooded Wildlife Area.The fun packed programme for 5-10 year olds is likely toinclude sessions on birds, orienteering, spring, creepycrawlies, animal tracks and plants. 10am-12noon and 2-4pm for ages 5-10.www.rbkc.gov.uk/ecology

Kids cookery school cooking workshops (W3)16-20 Feb Morning and afternoon sessions for childrenaged 3-14+ in specially adapted child-sized cookingspaces. www.thekidscookeryschool.co.uk

Music house for Children music and art workshops (W12)16 Feb Messy Hands - Create delightful sunflower seedpictures, beautiful butterflies and paper caterpillars11:15am, 2-4yrs. 17 Feb Musical Theatre - The musical Wicked will be brought to life with singing, moving, dancing, instruments, composition, art and design with a finalshowcase presented to friends and family at 3pm. 10-3pm, 5-11yrs. www.musichouseforchildren.co.uk

half term workshopsPitzhanger Manor art workshops (W5)16, 20 Feb Taking place at the Walpole Park RickyardCentre by the playground. Led by practising artists whoencourage children to create artworks in response to theheritage and the visual arts. www.pitzhanger.org.uk

Isis education Centre environmental and artworkshops (W2)17 Feb Nature’s Explorers - Winter Art. A full day (10am-3pm) of guided outdoor games and activities for childrenaged 8 - 12. 18, 19 Feb Discovery Day - Brilliant Birds. Make bird feeders, follow the bird discovery trail and do bird themedarts and crafts. 11am-3pm, drop-in, all ages. www.supporttheroyalparks.org

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Kids Cookery School


new year = new you

Making positivechanges in 2015

· Set some limitsIf you are the kind of person who is still working in thelate hours, ipad in hand propped up in bed, then this is for you. You know you’re not doing yourself anyfavours. Your body needs at least an hour without anywhite light stimulation in order to sleep really well. Now is the time to get back to a bedtime routine thatdoes not involve any electronics. It sets a good examplefor your kids too.

· Go back to workJanuary is a fantastic time for those of us with childrenin nursery or full time education for the first time to goback to work, start a new venture, set up our own business or to re-train in something that will get us leaping out of bed every morning! From a new job or awhole new career, the world is your oyster as a workingmum. If your hours are limited by the school run, settingup your own business or taking up a franchise can offeryou the opportunity to do something you love whileworking flexible hours, and the options are limitless. You can choose anything from running a yoga franchiseto teaching little ones dance or drama, from teachingSpanish to starting your own Families magazine! Take a course, start a marketing business, design web-sites, set up a blog, open a café - it’s up to you. Thereare plenty of websites out there to help you get startedand find a new job, re-train, choose the right business,give you ideas, advise you on tax and even help youdesign your logo, so there’s no excuse not to get stuckin this New Year.

Take a look at these sites:www.gov.uk/starting-up-a-businesswww.workingmums.co.ukwww.mumandcareer.co.uk www.mumandworking.co.ukwww.mumpreneuruk.com

Many of us wake up on January the 1st feeling exhaustedfrom Christmas, a little worse for wear from the nightbefore and desperate for the kids to go back toschool. But we also find ourselves scribbling lists of NewYear’s resolutions - to get fit, lose weight, get stuck into that pile of paperwork on the kitchen table and,often, to give our working lives a shake up too. The New Year is not just about detox-ing our bodies - itcan also be a time to detox our lives.

Mini chicken and broccoli pies(Serves 4)· 7 ProPoints per serving · ProPoints value of 31per recipe· 344 calories per serving· 10 minutes to prepare, 50 minutes to cook· Chicken thigh contains only 55 more calories per 100g (raw weight) thanbreast meat but it has much more flavour - it’s absolutely delicious in stews,bakes and pies.Low fat cooking spray400g (14oz) skinless, boneless chicken thigh, cut into large chunks250g (9oz) shallots, halved if large2 garlic cloves, chopped2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme300ml (1/2 pint) light chicken stock125g(41/2oz) broccoli florets, cut into bite sized chunks2 tbsp cornflour mixed with 4 tbsp water150g (51/2oz) half fat crème fraîche100g (31/2oz) filo pastry

1 Preheat the oven to gas mark 6/ 200°C/180°C fan oven. Heat a large, nonstick frying pan, mist with low fat cooking spray and cook the chickenover a medium heat for 10 minutes or so, turning occasionally, until it’s wellbrowned. Remove from the pan and set to one side.2 Add the shallots to the same pan and cook for 5 minutes or until golden,adding a splash of water if it looks as if it might stick. Add the garlic andthyme and cook for a further 2 minutes.3 Add the stock and broccoli and return the chicken to the pan. Bring to theboil and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in the cornflour paste and simmer forabout a minute until thickened. Stir in the crème fraîche and season to taste.4 Spoon the pie filling into 4 x 200ml ovenproof dishes. Cut each of the filo sheets into quarters. Scrunch the pieces and use to top the pies. Mist with low fat spray, season and bake for 20 minutes or until golden and bubbling. Serve immediately with steamed vegetables.

· Get (a bit) fitter and (a bit) leanerMost of us need to. And there are lots of people aroundlocally to help us. Our directory is full of classes thatmums can take part in (with or without their children) If you are thinking about diet changes, Weight Watchershave plenty of delicious family recipes that cut out thetrimmings that make a huge difference.Here’s one for you to try:


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Documents

Families London West Issue 98 Jan/Feb 2015