families-lsb-34

Issue 34

September – October 2010www.families-lsb.co.uk

Back to School and Clubs & Classes

issue

[email protected] www.families-lsb.co.uk 020 8669 5187

2 Families London-Surrey Borders September – October 2010Please mention Families magazine if you contact these companies

News & ViewsLetter from the editor

ContentsNews & Views ....................................... 2-5NCT ........................................................... 6Baby News ............................................. 6-7Parenting .................................................... 8Clubs & Classes .................................. 8-14Back to School ..................................15-20Local Listings .....................................21-23Classifieds ................................................24

Can’t always find a copy of Families? Why not subscribe? Send a cheque for £10 together with your name and address to PO Box 299 Wallington SM6 6AW and we will send you the next 6 issues

Dragon exhibit comes to Croydon this OctoberCroydon Clocktower’s Museum of Croydon will be showing a number of dragon exhibits this October. They are on loan from the British Museum.

The interactive exhibition – ‘Dragon Tales’– is specifically aimed at under 5s and has lots of hands on activities – including games, story books and trails. These are all designed to explore dragons and the myths that surround them.

The exhibition will be supported by a series of activities and story-telling events, many of them free drop-in sessions aimed at young children.

The new exhibition will open on 9 October 2010, supported by a great new programme of events for families. See Local Listings page 22/23.

Full listings are available at www.museumofcroydon.com.

Discount on party bags from local party supplierImagine Dream Parties have an exclusive offer for Families readers. If you book a party, including party bags, during September and October you can have 20% off the price of their party bags. Just quote the code FAM34 when you book your party to obtain this discount.

0844335 1705 www.imaginedreamparties.co.uk

New John Lewis store now open in Croydon For those of you who missed the opening, the John Lewis at home store in Croydon opened on Thursday 26 August.

Located on Croydon’s Purley Way, the shop is only the second branch of John Lewis’s new at-home format, focussing exclusively on furniture, furnishing accessories, homeware, electronic goods and home technology.

In addition to an exclusive car park containing 165 spaces, customers will also be able to enjoy a relaxing drink and bite to eat in the John Lewis at home café.

www.johnlewis.com/croydon

Dramabuds Adventure Parties now at Kidspace Dramabuds and Kidspace have teamed up to offer Dramabuds parties exclusively for under 5s at Kidspace

Parties include a 40 minute Dramabuds story adventure in the kidspace studio. With over 10 story themes you can chose from including Jungle Adventure, Magical Toy shop. Fairytale Land and Pirate.

The children then get 45 minutes of free play at Kidspace, followed by a pizza buffet with ice cream lollies and cordial inside the special Party Pod. Kidspace party bags and a gift for the birthday child are all included..

Cost: £12 per child weekdays (min 12) £19 per child weekends (min 10)

Dramabuds also run imaginative drama classes for two – seven year olds at Kidspace on Thursdays.

Contact Becca at Dramabuds on 020 8669 2355 or email: [email protected] www.dramabuds.co.uk

It seems no time since the schools broke up for the summer, but now they are already back at school for another year. We went to Cornwall and seemed to bump into all our friends down there. I hope your holiday went as well as ours did.

Now, however, it is straight back into the school year and our biggest-ever issue can help prepare for the changes ahead.

We’ll be starting a blog on the BBC Parents website, so please take a moment to check that out.

Also this time around, we are looking at baby issues as well as education and the services of Sutton Music Service. They do a great job for this area.

Incidentally, if you have not yet checked out Kidspace in Croydon, or Craggy in Carshalton, now might be the time to spend some time there and let your youngsters work off some energy as the weather gets less kind.

Izabella Shaw 0208 669 [email protected] www.families-lsb.co.ukPO Box 299, Wallington, SM6 6AW

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‘Families London-Surrey Borders’ is part of a group of magazines headed by ‘Families South West’ established in 1990. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. We take every care preparing this magazine, but the publishers and its agents cannot be held responsible for loss or damage, or for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence. Colour transparencies and any other original materials submitted are sent at owners risk and, whilst every care is taken, neither Families nor its agents accept liability for any loss or damage.

Printed by Visa Press Limited 01256 885837, Bramley, Hampshire. © 2010 Families London-Surrey Borders. Designed by Natalie Schmidt www.matobodesign.com.

3September – October 2010 Families London-Surrey BordersPlease mention Families magazine if you contact these companies

Designer bag has everything needed for nappy changesIl Tutto’s new Platinum ‘Nico’ designer tote is aimed at new mums who need practicality, versatility and a little bit of bling to brighten up their day.

Made from 100% genuine metallic leather, this gleaming ‘Nico’ has been sent down from nappy-bag heaven as one of the most stylish and practical nursing bags on the market.

The new Platinum ‘Nico’ has plenty of useful features: • Insulated bottle holder• Waterproof changing mat with easy Velcro closure• Clear plastic zip pocket case for wet items• A zip-out black & white spotted lining for washing• Large back zip pocket and roomy end pockets

This limited edition bag is priced at £299.00, and will be delivered to Harrods, Blossom Mother & Child and selected boutiques nationally from September 2010 or online at www.iltutto.co.uk.

Don’t let the weather stop play!We are delighted to offer Families readers a voucher to get 20% off at Polarn O. Pyret, the Swedish brand for babies and children. Their desire to make the best children’s clothes in the world starts with the vision to let children be children, and their Layers concept for coats and outerwear is unique. Water repellent, breathable yet windproof fleece jackets, perfect for September, become a cosy middle layer under a waterproof coat in mid-winter.

Find out more from the friendly PO.P

staff in your local store or check

out the website www.polarnopyret.com.

Code 3 will pay to hear your opinionsMake your opinion count and earn some extra cash in the process. Code 3 Research is an easy-to-use consumer website, where you can register for free using a quick easy registration form. Once registered, you can expect to receive invitations to market research events in your local area giving you the opportunity to earn money for your opinion and/or try new products before anyone else.

Respondents are paid in cash on the day for each research project that they undertake. This is typically £40 for two hours but could be much more.

For further information and to register, please visit www.code3research.co.uk.

Japanese trainers now available in childrens’ sizesFor the first time in the UK, iconic Japanese footwear brand Onitsuka Tiger has launched its collection of trainers specifically created for children. All the styles are direct take down versions of the classic adult designs, including the Mexico 66 and Ultimate 81 styles. The trainers are priced at around £40 per pair and are suitable for age three years upwards.

In 1949, Kihachiro Onitsuka established Onitsuka Co. Ltd., with the goal of promoting a sound and healthy Japanese youth through sports. They have been used in every marathon and Olympic Game since 1951. The ‘stripes’ are synonymous with sporting triumph.

Onitsuka Tiger trainers are available through all good shoe retailers, including Schuh, Office, Size and Soletrader.

For more information, please visit: www.onitsukatiger.com

Download a voucher to receive a 20 percent discount code from our website at www.families-lsb.co.uk

Designer makes blackout blinds from funky fabricsUpper Norwood-based mum and interior designer Claire Hunte has taken her shop onto the web. Claire specialises in made-to-measure blackout blinds for babies (and their parents), using modern and unusual fabrics – and avoiding kitsch teddy bears and movie characters. Moving on from the baby blind business, however, many parents have approached her about designing the whole nursery and even the house, once they see her design ideas.Goodies such as floor cushions, bed linen sets, funky removable wall stickers and decorative wall hooks have also been added and are selling like hot cakes. Plans for a retail space to display all of these wonderful finds are in the pipeline. As all blinds and curtains are made to measure, prices do vary, but a plain coloured blackout roller blind, sized 1000 x 1800mm will cost £74.

Available from www.livingfunky.co.uk or Freephone 0800 8497 420.


Create a ‘best bits’ movie from your video clipsAward winning video editor Iain Mitchell is offering his services at, frankly, a steal of a rate. He will take your home video and turn it into a professional masterpiece, which you can show on your TV, your smartphone or even on Facebook or YouTube.

Reach Iain through his company, Future Legacies.

You send tapes, DVDs, SD cards, or iPhone files to Iain and he looks through them, selecting the best bits, then works with you to select the best bits

When finished, Iain sends the finished film in different formats, suitable for use on a DVD, a computer, and a smartphone.

If you have a stack of tapes gathering dust on the shelf, then you need to budget the kind of money which will buy an annual family holiday. On the other hand, if you keep it under control and send Iain two or three hours-worth of video, then it can be done for around £500.

www.futurelegacies.co.uk

Mamas & Papas store opens on Purley WayMamas & Papas, the up-market baby store, is opening on 11 Sep. on the Purley Way. The store, near TK Maxx by the big Sainsbury’s store, will be open seven days a week, until 8pm on weekdays, 7pm on Saturdays and 5pm on Sundays.

In addition to buggies, nursery furniture and toys, Mamas & Papas has clothing for babies and for mums-to-be.

Opening event 20% off clothing, 10% off everything else (excluding items already on offer).

Mamas & Papas, Unit 3a, Purley Way Centre, 1 Drury Crescent CR0 4XU www.mamasandpapas.com or call 0845 268 2000

New drinking cup sticks to walls and floorsA new drinking cup for toddlers has been designed to aid safer driving for parents and greater independence for children. The My All Grow’d Up Cup sticks on to the car window, the fridge – even the patio doors – and allows toddlers to help themselves to a drink whenever they want to, without distracting their parents while driving or always asking for lost drinks in the house.

Because the My All Grow’d Up Cup is permanently positioned it is always easy to find. With an animal sound which is activated when the toddler returns the cup to the holder, there’s a fun incentive to replace it after use.

Retailing at £8.99, My All Grow’d Up Cup comes with an elephant design in pink, blue, lime green or orange. It is now available through JoJo Maman Bebe, Halfords and some independent stores, and direct from www.happyhollydaisy.com.

Acronymia for those dark winter nightsIf you like the acronym round on Mock The Week, then the new game of Acronymia might be for you.

It’s a family game where a contestant is given a card reading (say) S.N.A.K.E. Before the egg-timer runs out, they have to come up with a phrase for which the acronym might work. For example, Slithers Noiselessly And Kills Effectively.

It’s a team game, and team members have to decide whether the phrase is witty or barely credible, and award scores accordingly.

Acronymia sells for a recommended £9.99 and is available from game shops as well as Amazon. www.acronymia.net

News & Views

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Freebie helps to keep mums organisedKeep up to speed with all the events and activities of the new school term with a Home Planner from Organised Mum. This 16-month wall calendar

(Sept 2010 to Dec 2011) has large spaces in which to write all the family’s activities and incorporates many clever

organisational features including stickers to highlight important events, a paperwork

pocket and room for lists and reminders.

Available from www.organisedmum.co.uk for £10.99, the Home Planner is just one of a whole range of products from Organised Mum designed to help mums keep on top of family life.

Visit www.organisedmum.co.uk to see the full range including Life Book diaries, weekly planners, magnetic

fridge lists, shopping lists and much more or call 0845 644 7507 for a brochure.

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Buy a Bow for Breast CancerWeb-based shop The Bow Company is offering 20% from the sale of each ‘pink’ hair accessory to the Breakthrough Breast Cancer charity. There’s a range of headbands, bows and bobbles all designed by Bow Company owner Carole Ogden Pickering.

Take a look at the range at www.thebowcompany.net.


Easy bake kits for Halloween cookiesThis Halloween make sure you’ve got the spook factor with the new ‘Spooky Cookies’ from Green’s. These ghost-shaped cookies not only taste spine- chillingly good, they are a great Halloween party activity. So let your baking demons out and have a blast at baking with this fun cookie kit.

The vanilla flavoured cookies come complete with mouth-watering icing and strawberry decorating gel. The pack makes six spooky cookies, and the box includes a ghost-shaped cookie cutter.

The Spooky Cookies are available from supermarkets priced at £1.99 (RRSP) from October. Green’s products include only natural ingredients and no artificial colourings.

www.greenscakes.co.uk

News & Views

Razzamataz classes opening in CroydonA new theatre school aimed at younger children is opening in Croydon. The Razzamataz school opens later this month at the Friends’ Meeting House in central Croydon (CR0 1JE ).

The school will open from 25 September, though a free taster day on 18th Sep will enable parents and students from ages four upwards to see if Razzamataz is for them.

School proprietor Sam Enright will also be doing free workshops for schools in the Autumn Term. If any schools want to take part in that, they should call Sam on the number below.

Currently the minis class, aimed at four-to-eight year olds, is the most popular, but even that has a few spaces left. Parents should book a place on the taster day as soon as possible.

Contact Sam on 020 8665 0636 or 07852 797 037 or www.razzamataztheatreschools.co.uk

MAD Academy raising funds for TommyDuring the week 4th to 8th October, more than 2500 children and their parents/carers will be singing and dancing a MAD jig to raise much needed funds for Tommy’s campaign.

Mad Academy is opening new classes across Croydon and Sutton, in addition to its existing classes in the Ashtead area. The new classes begin from September and there are still a few spaces available.

For classes in Sutton, contact Pauline on 01372 372 942For classes in Croydon, contact Debbie on 01689 844848For classes in Epsom, Ashtead and Leatherhead, contact Karen on 01372 210378. www.madacademy.com

Shoehouse now stocking adult shoes Shoehouse, the independent shoe store in Banstead, has branched out into shoes for the whole family. Mary Whitehouse, proprietor told Families, “We are now doing adult shoes and teen shoes and we will represent more brands which previously were mainly available in central London.”

For teenagers, ShoeHouse now stocks the LFA (Love from Australia) brand as well as Pineapple, Levi’s and others.

For women, the LFA brand is wonderfully luxurious, while the Ash brand adds some style. ShoeHouse now also stocks Bourne shoes for more dressy occasions and Mary has added, Hotter’s brand as well as the Padders brands for more comfortable everyday wear for men and women.

Walk-in health centre opens in CroydonA new walk-in GP surgery has opened in the old Post Office building on Edridge Road in Croydon. The new clinic offers on-demand appointments as well as minor surgery and a sexual health service. More services will be available in the coming months, including a pharmacy, an emergency dental service, breast screening and health promotion services.

The new purpose-built health centre is centrally located close to bus and train links on the ground floor of Impact House, offering patients a welcoming and modern environment.

Open every day of the year from 8am to 8pm, it will include a new GP surgery offering bookable and walk-in appointments for both registered and unregistered patients. The new centre will be run by The Practice plc, which already runs similar GP-led health centres in areas such as Hounslow, Milton Keynes and Suffolk.

Tel: 020 3040 0800; www.croydon.nhs.uk/edridge-road


NCT offers more to new mums

From initially learning you are pregnant, to the birth and then forming that crucial support network, the NCT does it all. We are particularly lucky in this area that the Sutton, Epsom and district group is the NCT’s biggest and one of the most active, while the Croydon group offers award-winning services to new mums.

While most new parents make use of its ante-natal classes and then the baby and toddler groups, the NCT does a great deal more, both at national level and through its website.

The website is a key resource for everything to do with pregnancy, childbirth and baby care. If you have a question, the answer is probably there on the site, or if not, they respond quickly and will get back to you with a positive, non-judgemental answer.

The charity also campaigns for better facilities for babyfeeding, as well as getting better access for buggies and creating better birthing environments for new mums.

Another campaign is for better babyfeeding facilities. Claire Shadbolt, London Regional Coordinator said, Ikea in Croydon has a screened-off facility in a pleasant area. They make it clear that feeding babies from breast or bottle is acceptable throughout the store, but if women want privacy, they can go behind the screen.

At a local level, the services range from nearly-new sales to sessions where mums can bring their babies and toddlers.

By far the biggest NCT activity is the ante-natal groups. These have a reputation for being booked up months in advance, but Claire said some groups still have late vacancies. Of these groups, Claire said, “A huge side-effect almost, is the friendship which comes out and is often the most important thing that people come away with.”

Claire explained, “It is such a big transition to go from someone who has no responsibilities other than to get to work and back again, and then all of a sudden to be placed with a small baby who has a lot more demands than perhaps you anticipated. Meanwhile you have lost all the support networks from people at work and maybe do not know the neighbours and your family do not necessarily live close by, or have forgotten what it is like to have a new baby.”

The NCT group, she said, often forms the nucleus of a new support network. “There is this group of people who you met through the group who are saying all the same things that you are feeling and it very quickly becomes a very firm friendship”.

www.nct.org.uk

and Baby News

Baby Kitchen offers frozen food for gourmet babiesEpsom-based mum Lisa Haghir has launched ‘The Baby Kitchen’. She offers wholesome, fresh food for babies, conveniently delivered to the door. Each meal is frozen in individual portion sizes.

The recipes are specifically designed for ‘first tastes’ weaning while a range of set meals is available for older babies and toddlers.

The Baby Kitchen prepares individual flavours, so that parents can really understand their babies’ tastes. Food is pureed or mashed and quickly frozen ready for home delivery within 15 miles of The Baby Kitchen’s base in Epsom.

Lisa is a great cook and prepares recipes worthy of gourmet dining. Ten-packs of weaning cubes cost around £2.50 each, while the set meals cost around £2 per pot.

www.thebabykitchen.co.uk/

CBBC presenter to open Croydon’s NCT baby showCBeebies presenter Cerrie Burnell will open the NCT Baby Show at Trinity School, Croydon on Saturday 16 October.

The show is expected to be the largest mother, baby and toddler event to be held in Croydon. It opens at 10 am and admission is free. Early attendees will receive a goodie bag*.

• Free entertainment and activities for toddlers all day, with soft play areas and workshops

• Advice and support from NCT Antenatal Teachers and Breastfeeding Counsellors

• Purchase gifts and essential items from a variety of exhibitors• Grab a bargain at the Nearly New Sale.* free goodie bags, conditions apply

www.nct.org.uk/in-your-area/nearly-new-sales/ event-view/7894


Baby NewsNew pre- and post-natal Pilates class opens in Epsom

Emma Martin’s mat-based Pilates groups are usually full, but from this September, she is beginning exclusive pre- and post-natal classes.

The classes take place in Emma’s private studio in her home in the Woodcote area of Epsom, close to Ashtead,

Epsom and Ewell. They are small, friendly groups, with no more than four women per 45-minute class.

Small groups mean Emma gets to know each of the group, and can tune the classes and exercises to meet their specific needs.

The aim is to begin during pregnancy, and use the classes to get ready for the birth. Afterwards, she said, most GPs advise women to begin light exercise around six weeks after the birth. Emma said she can start once more at that time and the new mothers can bring along their babies.

Emma charges £90 for a six-week course, and each course is timed to fit in with school terms.

T: 07968 875 156 E: [email protected]

About PilatesFor those new to the subject, Pilates concentrates on strengthening key muscle groups for improved posture and breathing and on stretching particular muscles to improve flexibility and suppleness.

There is a lot of focus on breathing correctly, and on low-intensity exercise. Low-intensity means you will not get puffed out. As the weeks

build up, however, you will certainly know you have been exercising.

Typical exercises involve raising legs or arms painlessly, but holding that position for slightly longer than you want to. Then steadily extending the time you can hold a position.

A typical class begins with a gentle exercises to warm up the muscles and get the joints moving.

Then Emma moves onto strengthening exercises, carrying out perhaps 10 – 15 of those, each focussing on a different muscle group. The next phase of the class moves on to stretching exercises, to improve flexibility and suppleness. The class ends with a short cool-down period.

Post, read independent reviews of baby equipmentA new independent website has launched in the UK to help parents find honest reviews of the latest products for babies and children, as well as a price comparison of maternity wear, nursery furniture and a wide range of other products from leading retailers.

www.BabyChild.org.uk is an independent website and consequently can provide honest reviews of products, rather than providing the often biased information from the manufactures.

The website is affiliated with a number of leading UK retailers, including Boots, Mothercare, Kiddicare, Toys r us and John Lewis Baby, to provide visitors with a view of all of the latest products, but all reviews are left by parents.

http://www.babychild.org.uk

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The new Easy Weaning Guide from The Baby Chef is a fresh, friendly and fun approach to weaning, all packaged in an easy-to-digest visual single two-hour DVD. Matt Hazell, The Baby Chef, offers simple instructions, guidance and recipes for tasty great value meals for your little one.

The DVD also includes essential nutritional advice from Specialist Dietician Lucy Jones.

Easy Weaning incorporates a recipe booklet along with a unique handy pull-out, wipe-clean meal planner to map your baby’s dietary history and feeding notes plus shopping and ‘to do’ lists. www.thebabychef.co.uk.

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For a chance to win one of three

Easy Weaning guides worth £19.99 see p22

for details of how to enter.

Closing date: 1 Nov

Baby weaning DVD available – win a freebie


According to some recent research by the Daily Telegraph, more than 40,000 children aged between four and seven were expelled from school last year.

The reasons ranged from bullying to violence, damaging equipment to tantrums and outbursts. You may wonder why, at such a young age, children have become so angry.

Perhaps York University figured it out in 2009 when they discovered that young children feel pressured by exams and peer relationships. We can all help our kids manage their anxieties in a number of different ways.

Some may wish to share their stresses through talking; some may prefer to write them down. However it is done, it is certain that these emotions are better out than in. We can also help our children learn to manage their emotions productively rather than resort to the kind of behavioural problems highlighted above.

Why not introduce a positive diary to them so that they can learn to write down positive things that happen to them?

By keeping them in a book, your child can build a reference to help remind of all the good things that have happened recently. They will quickly learn that some days are better than others. You could also try include incorporating regular chill out time into your child’s schedule.

Do whatever fits you and your lifestyle. It could be anything from a brisk walk outside, to watching a DVD, or baking a cake. Have regular pyjama days and turn off your phones. The more relaxed your household is, the more likely your children will be to approach you if they have any worries.

Another great way to get your child thinking positively is to give them statements about themselves to take with them that day. It could be as simple as suggesting that they repeat to themselves “I am unique” or offering them an activity to keep their focus throughout the day, “Today I will be… as calm as a cat”. Be creative.

Offer compliments A steady supply of praise will not only encourage good behaviour but will help them cope with the various challenges that life sends their way.

If you have a positive, happy attitude, then your children will develop a respectful attitude of you and other adults who behave in the same way.

Phrasing like “The way you.......was wonderful” and “I noticed how well you were doing with...............” are great examples.

So many of us assume that our children and other people in our lives ‘know’ when we think they did something well. We have to make sure we tell them. A compliment can make someone’s outlook more positive and hence strengthen their mental health, so there is less need for tantrums and mood swings.

Relax Kids have a strong belief in encouraging children to recognise their individuality and embrace their strengths. They have created a range of relaxation CDs, books and DVDs to help keep kids calm and confident through chaotic times.

www.relaxkids.com

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Local lad hits West End stageLocal student Noah Thomas has just landed a West End role in the hit musical ‘Oliver!’ at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. 11-year-old Noah has been training at Stagecoach Mitcham and Morden for the past six years.

Through Stagecoach, Noah also appeared in ‘Never Forget’, the Take That musical. Noah begins rehearsing for ‘Oliver!’ in August and takes to the stage in October.

Principal Claire Guy says, “I am thrilled for Noah. He is such a talented, hard-working student and really deserves this fantastic opportunity. I am so proud of him, and can’t wait to see him perform on the West End stage!”

Call 020 8942 3502 for more details about Stagecoach classes.

Perform opens new performing arts class in Purley

Perform will be opening new drama classes in Purley from September. The classes will take place at St Barnabas Church Hall CR8 2HR on Monday afternoons, starting from 27 September.

There will be two sessions, from 4pm to 5 pm and from 5pm to 6pm, both covering the 4 – 8 age range.

Perform’s classes have separate sections, incorporating singing, dancing and acting,

helping each individual child with their confidence, concentration and communication skills. The theme for the Autumn term will be the ever-popular Wild West!

Perform offers a free trial session for anyone who has not tried Perform already.

Details of other classes are included in our clubs and classes listing on page 13.

Contact perform on 0845 400 4000 or at www.perform.org.uk

Magnetic reward chart features Horrid Henry The latest Magnetic Reward Charts in Fiesta Crafts’ Doowell range feature Horrid Henry. Created by author Francesca Simon, Horrid Henry has sold over 16 million books in the UK alone – second only in popularity to Harry Potter.

The charts are available from September and come in two sizes – large and small.

They feature boxes for 15 activities. There are old favourites like ‘Do my homework’ and ‘Tidy my room’, while on the larger version other, more personal tasks can be written on the blank pieces with a dry-wipe pen.

For each completed task, children earn purple hand tokens – the splattered paint symbol of Horrid Henry’s very own ‘exclusive’ Purple Hand Gang.

The charts don’t show days, so that if a child has an ‘off ’ day, there won’t be a potentially demotivating ‘gap’. www.fiestacrafts.co.uk

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Learning music in Sutton

Sutton Music Service offers a range of services to parents throughout Sutton. Possibly the best known is the private tutor service, where schools work with SMS to recommend music tutors for children across the borough.

However, there is a lot more to it than that. Currently the Service is extending its whole-class tuition programmes, where a teacher will go along to a primary school armed with 30 real orchestral instruments and offer whole class instrumental tuition for a year.

That scheme has been running for six years, with each school getting one year’s worth of tuition at KS2 level. From this month, the programme is at 15 primary schools across the borough. Altogether it has seen over 1000 pupils benefit from a year of whole-class tuition.

Lewis Gibbs, Director of SMS, said the scheme aims, “to give the children an introduction to music and to have the experience of playing and get some of the musical knowledge they are expected to have as part of the national curriculum”.

Barrow Hedges School in Carshalton ran a strings project, where the teacher worked with 20 violins and 10 of the slightly deeper-voiced cellos. That gives a range of pitches, which can be used to create a sophisticated orchestral sound.

Lewis said the project had resulted in a massive uptake in instruments, both in strings and in other instruments among Barrow Hedges pupils.

He explained that SMS has access to funds if families cannot afford instrument hire or lessons. The Edith Murphy Foundation can fund everything needed for as little as £10 per term.

Lewis said learning an instrument can help with self-esteem issues and has been shown to improve concentration and focus, especially among some Special Needs pupils.

The next level up from the whole-class teaching is the regular band sessions on Wednesdays and Saturdays. These take place at Wandle Valley School, and are aimed mostly at children whose schools do not offer private instrumental tuition. On the upside, parents pay a nominal sum which includes tuition on the instrument as well as musical theory and aural skills. The fee even includes instrument hire.

After two terms, all students have to join one of the borough’s seven orchestras, bands or ensembles, as this is the only way the service can afford to offer such highly subsidised rates.

The Wednesday session was launched a year ago and focusses on the more popular instruments, such as flute, clarinet, violin and cello. It costs £50 per term.

The Saturday morning session has been going for over 10 years and costs just £35 per term. It specialises in the more unusual instruments, such as double bass, bassoon, euphonium and percussion.

Most students will come across SMS through its recommended teacher scheme, operated in all the local secondary schools and many primary schools.

Clubs and Classes

Kitchen Stars opens at KidspaceKitchen Stars, a new cookery club for two-four year olds is opening at Kidspace. All of the Mini Kitchen Stars classes revolve around having fun with food and preparing quick, easy and healthy recipes without heat so some recipes can be eaten straight away whilst others are be taken home to bake.

The six-week class opens on 14 Sept and runs every Tuesday in term time, from 10.15 – 11.15. Children (and adults) can use the Kidspace facilities for 15 minutes before the class and 30 minutes after, and Kidspace also offer a season ticket at a discounted rate

Kitchen Stars also runs more grown-up classes for five-ten and 11-16 year olds. A special treat is a Teen Dinner Party, where the children cook and prepare their party meal before sitting down to eat it.

Email: [email protected]: 07904 238 748 Cecilie: 07702 553 757

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Craggy2 for the climber in you Craggy2 holds a special place in the heart of all who regularly visit. Take 10-year-old Jamie Graham. He goes a couple of times a week – once with his dad and once to the kids’ club and is already convinced he wants to work there when he grows up.

The reason he loves going, he said, is “The people are really nice. They are not like normal other clubs where a teacher might give you a bad mark because you got an answer wrong”.

That, and like many youngsters, he loves the edgy feeling of being free to climb, away from the sometimes-overprotective eyes of Mum and Dad. And especially he loves climbing when he is free of ropes and harnesses.

That’s the thing about Craggy2, it’s a bouldering centre – there are no ropes. Just super-padded floors and very careful attention to safety and keeping to the rules.

According to Jamie’s mum, Vicki, “there are always kids in there”. She also noted that it is clean, with showers, toilets and all the necessary facilities.

Vicki said the attitude at the club is, “We will teach you to be a bit daredevil and to do some things your mum would not like, but we are gong to teach you properly and communicate with you at your level and teach you to be safe”.

She added, of the staff, that they give the children time to get it right. Also, “They are quite disciplined and firm. They do not take any nonsense”.

Fitted out in a former squash centre, it goes up to a maximum height of 4.75m, which is plenty for adults and children alike.

Bouldering is about learning technique and the skills necessary to climb in safety. A lot of people never go near a real mountain, preferring the safer, more reliable indoor environment.

Another reason the youngsters like it is that it is incredibly friendly and yes, cool.

In Jamie’s club there are four children ranging in age from nine up to 13. They each take turns trying to do a particular climb, with encouragement and tuition from the staff. According to Jamie, “Here they really teach you how to do it”.

The club regularly holds national-level competitions, and the routes are designed by former world bouldering champion, Mark Croxall who also contributes to Craggy’s training programme, so it is serious as well as fun.

Almost as an aside, the centre also has an indoor caving network, which some children find more fun than the climbing!

Craggy2 caters for children from eight upwards. Between eight and 14 they must be supervised at all times – either by a Craggy Island instructor as part of an organised activity, or by a parent or guardian (after they have taken a training session).

The club offers parties kids’ clubs, 1:1 training and group training as well as unstructured use of the facilities, under parental supervision.

www.craggy-island.com

Kobi Kaleido to land at KidspaceKobi Kaleido is coming to Kidspace on the Purley Way near Croydon. Kobi is set to become the ambassador and main reference point for children visiting the centre, which is Britain’s largest indoor adventure park.

The centre covers a massive 30 000 sq. feet, and caters for everyone. Even with its huge floor area, Kidspace goes upwards into three-dimensions, adding even more space, with mazes, ramps and walk-ways set high above the activities down at ground level.

Children – and their adult supervisors – are encouraged to run around; climb high in the air; bounce on trampolines; race go-karts and fire soft balls at their friends. The design packs so much in that it can take hours to explore the whole place properly.

It’s not a soft-play area. The structure is made from wood, so visitors need to be aware that exuberant youngsters should take extra care.

Smaller children have their own special area called the Toddler Village, where they do have a classic soft-play frame, and toddlers can choose to bounce on trampolines or use the slide. Even those below the age of five are welcome in the main adventure area, provided they have adult supervision.

Anyone from five to 12, or those over 18, have free rein in the main adventure area. They can climb on the 8m tall (27 ft) climbing tower. They are all roped up with harnesses and proper belays. Or they can use the go-karts, or wander through the sky trail high above their parents and siblings.

Those who want a more relaxing time can use the fully licensed restaurant, for a latte, or a glass of wine or for pizza and panini. There

are even internet-connected computers for those who really need to catch up on their emails.

David took over last June and is trying to add even more wow factor to the venue by adding theatrical performances and encouraging the team to become a local hero to the children who play in the centre.

It’s not just about disguised exercise and beating challenges though. Kidspace also runs an academy, with loads of different classes. Classes such as Dramabuds, Caterpillar Music and Baby Ballerinas offer their normal classes each term in a special section of Kidspace.

New for this term are classes from Kitchen Stars and Sing & Sign.

Those who join the classes have to pay for entry like anyone else, but Kidspace offers a great deal on a three-month pass to anyone who signs up for a class.

Kidspace Croydon CR0 4RQwww.kidspaceadventures.com/croydon/home020 8686 0040

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Clubs and ClassesBABIES & PRE-SCHOOLERS

CR0Atlantis Swim School Ltd, Epsom, Ewell, Leatherhead, Croydon, Purley, Sutton. Swimming lessons and coaching for children 18 mths - adult. Term time only but intensive courses in holidays. Contact about SEN provision available. T: 020 8335 3536 W: www.atlantisswimschool.co.uk

Diddi Dance, all year round funky pre-school classes & parties for pre-school girls & boys. Addiscombe, Croydon, Purley. Melissa T: 07939 520 638 W: www.diddidance.com

Dramabuds, Kidspace Croydon, Worcester Park & Cheam Libraries; Carshalton Beeches Baptist Church. Term-time classes and holiday work-shops for 2-7 yr olds exploring stories through drama, movement and song.Becca Wall T: 020 8669 2355 E:[email protected] W: www.dramabuds.co.uk

MAD Academy, New Addington, Sanderstead, Purley & Caterham. All year round music & dance classes bursting with energy and fun for pre-school children 3mths – 4yrs. Debbie T: 01689 844 848 W: www.madacademy.com. See article on page 5.

Sing & Sign, Kidspace Croydon. The original British baby signing programme. Linda Fordham T: 07733 235 085 E: [email protected] W: www.singandsign.co.uk

CR2Atlantis Swim School Ltd, Whitgift School – for further details see entry in CR0

Baby Sensory, 18th Purley Scouts HQ, Sanderstead. For babies and children from birth - 13 months. Tabita Gerber T: 07980 191 420, E: [email protected] W: www.babysensory.com

Little Kickers Croydon & Wimbledon, classes held in Sutton, Cheam, Caterham, Coulsdon, Sanderstead, Warlingham, Mitcham,

Carshalton, Wimbledon. All year round football coaching with a shild developemnt programme 18 mths – 7yrs. Tim Jardine T: 01737 761601 / 07733 885868 E: [email protected] W: www.littlekickers.co.uk

MAD Academy – For further details see entry in CR0

CR3Aquatots Baby Swimming, Tadworth, Whiteley Village, Caterham, Coulsdon, Cheam, Whytleafe. All year round classes for babies & children 0 – 6yrs, but must start classes before age of 18 mths. Ring office to discuss SEN provision available. T: 0208 6886488 W: www.aquatots.com

Dramabuds – for further details see entry in CR0

Little Kickers Croydon & Wimbledon – for further details see entry in CR2


Sing Along, Caterham, Coulsdon & Purley. All year round singing active group for under 5s run on a pay-as-you-go basis. Britt Adams T: 01737 555678 E: [email protected]

CR4Little Kickers Croydon & Wimbledon – for further details see entry in CR2

CR5Aquatots Baby Swimming – for further details see entry in CR3

Diddi Dance, Hooley, Wallington, Sutton, Epsom, Banstead. All year round funky pre-school classes & parties for pre-school girls & boys. Jo T: 07873 634 292 W: www.diddidance.com


Sing Along – for further details see entry in CR3

1. Having matched an activity to your child’s unique personality, check that the atmosphere in the class will also suit him or her. Is the teacher a person your child will relate to? Are the classes essentially fun, or does it seem that the teacher is pushing to gain the highest certificates for her pupils? Do classes lead to performances? Some children love this - others shudder at the thought of being on show.

2. Make sure the staff are qualified and have the required CRB checks and health and safety certificates. There is no harm in asking if you are unsure – they should have nothing to hide!

3. Most classes allow parents to sit in on a session or for children to attend a free trial class. Watch if the children are a) under control – not rigid but well within what you would hope a class to be; b) getting the balance of discipline and fun; c) getting constructive corrections from the teacher.

In your enthusiasm to bring out the prodigy in your child, don’t lose sight of the fact that they’ve already worked hard at school. If you have signed up Ollie for cello lessons purely in the hope of a specialist school place, or believe that dance school will mean definite fame and fortune via Britain’s Got Talent – think again!

First and foremost, find an activity your child will really enjoy. If their interest flags, or changes after giving it a good shot, don’t be afraid to look around for a new activity which might suit them better as they grow and develop.

What to look out for when choosing a class

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A selection of classes available locally. For a more comprehensive list visit our website at www.families-lsb.co.uk

Image courtesy of Tesco Clothing

Pull-out Section


SM1MAD Academy, Rosehill, Cheam & Wallington. All year round music & dance classes bursting with energy and fun for pre-school children 3mths – 4yrs. Pauline T: 01372 372 942 W: www.madacademy.com

Sutton Tennis School, Sutton Tennis Academy, Rosehill Park. After school tennis programmes for all standards for children 3+. Holiday programmes available. Contact them about SEN provision available. Rachel Bean T: 020 8641 6611 E: [email protected] W: www.suttontennisacademy.com

SM2Gymboree Cheam T: 01737 361259/ 07766 651255 E: [email protected] W: www.gymboree-uk.com

Little Kickers Croydon & Wimbledon, St Andrew’s Church – for further details see entry in CR2

SM3Aquatots Baby Swimming – for further details see entry in CR3

MAD Academy – for further details see entry in SM1

Sing & Sign, Cheam Fields Primary School; Sutton Arena Leisure Centre; YMCA Surestart Children’s Centre, Banstead. The original British baby signing programme. Kelly Lyng T: 020 8641 1047 E: [email protected] W: www.singandsign.co.uk

SM5Dramabuds – for further details see entry in CR0


Sing & Sign – for further details see entry in SM3

SM6Diddi Dance– for further details see entry in CR5

MAD Academy – for further details see entry in SM1

SM7Diddi Dance – for further details see entry in CR5

Sing & Sign – for further details see entry in SM3

ART, CRAFT, COOKERYCR0

Kitchen Stars, Kidspace Croydon; Shirley Children’s Centre, Shirley; Woodlands Children’s Centre, Selsdon; West Wickham & Gambado, Beckenham. Book classes directly at the centre. Cooking classes for children aged 2-4 (with parent/carers), 5-10s and 11-16s. Contact them to discuss SEN provision available. Emma T: 07904 238 74 or Cecilie T: 07702 553 757 W: www.kitchenstars.co.uk. See article on page 3.

CR8Get Fired, Purley. Ceramics painting T: 020 8660 3188 E: [email protected] W: www.getfired.co.uk

SM3Village Ceramics, Cheam Village T: 020 8661 7837 E: [email protected] W: villageceramics.co.uk

SM6Crafty Kids Club, Trinity Centre, Wallington & Bed Zed Pavillion, Hackbridge. Sewing and crafting club for children aged 8+. Sarah Farncombe T: 0208 395 0376 W: craftykidsclub.com

Glazed All Over Ceramics Studio, Wallington T: 020 8647 6463 E: [email protected] W: www.glazedallover.co.uk

Sticky Mitts, Wallington. Cookery club for 8-13 yrs. T: 020 8669 2988 W: www.stickymitts.co.uk

PERFORMING ARTSCR0

Helen O’Grady Drama Academy, Beckenham, Thornton Heath, Purley, Banstead, Norbury, Wallington, Reigate, Croydon, Sanderstead, West Wickham, Chipstead, Upper Norwood, Old Coulsdon, Selsdon. Drama classes for children 5-17 years. Call to discuss SEN provision available. Ian Brown. T: 020 8662 0962 E: [email protected] W: www.helenogrady.co.uk

Razzamataz Theatre School, The Friends Meeting House, CR0 1JE. Dance, drama and singing lessons for children aged 4 – 18 yrs. Samantha Enright T: 0208 665 0636 / 07852 797 037 E: [email protected] W: www.razzamataztheatreschools.co.uk

Spotlights Theatre School, South Croydon, East Croydon, Purley, Sanderstead & Selsdon. Drama, dance & singing classes for 4 – 6 yrs. SEN provision: Please call to discuss. Faye Willingale T: 0208 460 5711 E: [email protected] W: www.spotlightstheatre.co.uk

Stagecoach Theatre Arts Shirley Dance, drama and singing tuition in a safe and fun environment for performing arts students aged 4 – 18 yrs. Shirley High Performing Arts College, Shirley. Stagecoach tries to accomodate children with special needs where possible. Stuart Burrows T: 020 8949 1116 E: [email protected] W: www.stagecoach.co.uk/shirley

CR2Helen O’Grady Drama Academy – for further details see entry in CR0

Jigsaw Performing Arts, Whitgift School, S. Croydon. Drama, singing and dance classes for children 3 – 18 yrs. T: 020 8447 4530 E: [email protected] W: www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk

Spotlights Theatre School– For further details see entry in CR0

Stagecoach Theatre Arts Croydon Marguerite Graves T: 020 8995 1334 E: [email protected] W: www.stagecoach.co.uk/croydon

CR8Atlantis Swim School Ltd, LA Fitness Purley & Thomas Moore School – for further details see entry in CR0

Diddi Dance – for further details see entry in CR0


Sing Along – For further details see entry in CR3

KT4Dramabuds – for further details see entry in CR0

KT17Atlantis Swim School Ltd, LA Fitness Ewell & Epsom College – for further details see entry in CR0

Caterpillar Music Epsom, Dell Lane (St John’s) Scout and Guide HQ, Stoneleigh. Baby and pre-school music classes for children aged 0-4 years. Sarah Dobson T: 020 8407 1042 E: [email protected] W: www.caterpillarmusic.com

Diddi Dance – for further details see entry in CR5

KT18Caterpillar Music Epsom, St Joseph’s Catholic Church – for further details see entry in KT17

KT19Atlantis Swim School Ltd, LA Fitness Epsom – for further details see entry in CR0

Little Kickers Epsom & Ewell, All Saints Church, 7 Church Road. All year round football coaching for children 18 months – 7yrs. Claire Richardson T: 01932 847439 E: [email protected]

KT21MAD Academy All year round music & dance classes for babies & children. 3mths – 4yrs. Karen Morgan T: 01372 210378 or E: karen.morgan@madacademy W: www.madacademy.com

dance classes for 2-4 year oldsdance classes for 2-4 year oldslearn co-ordination, rhythm learn co-ordination, rhythm

and great moves to funky pop songs and great moves to funky pop songs and boost confi denceand boost confi dence

For more info and classes in For more info and classes in Addiscombe, Croydon and Purley Addiscombe, Croydon and Purley

call Melissa on 07939 520 638 call Melissa on 07939 520 638 andand

For classes in Sutton, Wallington, For classes in Sutton, Wallington, Banstead, Epsom and Hooley Banstead, Epsom and Hooley

call Jo on 07873 634 292call Jo on 07873 634 292diddi dance parties also availablediddi dance parties also available

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CR3Dramabuds – for further details see entry in CR0

Perform, Caterham Centenary Hall. Drama, dance and singing classes for children aged 4 - 12. Tue 4.00 – 5.00pm; 5.00 – 6.00pm. Lucy T: 0845 400 4000 E: [email protected] W: www.perform.org.uk

CR4Stagecoach Theatre Arts Mitcham & Morden, Haslemere Primary School, Mitcham. Dance, drama and singing tuition in a safe and fun environment for performing arts students aged 4 – 18 yrs. Stagecoach tries to accomodate children with special needs where possible. Contact: Claire Guy T: 020 8942 3502 E: [email protected] W: www.stagecoach.co.uk/mitchamandmorden


Stagecoach Theatre Arts Coulsdon, Woodcote High School, Coulsdon. Dance, drama and singing tuition in a safe and fun environment for performing arts students aged 4 – 18 yrs. Stagecoach tries to accomodate children with special needs where possible. Zoe McCready T: 0845 078 0805 E: [email protected] W: www.stagecoach.co.uk/coulsdon



Perform, St Barnabas Church Hall, Purley. Drama, dance and singing classes for children aged 4 – 12. Mon 4.00 – 5.00pm; 5.00 – 6.00pm. Lucy T: 0845 400 1273 E: [email protected] W: www.perform.org.uk

Spotlights Theatre School – For further details see entry in CR0

KT4Dramabuds – for further details see entry in CR0

Stagecoach Theatre Arts Worcester Park, Cuddington Community Primary School. Dance, drama and singing tuition in a safe and fun environment for performing arts students aged 4 – 18 yrs. Stagecoach tries to accomodate children with special needs where possible. Sara Catlin Brown T: 020 8398 8106 E: [email protected] W: www.stagecoach.co.uk/worcesterpark

KT17Stagecoach Theatre Arts Epsom, Wallace Fields Junior School. Dance, drama and singing tuition in a safe and fun environ-ment for performing arts students aged 4 – 18 yrs. Stagecoach tries to accomodate children with special needs where possible. Ellie Scott T: 01932 784001 E: [email protected] W: www.stagecoach.co.uk/epsom

KT18Stagecoach Theatre Arts Epsom, Epsom Downs Primary School – for contact details see entry in KT17

KT21Perform, St George’s Christian Centre, Ashtead. Drama, dance and singing classes for children aged 4 - 12. Tue 4.00 – 5.00pm; 5.00 – 6.00pm. Contact: Lucy T: 0845 400 4000 E: [email protected] W: www.perform.org.uk

SM1Mishmak Youth Theatre Secombe Theatre, Sutton. Classes for children aged 5 – 17 yrs. Mishmak Team T: 07581681202 E:[email protected] W: www.mishmak.co.uk

SM2Stagecoach Theatre Arts Sutton Jennifer Scarfe T: 020 8660 7753 E: [email protected] W: www.stagecoach.co.uk/sutton

SM3Stagecoach Theatre Arts Cheam Nonsuch High School for Girls, Cheam. Dance, drama and singing tuition in a safe and fun environment for performing arts students aged 4 – 18 yrs. Stagecoach tries to accomodate children with special needs where possible. Contact: Sara Catlin Brown T: 020 8398 8106 E: [email protected] W: www.stagecoach.co.uk/cheam

SM4Stagecoach Theatre Arts Mitcham & Morden, Hatfeild Primary School, Morden. Dance, drama and singing tuition in a safe and fun environment for performing arts students aged 4 – 18 yrs. Stagecoach tries to accomodate children with special needs where possible. Contact: Claire Guy T: 020 8942 3502 E: [email protected] W: www.stagecoach.co.uk/mitchamandmorden

SM5Dramabuds – for further details see entry in CR0

Stagecoach Theatre Arts Sutton Jennifer Scarfe T: 020 8660 7753 E: [email protected] W: www.stagecoach.co.uk/sutton

SM6Della Academy Of Arts Dance, Drama And Singing. Holmwood Halls, Wallington. For 3-18 yrs. Contact for SEN provision available. Della T: 07793 555 210 E: [email protected] W: www.daoa.co.uk

Helen O’Grady Drama Academy – for further details see entry in CR0

Pauline Quirk Academy of Performing Arts, Wallington T: 084567 32022 E: [email protected] W: www.pqacademy.com

Clubs and Classes


SM7Helen O’Grady Drama Academy For further details see entry in CR0

Stagecoach Theatre Arts Epsom, The Beacon School, Banstead – for contact details see entry in KT17

SPORTSCRO

Atlantis Swim School Ltd, LA Fitness Croydon – for further details see entry in babies section above

Chi Combat System Martial Arts School, Ashburton Learning Centre; Thornton Heath Leisure Centre & HSBC Sports and Social Club, Beckenham. Martial Arts classes for 4yrs - adult available all year round. Chi Combat System is a martial art that is designed for the whole family, all abilities and all ages. Amun Ka Clarke (Chief Instructor) T: 07951 499979 W: www.chicombatsystem.net

CR2Atlantis Swim School Ltd, Whitgift School – for further details see entry in CR0

Little Kickers Croydon & Wimbledon – for further details see entry in babies section above


CR4Cheam Hockey Club (Field Hockey), Nonsuch School, Ewell Road, Cheam. 7 +. A vibrant and fun club with a thriving Junior section (7-16 years) for boys and girls. Contact about SEN provision available. Denise Edwards E: [email protected] or Sarah Trinder E: [email protected] W: www.cheamhockeyclub.co.uk

Chi Combat System Martial Arts, Mitcham, Sutton and Morden. Classes all year round for children 4 upwards offering a mix of several martial arts styles suitable for total beginners or advanced practitioners from other styles. There is provision for special needs children. Master Ralph Allison T: 020 8646 5551 W: www.chicombatsystem.com



CR7Chi Combat System Martial Arts – for further details see entry in CR0

CR8Atlantis Swim School Ltd, LA Fitness Purley & Thomas Moore School – for further details see entry in CR0

KT17Atlantis Swim School Ltd, LA Fitness Ewell & Epsom College – for further details see entry in CR0

KT18Mini Musketeers, St Joseph’s Church Hall, Epsom. Fencing classes for 6 – 10 yrs. Brian / Kathy T: 0795 0011 581 W: www.minimusketeers.co.uk

KT19Atlantis Swim School Ltd, LA Fitness Epsom – for further details see entry in CR0

Epsom Riding School, Horton Country Park T: 01372 749490 W: www.epsomridingschool.co.uk

Fencing Club, Blenheim School Sports Hall, Epsom. Lessons for children 10-16 years. Wed 7.00 pm to 9.00 pm. Nick Payne T: 07799 346829 E: [email protected] W: www.epsomfencingclub.org

SM1Sutton Tennis School – For further details see entry in Babies & Preschoolers: SM1

SM2Downs Lawn Tennis Club, 50 Holland Avenue, Belmont. Junior and Adult coaching and tennis membership for all ages. E: [email protected] or 020 8642 3019 W: www.downsltc.co.uk

Little Kickers Croydon & Wimbledon, St Andrew’s Church – for further details see entry in CR2

SM3Sportscoach Cheam, Nonsuch High school for Girls, Ewell Road, Cheam SM3 8AB. Multi sports, 18 different sports in a year. 6 -16yrs. Contact about SEN provision available. George Rettie T: 01932 248207 W: www.sportscoach.co.uk

SM5Craggy2 Climbing And Caving Centre, Oaks Sports Centre, Carshalton. Bouldering (rock climbing but without ropes) & caving centre for children 8+. Courses available all year round. Contact them about SEN provision available. Gareth Squire T: 01483 540 888 E: [email protected] W: www.craggy-island.com. See article on page 8.


LANGUAGESCR0

La Jolie Ronde French classes. Tamberlin Room, St John’s Church. Madeline Warren T: 020 8654 7969 W: www.lajolieronde.co.uk

CR2La Jolie Ronde French classes. Folly’s End School. Sarah Hall T: 0773 993 2351 W: www.lajolieronde.co.uk

CR8Ni Hao Mandarin Language School, Purley. For ages 4+. T: 07794 524 313 W: www.nihaomandarin.co.uk

KT4La Jolie Ronde, Worcester Park Library. Spanish classes. Gloria Mason T: 020 8947 2127 W: www.lajolieronde.co.uk

ACADEMIC TUITIONCR8

Explore Learning, Maths And English Tuition, 910-912 Brighton Road, Purley. Maths & English tuition for 5-14 year olds of all abilities. Contact them about SEN provision available. Carly Howard T: 02080902938 E: [email protected] W: www.explorelearning.org.uk

KT18Southern Tutors, Rosebery School. After school / Saturday classes for 8-11 year olds offering 11 plus preparation, Maths and English Classes. Rosemary Najim T: 01372 723947/ 07986564651 E: [email protected] W: www.southerntutors.co.uk

SM111 plus tuition, Sutton Junior Tennis Academy, Rosehill. Tuition for 11+ entrance examinations. Gwenda Jones T: 020 8390 6076 E: [email protected] W: www.11plustuition.co.uk

NumberWorks’n’Words, 5 Robin Hood Lane, Sutton. Maths and English tuition for children 5 – 16. T: 020 8642 8884 E: [email protected] W: www.numberworksnwords.com

MUSICKT18

Rock Choir, Epsom Methodist Church. Learn to sing rock, pop, gospel and Motown songs in harmony. No singing experience required. For ages 6 to adult. SEN provision: must be accompanied by a carer T: 01252 714276 W: www.rockchoir.com

KT19Rock Choir, – for further details see entry in KT18

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Whether your little one is starting a new school or nursery this Autumn or just returning after the long summer break, the first days back can be difficult. Starting school is a major milestone for you and your child and whilst some kids rush into their new classroom, unfazed by new faces, for others it’s stressful and scary and in the end, the tears flow.

And it’s not just the kids battling mixed emotions – we parents can suffer too. We’re reluctant to accept that our little ones are going ‘out into the world’ – they still look so tiny and their new uniforms dwarf them!

The first few weeks Even if the first day has gone well it can still take time to settle in, as your child slowly realises that school is a permanent feature of their lives.

■ encourage small talk: talk to your child about their day, but don’t be surprised if you get little back. “What did you do at school today?” often gets the reply “nothing” or “I can’t remember.” Try asking specific questions: “who did you sit next to at lunch?”, “did you use the computer at school today?” You’ll get a much more positive response

■ homework adds pressure too. “I was unprepared for the amount of work my son received in his first term and was faced with cries of “why do I have to do homework?’ ” Give your child two choices of when to do it – they’ll feel empowered and be more co-operative. Read to your child as much as you can – it builds up vocabulary, helps them perform better and it makes a good bedtime routine. It is also a precious moment between parent and child.

■ stick week-planners to the fridge to keep on top of school life. www.activityvillage.co.uk has printable rosettes, badges and medals that you can use as rewards, plus back to school games, activities, crafts and jigsaws

■ cut down TV time. TV is stimulating, say Relax Kids, and may cause sleep problems, especially if the TV is in the child’s bedroom. On the other hand exercise and playing sports are great stress-busters. Let them run off their anxiety and they’ll sleep better too!

■ walk to school. It’s a great time to chat and catch up and it gives your child a chance to wake up properly, ensuring they are refreshed and ready for the day. Make sure you start this good habit on day one, and don’t turn back!

■ set a good regular routine with healthy meals and early nights, baths and even massages before bed. A new range of products called Aromagels combine aromatherapy with reflexology to aid sleep and restlessness. For these, plus tips to aid sleep visit www.speciallittleproducts.com Relax Kids have great CDs for children to help them either simply relax, or de-stress, see their range on www.relaxkids.com

■ why all the rush? Leave half an hour early and stop to play in the park. Make it fun: run, kick a ball, spot caterpillars, collect leaves, marvel at the changing seasons. Most children nowadays are nature deprived, so incorporate nature in your routine.

Most importantly, try to enjoy their first days at school and look forward to the year ahead!

Education

- a terror or a treat?

Our top tips for a happy, healthy start to school:Be positive - don’t let your own anxiety show Prepare in advance and when the big day arrives keep calm, get up early and don’t rush Talk to your child about what to expect at school

Don’t forget it will all be over soon - once your child is settled the whole thing will seem like a breeze!

Useful websites: www.relaxkids.comwww.talkingtots.info www.speciallittleproducts.com www.activityvillage.co.uk www.bbc.co.uk/health/physical_health/child_development/primary_starting www.ladybird.co.uk/adviceandresources/startingschool

Back to school

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EducationCroydon High School, Old Farleigh Road, Selsdon, South Croydon CR2 8YBT: 0208 260 7500 E: [email protected] W: www.croydonhigh.gdst.net

At Croydon High School, a leading independent day school for girls aged three to 18, we focus on individual care, creating a community of academic bright sparks and those with genuine sparks of talent in all other fields. We encourage and support our girls to become the very best they can be – because the girls they are, make us the school that we are.

Cumnor House School, 168 Pampisford Road, South Croydon Surrey CR2 6DAT: 020 8660 3445 E: [email protected] W: www.cumnorhouse.com

Cumnor House School is celebrating another successful year with 39 scholarship offers in total from Westminster, Whitgift, Trinity, Caterham, Dulwich College and Epsom College, 30 offers from the two Whitgift Foundation Schools and 30 grammar school passes.

Boys are admitted from two to 13 (and girls from two to four) into a lively, friendly and hard-working community. The school has a fine sporting tradition including Soccer, Rugby, Cricket, Swimming and Athletics.

Downsend School, 1 Leatherhead Road, Leatherhead Surrey KT22 8TJ T: 01372 385402

Ashtead Lodge, 22 Oakfield Road, Ashtead, Surrey KT21 2RE T: 01372 385439

Epsom Lodge, 6 Norman Avenue, Epsom, KT17 3AB T: 01372 385438

Leatherhead Lodge, 13 Epsom Road, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 8ST T: 01372 385437

E: [email protected]: www.downsend.co.ukDownsend School is a co-educational, day preparatory school with pupils aged two to 13. It has three nursery/junior

school lodges based at Epsom, Leatherhead and Ashtead for children aged two to six and a main site in Leatherhead, for children aged six to 13.

The next Open Mornings are Saturday 25 September for the main school site, and Saturday 2 October for the Lodges, all starting at 9.15 am.

All the sites provide extended day care during term time until 5.30pm (5.45pm at the main site) for an additional cost. School holiday care is also provided virtually all year round.

Eagle House School (Sutton) 95 Brighton Road, Sutton SM2 5SJ

Eagle House School (Mitcham) 224 London Road, Mitcham, CR4 3HD

‘the little group’ Specialist Nursery The West Wing, C/O, St Andrew’s Primary School, Lockhart Road, Cobham KT11 2AX

T: 0845 074 2972 E: [email protected]: www.eaglehousegroup.co.uk

Independent specialist schools for children with an autistic spectrum disorder, Asperger’s syndrome and associated social & communication difficulties. Eagle House School (Sutton) for young people (11 -19); Eagle House School (Mitcham) for children (four – 12) & ‘the little group’ Specialist Nursery (Cobham) for children (two to six)

Epsom College, College Road, Epsom, Surrey KT17 4JQT: 01372 821000 E: [email protected] W: www. epsomcollege.org.uk Situated in 84 acres of open parkland, Epsom College offers an environment where young people can discover their full potential. A proven track record of excellent academic results guarantees your son or daughter the opportunity to fully develop their talents and interests. Pastoral care in Houses develops both independence and self-confidence. Epsom is truly a centre of excellence for the able all-rounder.

School Directory

September – October 2010

Croydon High School

Cumnor House School

Downsend School

Eagle House School


EducationGreenacre School for Girls, Sutton Lane, Banstead, Surrey SM7 3RAT: 01737 352114 E: [email protected] W: www.greenacre.surrey.sch.uk

Greenacre’s small classes, superb facilities and expert teaching ensure that every girl will thrive and achieve in a caring and secure environment. An excellent academic education is supported by a range of exciting extra-curricular activities for all ages. Girls can join us at any stage – Nursery, Infants, Juniors, Seniors and Sixth Form. Our next Open Morning is Saturday 2 October from 9.30am to 12.00pm. You are warmly invited to visit with your daughter.

Homefield Preparatory School, Western Road, Sutton, Surrey SM1 2TE T: 020 8642 0965 E: [email protected] W: www. homefield.sutton.sch.ukHomefield School was rated by The Sunday Times Parent Power as “Amongst the best performing schools in Greater London”.

The recent ISI inspection report states that “the care that the staff give to the well-being of the boys is outstanding”, “the boys are happy, valued and challenged but not pressured” and compliments the “extensive and varied programme of extra-curricular activities”.

Kingswood House School, 56 West Hill, Epsom, Surrey KT19 8LGT: 01372 723590 E: [email protected] W: www.kingswoodhouse.orgKingswood House in Epsom is a progressive school that provides a nurturing and protective environment for boys aged three to 13 and girls aged three to seven years.

Our next Open Mornings are on Thursday 7th and Saturday 9th October from 9:30am until midday. To register, please contact our Admissions Secretary on 01372 723590 or email [email protected]. You can also find out more about us by going to www.kingswoodhouse.org

Laleham Lea, 29 Peaks Hill, Purley, Surrey CR8 3JJ T: 020 8660 3351 E: [email protected] W: www.lalehamlea.co.uk Laleham Lea aims to provide a broad, well balanced and challenging curriculum in an attractive and stimulating learning environment for boys and girls aged three to 11 years. A caring and supportive atmosphere underpins the excellent achievements of its pupils across a wide range of activities, whether academic, musical, cultural or sporting.

Please make an appointment to come and experience for yourself the caring, family ethos at Laleham Lea.

Seaton House School, 67 Banstead Road South, Sutton, Surrey SM2 5LH T: 020 8642 2332 E: [email protected] W: www.seatonhouse.sutton.sch.uk

Seaton House School is delighted to feature in this year’s Sunday Times ‘Parent Power’ Top 50 Prep Schools.

Our Nursery is where your child will feel safe and secure in the welcoming and nurturing environment of their first ‘away from home’ setting. Our Junior and Senior Houses both have a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Small class sizes allow your daughter to receive maximum attention.

Thames Christian College, Wye Street, London, SW11 2HB T: 020 7228 3933 E: [email protected] W: www.thameschristiancollege.org.uk Looking for the best school for your son or daughter?

Choosing a secondary school is one of the most important decisions you can make. Let us help you make it with confidence and security. Small is beautiful.

Come see us at an open day:Wednesday 29 September, 10.15 – 12.15. Saturday 2 October, 10.00 – 2.00

Thames Christian College, SW11Outstanding independent secondary school for girls & boys. We’re not as expensive as you might think!


Greenacre School for Girls

Laleham Lea

Seaton House School


School Location Postcode Telephone/Website Age/Gender Open DatesOld Palace School of John Whitgift. Senior

Old Palace site, S. Croydon

CR0 020 8688 2027 www.oldpalaceofjohnwhitgift.org G: 11 - 18Sat 9 Oct: 9.00 – 12.00; Thu 14 Oct & 11 Nov: 10.30 – 12.00 (Yrs 6 – 13)

Royal Russell School Croydon CR0 020 8651 5884 www.royalrussell.co.uk Co-Ed: 3-18 Sat 25 Sep: 8.30 – 12.00

Elmhurst School for Boys South Croydon CR2 020 8688 0661 www.elmhurstschool.net B: 4-11 Sat 7 Nov: Open morning

Cumnor House School & Tree Tops Nursery

South Croydon CR2 020 8660 3445 www.cumnorhouse.com B: 4-13 Fri 24 Sep: 9.30 – 11.00

Old Palace School of John Whitgift. Junior

Croham site, S. Croydon

CR2 020 8688 2027 www.oldpalaceofjohnwhitgift.org G: 3mths - 11Wed 13 Oct & 3 Nov: Nursery to Yr 5 10.30- 12.00

Whitgift South Croydon CR2 020 8688 9222 www.whitgift.co.uk B: 10-18Sat 25 Sep: Open morning; Tue 12 Oct: 4.00 – 8.00pm

Croydon High School Selsdon CR2 020 8651 3137 www.croydonhigh.gdst.net G: 3-18 Sat 2 Oct: 9.30 – 12.30

Oakhyrst Grange Caterham CR3 01883 343344 www.oakhyrstgrangeschool.co.uk Co-Ed: 4-11 Sat 9 Oct: Open morning from 10.00

Caterham School Caterham CR3 01883 343028 www.caterhamschool.co.uk Co-Ed: 3-18Sat 18 Sep: 9.30 – 12.00; Tue 12 Oct, 9 Nov: Afternoon appointments

Eagle House School (Mitcham)

Mitcham CR4 020 8687 7050 www.eaglehousegroup.co.uk Co-Ed: 4 -12 SENMon 20 Sep, 4 Oct, 8 Nov, 6 Dec: 10.30 – 12.30

Oakwood School & Nursery Purley CR8 020 8668 8080 www.oakwoodschool.org.uk Co-Ed: 2-11 Sat 2 Oct: Open morning

Laleham Lea School Purley CR8 020 8660 3351 www.lalehamlea.co.uk Co-Ed: 2-11Thu 7 Oct: 2.00 – 5.00; Sat 9 Oct: 10.00 – 12.00

Lodge School Purley CR8 020 8660 3179 www.lodgeschool.co.ukCo-Ed: 2-11/G:

11-18Fri 1 Oct: 9.00 – 11.30

Trinity Shirley Park CR9 020 8656 9541 www.trinity-school.org B: 11-16 /Co-Ed: 6th Sat 2 Oct: 9.00 – 12.00

‘the little group’ Cobham KT11 0845 074 2972 www.eaglehousegroup.co.uk Co-Ed: 2-5 SEN Sat 18 Sep: 2.00 – 4.00

Ewell Castle School Ewell KT17 020 8393 1413 www.ewellcastle.co.uk B: 11-18 Wed 13 Oct: Senior school from 6.00pm

Epsom College Epsom KT17 01372 821234 www.epsomcollege.org.uk Co-Ed: 13-18Sat 9 Oct: Open morning 10.00am; Thu 14 Oct: for boarders

Ewell Castle Junior School Ewell KT17 020 8393 1413 www.ewellcastle.co.uk Co-Ed: 3-11Sat 9 Oct: 10.00 – 12.00; Wed 3 Nov: 9.30 – 10.30

Downsend LodgesEpsom, Ashtead & Leatherhead

KT17,21,22 01372 372311 www.downsend.co.uk Co-Ed: 2-6Sat 2 Oct & Thu 25 Nov: Open morning

St Christopher’s School Epsom KT18 01372 72 1807 www.st-christophers.surrey.sch.uk Co-Ed: 3-7 Fri 8 Oct: Headteacher’s talk 9.15am

Kingswood House Epsom KT19 01372 723590 www.kingswoodhouse.org Co-Ed: 3-7/B: 8-13Thu 7 Oct; Sat 9 Oct (registration required)

Kingston GrammarKingston-upon

ThamesKT2 020 8546 5875 www.kgs.org.uk Co-Ed: 10-19

Sat 25 Sep: 10.00 – 12.30; Thu 23 Sep: 6.30 – 9.00

Aberdour School Burgh Heath KT20 01737 354119 www.aberdourschool.co.uk Co-Ed: 2-13Wed 29 Sep, Wed 17 Nov: Drop-in mornings from 9.30

City of London Freemen’s School

Ashtead Park KT21 01372 822480 www.clfs.surrey.sch.uk Co-Ed: 7-18Sat 2 Oct, Sat 6 Nov: 9.45am for 10.00 start (appointments only)

Downsend School Leatherhead KT22 01372 372311 www.downsend.co.uk Co-Ed: 6-13Sat 25 Sep & Fri 26 Nov: Open mornings for main school

Homefield Preparatory School

Sutton SM1 020 8642 0965 www.homefield.sutton.sch.uk B: 2.5-13 Sat 25 Sep: 10.00 – 1.00

Sutton High School Sutton SM1 020 8225 3001 www.suttonhigh.gdst.net G: 3-18 Sat 25 Sep: 10.00 – 12.30

Seaton House South Sutton SM2 020 8642 2332 www.seatonhouse.sutton.sch.uk Co-Ed: 3-5/G: 5-11Sat 2 Oct: 10.00 - 1.00pm Nursery drop in; book for tours of Jun /Sen school

Eagle House School (Sutton)

Sutton SM2 0845 0742972 www.eaglehousegroup.co.uk Co-Ed: 11-19 SENThu 30 Sep, 14 Oct, 18 Nov, 9 Dec: 10.00 – 12.00pm

Priory Preparatory School Banstead SM7 01737 366920 www.priory-banstead.surrey.sch.uk B: 2-13Sat 25 Sep: 10.00 – 12.00; Wed 15 Sep, 13 Oct, 3 Nov, 8 Dec: 9.00 – 11.00

Greenacre School Banstead SM7 01737 352114 www.greenacre.surrey.sch.uk G: 3-18Sat 2 Oct: 9.30- 12.00; or appointments on Wed 24 Nov 10.00-12.00

Thames Christian College Battersea SW11020 7228 3933

www.thameschristiancollege.org.ukCo-Ed: 11-16

Wed 29 Sep: 10.15 – 12.15; Sat 2 Oct: 10.00 – 2.00

Wimbledon High School Wimbledon SW19 020 8971 0900 www.wimbledonhigh.gdst.net G: 11-18 Sat 9 Oct: Senior school 9.30 – 12.30

Wimbledon Junior School Wimbledon SW19 020 8971 0902 www.wimbledonhigh.gdst.net G: 4-11 Tue 28 Sep: 9.00 – 12.00

Wickham Court School West Wickham BR4 020 8777 2942 www.wickhamcourt.org.uk Co-Ed: 2.5-16Sat 25 Sep & Tue 28 Sep: 9.30 – 12.00

Christ’s Hospital SchoolHorsham, W. Sussex

RH13 01403 211293 www.christs-hospital.org.uk Co-Ed: 11-18Sat 18 Sep: Years 7 & 9; (book places online / by contacting school)

Independent School Open DaysEducation


Education

Greenacre is an independent school supported by a charitable trust and aims to provide an education for around 400 girls, all the way from age three to 18.

From the Head Teacher’s study

School Ref no. Age Range Location Postcode Date published Rating

Good Shepherd Catholic Primary School

101794 3-11 New Addington CR0 0RG 15/07/10 3 – 2

Purley Oaks Primary School 101733 3-11 South Croydon CR2 0PR 21/06/10 3 – 3

St Peter and St Paul CofE Infant School

125165 5-7 Caterham CR3 5BN 02/07/10 1 – 1

St John’s CofE Aided Primary School

125164 4-11 Caterham CR3 6RN 15/07/10 3 – 2

Liberty School 102656 3-11 Mitcham CR4 3EB 27/07/10 4 – 3

Culvers House Primary School 131103 3-11 Mitcham CR4 4JH 24/06/10 4 – 4

Spencer Nursery School 102955 3-5 Mitcham Junction CR4 4JP 09/07/10 2 – 2

Norbury Manor Enterprise College for Girls

101824 11-19 Thornton Heath CR7 8BT 01/07/10 1 – 1

St Cyprian’s Greek Orthodox Primary School

132009 3-11 Thornton Heath CR7 8DZ 23/07/10 2 – 2

Beulah Junior School 101712 7-11 Thornton Heath CR7 8JF 22/06/10 3 – 3

Thornton Heath Children’s Centre 131723 3-5 Thornton Heath CR7 8RF 01/07/10 2 – 2

Harris City Academy Crystal Palace

135311 11-18 Upper Norwood SE19 2JH 23/06/10 1 – 1

Rockmount Primary School 101783 3-11 Upper Norwood SE19 3ST 18/06/10 2 – 2

Westwood College for Languages and Arts

101805 11-16 Upper Norwood SE19 3UG 01/07/10 3 – 2

Meadow Primary School 135383 4-11 Stoneleigh KT17 2LW 14/07/10 3 – 3

Cheam Common Infants’ School 102963 3-7 Worcester Park KT4 8SS 08/07/10 2 – 2

Robin Hood Junior School 102984 7-11 Sutton SM1 1RL 21/07/10 3 – 2

All Saints Benhilton CofE Primary School

102990 3-11 Sutton SM1 3DA 20/07/10 2 – 2

Tweeddale Primary School 134165 3-11 Carshalton SM5 1SW 15/07/10 2 – 2

St Anne’s Catholic Primary School 125219 4-11 Banstead SM7 2PH 23/07/10 2 – 2

Recent Ofsted inspection reports sorted by postcode

For the rating, 1 is outstanding, 4 is unsatisfactory. The first number refers to the overall school grade; the second to its capacity to improve.

Greenacre – a local school for local familiesLindsay Redding came in as the head at Greenacre a year ago and immediately started bringing the school into the 21st century. This September, the senior school is in a different uniform; the timetable is more in line with current thinking and there is better, more effective communication with parents.

Above all, said Lindsay, it has a character formed partly through its long history, partly through its size and partly through its strong local links.She said the school aims to serve the local community, and the intake very much reflects the local mix of nationalities and cultures. She said, “we are part of the Banstead area community. I’d like this to be the local school for many of the local families”.Lindsay has just bought a house close to the school, and said the process of choosing a school is very much like choosing a new house. “When you walk through the door, it ether fits your lifestyle and attitudes, or it does not. The ambience has to be just right. That is also true of a school. When you visit the school you need to feel that it fits the personality of your daughter”.Greenacre has a particular character which attracts many people, and existing parents are very loyal to the school. She said, “the character of this school is like a very big extended family. There is a certain atmosphere here that is about being known individually. It is a purposeful atmosphere and there is a very high level of individual pastoral care”.Some of the key changes are in communication with parents. Most are simple things like using telephone trees, texts and emails to make sure parents are informed about alterations to arrangements and suchlike. Beyond that, the school is, from this term, adopting a timetable based on six lessons each of one hour in length, rather than the previous nine slots of 35 minutes each. She said the new regime means less movement around the site and more time to focus on specific subjects. Lindsay said the school is focussed on providing an all-through education, from the nursery at age three all the way to A level. She said the school runs a single class up to age 11. In the top two or three years of that, the class sizes increase toward the 24-student maximum. She said Greenacre has a much more mixed ability range than the grammar schools. As a result, she said, the school assesses the girls as they enter and “whatever their personality, talents and interests, we pride ourselves that we can tap into that and help them develop their individual strengths”. Typical entry to the senior school is around 40 girls – including those moving up from the junior department. The school offers 20 subjects at GCSE and the same number at A level. This year one or two from the upper sixth will be trying for Oxbridge, while at least one expects to study medicine at university.

Lindsay Redding


Education

Head Teacher of ‘the little group’, Judy Gilham, invites you to a party to celebrate moving into new premises at St. Andrew’s School, Cobham, on Saturday 18th September from 2 - 4pm.

Please respond to [email protected] if you would like to attend.

Their new home is St Andrew’s Primary School in Cobham. With more space and better facilities, the centre can further develop its early years centre for two-to-six year-olds, and provide specialist autism training for parents and professionals on site.

Judy Gilham, Head Teacher, said the centre offers places for around 30 children at any one time, divided into three classes of ten, each with a teacher, speech & language therapist and senior support assistant. She explained how childrens’ attendance builds gradually with afternoons given to prepared trips into the community and the autism-specific ‘sensory’ class for children with sensory issues.

Judy said anyone can refer a child to ‘the little group’ and in most cases initial contact is through parents. Funding is via the local authority, PCT or private. The new term starts on September 6th though the centre welcomes new ‘starters’ throughout the school year as they are only too aware that a new diagnosis or a statement (of special educational needs) can be received at any time.

‘the little group’ is part of the Eagle House Group, which specialises in independent schooling for children and young people with an autistic spectrum disorder. Whilst the centre is highly focussed on supporting autistic children, it also specialises in helping children with communication problems - either associated with autistic spectrum issues, or other speech, language and social difficulties. The approach aims to grab the children’s attention and keep it by offering them an irresistible opportunity to learn.

Judy said the autism training courses are available for parents and professionals who are living or working with autistic children such as teachers, classroom assistants, therapists or medical staff. ‘the little group’ Approach training is very popular because of its practical hands-on focus. There is very little practical training available to practitioners working in the field and while classroom-based teaching has increased awareness in schools and the wider population, most training remains theoretical in nature.

If you are interested in learning more about autism and the work of ‘the little group’, then join Judy and her team for their Open Afternoon to celebrate their move to Cobham on Saturday 18th September 2-4pm by calling 0845 0742972 or visit their website on www.thelittlegroup.co.uk.

Early Years Autism Centre Moves to Cobham

‘the little group’ Early Years Centre for young children with autism and communication difficulties is moving 10 miles down the A3 to Cobham. The centre, founded 18 years ago by Surrey-based autism specialists Gina Davies and Jan Chamberlain, previously operated in Epsom.


Showing a selection of what is available. For a more comprehensive list visit our website at Families-lsb.co.uk

WEEKEND 3/4 SEPTEMBERMODEL RAILWAY EXHIBITION Tadworth Church Hall, Tadworth, Surrey, KT20 5AHW: www.goodshepherdtadworth.org.ukSat 4th Sep 10.00 - 5.00pm. Adults £5, OAPs £4, under 16s £3, Familes £10

WEEKEND 11/12 SEPTEMBERBANSTEAD COUNTRYSIDE DAY Banstead Woods in the field by Holly Lane Car Park, Holly Lane, Banstead/Chipstead. Downlands Project T: 01737 737700, E: [email protected], W: www.downlandsproject.org.uk Sun 12 Sep 10.30 - 4.30pm. Wide variety of stalls, activities and demonstrations. Free entry, programmes £1 on the gate, free parking, donations welcome.

REIGATE CAVES Tunnel Road, off High Street, Reigate, Surrey, RH2 9AAW: www.wcms.org.uk/pages/club/reigate_caves.shtml11 Sep 10.00-4.00pm Open day. Barons Cave: Adult £1.50, Child/OAP/Child 5+ £1.00, Under 5s free, Family £4.00Tunnel Road Caves (both): Adult £2.00, Child/OAP £1.50, Family £6.00Caves in the heart of Reigate. Just turn up and join the next tour.

SUTTON POLICE STATION OPEN DAY Sun 12 Sep 11.00-4.00pm (last entry 3.30pm). Your chance to see behind the scenes at Sutton Police Station. No booking required. Free

WEEKEND 18/19 SEPTEMBERDIAMOND RIDING CENTRE AUTUMN FAIR. Woodmansterne Road, CarshaltonT: 020 8643 7764 W: www.diamondcentre.org.uk Sun 19 Sep 12.00pm - 4.00pm. Activities include novelty dog show, Young’s shire horses, farrier demonstrations, fire engine, staff riding display, ferret racing, balloon modelling, steam train rides, Punch and Judy. Refreshments available. Adults £4; children £1

HACKBRIDGE CARNIVAL Hackbridge School Sat 18 Sep 1.00 - 9.30pm. 1.00-5.00pm round Hackbridge – contact Andrew Roland T: 020 8648 3650 E: [email protected]. Free, no booking required. 6.30 - 9.30pm at BedZED Pavilion. Traditional Country Food, dance and music at BedZED Pavilion; Come in fancy dress as a storybook or nursery rhyme character. Booking essential: £3 per person 5 years and over (under 5s free) – contact Jo Simister T: 07796 410 850 E: [email protected]

THE LONDON BABY AND TODDLER SHOW Twickenham Stadium, TwickenhamContact Katy T: 07979 590160 E: [email protected] W: www.thelondonbabyandtoddlershow.co.uk Sun 19 Sep 10.00 - 4.30pm

WHITEHALL, CHEAM 1, Malden Road, Cheam, Surrey. SM3 8QD T:020 8643 1236 E: [email protected] W: www.friendsofwhitehallcheam.co.uk Sat 18 10.00 - 5.00pm & Sun 19 Sep 2.00 - 5.00pm. London Open House Weekend. Free admission

Local ListingsPlease always phone before setting out in case details have changed since press deadline...Please send info to our listings editor to be considered: [email protected]

WEEKEND 24/25/26 SEPTEMBERSUTTON HIGH STREET The Art of Suburbia Fri 24 & Sat 25 September http://www.sutton.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=9641. British and international street arts to celebrate the launch of the renewed High Street.

WEEKEND 2/3 OCTOBERTHE ROYAL INSTITUTION OF GREAT BRITAIN 21 Albemarle Street, London, W1S 4BSFamily Fun Day Sat 2 October 11.00 - 4.00pm. A day of hands-on science fun. Particularly suitable for 5–14 year olds though everyone is welcome. Adults: £5, 3-18yrs: £3, under 3: Free.

FOOD ‘N’ FUN OCTFEST Ewell Court House and Grounds, Lakehurst Drive, Ewell, Surrey, KT19 0EB. Contact Tim Goldsmith T: 020 8393 8129 E: [email protected] Sun 3 Oct 10. A community event to raise funds for the restoration of the island on the lake. Food fair with local producers including South African and Polish food, hog roast, licensed bar and wine tasting. Children’s rides, sideshows, face painting, glitter tattoos, donkey rides and vintage vehicles. Something for all the family. Admission free.

MORDEN HALL PARK, Morden Hall Road, Morden SM4 5JD T: 020 8545 6850 (General enquiries) Sun 3 Oct 12.00 - 4.00pm. Apple Day Discover more about the Great British apple with apple displays, apple tasting and apple printing.

WEEKEND 9/10 OCTOBER

MUSEUM OF CROYDON Level 1, Croydon Clocktower, Katharine Street, Croydon CR9 1ET. T: 020 8253 1022 W: www.museumofcroydon.gov.uk Sat 9 Oct Family Day. 10.30 - 4.00pm. Free drop-in sessions:10.30 – 10.45am, 11.30-11.45am, 1-1.15pm. Conversations with a dragon. Riesco Gallery & Clocktower Court. 11.00 - 1.00pm, 2.00 - 4.00pm. Take a dragon home. Clocktower Activities Room11.00 - 1.00pm, 2.00 - 4.00pm. Dragons alive. Clocktower Activities Room11.00 - 1.00pm, 2.00 - 4.00pm. Ribbon Dance Craft. Clocktower Activities Room11.00 - 11.30am, 1.30 - 2.00pm. Ribbons in the air. Clocktower Court

WHITEHALL, CHEAM contact details as for entry 19/20 Sep Sat 9 Oct 10.00 - 4.00 pm A Victorian Bazaar

WEEKEND 16/17 OCTOBERBARBICAN CENTRE Silk Street, London EC2Y 8DS. T: 020 7638 4141 (enquiries) / 020 7638 8891 (bookings) W: www.barbican.org.uk FAMILY CONCERT: Sat 16 Oct 3.00pm. Great Performers 10-11 – Watch This Space. NASA’s HD footage, combined with The Houston Symphony orchestra playing Holst’s The Planets. Free family activities before the concert.

SOMERSET HOUSE Strand, London WC2 1LA T: 020 7845 4600, W: www.somerset.org.uk Sat 2.00 - 3.30pm. Free Family Workshops: Tickets available on the day at the information desk in the Seamen’s Hall from 1.00pm. Children 6-12yrs must be accompanied by an adult.Sat 16 Oct 2.00 - 3.30pm. Mini Masked Ball Design your own tiny ball complete with the outfits and decorations.

NCT Nearly New SalesUnless otherwise specified items for sale include babies’ and children’s clothes up to the age of 11 yrs; toys, books, maternity, baby and child related equipment.www.nctpregnancyandbabycare.com/in-your-area

Sanderstead Sat 13th Nov 10.00 – 12.00pm. All Saints Church, Onslow Gardens, Sanderstead, CR2 9AB. Contact Lesley T: 0844 243 6100 E: [email protected]

Beckenham Sat 11 Sep 11.30 – 1.00pm (from 11.15am for NCT members with card). St John’s Church Hall, 251 Eden Park Avenue, BeckenhamContact Pip Henderson T: 0844 243 6046 E: [email protected]

West Wickham & Hayes Sat 16 Oct 10.30am – 12.00pm (from 10.15am for NCT members with card) The Assembly Halls, Gates Green Road, Coney Hall, West Wickham. Contact Kirstie Thomas T: 0844 243 6320 E: [email protected]

Caterham Sat 18 Sep, Sat 20 Nov 10.30-12.00pm (from 10.15am for NCT members with card). de Stafford School, Burntwood Lane, CaterhamContact Anita or Josie T: 08442436076 E: [email protected]

Cheam Sat 18 Sep 3.15 - 4.30pm (from 3.00pm for NCT members with card)St Andrews Church, Northey Avenue, Cheam Contact Tamara Hammad E: [email protected]

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Diary dates for families



2011 WIMBLEDON TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS TICKET BALLOTThe All England Lawn Tennis Club, Church Road, Wimbledon, London SW19 5AE Applications for the 2011 Public Ballot will be accepted until December 2010. The majority of Centre, No.1 and No.2 Court tickets are sold via a public ballot. Visit their website for details of how to enter the ballot: Wimbledon/ballot

ROYAL INSTITUTION CHRISTMAS LECTURES TICKETS 9.30am Mon 13 Sep booking opens for the general public. Children must be aged 11-17 years. Adults: £25, Children 11-17 yr olds: £15.

‘MEET-A-MINDER’ Central Library, Katharine Street, Croydon CR9 1ETSat 11 Sep 10.00 – 12.00. Once a term parents can come and chat to childminders about the service they offer.

WOODCOTE GREEN FARMERS’ MARKET Woodcote Green Nurseries, Woodmansterne Lane, Wallington, SM6 0SU T: 020 8647 6838 E: [email protected] W: www.woodcotegreen.comSat 18 Sep 10.00am - 3.00pm

MEET THE SCHOOLS SHOW Hilton Hotel, Cobham, Surrey, KT11 1EWContact Suzie Oweiss T: 020 82741075/07976 602 810 E: [email protected] W: www.meettheschools.co.uk Fri 24th Sep 10.00 - 2.00. An event providing parents with the opportunity to meet with representatives from a large number of Independent Schools under one roof.

SUTTON FARMERS’ MARKET Town Square and Millenium Gardens, Sutton High Street, (outside Waterstone’s) T: 020 8770 6611 E: [email protected] W: www.ecolocal.org.uk/ event-detail.php?id=100 Sat 25th Sep 9.30 - 1.30

WALLINGTON FARMERS’ MARKET Old Town Hall & Library Gardens, Woodcote Road, Wallington, Surrey, SM6 0NB T: 020 8770 6611 E: [email protected] W: www.ecolocal.org.uk/markets Sat 9th Oct 10 9.00 - 1.00

NCT CROYDON BABY SHOW 2010 Trinity School, Shirley Park, Croydon, Surrey, CR9 7AT. Contact Mrs Katie Litchfield E: [email protected] W: www.nct.org.uk/croydon Sat 16 Oct 10.00 -3.00. Free goodie bag for early birds, conditions apply. See p. 6 in this issue.

THE COLOUR HOUSE THEATREMerton Abbey Mills, Merantun Way, SW19 2RD. T: 020 8542 5511. W: www.colourhousetheatre.co.ukSat & Sun 2pm and 4pm. £7/£9.To Sun 14 Nov. Little Red Riding Hood. 3yrs+.

EPSOM PLAYHOUSE, Ashley Avenue, Epsom, Surrey KT18 5AL T: 01372 742555 W: www.epsomplayhouse.co.ukSat 18 Sep 1.00pm & 3.30pm. Stickman. £8.50Tue 26 Oct 2.00pm. Tom’s Midnight Garden. £10.50Sat 30 Oct 10.30am & 12.30pm. A Taste of Dahl. £7.50MYERS STUDIO. Wed 8 Dec- Fri 24 Dec. The Night Before Christmas. £7.50 to £12.50

FAIRFIELD HALLS, Park Lane, Croydon, CR9 1DG T: 020 8688 9291 E: [email protected] W: www.fairfield.co.ukSun 26 Sep 2.00pm. Andy & Mike’s Big Box of Bananas. Adults £9, Children £8, Concs £8. Aimed at 4-11 year olds (and their families). Features CBeebies presenter Andy Day and comedy partner Michael JamesThu 28 Oct 1.30pm & 3.30pm. Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! Tickets: £8.50

THE HARLEQUIN THEATRE, Warwick Quadrant, Redhill, Surrey, RH1 1NNT: 01737 276500Sun 10 Oct Basil’s Swap Shop. Tickets from £12.00Tue 19- 23 Oct Disney’s Beauty and the Beast – The Opera Club of Reigate & Redhill. Tickets from £12.50 - £17.50. Family Ticket (Sat matinee only): £45.00Fri 29 Oct Danger Mouse Saves the World

THE LEATHERHEAD THEATRE, 7, Church Street, LEATHERHEAD, Surrey, KT22 8DN T: 01372 365141Wed 27 Oct 2.00pm and 4.30pmKirsten O’Briens ArtMeet CBBC star Kirsten after the show for a special meet, greet and autograph signing session. Adults £10, Children £8

NEW WIMBLEDON THEATRE.The Broadway, Wimbledon, London SW19 1QG. T: 0870 060 6646. W: www.newwimbledontheatre.co.ukTue 19- Sat 23 Oct. Scrooge with Tommy Steele. Tue-Thurs eve, kids go half-price. £19 to £36.Sat 6-Sun 7 Nov. Peppa Pig’s Party £12.50 to £16.50.

POLKA THEATRE, WIMBLEDON240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London SW19 1SB. T: 020 8543 4888. W: www.polkatheatre.com1 Oct to 6 Nov. Mission To Mars. 7-11yrs. £8/£12. Fri 8 Oct. Free after show talk as Dr Gail Iles & Dr Andrew Newsam discuss what it’s really like training for a mission into space.13 Oct to 12 Feb 2011. Lost And Found. A beautiful and touching tale of friendship. 3-5yrs. For a special toddler version (1-2yrs) please check the calendar on the website. £7/£9.

Special Event: Wimbledon Bookfest Sat 2-Sun 10 Oct. Tickets 020 8543 4888 or online. Info: www.wimbledonbookfest.orgBook related events and workshops for adults and children taking place in venues all over Wimbledon, including The Polka Theatre. There will be a “big Tent” on Wimbledon Common for the final weekend (8-10 Oct).

SECOMBE THEATRE, 42 Cheam Road, Sutton, SM1 2SS Box Office: 0208 770 6990W: www.suttontheatres.co.ukTue 26 – Sat 30 Oct 7.30pm Sat mat 2.30pm. The Greater London SouthWest Gang Show presents Souwest 2010. Tue, Wed eve & Sat mat performances: £6 Thurs, Fri & Sat eve £9.00/£7.50 concs

TARA STUDIO, 356 Garratt Lane, London SW18 4ES. 020 8333 4457, www.tara-arts.comSat 9 Oct. Tom Thumb 10.30am, 1.30pm. £6.50/£7.50. Thurs 28-Sat 30 Oct. 10.30am, 1.30pm. When The Lights Went Out Based on the Indian epic, The Ramayana, the show tells of the darkening of the sun and how light was returned to the earth. 7-11yrs and their families. £6.50/£7.50.

Local ListingsGoing to the Theatre

Diary dates for parents

When The Lights Went Out

Congratulations to the winners of our Organix giveaway in the May-Jun issue:

Mrs D Walter-Simons, Worcester Park KT4 Mrs L. Ingles, Worcester Park KT4 Nicola Manson, Banstead SM7 Mrs Lisa Scerri, Worcester ParkMrs Oliveira, Sutton SM1 Miss Kristina Macpherson, Kenley CR8 Sarah Mumby, Croydon, CR0 Mrs Johanna Parry, Ashtead KT21 Mrs P Labadie, Croydon CR8 Mrs Victoria Goram, Epsom, KT19

For a chance to win one of the fantastic giveaways we have on offer in this issue either send a postcard

with your details and those of the competition you are entering to: Families LSB,

PO Box 299, Wallington SM6 6AW or register at www.families-lsb.co.uk and enter online.

For terms and conditions see page 24.

Details of how to enter competitions/giveaways:

See page 7

See page 4

See page 8

WIN


Local Listings

BOCKETTS FARM PARK Fetcham, nr. Leatherhead T: 01372 363764

W: www.bockettsfarm.co.uk Sat 23 – Sun 31 Oct. Thousands of pumpkins for sale and a creepy craft corner as well as a spooky quiz trail with prize for each child. Daily activities include animal handling, goat milking, pony rides, tractor rides and pig races.

CHESSINGTON WORLD OF ADVENTURES Fri 22 - Sun 31 Oct 10.00 – 8.00pm Halloween Hocus Pocus

DENBIES WINE ESTATE London Road, Dorking, Surrey, RH5 6AA T: 01306 876616 E: email [email protected] W: www.denbiesvineyard.co.ukMon 25 - Thu 28 October. Lego Exhibition. Admission free. Email them if you wish to exhibit.Thu 28 Oct 10.00am and 2.00pm. Spooky Story Telling. Free admission. Face painting £3 per child.Thu 28 Oct 11.00am Creepy Crawly Roadshow. £6.50 per child

MORDEN HALL PARK, The Snuff Mill, Morden Hall Road, Morden SM4 5JD T: 020 8545 6850 (General enquiries)Thu 28 Oct 11.00 - 3.00pm. Family Fun Day October – The Big Draw. Family £3

MUSEUM OF CROYDON contact details as for entry 9 October under Diary dates for Families on page 21. Free drop-in sessions: Tue 26 Oct. 10.30am, 11.20am, 12pm (30 mins duration) Dragon storytelling. Clocktower CourtWed 27 Oct. 10.30am, 11.45am (45 mins). Lao Lao of Dragon Mountain. Clocktower Court.Wed 27 Oct. 11.00 - 1.00pm, 2.00 - 4.00pm. Dragons alive! Clocktower Activities Room

SOMERSET HOUSE contact details as for entry 16 October under Diary dates for Families on page 21. Holiday Drop-In Workshops:23 Oct. Shadows On The Wall Make your own moveable shadow puppets and see them projected in our shadow theatre of old Somerset House.30 Oct. Glowing Ghosts Of Somerset House! Create dazzling artworks and explore working with dark to light by scratching the surface to reveal bright colours beneath.

FREE

Please always phone before setting out in case details have changed since press deadline...Please send info to our listings editor to be considered: [email protected]

Half Term Events

DOWNSEND SCHOOL Holiday care provision for Downsend pupils and friends aged 2 - 13, in a familiar and secure environment. Downsend +. Downsend School, 1 Leatherhead Road, Leatherhead. Rebecca Peek T: 01372 385403 W: www.downsend.co.ukDownsend Lodges + Leatherhead Lodge, 13 Epsom Road, LeatherheadSandra Bullock T: 01372 385437 W: www.downsend.co.uk

Mon 25 Oct – Fri 5 Nov 9.00 – 4.00pm daily. Extended day available which covers from 8.00 am - 5.30 pm

KITCHEN STARSLocation: South CroydonEmma T: 07904 238 74 or Cecilie T: 07702 553 757 W: www.kitchenstars.co.uk

Mon 25th Oct 10.30 - 12.30pm. Autumn Favorites WorkshopAll equipment, ingredients and packaging included in the price. Cost: £18 or £33 for 2 siblings

POLKA THEATRE240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London, SW19 1SB T: 020 8543 4888 W: www.polkatheatre.com

Tue 26 Oct 10.00 – 11.30. Black History Month Workshop for parents and children aged 5-8 years. Each child must be accompanied by a parent/carer. £7.50Wed 27 Oct 10.00 – 4.00. Create a Mission to Mars using stop motion animation. Ages 7-11. £35Thu 28 Oct 10.00 – 12.00. Build your own spaceship in this interactive drama and craft session. Ages 7-9. £15Fri 29 Oct 9.30 – 11.00. Book early for this gentle drama and craft workshop inspired by Lost and Found. Ages 3-5. £15

SIR JOHN SOANE’S MUSEUM13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London, WC2A 3BP. To book contact the Administrator T: 020 7440 4263 E: [email protected] W: www.soane.orgDay and half-day Workshops suitable for ages 7+Wed 27 Oct (2 x half days) Self Portraits.Thurs 28 Oct (whole day). Shadowy Secrets at the Soane.Fri 29 Oct (2 x half days). Skeleton Puppets.

Whole-day: 10.30- 3.00; half-day: 10.30-12.30 or 2.00-4.00 (please specify when booking). All materials are provided but must bring lunch for whole-day workshops. £18 for whole day, £10 for half day, payable in advance (concessions available)

Half Term Holiday Camps & Workshops

Sir John Soane’s Museum

Kitchen Stars

Bockeetts Farm Park

Dragon Tales - Museum of Croydon

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21


ClassifiedsTuition

Southern Tutors. 01372723947. [email protected]. 11+ tuition. Holiday courses. GCSE and ‘A’ level.

Cooking Classes and Parties for childrenAges 2-16. Croydon and Bromley areas.www.kitchenstars.co.uk 07904238748

Flossie 020 8647 9967 The fun and laughter never stops!1 or 2 hr parties with magic, music, balloons, puppets, games, dancing.

Parties Podiatrist/Chiropodist

Keyboard/Piano Tuition

Competition Terms and Conditions1. Only one entrant from same e-mail address or household will be accepted.2. Under 16s must obtain parental consent before entering.3. Entries must be received by the closing date and proof of sending cannot be taken as

proof of receipt.4. Winning entries will be randomly drawn from all correct entries.5. All decisions of Families magazine are final and no correspondence will be entered into.6. No prize is exchangeable for cash or any other prize.7. Winners’ details will be supplied to the Promoter of the competition.8. Families magazine is not liable for any delay or failure by the Promoter to deliver any

prize or for the quality of the prize or for any loss or damage arising in connection with the competition.

9. By entering the competition, entrants will be deemed to have accepted and agreed to these terms and conditions.

Advertise with Families London-Surrey Borders21 000 magazines printed and

distributed to families who live in Epsom, Ashtead, Ewell, Cheam, North Cheam, Worcester Park, Old Malden, Stoneleigh, Belmont, Sutton, Morden,

Mitcham, Banstead, Carshalton, Carshalton Beeches, Wallington,

Coulsdon, Kenley, Purley, Shirley, Selsdon, Sanderstead, Croydon, Thornton Heath,

and all the places in between.

Call Izabella or David on 020 8669 5187 or email

[email protected]

Classes

Don’t forget to say that you saw these adverts in

Families London-Surrey Borders magazine

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