Families South West London Magazine

Families South West London Magazine Parenting magazine. Useful and inspiring information for parents with children 0-12yrs in SW London

Things to do, parenting magazine, information, what's on... Useful and inspiring information for parents with children 0-12yrs in SW London. Tips and links for local parents and small business support/connections.

Wondering about the changes to Ofsted? 🧐Many people feel strongly about the changes to Ofsted but, as with anything, th...
21/09/2026

Wondering about the changes to Ofsted? 🧐

Many people feel strongly about the changes to Ofsted but, as with anything, there are costs and benefits for schools, staff, parents and pupils:

⚖

Advantages

Rather than a single overall grade, report cards provide a more detailed picture of particular strengths alongside areas for improvement.

The increased emphasis on inclusion, SEND and disadvantaged pupils focuses schools on how effectively they support the needs of all learners.

Disadvantages

More detailed report cards may be harder for parents to understand and could make straightforward comparisons between schools more difficult.

Teachers and school leaders may still experience considerable stress and additional workload, particularly as schools are now graded across several areas.

As the framework is relatively new, questions remain about how consistently inspectors will interpret and apply the new grading system.

CREDIT: ERIN MILLER Families UK

Erin Miller is a teacher with a keen interest in how research can be used in the classroom to improve learning.

Expectation: slow morningscoordinated outfitshomemade snacksa baby who naps peacefully while you drink hot coffeeReality...
17/09/2026

Expectation:

slow mornings
coordinated outfits
homemade snacks
a baby who naps peacefully while you drink hot coffee

Reality:

someone’s crying before 7am
your coffee has been reheated three times
you’re wearing yesterday’s leggings
dinner is whatever can be made with one hand

Motherhood isn’t always picture-perfect.

Exhausting, relentless, noisy, messy, and often nothing like you imagined.
But thank goodness for a small cuddle in the middle of it all.

None of us like to be criticised or rejected but Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria is different. While most people can rec...
16/09/2026

None of us like to be criticised or rejected but Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria is
different.

While most people can recognise these feelings, rationalise them, feel bad then move on, people with RSD experience them as ...

💔Physically painful, (tight chest, palpitations)
🫠All-consuming
💥Disproportionate to the event that triggered them.
😭Massive feelings of shame.

Five signs your child might be struggling with rejection
sensitivity:

1⃣Does your child react with anger or sadness in
response to minor criticisms or perceived failures?

2⃣Do they insist everything has to be perfect or avoid
tasks and thus failure?

3⃣Are they people-pleasers?

4⃣Do they have low self-esteem?

5⃣Does feeling criticised or rejected cause them
physical pain?

Then your child may have rejection sensitivity
dysphoria (RSD).

It is often seen in people with ADHD.

"Watching your child snap from being completely fine
to completely devastated can be traumatic. The tiniest
correction to their behaviour can cause them to lash
out verbally or withdraw emotionally, which can be
very hard to parent effectively and compassionately,"
Author, Alex Partridge.

Parenting a child with RSD

STEP ONE The first step in managing your child’s RSD is to
explain the way their brain perceives criticism and how
their emotional responses will be intense. Highlight
that there’s nothing wrong with this. Start this
conversation at a peaceful time, when their brain is
regulated and free from stress.

STEP TWO When your child does experience an RSD episode, remain calm and grounded. Praise and reassure them as they will be filled with shame and feel awful about themselves in these moments. Remaining calm shows your child that their big emotions are not a problem for you and you understand where they’re coming from.

For the full article on RSD go to >>>
families online.co.uk
or follow for more parent tips on RSD.

Alex Partridge hosts the ADHD Chatter podcast and is
author of

Why Does Everybody Hate Me?: Living and Loving with
Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria

Sheldon Press -
available now.

Apple-oat yoghurt bitesMakes: 8–10 small bitesGood for: children aged 1+ (adjust texture for younger children)Ingredient...
15/09/2026

Apple-oat yoghurt bites

Makes: 8–10 small bites
Good for: children aged 1+ (adjust texture for younger children)

Ingredients

1 small apple, grated

4 tbsp porridge oats

4 tbsp plain Greek yoghurt

1 tbsp smooth peanut butter or sunflower-seed butter

A pinch of cinnamon (optional)

A few blueberries, halved for younger children (optional)

Method

Mix the grated apple, oats, yoghurt, nut or seed butter, and cinnamon in a bowl.

Leave for 5 minutes so the oats soften.

Spoon into mini muffin cases, or serve as little piles in a bowl.

Add a few halved blueberries on top if using.

Handy swaps

Use grated pear instead of apple, or mashed banana instead of yoghurt for a dairy-free option. If taking it out and about, pack it chilled and eat the same day.

Safety note: Avoid whole nuts and whole grapes for young children; halve grapes lengthways and use smooth nut butter only. For babies under 12 months, leave out honey and check any allergies carefully.

Apple and cinnamon energy balls

Makes: 10–12 small balls
Good for: children aged 1+

Ingredients

1 small apple, grated

80 g porridge oats

2 tbsp smooth peanut butter or sunflower-seed butter

1 tbsp chia seeds

½ tsp cinnamon

1 tbsp plain natural yoghurt, if needed to bring the mixture together

Method

Grate the apple, then gently squeeze out excess juice.

Mix it with the oats, nut or seed butter, chia seeds, and cinnamon.

If the mixture feels crumbly, stir in the yoghurt a teaspoon at a time.

Roll into small bite-sized balls and chill for 20 minutes before serving.

Store covered in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Safety note: Use smooth nut butter only. For children under five, serve one ball at a time while seated and supervised.

Apple, carrot and cinnamon muffins

Makes: 8 small muffins
Good for: children aged 1+

Ingredients

1 small apple, grated

1 small carrot, finely grated

1 ripe banana, mashed

1 egg

100 g wholemeal flour

1 tsp baking powder

½ tsp cinnamon

2 tbsp plain natural yoghurt

Method

Heat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) / Gas 4. Line or lightly grease a mini-muffin tin.

Mix the apple, carrot, banana, egg, and yoghurt in a bowl.

Stir in the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon until just combined.

Divide between the muffin cups and bake for 15–18 minutes, until firm and golden.

Cool completely before serving.

Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to 1 month.

Safety note: For younger children, serve a muffin broken into manageable pieces and supervise while eating.

Apple, carrot and cinnamon muffins

Makes: 8 small muffins
Good for: children aged 1+

Ingredients

1 small apple, grated

1 small carrot, finely grated

1 ripe banana, mashed

1 egg

100 g wholemeal flour

1 tsp baking powder

½ tsp cinnamon

2 tbsp plain natural yoghurt

Method

Heat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) / Gas 4. Line or lightly grease a mini-muffin tin.

Mix the apple, carrot, banana, egg, and yoghurt in a bowl.

Stir in the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon until just combined.

Divide between the muffin cups and bake for 15–18 minutes, until firm and golden.

Cool completely before serving.

Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to 1 month.

Safety note: For younger children, serve a muffin broken into manageable pieces and supervise while eating.

Apple and quinoa-flake breakfast cookies

Makes: 8 small cookies
Good for: children aged 1+

Ingredients

1 small apple, grated

1 ripe banana, mashed

100 g quinoa flakes

1 tbsp chia seeds

½ tsp cinnamon

2 tbsp raisins, finely chopped (optional)

Method

Heat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) / Gas 4. Line a baking tray with baking paper.

Mix the grated apple, mashed banana, quinoa flakes, chia seeds, cinnamon, and raisins.

Leave the mixture for 5 minutes so the quinoa flakes soften slightly.

Divide into 8 mounds on the tray and flatten gently into cookie shapes.

Bake for 15–18 minutes, until set and lightly golden.

Cool completely before serving.

Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to 1 month.

Safety note: For younger children, leave out the raisins or chop them very finely. Serve the cookie in small pieces and supervise while eating.

None of us like to be criticised or rejected but Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria is different. While most people can re...
14/09/2026

None of us like to be criticised or rejected but Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria is different.

While most people can recognise these feelings, rationalise them, feel bad then move on, people with RSD experience them as ...

💔Physically painful, (tight chest, palpitations)
🫠All-consuming
💥Disproportionate to the event that triggered them.
😭Massive feelings of shame.

Five signs your child might be struggling with rejection sensitivity:

1⃣Does your child react with anger or sadness in response to minor criticisms or perceived failures?

2⃣Do they insist everything has to be perfect or avoid tasks and thus failure?

3⃣Are they people-pleasers?

4⃣Do they have low self-esteem?

5⃣Does feeling criticised or rejected cause them physical pain?

Then your child may have rejection sensitivity dysphoria (RSD).

It is often seen in people with ADHD.

"Watching your child snap from being completely fine to completely devastated can be traumatic. The tiniest correction to their behaviour can cause them to lash out verbally or withdraw emotionally, which can be very hard to parent effectively and compassionately," according to author Alex Partridge.

Parenting a child with RSD

1⃣ The first step in managing your child’s RSD is to explain the way their brain perceives criticism and how their emotional responses will be intense. Highlight that there’s nothing wrong with this. Start this conversation at a peaceful time, when their brain is regulated and free from stress.

For the full article on RSD go to >>>
families online.co.uk
or follow for more parent tips on RSD.

Alex Partridge hosts the ADHD Chatter podcast and is author of
Why Does Everybody Hate Me?: Living and Loving with Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria Sheldon Press - available now.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents RoSPA inspects children's playgrounds and estimates there are approx...
10/09/2026

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents RoSPA inspects children's playgrounds and estimates there are approximately 40,000 injuries to children on playgrounds each year which result in a hospital visit.

Of the equipment involved in fall injuries, the figures suggest these percentages:

Swings 40%
Climbers 23%
Slides 21%
Roundabouts 5%
See-Saws 4%
Fireman’s Poles 1%
Others 6%

This does not mean swings are more dangerous – just that there are more of them and they are more popular.

One of the most dangerous items on the playground are overhead bars which rotate.

The accident statistics show that injuries as a result of accidents occur for several other reasons

Not all accidents are related to the equipment – perhaps as few as 40% – and of these 80% result in a fall to the surface.

Of the remaining accidents, at least 4% involve children being struck by a swing seat (although the resultant injury is usually not serious), a similar number being bitten by dogs and being cut by glass.

The other top causes:
Poor equipment design or failure to comply to Standards
Poor design and layout
Unsuitable equipment for the intended age group
Incorrect installation
Poor inspection
Poor maintenance
Lack of supervision
‘Misuse’ of equipment
Unsuitable clothes
Weather conditions

Expect a lot of communicationThe first few weeks usually involve lots of practical information about routines, homework,...
09/09/2026

Expect a lot of communication

The first few weeks usually involve lots of practical information about routines, homework, PE days, reading, clubs, and trips.

Expect routines and behaviour expectations to be prioritised over academics

At the start of the school year, teachers often focus heavily on routines, relationships, and behaviour expectations before moving fully into academic work. Children spend time practising everyday routines such as lining up, organising belongings, moving around the classroom, and working with others.

You may also hear lots about class rules, rewards, or school values during these first weeks, as teachers establish expectations for the year ahead.

So don’t worry if your child hasn’t actually mentioned what they are learning in the first week or so!

Expect baseline assessments and early observations

The first few weeks are also a time when teachers assess where children are academically after the summer break – as there is often a dip in academic attainment, which is completely normal.

Schools often carry out baseline assessments, reading checks, phonics activities or short maths tasks to identify strengths, gaps in learning, and any children who may need additional support.

For Reception children, this includes the statutory Reception Baseline Assessment (RBA), completed within the first six weeks of school. These assessments are informal and not something children need to prepare for.

Erin Miller is a teacher with a keen interest in how research can be used in the classroom to improve learning.

08/09/2026

"SCHOOL OPEN DAYS-
👓 WHAT TO LOOK FOR

What should I look for on a school visit?

Most schools hold Open Events during the autumn term and these often include presentations from teachers and the headteacher, as well as presentations to help parents prepare for school.

A tour of the school may be on offer during an Open Event and this can offer the chance to see the school in action.

If possible, try to visit during a normal school day. This allows you to see children engaged in learning and gauge whether they are happy and settled.

You may have the chance to speak to current pupils at school which can be very helpful. Children give the most honest insight into daily school life.


Caroline Vickery-Clark works at MET Academies an inclusive multi-academy trust serving Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
Her

"When you visit, try to look beyond the buildings and focus on the atmosphere. Do the children look happy, settled and engaged in their learning?
Are staff welcoming and confident in how they talk about the school?
Speak to the teacher to find out about the curriculum and their approach to education.
It is also helpful to speak to the headteacher, as this gives insight into the school’s values, priorities and approach to learning. Every school is different and this is your opportunity to understand what matters most to school leaders.
If possible, involve your child in the visit too. Their interaction with teachers and their opinions can be very telling. "

Find more from Caroline and other education experts at Families UK
Another good source of information.... The Good Schools Guide

🎶🎶🎶PERFORM CLASSES IN SOUTH WEST LONDONBOOK NOW FOR THE NEW TERM🎤 Try a confidence-boosting Perform class⭐⭐⭐This autumn,...
08/09/2026

🎶🎶🎶PERFORM CLASSES IN SOUTH WEST LONDON
BOOK NOW FOR THE NEW TERM

🎤 Try a confidence-boosting Perform class⭐⭐⭐

This autumn, help your child build confidence, creativity and social skills with Perform weekly drama, dance and singing classes for ages 4 to 7 and 7 to 12.

Children have the chance to shine in a magical end-of-term performance: Super Hero School for ages 4 to 7 and Jack and the Wonderbeans for ages 7 to 12.

FREE trial class available.

Visit www.perform.org.uk/try to book
Find a class near you.



Perform Kensington
St Stephen's Church Hall, 48 Emperor's Gate, London, SW7 4HJ

Perform Chelsea
The Hut, Alpha Place, Chelsea, London, SW3 5SY

Perform Kensington
Kensington URC, Kensington United Reformed Church, Allen Street, London, W8 6BL

Perform Bayswater
St Matthew's Church, 29 St Petersburgh Place, Bayswater, London, W2 4LA

Perform Pimlico
Holy Apostles Church Hall, Priests House, 47 Cumberland Street, London, SW1V 4LY

Perform Chelsea
The Hut, Alpha Place, Chelsea, London, SW3 5SY

Perform Battersea
All Saints Church Hall, 100 Prince Of Wales Drive, Battersea, London, SW11 4BD

Perform Nine Elms
St Georges Church Nine Elms, 11 Patmore Street, Battersea, London, SW8 4JD

See the website for other venues across SOUTH WEST LONDON

Perform


THE most important thing you can do to prepare for parents evening ..take a look at your child’s schoolwork and talk to ...
07/09/2026

THE most important thing you can do to prepare for parents evening ..take a look at your child’s schoolwork and talk to them about it.

Then ask these questions:

What have they been doing?
What sort of marks are they receiving?
Are there some subjects where they are consistently receiving high or low marks?
Ask what they think of their schoolwork.
Do they like it?
Is it enjoyable or fun?
Which subjects do they like most?
Which ones do they dislike or struggle with?
For more ideas on how to prepare for parents evening see Families Magazine online or in print.
Families UK

Address

Balham

Opening Hours

Monday 9:30am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 9:30am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 5:30pm
Thursday 9:30am - 5:30pm
Friday 9:30am - 5:30pm

Telephone

+447915181277

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Families South West London Magazine posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category