flsb36-jan-feb 2011

Jan – Feb 2011Issue 36

www.families-lsb.co.uk

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

Including our popular local 'What's On' for families with children aged 0 - 12 in Epsom, Sutton, Croydon and surrounding areas

2 Families London-Surrey Borders January – February 2011

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news

Watch the Birdies in your gardenYes, it’s that time of year again. It’s the Big Garden Birdwatch, and the RSPB is once again inviting us to get involved. This year the survey takes place over the weekend of 29 and 30 January 2011, when thousands of people can be found with pen and paper in hand, checking out the birds visiting their gardens. (See What’s on listing for Sutton Ecology centre on p18).www.rspb.org.uk.

ContentsNews & Views ............................................. 2 - 5Parenting — getting to sleep .................. 6 - 7Holidays ........................................................ 8 - 9Education .................................................10 - 13Nurseries .................................................14 - 16Mum time ..........................................................17Diary dates for families ........................18 - 19Half term workshops and camps ................19Local theatre ...........................................20 - 22Diary dates for parents .................................22What’s on in central London .......................23Reader offers ...................................................23Classified ...........................................................24

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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.

Editor: Izabella Shaw 0208 669 5187 [email protected] www.families-lsb.co.uk PO Box 299, Wallington, SM6 6AW

Printed by Visa Press Limited 01256 885837, Bramley, Hampshire. © 2010 Families London-Surrey Borders.

Don’t want to join a gym, but need a workout?Pay as you go is commonplace in phones and other areas, now a new service is bringing it to the gym scene.

Instead of paying for initial membership and then adding a monthly fee, Pay as U Gym is offering an online gym network with no membership fee that allows customers to find a gym, book a session and pay per visit.

Pay as U Gym launches in the South-East on 21 January. From then, you can sign up on the website (below) and book a session and pay for it. Then print off a voucher to present at the gym at the appointed time.

The cost of each visit varies from £5 to £35 depending on the individual gym and the services it offers, as well as the time of visit depending on peak or off-peak usage.

www.payasUgym.com

Bev Duggan for natural images of childrenOur front cover photo this month was taken by Bev Duggan during the first batch of snow in December last year.

Bev told Families, “I take natural, contemporary photographs of children and families. I like to shoot at an outside location but can always come to their home, usually spending about an hour taking a variety of group shots and individual portraits. I offer beautiful lifestyle photography at competitive prices.”

www.bevdugganphotography.co.uk0203 044 4063 / 07791 315 221

This year’s Children’s Book Festival will run in libraries across Epsom and Ewell, Mole Valley, Reigate,Banstead and Tandridge for three fun-filled weeks from 19 February until 12 March.

Libraries will be hosting a variety of events for children aged 0 - 14, from author visits and illustrator workshops to magic shows and theatre performances.

Join Tony De Saulles for a Horrible Science drawing workshop and grab the chance to meet Darren Shan, the master of horror to find out more about his amazing books. Meet Elmer and The Gruffalo or try your hand at making comics. There’s something for everyone.

www.surreycc.gov.uk/childrensbookfestival

West End Performer takes over at Stagecoach – Worcester Park and Cheam

From the January term the Stagecoach schools in Worcester Park and Cheam will be taken over by Lucy Moorby, who joins Stagecoach after an extensive professional career in the Performing Arts.

Her West End credits include Joseph and his Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat (London Palladium), Grease

(Dominion Theatre) and Dr Doolittle (Hammersmith Apollo)Lucy hopes to build on the school’s success and bring in many experienced professionals from her extensive theatrical background.

www.stagecoach.co.uk/microsite/index.php?header_lid=152020 8224 2442

Half term fun at Surrey Libraries’ Book Festival

3January – February 2011 Families London-Surrey Borders


newsDaytona karting offers discounts in JanuarySurrey’s premier outdoor karting venue, Daytona Sandown Park, is marking the 20th Birthday of the Daytona Group by offering 20% off all race fees during January 2011.

For those who have not been karting at the track, it’s an awesome experience, though this reviewer got bruises all over his back – but in a good way.

Daytona offers a fleet of highly maintained karts ranging from those specially designed for the very young, right up to 70 mph ‘Pro Karts’ for experienced drivers/adults.

The venue boasts the challenging 900metre Grand Prix circuit which can be split into the Indy and Club circuits for smaller events and for

Juniors. Daytona offers first-class racing to everyone aged five years and upwards and claims to be the ultimate karting venue.

www.daytona.co.uk 0845 644 5502

Overcome the challenges of working from homeOne of the biggest drawbacks of homeworking is isolation. The first solution is to use social networking to get regular online contact with people working in fields related to your business and make contact with local business groups and general business support groups.

Second, get out and about. Use social networking to arrange face to face meetings.

Third, ensure you have childcare in place. It is very difficult to work when trying to look after children.

Fourth, keep your work station separate from family life. If possible, install a second business-only phone line or use a virtual office assistant. Also ensure you have a good broadband connection and back-up if your computer goes down.

Last, work your hours. One danger of homeworking is overwork. Make sure you get enough rest and don’t burn out.

Workingmums.co.ukwww.WorkingMumsLive.co.uk

Swedish clothes by party planMe&i , a gorgeous range of kids’ clothes from Sweden is coming to the UK.

The brand was founded by two Swedish mums in 2004 and their clothes represent Swedish design at its best – high quality, funky colours and cool prints and they are really comfortable to wear.

With me&i , clothes shopping for the kids is a relaxed affair. A me&i representative will come to you and showcase the clothes so you and your friends can get a really good look and feel.

If you are thinking about returning to work or just want to change to a job that fits round your family, take a look at the company’s website as they are currently looking for people to join them as self-employed me&i representatives.

www.meandi.eu07725 030 821



local news4-8 year olds to go Under the Sea with Perform

This term, Perform children in Epsom, Sutton and Croydon will not just be having fun acting, singing and dancing each week, they’ll be exploring a magical world Under the Sea. This theme guarantees a world of fun and adventure, with many interesting sea characters along the way.

Perform’s Principal Lucy Quick said, “Perform workshops aim to be the best fun of the week for four-to-eight year olds, but at the same time educational and informative. Our Under the Sea theme will involve meeting a magical world of ocean creatures and embarking on an exciting watery adventures”.

Classes Run on Mondays in Purley, Tuesdays in Caterham and Ashtead, Thursdays in Oxted, Saturdays in Reigate.

www.perform.org.uk 0845 400 1273

Help them to saveRecent research undertaken by Asda has shown that a surprising 81% of parents in the UK think children should receive lessons on how to save their pocket money. In response to this finding, the supermarket giant has launched its first ever pocket money savings card, the Monkey Bank. Designed in association with parents, the Monkey Bank works in a similar way to a gift card where money is loaded onto the card either in store or online and then your child can log in to play Monkey Paradise. Every penny saved on the card is turned into virtual ‘monkey nuts’ which they can use online to buy things for their island paradise like flowers or buildings.

www.asdamonkeybank.co.uk.

Calling all young poets Could you write a prize-winning poem? Would you like to be published online, for free? Then the Firebird Children’s Prize for Poetry is for you. The Firebird Prize invites all poets under the age of eighteen to submit works for the competition, and there is no fee to have your work posted on the associated website. All poems that are posted will automatically be entered into the competition. Submissions are invited prior to midnight on the 21st March 2011 and the winners will be announced at the Guardian Hay Festival 2011.

www.firebirdpoetry.com

Deborah takes over at PQA Croydon It’s all change at Wallington as Pauline Quirke Academy’s new Principal. Deborah Williams, takes over. Deborah is a working professional in the Arts sector as well as a writer and performer with an international reputation.

She will bring a wealth of experience and opportunities with her which will build on the great work the students have been doing over the last year.

The students are already beginning work on material for the West End show they will be performing in the summer.

Taking place at Her Majesty’s Theatre (home of The Phantom of the Opera), this promises to be the highlight of a very exciting year. Places are still available at PQA Croydon, so if you’re six to 18 years old and love performing arts, get in touch and book a free trial session today.

croydon.pqacademy.com084567 32022

British Herb Growers seek junior herb hero British herb growers are encouraging kids to get cooking, with the launch of a new competition to find Britain’s Junior Herb Hero. The competition is aimed at children from seven to 16 years, with a passion for cooking.

However, it’s more than just a recipe competition as the BHTA is asking young chefs to upload a four minute video of themselves demonstrating how to prepare the dish.

For parents who think they’ve got what it takes to be a Herb Hero, there’s also an adult category, with a cash prize.

www.fresh-herbs.co.uk/competition/

Croydon High refurbishes Junior schoolCroydon High School Junior Department has announced an extensive refurbishment programme, with the first major phase due for completion in September 2011.

A significant capital investment from the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST), a charity operating the largest group of independent schools in the UK, will see the renovation of classrooms and other learning spaces, improved facilities and the re-development of external play areas, complete with new equipment.

Debbie Leonard, Head teacher said, “The refurbishment and landscape development programme is really exciting and will showcase everything we have to offer for girls, from when they join us in the Nursery aged three and through the Juniors until they move up to CHS Senior Department at age eleven.”

www.croydonhigh.gdst.net/020 8260 7500

Stagecoach opens new class in Merton ParkStagecoach Merton Park is opening a new Friday school at David Lloyd, in Raynes Park. The classes will be held in the new Kids’ section at the club, and are open to members and non-members of David Lloyd alike.

Stagecoach is open to boys and girls aged from six to 18 of all abilities. Classes run from 5-8pm on Friday afternoons weekly. Siblings are welcome and enjoy a half-rate fee. Children from four to six years are welcome to enrol in the 90-minute Early Stages classes, 4.30-6pm

Next term the classes will be working towards a performance of the musical Billy Elliot in conjunction with the West End theatre production.

There will be an open meeting on Tuesday 11th January 6.30-8pm. Telephone bookings are also being taken, as places are limited.

www.stagecoach.co.uk/microsite/index.php?header_lid=152020 8942 3502 (Principal Claire Guy)



Parentinglocal news

Families campaigns against E-M pollutionWe’ve all heard that mobiles may carry health risks, and although most of the research into mobile phones and phone masts has found no effect on human health, few researchers look specifically at the effects of phone radiation on children and young people.

“Our children are growing up in a sea of radio frequency radiation that did not exist five years ago,” says Dr Devra Davis, public health specialist and author of Disconnect: The Truth About Cell Phone radiation.

She said there is a belief that children are more susceptible because their brain tissue is still growing and their skulls are thinner. In France, primary school children are banned from using mobiles, and phone providers are discouraged from aiming advertising at children.

The science may still be sketchy but perhaps until it becomes clearer we might follow the advice of Dr Davis: keep calls on mobile phones short; text rather than call; never carry a live mobile next to your body and always use a headset.

The same applies to digital baby monitors. Parents are advised to keep the monitor away from a baby’s head, preferably across the other side of the room.

You can see her advice to teenagers at the links below.

www.environmentalhealthtrust.org www.wiredchild.org

Louise Sutherland for baby and toddler photographs

Local photographer, Louise Sutherland is offering a discount on photographs taken following a session either at her studio, or on location. She is offering a free session worth £75 plus £25 off any maternity, baby and toddler photo sessions until the end of February.

www.sutherlandphotography.co.uk 020 8643 3088

MadAcademy opens classes in Banstead, SelsdonMadAcademy classes for youngsters is opening new classes in the area.

Two new classes aimed at crawlers and walkers up to age four have opened in Banstead on a Thursday afternoon. Pauline Llewellyn, who runs classes in the Sutton area, said the Crawlers class runs from 1.15pm until nearly 2pm, while the class for pre-schoolers runs from 2pm until 2.45. She also runs classes in Cheam on Tuesdays and Sutton Tennis Academy on Thursday mornings.

Meanwhile Debbie Mason,who runs classes in the Croydon area is opening a new class for walkers up to age four in St John’s Church, Selsdon from 9.30 on Saturday mornings. Debbie also runs classes in Caterham and South Croydon

www.madacademy.comCall Debbie on 01689 844848 Call Pauline on 01372 372 942



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When Sleep won’t come

Sleep is vital for our health and well-being. Both adults and children need their sleep to function properly. Here we offer advice and where to get help when things don’t work out.Without enough sleep, we adults feel terrible. We think slower, our memories go and we start to get clumsy.

Even worse, lack of sleep suppresses the immune system, making tired people more likely to catch colds and flu. But a critical piece of research shows that women produce a special hormone while they sleep, and this helps to keep breast cancer at bay. So a minimum of six hours sleep every night is vital for continued health, especially among women.

Local sleep expert Chireal Shallow – head of Naturally Nurturing clinic in Croydon – said, “for those mums who are doing most of the childcare, they need to be on top of their game to be an effective parent.”

Chireal, who last year showed her technique on Channel 4, said the most important thing is to develop a routine. That does not mean sticking to a rigid timetable, but making sure the same things happen in the same sequence each night before getting to sleep. “For me the routine is about the sequence of events – not the time or the environment in which it takes place.”

She said a rigid routine does not work in modern life, when there is another child who might be crying or away on a sleep-over, or when someone is ill, or when travelling. All

these things can make a rigid routine hard to follow.

Where a routine has been established,said Chireal, “Kids then know when the routine begins they know how to behave and do not resist so much. The good thing about that is when the hour changes in the summer, you have less of the complaint about it being no longer dark outside.“

Adults need routine tooShe said this kind of routine is just as important for adults as for children. She said many adults come to her, for example when their sleep has been disrupted by a new baby, or when there are other changes in their lives. Her advice is that people need to think about the routine, and caffeine and coke intake and exercise. “Do you have a wind-down routine? A lot of adults think that kind of routine is just for children, but you need to know when your body is going to shut down and relax,” she said.

She adds, “So think about a routine: how we can wind down, with sounds, and smells.” Mum-of-four Chireal follows her own advice, adopting a slow, calming voice and staying away from computers and phones in the evening.

“I will use lamps instead of top lights. I’ll have a book and not go into my home office after a certain time, so it is about me, and not getting stressed or worried about work or anything else.”

Naturally Nurturing has sleep consultants operating in Croydon, Wimbledon and Wandsworth. They specialise in families who have sleep issues, and offer services from telephone conversations, to products and aids that help you and child to get sleep. They have an audio CD that talks through some of the methods they use.

www.naturallynurturing.co.uk/

0844 826 5458

parenting

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Sleep tips from the experts at Greatvine: 1 Start a simple bedtime routine as soon as possible. A bath, massage and feed in the bedroom will help relax your baby.

1 Carry out the same familiar routine at bedtime with your baby. Babies are very ritualistic and like to know their routine is the same.

1 Have the same bedtime routine every night, from the age of six weeks, so your baby begins to pick up bedtime cues.

1 Baby should always be awake when put in the cot so they know what is happening.

1 Keep the room dark for all sleeps but not pitch black.

1 Be reasonable with your expectations, you are not going to turn a bad sleeping habit round in a single night.

1 Persevere, allow yourself four nights of the same routine and approach and then reassess.

1 Don’t wake your baby up in the night to feed, unless they had a low birth weight, let them sleep – and you can too. Instead, give them a dream feed at 11pm. That means they’ll have a long sleep in the middle of the night, when you have yours.

1 Don’t change nappies in the night after 11pm unless dirty. It’ll wake them up and make it harder to resettle.

1 Try not to rock your baby or feed them to sleep. Cuddle them until they’re calm, then put them in the cot while they’re awake, but drowsy.

1 Don’t make the cot a stimulating environment with musical toys or lights. It does not send out the right signal.

1 Don’t compare yourself to all your friends. Remember you only have a sleep issue if you are not getting enough sleep.

1 Don’t let your baby or child become overtired, they will be even harder to settle. — by Linda Russell.

www.greatvine.com/jo-tantum

Sleep and the XBox GenerationAccording to Chireal at the sleep clinic, screens, video consoles and other electronic systems are ruining our sleep.

She said she has a rule that her children may not use the screens and video consoles on school days, or in the afternoon, as it takes so long for them to

recover from the state of arousal that the consoles and screens can trigger.

“I think it is really important that computer and video game use is restricted, If there is some homework that needs to be done on a computer, then do it as soon as you get in after school, but then not have it on during the week in school time.”

She continued, “It really is about saying ‘no!’ It is worth having that battle – I have battles every night over that with my 17-year old. I will just go in there and unplug it and take it away.”

parenting



From the Head Teacher’s study

Travel for free, or travel for less, or for more

By Joanna Moorhead

We all need a holiday, but how are we going to manage it in the harsh new economics of the year into which we’re headed? Joanna Moorhead shares some ideas on how to do make it work – whatever your budget (and even if you’ve no budget whatsoever.) It’s that time of the year when our thoughts invariably turn, as we shiver in grey, cold Britain, to warmer climes and sun-kissed beaches. The kind of places we hope to end up in a few months’ time, when it’s summer once again and we’re getting away from it all for those magical two weeks we call our annual holiday.

Of course holidays with kids are always tricky...and one of the trickiest aspects of all is financing them. This year more than usual, finding the money to pay for a holiday is, for thousands of families, going to be harder than ever. But chins up – we’re not giving up! There are still ways to do it ... and for those who do have some money to spend, the bargains are likely to be hotter than ever.

Holiday for freeYes, you really can go on holiday without spending any money at all. Even if you only manage not to pay for your accommodation, you’ll still be making a huge saving. Here are just some of the ways of achieving a cost-free break.

1 Wildcamping: it isn’t for everyone, but those who love ‘real’ camping say they really adore it. What it means is camping in the remote wilds – not on campsites (where you have to pay), but in the absolute back of beyond, where there’s no infrastructure at all. The downside, of course, is that it’s usually illegal (unless you have the landowner’s permission) but if you’re headed to Scotland you’re in luck since the right to camp on hill land is now enshrined in public-access law. For more information, see www.outdooraccess-scotland.com.

Work for your keep!1 Working holidays, in fact, aren’t usually free – but they are very, very cheap. The National Trust, for example, has holidays from £90 a week including food and hostel-type accommodation. No previous experience is necessary, as you’ll be led by trained volunteer leaders and staff. The trust says it’s a great opportunity for families, especially those with older children, to spend time together as a family...you’ll be involved in ‘team activities’ and you’ll be helping to improve the environment. Children must be at least eight years old. For more information, see http://bit.ly/haPUz1

Holiday for less In general, you get what you pay for with holiday spending. But it is possible to make your money go further – you just have to work out a strategy, and stick to it.

1 Bargain-hunt: There are bargains around on the holiday front this year...and as usual, the trick is either to book well ahead, or to wait until the very last minute (and if your income is looking dodgy at the moment, the late-booking option could be the best).

Uncertainty is tricky when you’ve got kids, but try

holidays

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Families London-Surrey Borders.



EducationFrom the Head Teacher’s study

to keep them happy by promising that you will go somewhere, you’re just not entirely sure exactly where...but work out a few basics, so you can tell them it will definitely involve a beach, a flight (if it’s abroad) and the chance to play with other kids (if you’re going somewhere where there’ll be other families).

1 Holiday with another family. This can reduce your outlay a lot, because the costs will be divided in two. If you’re holidaying with another family, the cheapest thing to do is either to stay in the UK or to go to France or somewhere else by ferry, since that’s the cheapest way to travel.

Look for bargains like La Blanchere in the Vendée region of France – it’s a four-bed farmhouse set in a two-acre garden with a games barn and an above-ground swimming pool. It’s available for just £700 a week in high season – so for two families sharing, that’s quite a bargain. For more information, see www.recommendedfamilyholidays.com/top25places.shtml

Holiday for moreIf you’re going to spend a bit of money this year, you’re in luck because there will be plenty of choice – and you should be able to get somewhere that gives you excellent value for money, given that many families will be looking for a cheaper option.

1 Shop around: so, you definitely need to shop around. Tell travel companies about deals you’ve been offered by competitors – and see whether they’re prepared to throw more into your deal, or to cut the cost. Make clear from the start that you’re looking for a holiday that’s pricy but also offers great value.

1 Go somewhere unfashionable. For 2011, for example, Mexico isn’t looking like the hottest holiday destination – but I was there last summer with my family for a fortnight, and though Mexico is a country with problems, those problems are far away from your all-inclusive hotel on the Yucatan peninsula.

We stayed at Club Med in Cancun, which was excellent – it’s got the best position on the Cancun holiday strip; it’s well away from the business of the town and the food is delicious while our older children enjoyed the teen hang-out called, oddly, Carwash.

Add to this watersports, childrens’ clubs and childcare, pretty views, a great beach and altogether, Mexico was a family holiday of a lifetime and it wasn’t a let-down – and given that the Yucatan is packed with all-inclusive hotels, and that it’s not had a great press of late, it should be a great place to get a lot more for your (considerable) outlay in summer 2011. For more information, see www.clubmed.co.uk

holidays

Parents relax while kids playSix stylish gîtes in the Charente Maritime region of France are collectively known as La Garenne, and offer relaxation for parents and fun for children of all ages.

All the charm and beauty has been kept in this 16th Century fortified farm. A meal service and baby-sitting services help parents relax, while the gîtes have been carefully designed to allow small children to run free in a safe, contained environment.

Each of the gîtes has a patio facing the communal walled garden with toys, fully fenced swimming pool, climbing tree, tree swings, slides and trampoline. There is also a small heated toddler and baby pool.

Change-over days are Friday or Saturday. Discounts are available on some weeks in May, June and September. Please quote Families when requesting.

[email protected] +33 (0) 54 65 86 985 www.livingfrance.org



fun for mums

I’ll have what she’s having

www.danceoptions.com 020 8770 0011

www.jjdancestudios.co.uk 020 8407 0799

www.shortstepperz.co.uk 07825 841 223

D a n c e can lift you emotionally and spiritually as much as physically. You c a n dance your way through disappointment or revitalise your routine. Dance can help take you through a process of healing. Dance can make you happy.

Do you think you can’t dance? In fact, everyone can dance and there is a dance for everyone. Don’t worry if you have two left feet and the ungainliness of a wildebeest.

Getting all StrictlyFor those inconsolable at the end of the BBC’s recent Strictly Come Dancing series, the only choice is Ballroom or Latin. This area is fortunate in having some schools which are closely associated with Strictly.

Dance Options based in Cheam Village, for example, was one of the first Latin dance schools in the country and today trains the professionals who appear with the celebrities. In response to booming demand, however, the studio has opened classes aimed at social dancing, ranging from Latin classes on a Friday

evening and classes for children and for adults, to

Zumba. The studio also arranges private lessons for those who want more attentive instruction.

Lynn Harman, one of the directors of Options said Strictly has encouraged people to come in and find out more. The more people who try dancing, she said, the more can progress to the higher levels.

Perhaps more important, however, is that when men hear top sportsmen saying that dance has left them breathless and aching, it reverses a common impression among men that dance is a soft or effeminate option.

A two-hour Latin session at Dance Options costs £10, including 45 minutes group tuition and the rest social dancing, where people are encouraged to bring along something to drink, and have a social evening.

Similarly, JJ Dance Studios in Beckenham is another school with close ties to Strictly. John Byrnes, who founded the school with partner

Jane, was the consultant to the first series of Strictly, and danced with Claire Sweeney.

He said Dance has eternal appeal: “if the cost is minimal and the enjoyment is high that is a formula for success.”

JJDance Studios caters directly for families, with classes for children as young as four, and also beginners classes for adults and children. The school runs its own competitive activities as well — John said that is how the school started — but now it runs a balance between social dancing and those who want to compete seriously.

JJDance Studios begins a set of classes each term — check their website for details — but unusually, each of the classes runs the same steps and programme, so if you can’t make it one week, you can go along to the class on another evening and not lose out.

These sessions are also drop-in classes, with no need to book and the studio runs a social night each week where people are free to buy a drink or two at the bar. A lesson and social dance comes to around £10 for the evening.

Those with medical concerns should always check with their GP before attempting any kind of dance class.

Ballet and tap hark back to childhood daysIf Strictly is not for you, why not go all Gene Kelly and try tap? When a mutual friend asked Jenny if she would mind talking to me about her classes, “she broke into a spontaneous dance.” Jenny embraced tap when she retired after more than 25 years working as a mental health

nurse and her enthusiasm is bountiful:

You feel you’ve got a permanent smile on your face. It’s painting by numbers but dancing… counting by rhythm and patterns.

Of course for many of us with daughters, our first brush with formal dance classes is the local ballet school. Who can resist the gauzy skirts and delightful absurdity of the first show?

More and more dance schools are offering ballet for adults. For example, Short Stepperz Dance Academy in Sutton runs beginners’ classes for adults in tap and ballet.

One of the key things about dance, said Lynn Harman, is that it requires both physical and mental effort. As a result, a dance session — whether ballroom, tap or Latin — means all worries and concerns are wiped away, at least for the hour in the studio.

Zumba and CerocA series of dance crazes have swept through the UK recently. The latest is Zumba, which uses Latin rhythms, music and dance moves as the basis

for a physical workout. True dance professionals suggest it is more of an exercise class than a dance class, but Strictly’s Lilia Kopylova runs Zumba classes in Cheam, Sutton and Leatherhead. There are dozens of other Zumba teachers throughout this area – search for Cheam, Croydon, Epsom, Sutton or London Surrey on the Zumba website (http://104269.zumba.com/)

Before Zumba, came Ceroc, which is sometimes referred to as ‘Modern Jive’. Ceroc says it is is the largest dance organisation in the world. Ceroc is a fusion of Salsa, Ballroom, Hip Hop, Tango and Jive. Each class has upwards of 150 people and there’s no need to book. They have centres in Highfield Hall, Carshalton; Bourne Hall, Epsom and the Addington Community Centre in Croydon.

www.ceroc.org.uk/



educationSCHOOL OPEN DAYSCroydon High - Junior school tours available regularly. Contact the Junior school secretary for details.Cumnor House (South Croydon & Purley)- Sat 5 Mar: Prep, Pre-Prep and Nursery open morning 9.30 – 11.00amCumnor House (Purley)- Fri 4 Feb: free parent and toddler play session with talks and tours. Call to reserve a place.Downsend (Epsom) Fri 11 Feb: Main school - Headmaster’s talk 9.30am; Sat 12 Mar: The Lodges – meet the Head 9.30amEagle House (Mitcham) Mon 17 Jan, Tue 1 Feb, Mon 7 Mar: open mornings 10.30 – 12.30pmEagle House (Sutton) Thu 27 Jan, Thu 17 Feb: open mornings 10.00 – 12.00pmEwell Castle (Ewell) Wed 9 Mar: Junior & Senior schools open morning 9.00–10.30am; Wed 2 Feb: Senior sch. open evening from 6.00pmGreenacre (Banstead) Wed 26 Jan: prospective parents’ morning 10.30am – 12.30pmHomefield (Sutton) Contact the school to arrange a visitKingswood House (Epsom)- Thu 3 Feb and Sat 5 Feb: open morning 9.30am – 12.00pmLaleham Lea (Purley) Thu 10 Feb and Sat 12 Feb: open morning 10.00am – 12.00pmPriory Prep (Banstead) Wed 9 Feb, Wed 16 Mar: pop-in mornings 9.00 – 11.00amSt Christopher’s (Epsom) Sat 12 Feb: open morning 10.30am -12.30pmSeaton House (Sutton) Contact the school to arrange a visitSutton High Wed 23 Mar: whole school open morning 10.00am Thames Christian College Tue 8 Mar: open morning 10.15 – 12.15am

Recent OFSTED reports

School Postcode OFSTED URN Phone Date of Age Type of Website score* inspection range school

Wolsey Junior School CR0 0PH 3 3 101747 01689 843103 08 Nov 7 – 11 Primary www.wolseyjunior.org/New Life Christian School CR0 1XP 2 2 101847 020 86807671 05 Nov 3 – 11 Indep. dev.newlifecroydon.co.ukSt John’s CofE Primary School CR0 5EL 2 2 101788 020 86542260 02 Nov 4 – 11 Primary www.st-johns.croydon.sch.uk/Applegarth Junior School CR0 9DL 4 4 101766 01689 841529 09 Nov 7 – 11 Primary [email protected] Primary School CR2 0EQ 1 1 130915 020 86578063 03 Nov 3 – 11 Primary www.ridgewayprimaryschool.org.ukMarden Lodge Primary School CR3 6QH 3 3 125114 01883 343014 06 Oct 3 – 11 Primary www.marden-lodge.surrey.sch.uk St Marks C of E Academy CR4 1SF 3 3 134003 020 86486627 20 Oct 11 – 18 Secondary www.stmarksacademy.com Winterbourne Junior Girls’ Sch. CR7 7QT 3 3 101745 020 86843532 04 Nov 7 – 11 Primary [email protected] Nursery School CR8 2NE 2 2 101704 020 86605639 02 Dec 3 – 5 Nursery www.purley.croydon.sch.ukEpsom Primary School KT19 8SD 2 2 124956 01372 720608 05 Nov 3 – 11 Primary www.epsomprimaryschool.co.uk/The Greville Primary School KT21 1SH 2 2 125008 01372 274872 12 Oct 4 – 11 Primary www.greville.surrey.sch.uk/Downsend Sch. Ashtead Lodge KT21 2RE 1 1 125432 01372 385439 10 Dec 2 – 5 Indep. www.downsend.co.uk/Downsview Primary and Nursery SE19 3XE 2 2 101778 020 87644611 16 Dec 3 – 11 Primary www.downsview.croydon.lgfl.net/Cypress Junior School SE25 4AU 3 2 101714 020 86532618 08 Nov 7 – 11 Primary www.cypressjuniors.co.ukCheam Fields Primary School SM3 8PQ 2 2 102964 020 86449055 15 Dec 3 – 11 Primary www.cheamfields.sutton.sch.uk/Hatfeild Primary School SM4 4SJ 3 3 102632 020 83371332 04 Dec 3 – 11 Primary www.hatfeild.merton.sch.uk/Morden Primary School SM4 5PX 2 2 102640 020 86484168 12 Oct 3 – 11 Primary www.morden.merton.sch.ukThe Beacon School SM7 1AG 3 2 125306 01737 359103 23 Oct 11 – 18 Secondary www.thebeaconschool.co.ukAll Saints’ CofE Primary School SW19 1AR 2 2 102663 020 85403004 13 Nov 3 – 11 Primary www.allsaints.merton.sch.ukSt Matthew’s CofE Primary Sch. SW20 0SX 2 2 102664 020 89477227 11 Dec 3 – 11 Primary www.st-matthews.merton.sch.uk

* OFSTED gives two scores: lower is better. The first number is for overall effectiveness (how good is the school), the second marks the school’s capacity for sustained improvement. 1 means outstanding, 4 means unsatisfactory.



educationNew head teacher arrives at Croydon High

The Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) today announced that Mrs Debbie Leonard has been appointed as the new Head of its Croydon High School. She has been acting head since May of this year.

Before moving to Croydon High, Debbie

was Deputy Headmistress at Nottingham Girls’ High School, a post she held for four years.

The Junior School was recently placed at 23rd in the Sunday Times poll of the top 100 Prep Schools in the country.

Croydon High School, in Selsdon, is Croydon’s leading independent girls’ school. Founded in 1874, it has a Junior School for girls aged three to 11, and its Senior School takes girls from the ages of 11 to 18.

www.croydonhigh.gdst.net/020 8260 7500

11+Pass club now runs on SaturdaysThe 11+ Pass Club is independently run and offers high quality and affordable group tuition to 11+ in Maths, English, Vocabulary building, verbal and non-verbal reasoning at Wallington High School for Girls from only £12.50 per hour.

It runs every Saturday from 9.30am to 12.30pm.

The club offers a maximum of eight students per class where pupils are motivated by each others’ progress. When necessary, they offer one-to-one tuition to help a child struggling in a particular area.

www.11plusPassClub.com. 0845 056 8889

New Head at St Christopher’s in EpsomAnnie Thackray, the new head at St Christopher’s School in Epsom has brought a flurry of excitement to this happy, inspirational school for children aged three to seven.

Building on outstanding academic results, the new Head has introduced Philosophy to encourage critical thinking and self confidence. An exciting Music Festival, booked for March, has given the children the wonderful challenge of singing songs from around the world.

Staff and children eagerly awaits the new Trim Trail, complete with pirate ship, opening in January 2011.

st-christophers.surrey.sch.uk 01372 721807

Brooks School of Learning works in local schoolsBrooks School of Learning (BSL) is working with local schools to help improve results in SATs tests.

The sessions are conducted in the familiarity of the school setting where the children are comfortable and secure. Together with the school, BSL identifies small groups of children who would benefit most from extra tuition and conduct one hour sessions throughout the school day.

Founded by teachers who are also sisters, BSL offers tuition in numeracy, literacy and Spanish tuition from early years through to adult learning.

Broks told Families, “Once we recognise our capacity to learn, we become self-motivated and set our personal ambitions to even greater heights! Most importantly, BSL strives to reinforce the enjoyment of learning and encourage confident communicators.”

See also the longer story on our website, www.families-lsb.co.uk

[email protected] 0843 289 0741

Ofsted shows how all children can read by age sixA new report from Ofsed shows how all children can learn to read by the age of six.

The report shows that the best primary schools teach virtually all their children to read, regardless of their social and economic background, ethnicity, language spoken at home, special needs and disability.

Download the report from: www.ofsted.gov.uk/publications/100197.

Ashtead Lodge wins Outstanding Ofsted report

Ashtead Lodge has won the best possible Ofsted report. The pre-prep unit of Downsend school in Ashtead scored ‘Outstanding’ in each of 11 different categories, following an Ofsted inspection in November.

Ashtead Lodge is one of three pre-preparatory Lodges attached to Downsend School. It was founded in 1983 and operates from a converted residential property in Ashtead, Surrey. A maximum of 50 children may attend at any one time.

There is an ‘Early Bird’ facility for all children from 8am to 8.30am and an Extended Day facility from 4pm to 5.30pm. Reception and Year 1 children are offered after school clubs.

URN: 125432 (Use this on the Ofsted site to download the report)www.downsend.co.uk/01372 385439



education

By

Rob

East

away

Maths homework made easyMaths is the school subject that worries parents the most. Sometimes the parent is anxious about their own maths ability. Just as often, it’s discovering that the methods we learned at school look completely different from the ones being taught in primary today.

Maths for Mums & Dads (Square Peg, £10.99) is packed with explanations, games and insights into how to help children with their maths. Here are some tips from the book:

(1) Make maths part of your everyday interactions with your child. Ask your child to help you to work out the change at the shop, to check how many minutes until the train is due, weigh ingredients etc. Pose mathematical questions out loud to yourself (“let’s see, how much change will I need?”) and pause so that your child can ‘come to the rescue’.

(2) Learn about the new methods being taught, particularly the grid method for multiplication and chunking for division. These are more connected to the methods you learned than you might think.

(3) Play board games involving dice and money with your child. Car games such as pub cricket are great for maths interaction, too.

(4) Learn some mathematical magic tricks (you’ll find plenty in the book). Children love magic and will happily do maths if it is part of performing the trick.

(5) When helping with homework, be patient. Children rarely ‘get it’ immediately. If things are getting fraught, take a break. Often the best way to tackle a problem is to sleep on it

(6) Don’t say, “I was always hopeless at maths.” It’s usually not true, and it can make your child think maths isn’t worth the effort.

New Head for Elmhurst School

In September Elmhurst welcomed its new Principal Henry Wickham. Prior to this appointment, Mr Wickham was Headmaster of Lockers Park Boys’ School in Hertfordshire.

To mark Mr Wickham’s arrival, and reflecting his Classics degree from Oxford, Elmhurst has been given a new motto: “ingenio praestat et arte”. This stands for the most important aspiration of staff and pupils: “Outstanding achievements, outstanding individuals”.

Top six place in Sunday Times listThe South Croydon-based school was recently listed as the no.6 boys’ preparatory school in the United Kingdom, and 49th overall, up from 107th position. Elmhurst is the highest listed prep school for boys in the Croydon area.

The schools said it gets its boys into Whitgift and Trinity Schools, as well as to Wallington and Wilson’s Grammars, and to many other schools. But just as important, they learn to stand out as individuals.

www.elmhurstschool.net/020 8688 0661



nurseries

By Robina Cowan

Childcare comes in a range of shapes and sizes, including willing relatives, nurseries, childminders, nannies and au pairs.

Apart from you of course, do nurseries offer the best childcare? That depends on what would suit your child – and finding a good nursery. If your child would thrive on the constant stimulation of other children and adults they trust, using a wide range of toys and outdoor facilities, the answer is probably yes. Other advantages include year-round care and the experience of qualified staff, which can be particularly reassuring for first-time parents.

However, if your child is timid, doesn’t like competing for attention, prefers peace and quiet or isn’t ready for such a structured day, then don’t miss our next issue which will focus on

nannies, childminders and other childcare options. For now, let’s look at nurseries.

When and where to start

Nurseries with the best reputations tend to be hot property, and baby units are more scarce than places for two to five year-olds, so start looking well ahead of the time you’ll need a place, and join a waiting list if necessary. Some mothers start while they are still pregnant; others wait until their child is a babe in arms and they have a better idea of what they need.

If you don’t know of any local nurseries, try our advertisers - they’re here because they want you to know about them. Otherwise, the Families Information Service can supply a list of registered childcarers in your area by phone on 0800 2346 346 and online at www.direct.gov.uk/childcare.

Your child’s needs Once you’ve drawn up a shortlist of the nurseries you are considering, go and look around and ask lots of questions to see if they would suit your child. Although all nurseries follow Ofsted government guidelines, there is room for interpretation in the way the childcare and learning are delivered. For example, private nurseries might serve organic, freshly cooked meals or include additional activities such as dancing, French language and outings.

Consider issues such as your child’s daily routine (nap times, type of food provided etc), staff qualifications and experience, staff to child ratios and what the staff turnover is like. Check that you are happy with the range of toys and equipment available, cleanliness of the premises, security, the policy on discipline and late collections. Ask to see the latest Ofsted report or read it online. Find out if there are any extra charges for nappies, meals, any specific activities

and the cost of the deposit to go on the waiting list. Factor in the time it will take you to travel to and from the nursery, probably during rush hour. After all this, the most important thing is to absorb the atmosphere and look at whether the children are relaxed and happy, and members of staff are responsive and caring.

Nurseries in a nutshell Daycare nurseries

A useful option for working parents, day nurseries are typically open from 8am to early evening and children can stay for all or part of the day

Some parents feel uneasy about leaving their baby in sole care, no matter how well-qualified that person is. It’s reassuring to know that nursery staff can safely take breaks, and that you are covered if a member of staff is off sick

Consistency - your child can stay in the same environment from the day you go back to work until they start school

Social environment - children who attend nursery find it easier to settle into school routines when they join reception classes.

The cons:

Some parents feel uncomfortable because playtime, naps and meals are at more or less set times. Also you’ll need backup care when your child is unwell or if you’re late to collect.

Nursery classes in schools

A first step into school, although a school nursery place does not automatically guarantee a place in reception

Convenient if you are already dropping siblings at the school

Stimulation - some children are ready for school earlier than others and readily take to structured, educational play

Age-specific activities are geared to the school children they are becoming rather than the babies they used to be.

The cons:

Sessions tend to be just three hours which is not practical for many families. Fulltime places are few and far between.

Choosing a Nursery – Childcare



nurseries



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]

pre-school environment. They learn without knowing it while using letters, shapes and numbers, looking at books and expressing themselves through making things, drawing and singing.

Peer group - the opportunity to make friends of the same age.

They might be more flexible on the availability of hours or days you need to fit in with your work schedule.

Often smaller scale with a personal touch, and the nursery head is usually involved in the running of the school.

The cons:

Many are open only for school hours so you will need someone to pick up and collect if you are at work. More frequently, wrap-around care is offered to take account of parents’ working hours.

Help with the costs Nursery fees very greatly, depending on location, demand and what is offered, but can be from around £100 to over £200 a week.

Local authorities receive government funding so they can offer 15 hours a week of early years education to all three- and four-year-olds from the term after their third birthday. If you choose a nursery which costs more than the funding or need more hours, you top up the difference.

Child tax credits and working tax credits are available to help with childcare costs. From April 2011, the ‘child’ element of the child tax credit will be increased for families earning up to £16,190 a year with an above-inflation increase. At the same time though, families earning over £41,400 will no longer be eligible for the full tax credit.

Some employers offer childcare vouchers which staff can opt to receive instead of part of their salary. Parents can save up to £1000 a year by reducing their income tax and national insurance contributions.

What parents say about nurseries • Hands-on owners: ‘I would always go for an owner-run nursery. These people are not ‘in it for the money’. They are doing the job because they genuinely like and understand children. It’s a vocational thing.’ Mary, mother of three under six.

• Looks aren’t everything: ‘When you’re looking around, don’t be fooled by appearances. Some of the shabbiest establishments are far superior to some upmarket nurseries in terms of quality of care. The best childcare we’ve ever found was in state-run nurseries and playgroups.’ Eliza, mother of four children aged three to eleven.

• Socialisation: ‘Although I’m not at work, from the age of two I felt it was important for my son to learn to get on with a range of other children and adults, to help him when he started school.’ Matt, father of Ollie, three.

• Experienced staff: ‘Look at the ages of the staff. Youngsters fresh out of college may have more energy and I’m sure they know all the latest thinking on childcare but in my opinion that’s no substitute for experience. I would always go for a nursery with mature staff, every time. They have more patience and you know they have to be doing this because they want to, they really love the children.’ Clara, mother of three under seven.

• Explore all options: ‘Go and see as many different nurseries as you can. Don’t get tied up in the Ofsted and what other people think. You know your child better than anyone.’ Ramona, mother of Klaus, five.

More information Read more local childcare articles on our website www.families-LSB.co.uk

For local nurseries and links to their Ofsted reports, go to www.findmyschool.co.uk

The National Day Nurseries Association provides a free checklist to take on your visit, and contact details for NDNA member nurseries, www.ndna.org.uk/parents, 01484 40 70 40

The Preschool Alliance website has useful sections for parents and practitioners, including links to find local PLA childcare, www.pre-school.org.uk.

What to look for in a nurseryBy Ruth Hart, Head of Infant Department, Greenacre School.

• A good reputation

A good nursery should have a welcoming, friendly atmosphere and caring environment. First impressions are important, so you need to visit. Is it clean, calm and are the children happy and occupied? • A stimulating and structured environment

Nurseries should have a structured curriculum that includes time for physical activity, independent play, quiet time, small group and individual activities.

• Established policies

Check that policies and procedures are in place.

• Curriculum guidance being followed

Nurseries must follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum (EYFS) curriculum. Find out how the nursery keeps parents informed about what the children are learning and the progress they are making. Does it have a wide range of age-appropriate toys that will encourage your child’s development and stimulate creative, imaginative play? There should be plenty of drawings and paintings on display, that the children have done themselves, showing that their creativity is valued.

• Qualified, caring staff

What are the qualifications of the staff?

• Clean, safe facilities

Look for a nursery that has a well resourced outdoor play area. Children should have daily opportunities to play outside.

Pre-schools and playgroups The Preschool Learning Alliance is one of the largest providers of quality childcare in England, offering a wide choice of settings from pre-schools and baby and toddler groups to full daycare places in nurseries and children’s centres.

PLA settings are managed by experienced and qualified managers who lead teams of nursery workers and support staff, training them to meet children’s individual needs.

Parents are encouraged to be active members, so you can be more involved in your child’s care.

Small scale settings are less daunting for shy children.

The cons:

Tend to be community operations so don’t expect glamorous premises. You may need additional care if you work fulltime although wrap-around hours are available in some settings.

Private nursery schools Stimulation - by two and a half, most children benefit from some kind of

nurseries



Croydon High Junior School The school is situated on the outskirts of Selsdon village, just a few miles outside Croydon, with very good transport links. It is part of the GDST (Girls Day School Trust), which runs the senior school, junior school and nursery on the same site with its extensive grounds.

The last ISA inspection (2008) judged the Junior School as outstanding and the school’s philosophy is clear; as summed up by Clare Male, Head of Early Years and Key Stage 1 at Croydon High Junior School, “It is vitally important

to us that every child joining the Nursery at CHS flourishes and makes a happy and secure start on her road to future academic success.”

She added, “Girls learn best when they feel secure and this is where we excel at Croydon High. Right from the very early days in the Nursery, the school day is full, structured but always fun”.

From January 2011 The Ivy Club at CHS Juniors will provide flexible enhanced After School Care for CHS Juniors from 3-6pm every day during term time.

Ewell Castle Junior School Ewell Castle is a small, thriving independent school located in Ewell Village. The school is co-educational, and provides for approximately 180 pupils from age three to eleven. The Junior School is located on two sites in the heart of the village. The Nursery is accommodated in its own building alongside the main house at Chessington Lodge in Spring Street, opposite

Bourne Hall.

The school follows the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum which consists of six main areas: personal and social development; communication, language & literacy; problem solving, reasoning and numeracy; knowledge and understanding of the world; physical development and creative development including music and drama. Art plays an important role

as the children put their own personal interpretation on the work of famous artists. They use their own imagination with a range of mediums to execute their own ideas.

The indoor facilities include a large classroom area with its own toilet facilities. Outside, the playground, offers a safe and well-maintained environment including a variety of climbing and play equipment.

Seaton House nurseryIn the Seaton House School Nursery, an enormous amount of learning takes place without the children being aware of what is happening.

The children begin each morning with Nursery Assembly before undertaking certain structured activities linked to a particular topic theme and designed to develop such skills as tracing, colouring, painting, cutting, sticking and recognition of letters, sounds and numbers. At all times the children are encouraged to speak clearly and make themselves understood.

The children have access to puzzles, games and construction toys and, for many, the highlight of each week will be the cooking session. Imagination is stimulated through play in the home corner, dressing up and drama.

Good listening skills are encouraged and developed as they listen to adults and their peers and demonstrate that they understand the meaning of what is being said. Books are available at all times and the children are encouraged to become aware of print.

Young children absorb vast quantities of knowledge and develop new skills whilst ‘playing’.

nurseries



We try our best to make sure the information listed is correct, but please always phone before setting out in case details have changed since press deadline.....

Please remember to say you saw the event listed in Families London-Surrey Borders.

Monday, 3 January

Daytona Sandown Park KartingMore Lane, Esher, KT10 8AN

0845 644 5502 [email protected] www.daytona.co.uk

Karts operate throughout the year. See our story with special discount offer on page 2.

Wednesday, 12 January

Painshill ParkPortsmouth Road, Cobham Surrey KT11 1JE

01932 868 113 [email protected] www.painshill.co.ukWed 5 Jan, 12 Jan, 19 Jan, 26 Jan

Free Entry Wednesdays

Come and enjoy a wonderful day out exploring a magnificent 18th Century landscape garden. Park open from 10.30-4.00pm or dusk if earlier (last entry 3.00pm). Admission FREE.

Weekend 15/16 January

RHS Garden Wisley0845 260 9000 www.rhs.org.uk/Gardens/Wisley 15 Jan - 27 Feb 10.00 – 4.00pm (last entry 3.30pm)

Butterflies in the Glasshouse

Come as a family to see how many different varieties of butterflies you can spot - with more than 16 species you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Weekend 29/30 January

Sutton Ecology Centre @ Cuddington Meadows020 8770 5821Sat 29 Jan 11.00am – 1.00pm

Meet the sheep day

Come to Cuddington Meadows to find out how the sheep help in the conservation of our chalk grassland.

Sutton Ecology CentreFestival Walk, Carshalton SM5 3NY

020 8770 5820 (enquiries); [email protected] 020 8770 5822 (bookings) Big Garden Bird Watch

Sun 30 Jan 10.00 – 12.30pm

Take part in the Big Garden Bird Watch, with information about identifying birds, gardening for birds & the chance to make a bird feeder to take home. All welcome.

£3.50 per person or £10 per family. Booking is essential.

Wednesday, 2 February

Museum Of Croydon Level 1, Croydon Clocktower, Katharine Street, Croydon CR9 1ET

020 8253 1022 www.museumofcroydon.gov.uk Riesco Gallery (ground floor of the Clocktower).

Under fives event: Iggy and Loong’s Under fives - stories and songs

2 Feb and 2 March 10.30am, 11.15am & 12.00pm (30 mins).

Join Iggy the iguana and Loong the Chinese dragon puppets for songs, games and stories with different activities each month. Free, drop in sessions.

Suitable for under fives and their parents/carers.

Weekend 5/6 February


020 8253 1022 www.museumofcroydon.gov.uk Clocktower Court

Chinese Storytelling for under fives

Sat 5 Feb- 10.30am, 11.20pm and 12.10pm (30 mins duration)

As we begin the Year of the rabbit, come and listen to traditional stories about the animals of the zodiac including the rabbit. Free drop-in sessions, suitable for under fives and their parents/carers.

Clocktower Activities Room

Rabbit days! Family workshop

Sat 5 Feb 11.00 – 1.00pm & 2.00 – 4.00pm

The Chinese Year of the Rabbit begins on 3 February. Turn yourself into a rabbit with easy-to-make rabbit hats. Free drop-in sessions, suitable for children and their parents/carers.

NCT Croydon Nearly New SaleOur Lady’s Catholic Church, 147 Bingham Road, Addiscombe, London, CR0 7EN

0844 2436100 [email protected] www.nct.org.uk/croydonSat 5 Feb 10.00 – 12.00pm Come along and grab yourself a bargain. Entry by donation (suggested amount £1.00 per adult). For further information contact Lesley.

Weekend 12/13 February

Southbank CentreBelvedere Road, London SE1 8XX 0844 875 0073

www.southbankcentre.co.uk12- 27 Feb.

Imagine: Children’s Literature Festival

This event brings together some of the best contemporary children’s writers, storytellers and illustrators for reading, discussions and workshops, with lots of entertainment and an exciting opportunity to discover the best of children’s literature, both contemporary and classic.

Bank Of England MuseumThreadneedle Street, London EC2R 8AH

020 7601 5545 www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum 15 Feb - 8 Jul

Mon - Fri, 10.00-5.00pm (last entry 4.45pm)

Going Decimal

A display to mark the 40th anniversary of the day on which Britain switched to a decimal currency. Britain’s centuries-old monetary system of pounds, shillings and pence was replaced by a decimal currency in which the pound was divided into one hundred units.

Half Term Events 19 – 27 February

Bank Of England MuseumThreadneedle Street, London EC2R 8AH

020 7601 5545 www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum 21-25 Feb 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm, 2.00pm, 3.00pm & 4.00pm.

The Misadventures Of Mr Toad

A costumed storyteller will recount some adventures of Toad, Ratty, Badger and Mole, the popular characters from “The Wind in the Willows” by Kenneth Grahame. Free entry.

Bocketts Farm Park21 - 25 Feb

There is a full programme of activities to enjoy including daily animal handling, pig racing, tractor rides and pony rides. Also, Huxleys Birds of Prey experience

will be running all week where you can get up close to the birds and see them fly in the daily displays. In addition, 100 early Spring lambs are due, including an amazing 10 sets of triplets.


020 8253 1022 www.museumofcroydon.gov.uk Clocktower Activities Room

Dragon modelling - Family workshop

Wed 23 Feb 11.00 - 1.00pm or 2.00 - 4.00pm

Make a dragon out of an egg box to bring good luck to your home.

Free drop-in sessions, suitable for children and their parents/carers.

Beautiful boxes - Family workshop

Thu 24 Feb 11.00am-1.00pm or 2-4pm

Create a beautiful box inspired by the Museum of Croydon and Riesco Gallery. Free drop-in sessions, suitable for children and their parents/carers.

Penshurst Place & GardensPenshurst, Tonbridge, Kent TN11 8DG

01892 870307 [email protected] www.penshurstplace.com

Opening for the first time at February Half term (19 February) for families who need to let their children let off steam in our venture playground and for those visitors who want to enjoy the gardens which will be bursting into life this Spring. For details of special events check the website.

Polka Theatre240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London, SW19 1SB

020 8543 4888 www.polkatheatre.comTue 22 Feb 10.00 - 12.00pm

Chinese New Year Family Workshop

what’s onDIARY DATES FOR FAMILIES


Penshurst Place - Noss




Come and celebrate Chinese New Year in an exciting storytelling and craft workshop for the whole family to take part in. £10.00. For children aged five+. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Thu 24 Feb 9.30 - 11.00am

The Fabulous Flutterbys Workshop

Venture into the garden and make an insect puppet in this fabulous craft and drama workshop. £15.00. For children aged three to five years.

Surrey Libraries’ Children’s Book FestivalLibraries across Banstead, Epsom & Ewell, Mole Valley, Tandridge.

19 Feb - 12 March.

Events ranging from author visits and illustrator workshops to magic shows and theatre performances. For children aged 0 -14. See story on page 2 of this issue. For more details & bookings, visit

www.surreycc.gov.uk/childrens-bookfestival

or visit your local library.

Morden Hall ParkThe Snuff Mill, Morden Hall Road, Morden, SM4 5JD

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-mordenhallpark-2 020 8545 6850 (general enquiries)

Wild ‘n’ Windy!

24th February 11 – 3.00pm

Explore the true power of the wind and create some inventive wind powered crafts in the atmospheric setting of the Snuff Mill.

£4 per family.

The Arc, Caterham39 Weston Drive, Caterham, CR3 5XY

01883 330 380 [email protected] www.the-arc-caterham.co.ukMon 21 - Sat 26 Feb

Sci Fi & Aliens Week

There will be Dance, Drama and Art classes all week for ages four to16 as well as activities such as Alien Storytelling and Face Painting in Soft Play. There will also be an Alien Picture competition and prizes for the best fancy dress that week.

Weekend 6/7 March

Secombe Theatre, 42 Cheam Rd, Sutton, SM1 2SS

Box Office: 0208 770 6990 www.suttontheatres.co.ukSun 6 & Sun 3 Mar 12.30 or 5.30pm

Dance with Grace Annual Show

Plenty of Glitz Glamour and dancing as

Dance with Grace celebrate their tenth birthday. Performers between the ages of 3 and 30 will show how much they enjoy dancing.

Sutton Ecology CentreFestival Walk, Carsh’ton SM5 3NY

020 8770 5820Tue 22 Feb

Wildlife Gardening Workshop Open Day 10.00 – 2.00pm (Suitable for families) Drop in any time to help us build a bug hotel and get lots of tips on how to improve your garden for wildlife on a low budget. Complete the trail to enter a prize draw.

£2 per person, booking not required.

what’s on

HALF TERM WORKSHOPS AND CAMPS

Cinnamon Kitchen9 Devonshire Square, EC2M 4YL

0207 626 5000www.cinnamon-kitchen.comMon 21 Feb 11.00 – 1.00pm

Spice Workshop

Cinnamon Kitchen’s chefs will be hosting an interactive workshop that will immerse children in the smell and flavour of Indian spices, as featured in the restaurant’s contemporary dishes. Aimed at children from five to 11 years old. £25/child for under 11s. Mum and Dads can enjoy lunch from the à la carte menu or a two course set lunch for £15 or three courses for £18.

Explore Learning Purley910-912 Brighton Road, Purley, Surrey, CR8 2LN

020 8090 2938 [email protected] www.explorelearning.org.ukNon-member workshops will be taking place over the half term. Anybody that is interested can contact the centre to reserve a place.

Fit For Sport Kingsley Kids Camp, Kingsley Primary School, Thomson Cresent, Croydon, CR0 3JT

For ages 3-12 yrs. £16 per day or £75 per week . For further details visit the website.

Dorking Kids’ Camp, Dorking Sports Centre, Dorking, Surrey, RH4 1SW

For ages five-12 yrs. £23 per day or £110 per week. For further details visit the website.

0845 456 3233www.fitforsport.co.uk21-25 Feb

Children are booked into the following groups:

Bouncing Bananas: for 3–5 yr olds. Children are introduced to a healthy lifestyle through fun games and activities such as the ‘fun fruit’ session and ‘Mr Banana Split Bonanza’.

Strawberry Sprinters: for six–8 yr olds. The Strawberry programme is designed to promote teamwork introducing techniques and encourage sportsmanship in a fun environment.

Apple Athletes: for 9+ years. Activities include team challenges, specific technique training, and co-operative games, in a structured but relaxed atmosphere.

Mad Academy SuttonCheam Parochial Rooms, 42 The Broadway Cheam, Surrey SM3 8BL

[email protected] 01372 372 942 www.madacademy.comTue 22 Feb 10.45 – 11.30am.

Walkers to 4 yrs old class. Contact Pauline for further details

Polka Theatre240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London, SW19 1SB

020 8543 4888 www.polkatheatre.comWed 23 Feb 10.30 - 3.30pm

The Machine Gunners Workshop

Become an evacuee for the day with this drama based workshop inspired by

The Machine Gunners and discover what life would have been like during

World War II. For children aged 9-13 yrs. £25

Southern TutorsHeld at Rosebery School, Epsom

01372723947 / 07986564651 [email protected] www.southerntutors.co.uk21 & 22 Feb

Intensive 11 Plus courses

Verbal and non-verbal reasoning, Maths and English classes for 9 & 10 yr olds. Fees vary according to number of days attended. Contact the tutors (not the school) for further details.




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LOCAL THEATRE & DRAMA

Charles Cryer Theatre, Carshalton

39 High St, Carshalton, SM5 3BB

0208 770 6990www.suttontheatres.co.uk (online booking now available)

Tue 8 - Sat 12 FebFawlty Towers – Part 2

A theatre version of three episodes of the classic TV comedy. There can be few who have not laughed at the antics of Basil, Sybil, Manuel et el and Chase Theatre Company are looking forward to once again recreating these well-loved characters on stage.

Tickets from £10.50 for adults; concessions: £9.50.

Suitable for all the family.

Sat 19 Feb 4.00pmIt’s The Ritz

Attic Theatre Company and the Merton and Morden Guild with their Community Variety Show - a celebration of dance, music and song. Mixing the old, young and different cultures of South London. Adult: £3.50; concessions: £3. Suitable for all the family.

Wed 2 – Thu 3 Mar 7.00pmSavvy Young Company National Theatre Connections Festival Programme

Part of the National Theatre’s Annual Connections Festival. Tickets. £5. Suitable for all (over fives).

Epsom PlayhouseAshley Avenue, Epsom, Surrey KT18 5AL

01372 742555www.epsomplayhouse.co.uk

Sat 12 Feb 1.00pm, 3.30pm & Sun 13 Feb 11.00am, 2.00pmRoary The Racing Car

Roary, the number 1 little race car ‘zooms’ into theatres for the very first time in a brand new live stage show.

It’s the day of the ‘Champion of Champions’ race at Silver Hatch and Roary is all set to battle it out with Maxi, Cici, and all the other cars to win the race and lift the trophy.

Farmer Green has created some brand new bio fuel to make sure this race is the fastest and greenest ever... but hang on... Flash has his eyes on that fuel for his skateboard and Big Chris seems more interested in baking a pizza and eating doughnuts than on preparing the cars for the race. Luckily Marsha Marshall is on hand to make sure that everyone will be ready at the track for the big day. All tickets £13.50

Thu 24 Feb 12.00pm; 3.00pmThe Way Back Home

Oliver Jeffers, award-winning author of How to Catch a Star and Lost and Found, returns with an inter-galactic tale about a little boy seeking adventure.

One day a boy finds a plane in his cupboard. He flies his plane higher and higher until he runs out of petrol and lands on the moon. He is frightened, lost and alone until a passing Martian lands there too. Who is the strange alien? Can they be friends? And how will they find their way back home?

This exciting new production for families and young children has been created by the team behind the hit shows The Night Before Christmas and Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus. All tickets £8.75.

Mon 28 Feb 7.30pmChris Packham - A Wild Life Exposed

Television presenter, wildlife expert and photographer Chris Packham uses a series of his astonishing images to chart his quest to reflect the pure beauty of

the nature he has long loved and dreamed of encountering. Informative, thought provoking and inevitably controversial. Fun for all the family and studded with his trade mark, quick-witted and irreverent humour. Adults: £16.50 children under 16: £7.50.

Fairfield HallsPark Lane, Croydon, CR9 1DG

020 8688 [email protected] (online booking available)

Tue 25 January 7.30pmThe Nutcracker

Wed 26 Jan 2.30pm & 7.30pmSleeping Beauty

The Russian State Ballet and Orchestra of Siberia present two magical ballets for the New Year at Fairfield. Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker transports you to an enchanting world where toy dolls come to life and a Nutcracker is transformed into a handsome prince. The magic continues with Sleeping Beauty, a classic story of love and innocence set to Tchaikovsky’s sublime score. Suitable for age five+

£28, £30, Seniors £24.50 Children £15.

Mon 7 - Sat 12 Feb 7.30pm, Wed & Sat mat 2.30pmBuddy

Come and see why this sensational show remains loved by audiences and critics alike. See our competition on p23. Suitable for age seven+. £17.50 - £26.50 (£2.50 booking fee per ticket).

Fri 18 February 7.30pm (running time of 1hr 20mins)Tobias Picker / Fantastic Mr Fox

www.englishtouringopera.org.uk

Join English Touring Opera for an irrepressible opera, pitting the wild animal world against three farmers and their devilish (soprano!) digger. Suitable for age five+. Tickets from £13.50. Family ticket £60 on top price tickets.

Tue 22 Feb 7.00pm, Wed 23 - Sun 27 Feb 2.30pm & 7.00pmZippo’s Circus

Britain’s best loved circus makes its first appearance at Fairfield Halls. Zippo’s Circus is a sensational show featuring an international cast of amazing acrobats, incredible jugglers, daring aerialists and hilarious clowns. This show is a fantastic half term treat for the family. Suitable for age five+. Adults: £20 and £22, child: £14 and £16, family: £60 and £68.

Fri 25 & Sat 26 Feb 7.30pmChase The Dream

Now’s your chance to see Flawless (StreetDance 3D, Britain’s Got Talent) as never before as they fuse stunning street with jazz and ballet in a funny and moving show. Journey through time and space to chase the dream. Suitable for age five+. £20.



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Sat 5 Mar 10.00am, 1.00pm, 4.00pm; Sun 6 Mar 10.00am, 1.00pm

Peppa Pig

Come and join the fun with Peppa and George, Suzy Sheep, Danny Dog and Emily Elephant. A charming, original and imaginative show, full of brand new songs, muddy puddles, and oinks. Visit www.peppapiglive.com. Suitable for age three+. £12.50, £14.50

Tue 8 – Sat 12 Mar 7.30pm, Saturday Matinee 2.30pmGMania

Reality TV’s ultimate pop group has been created for a spectacular concert of songs inspired by the smash hit TV phenomenon Glee. This high-octane, feel-

good production showcases jaw-dropping choreography and brilliant new arrangements of classic tracks including Don’t Stop Believin’ and Gold Digger. Suitable for age five+. £20 – £25.

New Wimbledon TheatreThe Broadway, Wimbledon, London SW19 1QG

0844 871 7646 www.ambassadortickets.com/wimbledon

20 - 23 JanMoscow State Circus - Legenda

A brand new show which encompasses contemporary and classical circus at its very best. From £14.

3 -4 Feb 7.30pm Swan Lake

5 Feb 2.30pm & 7.30pm The Nutcracker

The Russian State Ballet and Orchestra of Siberia.

Russia’s acclaimed ballet company returns with two great ballet masterpieces. £14 to £34.

15 - 19 Feb George’s Marvellous Medicine

One of Roald Dahl’s funniest and most exciting stories for children and adults. Eye-popping fun for all the family.

Tickets priced at £11 & £16.

22 - 26 FebThe All New Original Tribute To The Blues Brothers.

A night of the finest music, moves, thrills and spills. £12.50 - £29.50.

Polka Theatre 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB

020 8543 [email protected] www.polkatheatre.com

To 5 Feb (times vary)The Snow Queen

Once upon a time, there were two friends, Kai and Gerda. They did everything together and were inseparable. But, one cold, cold night, Kai falls under the spell of the evil Snow Queen and is whisked away on her sleigh to the icy palace far away. Can Gerda save Kai from the Snow Queen and remove the splinter of glass in his heart? And will she survive the epic journey across rivers, forests and snow to reach him in time? Join us this winter for an enchanting tale of friendship and discovery based on Hans Christian Andersen’s classic story. For children six - 11 yrs.

Tickets priced at £8/£16.

11 Feb-9 Apr. The Machine Gunners

Based on the novel by Robert Westall. It’s 1940, and Britain is at war. Young Chas McGill has the second best collection of war souvenirs in town but desperately wants it to be the best. One day, he stumbles across a shot-down German bomber and snatches a machine gun. This moving and touching story vividly re-creates life in Britain during World War II, and is guaranteed to resonate with children and adults today. 9-13 yrs. £6/£12 (After-show talk 2.30pm Thu 24 Feb).

To 12 Feb Lost And Found

From Oliver’s Jeffer’s acclaimed picture book. Once there was a boy and one day he found a penguin at his door. A beautiful and touching tale of friendship. three to five years. For a special toddler version (1-2yrs) please check the calendar on the website. £7/£9.



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]’s on

Tue 22 - Sat 26 Feb The Fabulous Flutterbys

Join in the adventures of two very different caterpillars who eat their way to success. Using the themes of threatened ecology, recycled materials and metamorphosis, three performers bring this joyous puppetry show to the stage accompanied by live music. 3-6 yrs

Secombe Theatre42 Cheam Rd, Sutton, SM1 2SS

Box Office: 0208 770 6990www.suttontheatres.co.uk (online booking now available)

14 - 29 Jan 7.30pm, Sat matinee 2.30pm, Sun matinee 2.00pmMother Goose

Carshalton Pantomime Company’s 47th annual presentation of traditional family pantomime. Full of fun with fantastic costumes, spectacular scenery and visual effects. Fri 14 Jan and Tue - Thu performances - £11.50; all other

performances – Adult: £12.50; children: £11.50. NB. There are no performances on Mondays. Suitable for all the family.

Sat 12 Feb 7.30pmThe Floyd Effect – A Tribute To Pink Floyd

The performance includes material from Wish You Were Here, Animals, Meddle, The Wall, A Momentary Lapse of Reason, Division Bell, and a complete performance of Dark Side of the Moon.

£15. Suited to adults and older children.

The Colour House TheatreMerton Abbey Mills, Merantun Way, SW19 2RD

020 8542 5511www.colourhousetheatre.co.uk

To 30 Jan. Cinderella

Poor old Cinders is desperate to go to the ball but those ugly sisters are having none of it! Will the fairy Godmother help Cinders to meet her handsome Prince? Come and enjoy a great family show this festive season as the theatre celebrates its sixteenth year of producing wonderful fun shows for all the family to enjoy..

Sat 12 Feb - Sun 17 Apr Beauty And The Beast

Kind Prince Pierre has been changed into a Beast by an evil witch. The spell can only be broken if someone falls in love with him by the time he is 21. A great family show.

The Harlequin TheatreWarwick Quadrant, Redhill, Surrey, RH1 1NN

01737 276500 www.harlequintheatre.co.uk

25 Jan 8.00pm; 26 Jan 5.00pm; 8.00pmMoscow State Circus - Legenda

A brand new show which encompasses contemporary and classical circus at its very best. From £17.00; family tickets (x4) from £60.00

21 Feb 11.00am; 2.00pmShow Me Show Me – Chris and Pui

Show Me Show Me is packed with songs, stories and sketches and is broadcast every weekday on CBeebies. Now BBC Children’s most popular and established double act comes to the stage with a fun-packed roadshow with songs and games as well as a few surprises along the way. Tickets from £10; family ticket (x4): £36.00.

JAN - FEB DIARY DATES FOR PARENTS

'Meet-A-Minder'Central Library, Katharine St, Croydon CR9 1ET

Sat 15 Jan Sep 10.00 – 12.00pm Once a term, parents can come and chat to childminders about the services they offer.

First Aid For Babies & Children Evening Courses

British Red Cross, 47 Coombe Road, Croydon, CR0 1BQ Contact Nazmeen Malik 0844 412 2808

[email protected] www.redcrossfirstaidtraining.co.uk

Thu 6 Jan , Wed 9 Feb , Mon 21 Feb, Tue 8 Mar, Fri 25 Mar 7.00 – 9.30pmYou are taught a range of first aid skills to cope with emergency situations for babies and children 0 - five years. To be completed over two consecutive evening sessions (not including Sat) Both elements have to be completed to receive a certificate. See website for more details. £45 per person.

First Aid For Babies & Children Full Day Courses

British Red Cross, 47 Coombe Road, Croydon, CR0 1BQ Contact Nazmeen Malik 0844 412 2808

[email protected] www.redcrossfirstaidtraining.co.uk

Sat 15 Jan, 19 Feb, 19 Mar; Sun 20 Mar 9.00 – 3.00pmYou are taught a range of first aid skills to cope with emergency situations for babies and children 0 - five years. See website for more details. £45 per person.


020 8253 1022 www.museumofcroydon.gov.uk Clocktower Activities Room

Mon 7 Feb 6.30 - 8.00pmA photographer’s life

Award winning British photographer Simon Roberts talks about his career, influences and working style, followed by an optional guided tour of his exhibition We English. Suitable for adults and young people over the age of 14 years. Free tickets available from the ticket office.

Mon 7 Feb 11.00 - 1.00pm, 2.00 – 4.00pmCreative writing workshops

Join an Open University lecturer for an inspired look at the ‘We English’ exhibition at the Clocktower and learn ways to start or develop your own writing. Suitable for adults and young people over the age of 14 years. Free tickets available from the ticket office.

Secombe TheatreCheam Road, Sutton,

Box Office 020 8770 6990 www.suttontheatres.co.uk (online booking now available)Sutton’s New Comedy Club

New for 2011. Award-winning comedian & TV-face Neil Cole introduces the best in Stand-up Comedy at Sutton’s Secombe Theatre. With stars of Live At The Apollo, Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow, Radio 4, Mock The Week, Buzzcocks, Boosh, Inbetweeners and others, plus exciting new talent. Contains strong language from the start.

Sutton Ecology CentreFestival Walk, Carshalton SM5 3NY

020 8770 5820 (enquiries)[email protected] 020 8770 5822 (bookings)

Sat 12 & Sun 13 Feb 10.00 - 4.00pmHedge laying Course

Come and learn the ancient skill of hedge laying, including preparation, tool use and lots of practical hands on experience. £15 pp per day or £25 pp for both days

The Arc, Caterham39 Weston Drive, Caterham, CR3 5XY

01883 330 380 [email protected] www.the-arc-caterham.co.uk

From 5 FebRetro Rewind

A monthly club night aimed at mums and couples and is an over 21s night with a local DJ in the soft play area.

Working Mums LiveBusiness Design Centre, Islington

Tue 8 Mar 10.00 – 5.00pmWorkingmums.co.ukWorkingmums.co.uk is going live with a brand new exhibition event which is free for all attendees. Come and meet employers face to face; get advice on working for yourself; CV tips; interview techniques and much more. Register online and book your seminar places.



what’s onWHAT’S ON IN CENTRAL LONDON

Get Into London Theatre

1 Jan– 18 Feb www.getintolondontheatre.co.ukA month of theatrical entertainment and ticket deals to over 50 top shows. A wide range of activities and workshops includes acting, singing and dance classes run by West End professionals and a rare opportunity to peek behind the scenes and discover the backstage secrets of a selection of London’s historic theatres.

International Mime Festival

15-30 Jan. www.mimefest.co.ukThe very best in contemporary visual theatre, cutting edge circus-theatre, adult puppetry and animation. Artists from Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Italy, Russia, Spain, Switzerland, UK and USA will animate some of the most prestigious stages in London - the Barbican, ICA, Linbury Studio at the Royal Opera House, Southbank Centre and Roundhouse.

Disney 50 At The British Film Institute Www.bfi.org.ukEvery Weekend throughout 2011 watch some of the world’s most celebrated family films of all time on the big screen.

16 Jan 4.15 pm in NFT1. Tangled will be screened in 3D on the day of the film UK premiere. An action-packed, swashbuckling,

animated musical comedy about the girl behind 70 feet of magical, golden hair. Disney’s fiftieth animated feature film.

The remaining forty nine films will then be shown chronologically at BFI, starting with Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs (1937). £9.50, concs £6.75, under 16s £5.

23 Jan. Southbank Family Funday Participants will get to draw their favourite dwarf and make their own animation feature in new and exciting ways. Children will get involved in a whole range of activities, learn new skills, meet people from in front of and behind the camera.

Unicorn Theatre147 Tooley Street, Southwark, London SE1 2HZ

020 7645 0560 www.unicorntheatre.com

To 23 JanBeauty And The Beast

Writer Phil Porter (“Cinderella”, “The Flying Machine”) returns to the Unicorn with a brand new version of the classic story, containing magic, music, and moments to make your hair stand on end. seven yrs+ £13/£19, family £54.

2-12 Feb Romeo And Juliet

A story of dangerous rivalries and secret loves is vividly brought to life in this fast-moving and contemporary retelling. This production will inspire and enthuse audiences of all ages with its exuberance, poetry and thrilling action. 11yrs+. £10/£20.

1-27 FebThe Storytelling Season – Tricksters And Fools

A three-week season of storytelling performances by some of Britain’s most masterful tellers of traditional tales, including the Anansi stories from the Caribbean, and fantastic myths from Russia and Eastern Europe. £7.





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

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.

This month on Families Online:www.Familiesonline.co.uk

WIN a 12-month membership to Menus4Mums’fabulous online meal planning service!Menus4Mums members get a newmenu plan each week for dinners thewhole family will enjoy, with recipecards and a shopping list broken downinto supermarket aisles.www.menus4mums.co.ukTo enter, go to www.FamiliesOnline.co.uk/competitionsTerms and Conditions apply.Closing date for the competition is 1st March 2011.

WIN a Speedo Aquabeat MP3 Player LZR Editioncourtesy of funswimshop.co.uk!The Speedo Aquabeat is ideal for listening to yourfavourite music while swimminglaps. FunSwimShop is a one-stop swimming shop forswimming equipment, babyswimwear and swimwear.www.funswimshop.co.ukTo enter, go towww.FamiliesOnline.co.uk/competitionsTerms and Conditions apply.Closing date for the competition is 1st March 2011.

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Congratulations to the winners of the competitions in the September – October issue;

Organised Mum Family Planners giveaway

S. Willingham, Morden SM4

K. Shaw, Wallington SM6

B. Hinton, Ashtead KT21

Mrs M. Spiterz, Morden SM4

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R. Sands, Purley CR8

Horrid Henry Reward Chart

Mrs L. Byrne, Wallington SM6

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Pippa’s Poppets Childminding services

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Childminder

flsb36-jan-feb 2011

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