WHAT’S ON FOR KIDS AND FAMILIES IN NORTH LONDON
Spring 2020
Party Time!
EASTER PARTY OR TEDDY BEAR’S PICNIC? YOU CHOOSE!
EDUCATION: WHY A PREP EDUCATION? SIXTH FORM OR COLLEGE? TIPS FOR PARENTS
RAINBOW CAKE RECIPE STUNNING CAKE OF COLOURFUL LAYERS
VOUCHERS AND SPECIAL OFFERS
INSIDE! www.sophias-diary.com
SPORTS & HEALTH FOOD & DRINK EDUCATION & CULTURE AND MUCH MORE! Spring Edition 2020 1
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Southgate, Winchmore Hill, Oakwood & Palmers Green
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To all my lovely readers, I am so excited to launch our Spring Magazine. For me, this is the beginning of seeing happiness inflated amongst families. The weather is nicer, we are happier at the opportunity of being outdoors more, new things are blossoming and of course, we love the fun Easter Events and Activities too. It was an absolute honour to receive the Enfield Mayor’s Award for International Women’s Day this year too. The evening was amazing and the best thing of all was being surrounded by so many strong, ambitious, hard-working and inspirational ladies in our community. It made me reflect on why I was chosen and I appreciate the bigger impact of Sophia’s Diary. We thrive on connecting families to amazing things and creating happiness for the youngest members of our community. The work we carry out in schools provides students with the opportunities and to develop. From a business point of view, providing businesses with an affordable platform to be seen by thousands, and organising events for our members has provided so many opportunities for small businesses too. North London is a vibrant and fun community. Please make an effort to support our local independent businesses, as they put their heart and soul into providing amazing products and services for you.z Let’s have an amazing Spring. We hope you enjoy this issue! Andrea
xx
To advertise in our next issue or join the directory, contact us: email contact@sophias-diary.com www.sophias-diary.com /SophiasDiaryCommunityGroup @sophiasDiary9630
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What's inside? 26 14
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Culture and Education Get to know: Lingotot Mental Health Ask Liz Party Ideas Teddy bear’s picnic Party Ideas (Yes, we have more!) The most Egg-celent Easter party! Food and Drink Rainbow Cake recipe Education Sixth form or College?
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28 Fitness 10 Ways to live easier Going Out Reasons to love Spring Education Why a Prep education? Local Business New Family Funeral Directors Opens in Edmonton Sports Improving children’s development through sport
Property Property decisions after Brexit
Advertise with us! Next issue: JUNE 2020 contact@sophias-diary.com | www.sophias-diary.com
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Culture and Education Brand new French classes for pre-schoolers opens in Barnet! Aurelie Kilmurray, a native French speaker who lives in Barnet with her husband and young son, is opening up the world of modern languages to young children. She has recently launched her own children’s languages business with Lingotot, in a bid to share her passion and engage more youngsters in the joy of learning foreign languages. There are so many benefits to knowing a second language. The most obvious ones spring to mind first; travelling, understanding other cultures, enjoying films, books, music from different countries, intercultural understanding etc. But there are many advantages which are less obvious. Knowing two languages can help improve literacy skills in their native language and all round intellectual benefits. Being multilingual improves school performance and increases overall problem-solving skills. Research also suggests bilingual children are more creative than monolingual speakers and score higher on academic tests. It’s also
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Aurelie Kilmurray, Director Lingotot Barnet
been suggested that bilingual toddlers have better concentration too. So why not giving that chance to your child too? Lingotot is a multi-award winning languages programme being delivered to over 20,000 children across the UK each week.
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The lessons are a wonderful mix of interactive games, songs, stories and crafts conducted almost entirely in the target language. You get to learn alongside your child whilst having lots of fun together. Classes are suitable for babies, toddlers and young children and plenty of support is offered for parents/carers so that you can continue your family’s learning at home.
Testimonials “I have started taking my 2 children (2 and 4) to Lingotot in Barnet and they absolutely love it. Aurelie is fun and energetic and the method of teaching is very much fun and games. We will definitely keep going every week.” - Shahrzad -
“Aurelie is very welcoming and friendly with parents and children. She shows a lot of enthusiasm for teaching French and leads a fun and interactive class that we all enjoyed. Everyone who came seemed eager to come back and learn more French.” - Delphine, mum of a 2 years old -
French classes run weekly on Thursdays at 9.40am or 10.35am in Ewen Hall on Wood Street and are available for babies, toddlers and children from 0 to 5 years old.
For information and booking visit www.lingotot.com/centre/barnet
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Mental Health
ASK LIZ
Welcome Liz Sorton, youth coach and mentor, will be answering questions from Sophia’s Diary readers, this issue it’s exams.
Tips for parents
Liz Sorton Lifecoach and mentor for teenagers and young adults
• Ask them how you can support them at this time, what healthy snacks do they like? What foods do they love – why @youthcoachliz not do some menu planning with them • Take care of yourself, make sure you are doing what you need to do to support your own mental health, see friends, go to the gym • Create a bit of time each week to just chat not particularly about revision, to see how they are, perhaps take them out for a coffee? Do they need a lift to a weekend activity and you could chat in the car? • Prepare everyone in the family to be empathetic at exam time, there is an end in sight, it will be OK
Tips for teenagers • Make sure that you have a revision plan, put the exam dates, any extra revision classes at school or at home in one place • Start breaking all your subjects into topics and start going through them coding them up – find easy, find OK, find difficult. You can then divide your revision time up appropriately. • Make sure that you are getting enough sleep. Leave that mobile outside your bedroom door. Don’t forget by messaging someone late at night you are also keeping them awake when they might want to sleep too? • Make sure you take breaks for drinks, snacks and mealtimes, don’t be tempted to eat at your desk, a change of scenery is good and will make a difference when you return.
Do the best that you can with the time you have available, you have got this! Contact hello@youthcoachliz.com
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COULD YOUR TEENAGER DO WITH SOME EXTRA SUPPORT?
Providing life coaching and mentoring for teenagers and young adults Areas such as anger management, dealing with anxiety or depression, organisational skills and revision planning for school and university work, friendship issues and dealing with stress. Able to run one to one NEET prevention mentoring programmes in secondary schools Weekly or monthly mental health awareness/wellbeing groups for students
LIZ SORTON
Call 07837 175551 Email hello@youthcoachliz.com
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Skype and face to face available
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Party Ideas
TEDDY BEAR’S PICNIC! Here are our tips for a great party!
Firstly, visit our Website to order your bears (www.teddytastic.net) FOOD
PARTY GAMES
• Bear themed lunch boxes
Create a party atmosphere!
• Bear shaped sandwich cutters and biscuit cutters. Bake some biscuits the children decorate into a bear face with sprinkles, icing and chocolate buttons. Cupcakes can be decorated too.
• To begin, read a bear-themed storybook. How about Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Winnie the Pooh, Paddington Bear or The Jungle Book?
• Pom Pom bear crisps • Gummy bear sweets • Sainsbury’s bear face chocolate cake (around £8). DECORATIONS • Set the scene with bear-themed decorations such as bear balloons, striped picnic blankets and colourful bunting. Cut out large paw prints and place them outside leading to the front door.
• Follow with an arts and craft competition. Print out bear pictures for some colouring-in fun with glitter glue, stickers, etc. • Blind Fold Bear is fun! Cut out a large cardboard bear template and paint a large red heart in the middle. Blindfold the children and ask them to place a sticker on the heart. The child’s sticker nearest to the heart is the winner! • Musical Bears. A spin on Musical Chairs! Instead of taking a chair away, take away a paw print!
The Grand Finale ends with a Conga Train and The Limbo! The children and their bears are now ready to enjoy their Teddy Bear’s Picnic! We hope our tips have helped to plan your child’s special day. Have fun and enjoy this magical experience! TEDDY TASTIC is excited to announce we will be hosting our 10th Teddy Bear’s Picnic on Thursday 16th April from 2-4pm at St Luke’s Church, Enfield (ages 3-9 years). Are you ready for a Teddy Tastic Time with our bear stuffing, arts and crafts, unique bear party games and Disco?! To book, contact Facebook/teddytasticlimited or Valentina (07956 575 170).
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Due to popular demand Wolf returns for its second run at the Dugdale
Special offer for Sophia’s Diary readers 10%OFF quote
‘SDWolf’
Tuesday 26th Wednesday 27th May Performances: 3pm and 6pm >>>Book now: www.dugdalecentre.co.uk/whats-on/wolf
empire cheerleading academy Book your free trial session
Classes on Saturdays
Ages 3-16 Suitable for beginners
Orchardside School, EN1 4RL | 07930077639 Spring Edition 2020 13 www.empirecheerleadingacademy.com www.sophias-diary.com
Party Ideas
The most Egg-celent Easter party! Spring has sprung, and it brings a fabulous excuse for an Easter party, and a range of themes to play around with, such as animals, pale colour tones, flowers, etc. We have put together some ideas and tips for you to create the best party around! 1. COLOURS The first step is choosing your colours! • pale bunny blue and rabbit white • crunchy carrot orange and sunshine yellow • grassy green and petal pink 2.DIY DÉCOR: BUNNY BUNTING RESOURCES: - Coloured card - Scissors - PomPoms - Glue - Bunny template - Ribbon METHOD: 1. Find a Bunny template online, print and use as stencil to make Bunnies on your desired card. 2. Once cut out (make sure you measure your desired space) add small holes in each ear for the ribbon. 3. Add pom-poms for a ‘fluffy tail’ effect 4. Thread your bunnies through the ribbon, and hang up!
Leah Entertainer Neverland Events Party @neverlandeventsuk
EASTER PLATES IN 4 STEPS! RESOURCES: - Paper plate (desired colour) - Scissors - Coloured card - Glue - Bunny Ears template METHOD: 1. Cut out Bunny ear shapes from card. 2. Glue your ears on top of the plate, creating a Bunny face! 3. Cut out whiskers, nose and eyes from your card and glue them onto plate. 4. Set them on the table along with some cute mini eggs and daffodils. 3. EASTER ENTERTAINMENT! Whether it’s easier to hire an entertainer who can tailor make your party, here’s a few fun ideas you can run for your little ones (and of course the young at heart adults) • Easter egg hunt • Easter costume competition • Easter Egg decoration station • Themed Facepainting • Bunny Assort course (Hop over the carrots, crawl through the tulip bed…)
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Neverland Events is a bespoke children’s entertainment service specialising in 5* character entertainment, sleepover teepees and party styling! We ooer a wide range of themes and fun party extras to give your event that added sparkle. During the holidays our magical team run a holiday adventure camp where your little ones can come along and have heeps of fun! E: info@neverlandevents.co.uk | T: 07526 95405 www.neverlandevents.co.uk
CRAFTY CHEFS MISSION IS SIMPLE:
GETTING PEOPLE COOKING! Children’s cooking parties Afternoon Tea Parties Cooking workshops and courses Chocolate parties Toddler Cooking Classes
Special recipes for children with food allergies
Book now: 07771875939 ailsa@craftychefs.co.uk / www.craftychefs.co.uk
Tales from the Round Table This Easter at Chickenshed | 14 - 19 Apr For ages 3-7yrs
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020 8292 9222
www.chickenshed.org.uk
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Food and Drink
RAINBOW CAKE A stunning celebration cake with colourful layers
Ingredients Sponge:
110g/4oz self-raising flour (Sifted) 110g/4oz caster sugar 110g/4oz margarine 2 free-range eggs (Beaten) 1 tsp Vanilla extract Gel colourings: red, yellow, orange, green, blue, purple
Ailsa O’Shea Chef Crafty Chefs North London @craftychefs
Vanilla Buttercream: 160g Butter Soft, room temperature) 500g Icing Sugar 40mls Milk
* ingredients above make two 6” cakes so this needs to be made 3 times to make 6 cakes
What to do:
GET AN ADULT TO Preheat the oven to 180C/375F/Gas 5. Grease and line two 6” cake tin with baking parchment. For the sponge, beat together the butter and sugar until light and creamy. Add the beaten eggs gradually with a little of the flour. Fold in the remaining flour, gently. Divide the mixture equally into two separate bowls and add a different colour to each mix, once completely mixed spread evenly into the prepared tins. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden-brown and cooked through. Check the sponge is cooked by using a knife or skewer, dip in the middle of cake and if this comes out clean they are ready if it is still wet then bake longer. Remove from oven and leave in tins for 5-10 minutes, then run a blunt knife round the edge of the tin and carefully turn the sponge cakes out onto a wire rack. Use a clean tea towel over the tin, put your hand onto the tea towel and tip it upside down. The cake should come out onto your hand and the tea towel – then you can turn it from your hand onto the wire rack. Repeat this another two times so you have 6 different colour cakes Set a side to cool completely before icing.
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For the butter cream, sift the icing sugar into a bowl. Add the butter and beat until it starts to come together, then add the milk gradually. Beat on high until light and fluffy but not too soft! Take one cake and spread some buttercream on the top then place another cake on top and continue until you have stacked all 6 cakes Use the remaining buttercream to cover the outside and top, smooth with a palette knife to give an even finish. Place in the fridge for 30mins. Any remaining buttercream then you can colour or decorate the top with swirls and colourful sprinkles.
Enjoy! Let Crafty Chefs teach your toddler how to do this at our Christmas Cooking Classes in December!
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Education
SIXTH FORM OR COLLEGE? Deciding in 6th Form or College can be a difficult choice for students. Do they stay in an environment they are familiar with friends or teachers they know? Alternatively, they can have a fresh start and have a new circle. Sophia’s Diary interviewed Southgate’s School Head of 6th Form, Katherine Mann, for her opinion on this What is the difference between Sixth Form and College?
In many ways, post 16 study is similar wherever you receive it. Both Colleges and Sixth Forms within schools should promote independent learning, selfregulation and encourage students to take responsibility for their education and progress. However, we know that not all 16/17 year olds find the transition from Year 11 easy and there are a few key differences with regards to motivation and support when it comes to Sixth Forms in schools and colleges. The larger number of students in a Sixth Form College, typically makes it important that a student is conscientious and selfmotivating in order to succeed because there is usually more freedom in a college setting. Sixth Forms attached to schools tend to be more nurturing and - with a smaller number of students in this age bracket - are able to give more attention and guidance to the needs of individual students. This is particularly beneficial if the student has completed years 7-11 in that school so is known to staff members. Of course, some students need a fresh start and an opportunity to begin studies with new teachers
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and new peers who will encourage them to achieve their potential. Many colleges offer a wider variety of courses. What is the difference between a Vocational and Traditional Level 3 Courses?
Traditional Level 3 courses (A Levels) are more academic in the skills they require and develop, covering broader elements of study with assessment consisting mainly of exams at the end of the two years. Vocational courses combine practical application and theoretical study focused on a particular sector; so if you know you want to follow a particular path, these courses can be very beneficial. Until recently, Level 3 Technical courses were all assessed without exams, although this is now changing depending on the course. Can you give us some examples of enrichment opportunities that Southgate Sixth Form provide?
We are enlarging the list of enrichment activities offered to Sixth Form students at Southgate School every week. From traditional 6th form opportunities such as debate club, EPQ, the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award, wonderful music ensembles and theatre trips
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run by both the English and Drama departments, to leading student voice and charity events organised through our 6th form leadership team. We are building relationships with other schools in North London including Harrow – enjoying inspiring talks held regularly there - and Oaktree which is partnering with Southgate School’s art department for a joint project later this year. We promote the benefits of physical activity to help student develop a variety of skills and to reduce the inevitable stress of life as a post 16 student. We are also creating opportunities for students to participate in football, basketball, handball, netball and running clubs as well as more sedate activities such as chess and craft/colouring to help students relax. We have just selected and launched the new 6th form leadership team (pictured) and have a team of students dedicated to promoting the enrichment activities across all Key Stages at Southgate School which is very exciting. What are the most important things to look for when making a final decision? (e.g. course, ofsted, distance, environment, teachers etc)
This is a difficult question to answer and really depends on the student. Studying the courses that you are interested in pursuing is key if you are to succeed in developing and maintaining motivation throughout the two years of your Level 3 course. If you do not enjoy your studies, you will find it very hard to keep going as
the demands of your courses grow. Distance should be a key consideration as excessive travel time can really hinder your studies. Having to get up early to travel to school or spend hours commuting home after a long day can affect energy levels and restrict participation in enrichment activities which typically happen outside of school hours. Having a good working relationship with staff who genuinely care about your well-being as well as academic progress is also important to help encourage and support students as they face inevitable challenges during this unique time in their journey to adulthood. If you already get on well with teachers who understand you and can provide specific advice about how to tackle difficult situations as well as regarding careers/university destinations is priceless.
For more info visit www.southgate.enfield.sch.uk
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WHAT DOES FINANCE MEAN TO YOU AND WHERE COULD IT TAKE YOU?
I’m really enjoying the course and will certainly be continuing my classes with Advanced Audit and Assurance next. Angela – Malvern ACCA Student
NEW COURSE ALERT!
ACCA & AAT Professional Qualifıcations
Flexible learning - study at your own pace online or part-time! Whether it’s ACCA or AAT, online or classroom based learning at Malvern House we put the focus on the student experience. WHY CHOOSE US? • Low cost modules • Offıcial Approved Learning Partner • Internationally recognised qualifıcations • High Pass Rates • Award winning tutors Find out more : www.malvernhouse.com/accounting-courses
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• Excellent location
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Property
Property decisions after brexit Graham Julius Director Select Agencies @selectagenciesproperty
Throughout 2019 and up to the General Election the property market at all level was in stagnation. With shortages of properties both to sell and to rent, purchasers and applicants were worried about moving and exposing themselves to new expenses in the uncertain political and economic climate. The election of a new Conservative government removed the uncertainty and took the UK out of the European Union on January 31, which may or may not be a good thing - we will just have to wait and see on that one. Little happened during the period following the general election and the end of the year, however since January 1st we are seeing more properties becoming available and are receiving many more enquiries. It seems that sales and rental values are strengthening, transactions are being completed and the general outlook is becoming more positive. This trend may only be short term as our government is
adopting a strong negotiating position on most of the areas under discussion with the EU, creating the possibility of the hard Brexit most sought to avoid. Accordingly vendors or landlords should seriously consider acting whilst the political and economic climate remains positive. None of us have a crystal ball. Traditionally the start of Spring signals an upsurge in the numbers of properties available to sell and rent, however, notwithstanding the above we expect to be busier than usual with landlords wanting to divest themselves of their investments due to the withdrawal of the tax incentives previously offered on Buy To Let Mortgages and owners wanting to take advantage of the, at present small, increases to property values. The downside to selling residential property investments is that after Capital Gains Tax has been paid it is difficult to find investments which will match the income previously received.
We are not Financial Advisors and cannot comment further on these trends. We can however offer advice on how to manage your property and returns on it. www.selectagencies.co.uk
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Fitness
10WAYS TO LIVE EASIER There’s plenty of research out there telling us that we must move more. You can dramatically improve your quality of life by making some easy, simple everyday adjustments.
Karen Browne Personal Trainer Bodyfaze @bodyfaze
Making time for exercise Generally, 1 hour 3 times a week is advised. But the easy excuse is that you don’t have time. Try Piggy Backing onto something. Squat and brush your teeth. Lunge when adverts come on. Walk to the next bus stop and try and beat the bus. Exercise hard We need to get a sweat on to work our cardio. Cut down of sugary and processed foods Eat more nutrient dense foods. Get a training Buddy Train with a friend, get a personal trainer. Being accountable to someone else keeps you on track. Go for walks Get out in the fresh air, join a walking group. Not only is this good for your fitness it is fantastic for your mental health. Plan If you tell yourself the night before that you are going to the gym straight after work pack your kit and you are more likely to stick to the plan. Get plenty of sleep If you wake energised, you will have more energy to stick to your exercise regime.
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Stress Exercise is the best stress reliever. You can’t think of your worries when you are exercising. If you are really stressed, Boxing will definitely help. Phew, you will definitely work up a sweat and is great for cardio. Eat more protein Protein can help boost your metabolism. Eating protein can help increase the impact of exercise. Protein helps promote recovery too.
Do more weights There are so many benefits to lifting weights including helping our bones for later on in life and increasing metabolism for fat loss.
With a health lifestyle, you will be much more equipped to deal with the stresses of life and pressures of work. Your body will feel younger and you will feel a positive influence on your mental health.
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Going Out
North London Mum’s reasons to love spring March the 20th marks the official first day and so spring is finally here. Here are my top reasons to love this time of year. Flowers! The return of spring brings with it some stunning views in our parks which also means inexpensive days out! Carpets of Bluebells peak in late April. For local Bluebells try Myddleton house Gardens (Pay £2.50 car park). bluebells can also be found in Trent Park Cockfosters along with Daffodils and an animal sanctuary. More central is Highgate woods and Hampstead Heath. For truly magical scenes head out of London to Wormley wood and Nuts wood Broxbourne, Gobions Wood St Albans
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Sapphira Vernazza Influencer North London Mum @northlonmum
and Sherrads Park Welwyn Garden. Even Further: Docky woods on the Astridge estate Hertfordshire and Philips Hill woods in Rickmansworth. For abundant flowers at the beginning of May and a free mini Zoo head to Golders Hill Park. Here is also a great playground with sand (free parking on Wycomb Gardens). 19th-22nd June enjoy the Flower show at Capel Manor Enfield £6 entry. Easter! Good Friday 10th and Easter Monday 13th of April. Egg hunts as follows: 1st Bury Lodge Easter fete. (£4 goes towards the refurbishment of the playground). 10th-11th Capel Manor egg-hunt £6. Both Enfield. Hunt for dragon eggs at Kenwood House 10-13th and Easter Craft day at Burgh House 10th both in Hampstead. Egg Hunt and decorating at Stephens House 5th Finchley. Oakmere Park in Pottersbar 9th (do check out www.parkevents.co.uk as well because there are many other hunts around Herts) £1.50 per hunt. Lee Valley Easter Country fair 12-13th (tickets apply) admin@oakleighfairs.co.uk. Other Events: Easter Wreath workshop Dugdale centre 9th. The usual big theme parks have events on such as Paultons Park and Lego Land. A day out with Thomas the
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tank engine also looks fabulous: 10th-13th (Buckinghamshire). Easter Hop is also at Watford Colosseum on the 6th. May Bank holidays! The first May bank holiday has officially changed this year to the 8th (normally it falls on the first Monday in May) This is due to the 75th anniversary of VE day. There will be many events up and down the country. Hertford Castle will have exhibitions and live music. (closes at 2:30pm). Pubs will be open for an extra 2 hours for “the nation’s toast”. Spring bank holiday is as normal the 25th.
Fathers Day! Sunday 21st June. Dads enjoy free tea and cake at Old Mcdonalds farm. Gullivers Land Milton Keynes Dads go free. If Dad is into cars or you have boys into Blaze try Motor Fest in Chelmsford (look out for giant monster trucks!) Dads go free. Foodie? Taste festival at Regents Park is dedicated to restaurants. If Dad is into wartime history visit Bently Pior RAF museum or Havilands Air museum London Colney. On the 13th of June, the unmissable Totfest festival aimed at 6 months to 5-year-olds in St Albans also deserves a mention as I have heard great things!
Check out northlonmum on Instagram for updates of our new arrival and we would also love to hear how you get on over Spring with your family days out (hopefully there is enough here to keep you busy!). My final reason to love this time of year is we are due to have our spring chick! Baby Vernazza will be coming on March the 20th. Northlonmum xx
Follow @northlonmum
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Education
Why A Prep Education? At Grange Park Prep School, we embrace what we know to be true: the best learning happens in extraordinary academic environments full of diverse beliefs, pursuits and backgrounds, guided by excellent classroom teachers. We have been voted in the top 50 Preparatory Schools in the Country by The Sunday Times. This has been further endorsed by our recent inspection in May 2019, where the school has been awarded the highest achievement ‘Excellent’ in all areas. I believe a prep school education enables each child to be treated as an individual, to feel valued and, above all, to reach their full potential. Every child is unique and it is at this young age that excellent foundations can be laid; and a sense of aspiration created. Offering more than just academic success we place equal value on what happens outside the core subjects – the importance of sport, music, drama, art, design and a varied programme of activities which adds an extra dimension to a child’s education. Extra-curricular activities such as these introduce children to new skills, engage them in social activities, develop positive learning traits and help to shape their lives in a positive way. Every child has talents and skills,
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Flavia Rizzo Head Teacher Grange Park Prep School @grangeparkprepschool
some of these are more difficult to find and recognise, it is our job to unearth and cherish these latent abilities. We have a maximum of 16 children per class keeping the ratio of staff to pupils small. Their education is further enhanced by the use of specialist teachers. This means that each child has a greater chance of being understood and provided with the guidance they may need. Additional support as well as further individual challenge can be given when needed, building the confidence which is so important for a child. Enthusiastic and passionate teaching staff inspire and nurture a love of learning and instil inquisitive learning in pupils, allowing them to become critical thinkers. A sense of family epitomises education here at GPPS and our school is built around open communication. It is important to involve parents in the school community and parents are
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always more than welcome to come into school to speak to the teachers. The partnership between parent, school and the child offers 360˚support, allowing every opportunity for the child to flourish both academically and socially. The very nature of prep school education ensures that children feel safe and secure. A wealth of happy memories are often a legacy, with lifetime friendships frequently being forged. The vision for our school is probably not far off many people’s vision for our society as a whole. It is a place in which young girls, and now boys, develop and learn together as well as from one another.
Where they compete and laugh together with equal access and opportunities to develop their own individual potential. Getting there will no doubt have its challenges, but any goal worth pursuing usually does.
If you are interested to see what GPPS could offer your child we would welcome the opportunity to meet with prospective parents and children, please contact our office to book an individual tour or Open Morning (The first Tuesday of every month) 0208 360 1469 For more information visit: www.gpps.org.uk
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Local Business
New Family Funeral Directors Opens in Edmonton
A new family-run Funeral Directors - Austin, Davis and Son - has opened its flagship branch in Enfield to provide the local community with access to low cost funerals. Located on the Bounces Road high street in Edmonton, the newly opened 30
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funeral home provides services to families across the borough when a loved one has passed away. Guests at the recent Grand Opening included Councillor Kate Anolue (Mayor of Enfield), Kate Osamor (MP for Edmonton), members of
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the local clergy, as well as lots of members of the local community. Of the occasion Mayor Anolue said, “It was a pleasure to see this new business opening in Edmonton to provide a vital service at a low cost for our residents.” She continued, “It’s not something we want to happen to our loved ones, but it is nice to receive the professional service they deserve.” At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, MP Osamor said, “I think that no matter how we look at life, we know that, unfortunately, death is promised to us. Thank you for bringing this service to Edmonton.” She continued, “We need to ensure that we support local businesses such as this one, and to ensure that we are working side by side. So, thank you to all of the residents who have come here to show your support today.” The Bounces Road community was treated to a visit from the stunning horses, Jester & Jasper, from Sonny
Hillier Horse Drawn Carriages, whilst entertainment was provided by soloist singer Shelley Nash and Highland bagpiper Matthew McRae. Of the opening, Angela Bailey, Managing Director of Austin, Davis & Son said, “I could see that there was a need in the Enfield area, particularly in Edmonton, for funeral directors like Austin, Davis and Son. Funerals can be affordable, without having to compromise on the celebration of a person’s life.” Ms. Bailey, who is already an award-winning and established funeral director in London, continued, “Particularly in this area, there aren’t many funeral directors providing the types of affordable services we offer. With the ‘cost of death’ rising across the UK, it’s important to provide quality of care that is transparently costed and won’t break the bank – which is what we do.”
Austin, Davis & Son in Edmonton is open Monday – Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM, though staff are available 24/7/365 for emergency call outs when someone has passed away. For more information about arranging a funeral, or to make an appointment call 020 8191 9828
www.austindavisandson.co.uk
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Sports
Improving children’s development through sport
As time goes by, scientists find more and more reasons why exercise is good for the human body. Exercise Ali Mustafa keeps our hearts and brains in better condition, and it’s Coach thought people who exercise regularly have less risk of Pro Elite Academy developing dementia when they’re older. In fact exercise has a positive effect on everyone, of every age, from birth @proelite.academy onwards, and that includes toddlers. Children explore, invent and create via play, and sport is a powerful way to play in a structured way. They develop great social skills, learn to express their emotions, and gain confidence about their own capabilities through sport. At the same time research reveals early childhood is the most critical period for brain development, and that our experiences in the first years of our lives have a surprisingly powerful lasting effect on our future mental health and development. These days girls and boys can both play, either in mixed or single-sex teams, and there are plenty of specialist football classes for toddlers to enjoy. Of course, the social inclusion football encourages means your child will grow up with a broader mind, having experienced all sorts of different cultures and types of people.
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12 reasons why football classes for toddlers will brighten your child’s life • As a powerful social tool, sport brings kids from different backgrounds together and drives better social inclusion • It plays a vital role in improving physical and mental health • It encourages citizenship and boosts social inclusion • Sport gives youngsters better life skills • Exercise helps children understand the value of physical fitness • Sport has been proved to encourage better academic performance • Sport reduces childhood obesity, the 21st century’s biggest health challenge • Even if your child isn’t naturally ‘good at sport’, playing football has the same physical, social and mental benefits as it has when they’re a sporting genius • If your child is a natural leader, playing football will encourage their leadership talent • Sport improves self-esteem • Sport is a great landscape against which to learn how to resolve conflicts peacefully and effectively • Team sports help youngsters learn how to become team players, useful throughout their life The World Health Organization says physical inactivity is the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality. You can improve your child’s health physically - and academically - by encouraging them to enjoy at least half an hour of exercise every day. It’ll set them up well for a healthier, happier, more productive life. And the Beautiful Game is one of the best-loved ways to get the right amount of exercise. Visit www.efacademy.co.uk for more information
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Classes also available online Book now: 079414 68576
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