Families Upon Thames Magazine

Find out more about Sir William Perkins's School (SWPS), a leading independent day school for girls ages 11 to 18 in Chertsey. The school’s most recent inspection reported that "Pupils demonstrate excellent social awareness and they grow up to be poised, confident, and articulate young women." Academic success is the school’s priority but education should be about far more than just top grades. believes in educating the whole person and equipping its students to have the confidence to make their mark on the world. Girls are encouraged to get involved in the many co-curricular activities on offer, take every opportunity to develop their interests and creativity and interpersonal, teamwork and leadership skills and to be forward-thinking, reaching into the wider community. Discover the school at one of its Open Morning on Wed 11 Sep or Thu 10 October. Register at the Open Morning section of the Sir William Perkin’s website.

Today is National Thoughtful Day🥰🦋

What are you most excited for in September? And no... it can't be the kids going back to school! 😅😅

Enjoy your bank holiday weekend ♥️

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10 Internet Safety Tips for Parents! 💻🖥️⌨️

It's Emergency Services Day at Brooklands Museum on Sunday 15 September! With fun for all the family, come meet some of our country’s heroes and see displays of traditional and modern-day fire engines, police cars and ambulances. Don’t miss the chance to meet the PAW Patrol pups Chase, Marshall and Skye who will make appearances throughout the day. Easily accessible by car or train, parking is free and there’s a café and plenty of picnic space available. Book now for this exciting day out at Brooklands! Visit website and search What’s On for Emergency Services Day 2024.

It’s a HOT one today! 🔥🥵☀️ - make sure you stay cool 😎 👌

10 ideas to keep children engaged and entertained during summer holidays! 💡⭐️🪴☀️

Looking for a day nursery and/or pre-school in Staines and interested in the opinion of other parents? Childbase Partnership day nursery Knowle Green in Staines receives excellent 5 star reviews. Here’s just one example:

“We are absolutely thrilled with Knowle Green Day Nursery in Staines! The staff are professional, kind, always welcome you with a smile and offer support when needed. Our daughter flourishes at the nursery. The days are filled with so many thoughtful, sensory educational activities that supports and encourages development. Our daugther is currently at Ladybirds and the room leader and her team have been absolute stars. Made our rather stressful settling in journey a pleasure and never stopped offering fantastic care since. As a parent, knowing that you are handing your child to someone that truly cares and looks after your child as their own is priceless. Daily updates on the app are a great feature and always leaves a big smile on our faces to see how their day has been. All the special events, weekly newsletters, monthly story reports, and daily drop off/pick ups chats are making parents feel part of the nursery experience. Without any doubt - a top-notch nursery!”

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Horrible Histories proudly presents its wicked river tour – Terrible Thames Tour, running until 31 August! So climb aboard and prepare to hear the horrible history of the most famous river in the world! Featuring stories about King Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, Julius Caesar, Queen Boudicca, Jack the Ripper and Captain Kidd, it’s the history of the Thames with the nasty bits left in! Suitable for ages 5+. Special Family Discounts available: 2 adults + 2 children for £70 or 1 adult + 3 children for £60! Visit Terrible Thames website to book.

Looking for some summer arts & crafts inspo for your kids during the summer break? It can be as easy as a handprint frog or decorating some stepping stones for the garden 🪴 😀👧🏼👦🏻🎨🖌️

Located in leafy south west London, Kew College Prep provides a small, supportive and vibrant school community for girls and boys from Nursery to Year 6. The minute you walk through the door, the ethos of the school is apparent; it is a friendly and caring environment which is relaxed but purposeful. The curriculum is designed to provide pupils with opportunities to create, connect and collaborate both within and beyond the classroom. The school’s Junior House (Years 3-6) is also the springboard for their unique 11+ programme. For more information, please visit them online and book their next Open Morning on Friday, 27 September.

Looking for a dance class for your pre-schooler in Twickenham? At Danceforce School of Dancing’s magical Happy Toes classes children can start at age 18 months and progress to the nursery class for ages 3+, either in ballet or street and tap classes. Parents and carers are encouraged to join in which is a lovely way to enjoy time with your little ones. All new children are welcome to have a trial in their chosen class so that they can experience the classes and settle in. Trial lessons can be at the beginning of term or mid-term. More information on Danceforce page and online.

At Clubland Playscheme Ltd holiday camps, children love the traditional play values from messy play to engaging sports including messy play, imaginative play, to engaging sports and art projects which lead to a Clubland a happy blend of exhaustion and exhilaration! Don’t miss out on Clubland’s Summer Holiday Club in Claygate, Esher for children ages 2-12! Book at their website. 🌞🎨🚌

Head to Westfield London for CBeebies Rainbow Adventure this summer! Theatre meets play, music and lots of surprises in this brand new, unmissable 55 minute theatrical journey for children and their grown ups. SHOWING NOW! Delight in the iconic rooms of Bluey, Hey Duggee, JoJo and Gran Gran and Mr Tumble on friends. There’s even a free photo opportunity with your favourite costume character from the adventure at the end! Just google Cbeebies Rainbow Adventure for tickets.

FAMILY FUN DAYS 🌞 OPEN TO ALL! TOAD HALL NURSERY

Join Road Nursery - A Toad Hall Day Nursery in Chessington in Chessington on 5 August or Felcott Road Nursery - A Toad Hall Day Nursery in Walton on ThamesThames on 17 August for their annual Summer Fun Days.

There will be lots of fun activities for children aged 5 and under, including games, crafts, face painting, and more. There will also be a petting zoo at the Walton-on-Thames event!

These events are open to everyone and you will also have the opportunity to tour the nursery should you be looking for childcare options.

Try England Sports Group Camp England summer day camps in Surrey this summer! There are so many venues to choose from including Richmond, Twickenham, Kingston, Molesey, Chertsey and Guildford and these camps are perfect for kids from ages 5+. There’s the chance to try multi-activity, tennis, gymnastics, dance and drama! Find out more at England Sports Group online.

Don’t miss The Great Garden Adventure at RHS Garden Wisley this summer! Running NOW to 26 August, families can join Shaun the Sheep as he discovers how to grow the best fruit and veg at Mossy Bottom Farm! Find the three decorated sculptures of Shaun in the garden – you might even meet him ‘in the fleece’ for a cheeky selfie! RHS Garden Wisley looks forward to seeing ewe! Find out more at www.rhs.org.uk/wisley

Hurry! Global sensation Blippi On Tour is coming to London between 8 July and 7 September! Head to the Harold Pinter theatre in the West End to see Blippi’s new show, The Wonderful World Tour and enjoy the vivacious, energetic and educational antics. Following the success of the Olivier nominated debut show, this new show is the ultimate adventure of curious little ones! Suitable for ages 2+. Visit The Harold Pinter Theatre online to book.

Enjoy summer with Ultimate Activity Camps in Long Ditton, Surbiton and Wimbledon! With their unbeatable combination of brilliant activities, experienced staff and a supportive environment, at Ultimate Activity Camps, your child will create lifelong memories, discover new passions and make new friends.

For ages ages 4 to 14, running Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm and providing a full day of thrilling adventures (costs apply), summer camps take place at Shrewsbury House Prep School in Long Ditton, Surbiton High School in Surbiton and The Rowans School in Wimbledon.

Ofsted-regulated where dedicated staff prioritise safety and create a supportive environment in which kids grow, learn and build confidence, resilience and self-esteem

From sports and survival camps to art and tech adventures, there's something for everyone and endless possibilities awaits!

More information at Ultimate Activity Camps online!

Want your pre-schooler to take their first dance steps in a magical dance programme? With classes in Kingston and Twickenham, Danceforce School of Dancing's classes for ages 18 months to 4 years offer little ones an unforgettable experience and the perfect way to begin their dance journey. Parents and carers are encouraged to join in which is a lovely way to have fun and interact with your kids. There’s a nursery class for ages 3 plus in ballet or little groovers can try the new street and tap classes and bop to the latest tunes! They can even perform in the annual Little Movers show. Free trial is available. More information on Danceforce page and online. Danceforce School of Dancing

‘My daughter joined Suzanna Raymond School of Dance in Teddington (SRSD) when she was 4 and she hasn’t stopped! Now she’s 11 and she loves SRSD’s summer camps and her weekly ballet lessons and scholars’ class. SRSD focusses on technique and getting the best out of their pupils but never loses sight of making dance fun. We love the feeling of family that is across everything they do.’ SRSD Parent. Offering classical ballet, jazz, contemporary, modern and tap classes for children ages 3 to 18+, classes are available weekdays and Saturdays in Teddington and Hampton. For information and booking email [email protected] or visit Suzanna Raymond School of Dance online.

On selected dates in July and August, kids ages 4-6 and their parents can enjoy 90 minute Forest School sessions at Painshill in Cobham filled with sensory free play, art/craft, forestry games and outdoor activities. Meanwhile, ages 8-11, can go wild in the woods at Painshill’s Wild Summer Camps with amazing outdoor experiences hosted by experienced Forest School and bushcraft-trained staff. Camps run 23-25 July, 13-15 August and 20-22 August (9am to 3.30pm). Book at Painshill website.