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Chapter 7 - All about Children

7.1 Maternity and Infant

7.2 Childcare

7.3 School Systems

7.4 Extra Curricular Activities

7.5 Outings

7.1. Maternity and Infant

When pregnant it is important to decide whom to involve in your maternity care. Facilities and obstetricians book up quickly. If you are a private patient you can refer yourself, if you use the NHS your GP can guide you through the first 6 – 7 months of pregnancy and then refer you to the obstetric staff of your nearest maternity hospital.

There are a few independent birth centres in the UK. Most (if not all) charge fees for their services, provide one-to-one care throughout the pregnancy, birth and postnatal period. They also offer excellent facilities, where new mothers can stay with their partners to enjoy the first few days as a family.

Home birth is becoming increasingly popular. Drug-based pain relief options are limited to the use of gas and air. You must be prepared to transfer from home into hospital if complications arise during labour or delivery.

Delivery at home is possible, but is not yet very common.

Note: Black cabs may refuse to transport you to hospital once in labour. If you are planning to deliver at a private hospital and need transportation contact the hospital to arrange for a private ambulance. If you call 999 for an ambulance, they are required to take you to the nearest hospital.

Some private maternity options in London are:

The Portland Hospital www.theportlandhospital.com Phone 0 20 7390 8269

Chelsea and Westminster Hospital Private Maternity Unit it www.chelwest.nhs.uk

Phone 020 8746 8616

The London Wing at St. Mary’s www.st-marys.nhs.uk Phone 020 7886 6017

Maternity Wear

Maternity wear is sold by some H&M stores www.hm.com , Mothercare www.mothercare.com and a lot of small shops.

Ante natal Classes

Ante-natal classes are organised by local health centres or the National Childbirth Trust (NCT), 08704448709 or www.nct.org.uk

Registering a Birth

A newborn child must be registered within 21 days after the birth. All information about where and how to register a birth is given to you at the hospital or by your midwife. You will be given a copy of the birth certificate when registering.

Maternity Nurses

A maternity nurse is usually a well qualified and experienced nanny with particular experience of looking after newborns. Very occasionally they will be a qualified nurse, midwife or health visitor.

His/her role is short term in nature for assignments which begin when the baby arrives home from hospital.

A maternity nurse is on duty 24 hours a day, six days a week. During that time he/she provides total care for the mother and baby. A maternity nurse will provide comfort, reassurance and an experienced hand to help establish feeding, sleeping and bathing practices.

Maternity nurses often earn in excess of £500 per week and are usually self employed so they take care of their own tax and NI contributions.

Dutch families should be aware of the service offered by 'Cradle'. Cradle offers Dutch Maternity Care (kraamzorg) abroad. Their care-givers travel around the world providing professional maternity care on location. Continuous training and education ensure that their care-givers are informed of the latest developments in their field. For more information or to get in touch with Cradle, visit www.cradle.nl.

Doula

A doula is a woman who has had at least one baby herself, who supports other women during birth or in the weeks immediately after the birth. She can be any age, however, she must be physically fit, kind, caring and supportive.

Doulas divide into birth doulas and post-birth doulas. Some doulas do both births and post-birth work and others only do one or the other. For more information visit www.britishdoulas.co.uk

Child Benefit

Child benefit is a social security benefit for people bringing up children. It is paid for each child and is not affected by income or savings.

You can claim money if you bring up a child who:

· is aged under 16

· is aged under 19 and studying full-time up to A level, Advanced Vocational Certificate of Education (AVCE) or equivalent

· is aged 16 or 17 years old and has left school recently, and has registered for work or training with the Careers Service or Connexions Service (in Northern Ireland, Training and Employment Agency)

£18.10 per week for the eldest child and £12.10 for each additional child is paid into your bank account monthly. (correct July 2007).

You need to send an actual birth certificate or adoption certificate for each child you claim for.

In general, if you are subject to immigration control you are not eligible for child benefit.

For more information and to fill out a Child Benefit Claim Form online visit www.hmrc.gov.uk/childbenefit

There is also a Shell childcare voucher scheme, with only local UK staff eligible for participation. For more information see policy details at http://sww.shell.com/uk/hr/benefits/childcare/childcare_summary.html. (Shell internal internet only.)

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Baby

Depending on the length of hospital stay, the midwife or health visitor will check on the mother’s and baby’s progress for the first 10 days.

Thereafter, appointments are made with your baby clinic at your local Health Centre.

All baby check-ups and vaccinations are done at the baby clinic. When you come from abroad, make sure that you have an accurate list of vaccinations given.

Clothes, furniture and toys

Most department stores have children’s departments. Harrods and Peter Jones probably have the largest selection. Stores such as Marks & Spencer and Next are excellent for competitively priced, leisure clothes for boys and girls from 0-14 years of age. Some of them also sell children’s furniture and toys. Go to the website to find your nearest store’s location.

Gap Kids www.gapkids.com, Next, clothes for boys and girls from newborn to 16 years of age.

www.next.co.uk Mothercare, children’s clothing from 0-8 years of age, maternity clothes, pushchairs, nursery furniture, and home and car safety equipment.www.mothercare.com

Early Learning Centre www.elc.co.uk Daisy and Tom www.daisyandtom.com

There are also mail order companies that sell children’s clothing, furniture etc.

Boden, Tel: 0845 677500 www.boden.co.uk

JoJo maman bebe, Tel: 0870 241 0560 www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk

Vertbaudet, Tel: 0845 270 0270 www.vertbaudet.co.uk

CuddleBabes, Tel: 01430 425 257 www.cuddlebabes.co.uk

Baby Care Items

Disposable nappies (e.g. Pampers and Huggies) are carried by most supermarkets and chemists. Baby wipes by Pampers, Johnson & Johnson and other brands are readily available. Nappy rash ointments such as Vaseline and A&D as well as Sudocrem and Kamillosan work very well. There are many choices available for baby bath-, powder and lotion products.

Formulas

Ready-to-feed or powder infant formula is readily available in the following brands: SMA, Cow & Gate, Wysoy (Soya milk formula), Hipp Organic, Aptamil and Enfamil.

Baby Food/Feeding Items

Baby food is readily available, same popular brands are Hipp Organic, Heinz, Beechnut, BabyNat and Cow & Gate.

Sippy cups, bibs, feeding bowls and other accessories made by Avent, Tommee Tippee and Mawa are widely available in supermarkets, department stores or at chemists.

Paediatrics

Your local health clinic or GP offers a full service of paediatrics. Check with them for:

· Immunisations and boosters

· Developmental checks (hearing, vision, weight, height at 6 weeks, 8 months, 18 months, three and four years)

· Child psychotherapy, educational psychology for learning and behaviour problems, speech therapy and orthopaedics

Resources

An excellent resource is Harden´s London Baby Book. It gives you information on topics like preparing for birth, NHS versus Private, postnatal period, childcare, primary education, baby & toddler activities and a consumer guide where to buy baby supplies. It can be bought in almost every bookstore. See www.Hardens.com for further information.

Another good resource is The London Baby Directory; an A-Z of everything for pregnant women, babies and children. It covers Central and Greater London. You can also visit their website www.babydirectory.com

Local directories are also available, e.g. Surrey & South Middlesex

Websites

The following websites can be recommended as well:

www.babyworld.co.uk

www.babycentre.co.uk

www.parenting.ivillage.com

www.bupa.co.uk/childcare

7.2. Childcare

Finding appropriate childcare can be a difficult task. There are many options available and it can be hard to know where to start. The following information aims to give you an understanding of the childcare options available in England.

7.2.1. Nursery

A nursery is a facility that provides day care for children under 8 for a continuous period of 4 hours or more in any day premises which are not domestic premises e.g. day nurseries and children’s centres.

All nurseries are regulated and inspected annually by OFSTED (Office for Standards in Education). All employees are police checked. Legislation throughout the UK lays down strict guidelines through National Standards for nurseries on issues such as qualifications of staff, ratio of care, premises and space. Additional criteria must be met where babies and children under 2 years are cared for and where overnight care is provided.

The minimum ratio of staff to children under 2 years is 1:3, 2 years 1:4 and 3-7 years 1:8. Every child is allocated to a member of staff within a key group which never exceeds more than 26 children. The staff member is responsible for the child’s well being and ensures that information about the child is passed on to the parent. Nurseries should offer a varied and stimulating environment for a child, which is both educational and social.

Opening hours generally are from 8am-6pm, 5 days a week. Some nurseries will open longer to cover core working hours. Waiting lists are likely.

Types of nursery:

Day nursery

Day nurseries can be run by local authorities or privately. It provides care for children from around 3 months up to school age. Openings hours are as above.

Nursery school/class

Nursery school/class is distinguished from general day nursery by the educational emphasis, with more children per teacher than in a day nursery.

They open during normal school hours/terms and provide for children aged 3-5 years. Many parents select a nursery class attached to their preferred primary school increasing the child’s changes of being accepted in the reception class.

Fees

Fees can vary widely depending on the area where you live. Private nurseries can be more expensive than Local Authority nurseries, although the price may not always reflect the quality of care.

Nurseries provide parents with contracts, read carefully as some nurseries have long notice periods. Some may ask for often a non-refundable deposit to secure the place.

Finding a nursery

There are several ways to find a nursery:

· The Government’s Childcare Link www.childcarelink.gov.uk

· National information line: 08000 96 02 96 of your local Children’s Information Services (CIS).

· www.upmystreet.co.uk enter your postcode and search in ‘Education and Childcare’

· Checking with different clubs and organizations in your area for their list of recommendations

· Asking any parents you might know in the area for recommendations

· Contact Outpost London for practical assistance

7.2.2. Crèche

A crèche is a facility that provides occasional care on a particular premise to children less than 8 years while parents are engaged in activities like shopping, sport or conference.

A crèche is not suitable as a long term permanent arrangement but is a useful supplement. It must be registered with OFSTED and staff ratio is the same as nursery regulations.

Finding a Crèche

There are several ways to find a crèche:

· The Government’s Childcare Link www.childcarelink.gov.uk

· National information line: 08000 96 02 96 of your local Children’s Information Services (CIS).

· www.upmystreet.co.uk enter your postcode and search in ‘Education and Childcare’

· Checking with different clubs and organizations in your area for their list of recommendations

· Asking any parents you might know in the area for recommendations

· Contact Outpost London for practical assistance

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7.2.3. Playgroup

A playgroup provides day care for children under 8 for a session which is less than a continuous period of 4 hours in any day in premises which are not domestic premises.

Some playgroups cater for school age children but are more commonly used by younger children who are not yet at school age. Where 2 sessions are offered in 1 day, individual children must not attend more than 5 sessions a week or more than 1 session per day.

Playgroups are registered with OFSTED and have the same staff ratio as nurseries and crèches. Some playgroups are registered to provide pre-school education.

Parents and voluntary groups often play a part in setting up a playgroup and might help out on a rota basis. At least half of all staff should hold a relevant qualification in childcare.

It is possible to combine this type of part-time care with another type like childminding to cover the working day.

Finding a playgroup

There are several ways to find a playgroup:

· The Government’s Childcare Link www.childcarelink.gov.uk

· National information line: 08000 96 02 96 of your local Children’s Information Services (CIS).

· www.upmystreet.co.uk enter your postcode and search in ‘Education and Childcare’

· Checking with different clubs and organizations in your area for their list of recommendations

· Asking any parents you might know in the area for recommendations

· Contact Outpost London for practical assistance

7.2.4. Childminding

A childminder is registered to look after 1 or more children under the age of 8 to whom they are not related on domestic premises for reward and for a total of more than 2 hours in any day.

Childminders are self-employed; negotiate a fee with parents and offering care within their own homes. A contract will usually allow them to book time off even if it doesn’t suit the parent. If the childminder belongs to a childminding network (a formal group of approved childminders, often recruited and organised by national childminding association) another childminder may be available.

All childminders must complete a pre-registration course, be registered by OFSTED or The Care Standards Inspectorate for Wales, and hold and maintain a current First Aid Certificate within 6 months of registration

The regulation process is strict and involves police checks on all individuals in the household who are over 16, references and health checks. Relevant premises will be inspected for safety, fire risk and to ensure that a suitable environment for children is provided.

There is a limit to how many children can be minded: no more than 6 children under 8 years old of which no more than 3 can be under 5 (exceptions can be made for siblings). There must be no more than 1 child under 1 year old. This includes the childminder’s own children. The childminder’s registration certificate will detail the number of children she is allowed to care for.

Home Child Carers

Registered childminders may choose to apply and register as home child carers. This means childcare can take place in the parent’s own home instead of the parent taking their child to the childminder’s. Working hours should be negotiated and agreed in advance.

Fees

The cost of a childminder will vary throughout England. They set their own rates and you are not responsible for their tax and National Insurance.

Finding a childminder:

There are several ways to find a childminder:

· The Government’s Childcare Link www.childcarelink.gov.uk

· National information line: 08000 96 02 96 of your local Children’s Information Services (CIS).

· www.upmystreet.co.uk enter your postcode and search in ‘Education and Childcare’

· Checking with different clubs and organizations in your area for their list of recommendations

· Asking any parents you might know in the area for recommendations

· Contact Outpost London for practical assistance

7.2.5. Nannies

Nannies are employed by parents to look after children in the parents’ own home. Therefore, there is no legal requirement for them to be registered with a national regulatory body, and there are no restrictions on the number and ages of children they can cater for. They are not required to obtain formal qualifications.

A nanny is responsible solely for the children. They should feed, wash and dress your children and plan activities to help them learn and develop. Many will be willing to take children to school. They are not responsible for general housework.

Options of Nannies:

Live-in Nannies

As live-in nannies are present in the house it is the most flexible option. They are usually available and happy to help out in emergencies. However, their contract should specify the hours they are expected to work.

They should have their own bedroom (sometimes also bathroom) and should be made to feel comfortable living in your house. On average they get paid £250-£320 a week, less than daily nannies, but extra domestic costs and food bills should be expected.

Live-out/Daily Nannies

Live-out or daily nannies will arrive at your home every morning on the days they are contracted to work and leave at the end of each day. It gives not as much flexibility as a live-in nanny but still more than a nursery option. On average they get paid £350-£450 but this will depend on number of hours worked, number of children cared for, level of experience and geographical location.

Nanny Share

You may want to try a nanny share. In this option your nanny will care for children from another family as well as your own. Your children will still be in a home environment but will be mixing with other children. Note; if a nanny takes on children from three families or more she would have to be registered as a childminder.

Mother’s help

A mother’s help assists a parent at home with caring for children and light household duties. They don’t have sole charge of children but can look after them under the parent’s supervision. They are generally unqualified but must have good experience with children. Mother's help expect to work about ten hours a day for live-in; although two nights babysitting are included in the salary (babysitting is extra for a live-out). A Mother's help earns on average £150-£300 (net) per week.

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Tax and National Insurance

Nannies are employees, so as an employer, you are responsible for paying your nanny’s tax and national insurance (NI) and NI contribution. You will need to register as an employer with the Inland Revenue. If you need assistance with administering a PAYE scheme, you can use a specialist payroll service like www.Nannytax.co.uk or www.nannyPaye.com

You should also inform your household insurance provider that you have a new employee working in your home. Employers Liability Insurance will protect you should your nanny have an accident whilst working in your house.

Finding a Nanny:

There are several ways to find a nanny:

· Look for a reputable agency on www.bestbear.co.uk

· Place an advertisement on www.gumtree.com or your local playgroup, post office or toy shop

· Asking any parent you might know for recommendations

· Contact Outpost London for practical assistance

If you want to read more about childcare in England, please visit www.bestbear.co.uk click on Parent’s home page – Childcare Info.

If eligible, working parents can apply to the government for financial help to pay their childcare costs by accessing Working Tax Credit (WTC). Within the WTC an amount can be claimed called ‘Childcare Element’.

Working parents can also apply for Child Tax Credit (CTC). For more information and how to claim visit www.direct.gov.uk

7.2.6 General Childcare
Shell provide employees with access to My Family Care to help manage child & dependent care responsibilities. You have access to 3 unique services:
- Search & Guidance - Free expert one to one help in sourcing permanent childcare
- Emergency Childcare – book backup childcare (nursery places, childminders and nannies)
- Helpline – free child and dependent care advice and information
For more information please visit www.myfamilycare.co.uk/shell or call 0845 676 7690

Further Reading on Childcare

Books/Magazines

The Good Nanny Guide is an indispensable resource book outlining the traditional duties and pay scales of all types of help. It can be found at most bookstores.

To find an agency it is useful to contact more than just one. Please see a copy of The Parent’s Directory for a comprehensive list of childcare agencies.

Information and addresses of agencies, services, classes and activities for small children can be found in the following magazines. Copies are available from Outpost London, your local library or via the Internet.

The Parents Directory Publication

Phone: 01243 527605

Mail: postmaster@jansullivan.demon.co.uk

Issues for North London or South West London are available

Families Magazine

Phone: 020 86969680

www.familiesonline.co.uk

Mail : editor@familiesmagazine.co.uk

Local issues are available, e.g. South West London, Kingston & Richmond

ABC Magazine Surrey

Phone: 020 86615353

www.abcmag.co.uk

Mail : officeabcsurrey@btconnect.com

There are many more magazines; sometimes your Borough also offers various books. Contact your London Borough or your local library.

7.3. School Systems

Parents coming to England or Wales with school age children are spoilt by the choice of education systems available to them and faced with the decision of which one to opt for. There are National Schools, International Schools and British Schools both Private and State.

Below you will find an introduction to the educational system. For more information about the English national curriculum, visit www.nc.uk.net

The National Curriculum

The government set guidelines to what is taught in state schools. The main aim of the National Curriculum is to raise standards, making sure all children have a broad and balanced education up to the age of 16 and to ensure that schools in all parts of the country are following the same courses. The National Curriculum is divided into four ‘Key Stages’, which broadly relate to pupils’ ages: KS1 from five to seven, KS2 from seven to 11, KS3 from 11 to 14, KS4 from 14 to 16. The National Curriculum specifies what children must study and what they are expected to know at different ages. This ties in with the national tests that check whether children are meeting these targets. All children in state schools are tested in English and mathematics at the ages of seven, 11 and 14, and pupils aged 11 and 14 are also tested in science.

7.3.1. State British Schools

In the UK 93% of the children in England and Wales go to ‘state schools’. State schools are non fee-paying, funded from taxes and most are organised by Local Education Authorities (LEA).

Education stages:

Primary stage

Infant Schools: 5-7 years

Junior Schools: 7-11 years

Primary Schools: 5-11 years

Secondary stage

Secondary Schools: 11-16 or 11-18 years

Sixth Form Colleges: 16-18 years

Colleges of Further Education: 16-18 years.

The Primary Stage

The demand for pre-school places is big, especially in larger cities such as London. There are only few State nursery schools or nursery classes attached to local primary schools.

By law, a child must be given a full-time place in school at the start of the term after its fifth birthday. Schooling before five may be on a part time basis. The policy that allows children to go to school before their fifth birthday is called ‘Raising-Five Provision’.

Education in primary schools focuses on the basic skills of reading, writing and maths. Children spend most of the day with a class teacher and they have specialist teachers for subjects such as Music and French. The subject areas of Geography, History, Science, Art, Drama, Design and Technology are sometimes drawn together in themes or topics.

The Secondary Stage

At secondary level State schools can be divided into two types: Comprehensive schools and Selective schools (Grammar schools).

Comprehensive schools (87% of pupils) take children of all abilities. Selective schools (Grammar schools) choose their pupils.

At secondary level children are taught by subject teachers. In the first year after moving to secondary school children may be taught in mixed ability classes for most subjects. Up to the age of fourteen, secondary schools give a broad, balanced education. From fourteen to sixteen pupils are taught in groups that relate to the subjects and levels for their GCSEs (General Certificates of Secondary Education).

The first five years of secondary school focus on studies that must include the three ‘core’ subjects of mathematics, English and science. In addition, pupils take the seven ‘foundation’ subjects of technology, history, geography, a foreign language, art, music and physical education. Students can take additional courses alongside their GCSEs.

In the third year of secondary school pupils choose their options for study leading to the GCSE. The exams are taken toward the end of the two-year course. Most students will take GCSE’s in seven subjects. The GCSE final exams are sat at the age of 16. Compulsory education ends at 16, but pupils may stay on at school to re-sit GCSE and/or prepare for other exams such as GNVQ (The National Council for Vocational Qualifications) and A-levels. Those students getting ready for university or college go on to ‘Sixth Form’ or a College of Further Education.

The A-level course of study is usually spread over a two year period (ages 16-18) with the final examination being sat in the latter part of the second year. Higher grades in two or more A-levels usually qualify the student for university, college or professional programs. Students may also use this time to get ready for University Scholarship Examinations. There will be changes to the A-level system, with the development of a broader curriculum in the lower sixth form year.

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7.3.2. Independent British Schools

7% of the children in England go to independent (also called ‘private’ or strange as it could seem ‘public’) schools. These are fee paying and often choose their pupils by way of tests and interviews. As the schools are selective, they do get more pupils into university, 20% of university places going to students from this sector. There are a total of 2040 independent schools in England out of which 1900 take pupils at primary level and 860 at secondary level.

There are more single sex schools and considerably more boarding schools in the independent sector than in the state sector.

Independent School Types:

Nursery/Kindergarten 2 to 4 years

Pre-preparatory 3 or 4 to 7 years

Preparatory 7 to 11 or 13 years

Senior 11 or 13 to 18 years

For Preparatory and Senior Schools entry exams are taken after Christmas in the year before starting the new school. By March, the schools will have offered most of their places for the following year.

Many preparatory schools while providing a broad education see one of their main jobs as getting pupils ready for entry to the senior schools. This means taking the Common Entrance Examination at 11 (girls) or 13 (boys). If this is the case then the exam syllabus may shape the school curriculum in the upper years of a preparatory school.

The senior schools offer a wide range of academic courses and extra curricular activities. Most of the senior schools have their sight firmly focused on higher education and the professions. Private schools see character training as being a significant part of education. Competitive activities are often of great importance in the life of the schools. (The National Curriculum does not have to be taught.) Most independent schools offer a wider range of academic subjects, Classical Latin and Greek often being included. Besides GCSE and A-level exams more help is given with Oxbridge entry. Larger numbers of pupils are entered for public exams and less vocational exams are taken.

Some addresses of independent schools recommended by Shell expatriate families in Surrey are:

Danes Hill School (3-13 years of age, co-educational)

Leatherhead Road, Oxshott, Surrey KT22 0JG

Tel: 01372 842509

www.daneshillschool.co.uk

Notre Dame Preparatory & Senior School (2-18 years of age, girls)

Burwood House, Cobham, Surrey KT11 1HA

Tel: 01932 869991 (Prep) or 01932 869990 (Senior)

www.notredame.co.uk

Saint George’s College Junior School (3-11 years of age, co-educational)

Thames Street, Weybridge, KT13 8NL

Tel: 01932 839400

www.st-georges-college.co.uk

Saint George’s College Senior School (11-18 years of age, co-educational)

Weybridge Road, Weybridge, Addlestone KT15 2 QS

Tel: 01932 839300

www.st-georges-college.co.uk

Felton Fleet School (3-13 years of age, co-educational)

Cobham, KT11 1DR

Tel: 01932 862264

www.feltonfleet.co.uk

Reed’s School (11-18 years of age, boys)

Sandy Lane, Cobham, KT11 2ES

Tel: 01932 869044

www.reeds.surrey.sch.uk

Manor House School (2-17 years of age, girls)

Manor House Lane, Little Bookham, Leatherhead KT23 4EN

Tel: 01372-458538

www.manorhouse.surrey.sch.uk

City of London Freemen’s School (7-18 years of age, co-educational)

Ashtead Park, KT21 1ET

Tel: 01372 277933

www.clfs.surrey.sch.uk

Epsom College (13-18 years of age, co-educational)

College Road, Epsom, KT17 4JQ

Tel: 01372 821000

www.epsomcollege.org.uk

Hampton School (11-18 years of age, boys)

Hanworth Road, Hampton, TW12 3HD

Tel: 020 89795526

www.hampton.richmond.sch.uk

Cranleigh School (13-19 years of age, co-educational/selective)

Horseshoe Lane, Cranleigh, GU6 8QQ

Tel: 01483-273666

www.cranleigh.org

Royal Grammar School (11-18 years of age, boys)

High Street, Guildford, GU1 3BB

Tel: 01483-880600

www.rgs-guildford.co.uk

St. John’s School (boys 13-18, girls 16-18 years of age)

Epsom Road, Leatherhead, KT22 8SP

Tel: 01372-373000

www.stjohnsleatherhead.co.uk

Tormead School (4-18 years of age, girls)

Cranley Road, Guildford, GU1 2JD

Tel: 01483-575101

www.tormeadschool.org.uk

7.3.3. Higher Education

Around 30% of the 18 to 19 years olds are expected to enter full-time higher education. The formal entry requirements to most degree courses are two A-levels at grade E or above. In practice, most offers of places require qualifications in excess of this. For admission, potential students apply through a central clearing house, the Universities and Colleges Admission Service (UCAS). All universities and most colleges providing higher education courses in the UK are members of UCAS. Applicants may apply to a maximum of six courses/institutions. The application is completed in the final year of A-levels and must be submitted no later than 15 December – earlier for certain courses and for Oxford and Cambridge entry–. Those who get no offers become eligible for what is known as Clearing; an attempt to match those without places to courses that have vacancies. Those who do not obtain the required A-level grades for the institution that offered them a place can also enter Clearing.

For those choosing not to pursue a British education, the UK offers the option of the International Schools or the National Schools.

7.3.4. International Schools

International schools cater for children from various countries. They often follow the American or English pattern of education and aim to help their pupils to continue their studies smoothly wherever they go. Although there is no agreed international curriculum, schools may work toward the International Baccalaureate Course (a two-year pre-university course that is now taught in 40 countries and is accepted for university entrance in many parts of the world). For more information on the IB system: www.ibo.org

American/International

Tasis, The American School in England

Coldharbour Lane; Thorpe, Surrey

Tel: 01932-565252

www.tasis.com

American School of London

One Waverley Place, London, NW8 0NP

el: 020 7449 1200

www.asl.org

The American Community Schools

Cobham, Egham, Hillingdon

www.acs-england.co.uk

Southbank International School

3 campuses Kensington/Hampstead/Westminster

Tel: 020 7243 3803

www.southbank.org

International School of London

139 Gunnersbury Avenue

London W3 8LG

Tel: 020 8992 5823

www.islondon.com

International Community School

4 York Terrace, East Regents Park

London

Tel: 0207 935 1206

www.skola.co.uk

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7.3.5. National Schools

National schools (e.g. American, Dutch, German, French, Japanese, Swedish, etc.) are set up by interested parties or governments to help the children of their expatriates. These schools enable a child to continue in his or her own country’s education system. The children are taught in their own language and the curriculum is the same as in the home country. The national schools enable children to move smoothly between countries without upsetting their education. Some of the national schools in London include:

Dutch:

Prins Willem-Alexander School

Old Woking Road, Woking, Surrey , GU22 8HY

Tel: 01483-750409

www.prinswillemalexander.com/

Rijnlands Lyceum, Reeds School

Sandy Lane, Cobham, Surrey KT11 2ES

Tel: 01932-860680

www.reeds.surrey.sch.uk

French

Lycee Francais de Londres (4-18 years of age)

35, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 2DG

Tel: 020 7584 6322

www.lyceefrancais.org.uk

Ecole Jacques Prevert (ages 4-11 years)

59, Brook Green, London, W6 7BE

Tel: 020 7602 6871

www.ecoleprevert.org.uk

German

The German School (5-18 years of age)

Douglas House, Peterham Road, Richmond, Surrey,TW10 7AH

Tel: 020 8940 2510

www.dslondon.org.uk

Shell Educational Assistance

For assistance in finding the right school for your child/children you may like to ask the Shell Education Services department in The Hague for assistance. Additional resources can be found at: sww.shell.com/education/information/education (Shell internal internet only).

Further reading

Books

For further reading about schools, the following resources can be recommended:

Education in England – A Guide for New Arrivals
from Richard Pearce, published 1987 by ISL
contact FOCUS to purchase a copy: +44 207 938 7799

Good Schools Guide
a yearly comprehensive listing of all public schools
by Licas Publication or visit www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk/ .

Websites

The British education system will be further explained on the following websites:

www.educationuk.org
Go to ’study advise/education system’

www.curriculumonline.gov.uk
Information about subjects and syllabus

www.parentcentre.gov.uk
Information on the English education system

www.surrey.gov.uk
Go to ‘learning’. Information on local schools, special educational needs, colleges and universities, adult education.

Websites for special needs and Information about English as a Second Language (ESL) and English as a Foreign Language (EFL):

www.ace-ed.org.uk
The Advisory Centre for Education
Tel: 080880005793 Monday to Friday 2.00-5.00pm

www.ipsea.org.uk

Independent Panel for Special Education Advise

Tel: 8000184016 Monday to Thursday 10.00am-4.00pm and 7.00-9.00pm, Friday 10.00am-1.00pm and 7.00-9.00pm

Websites for school searches:

www.schoolsearch.co.uk
Locates international or independent schools in different counties and towns throughout the UK

www.isc.co.uk

Official Independent Schools Council website

www.isbi.com
Independent Schools of the British Isles.
Locates the schools by name. Special needs schools, summer schools, English language and international schools, English as a second language (ESL) and English as a Foreign Language (EFL).

www.ofsted.gov.uk

The official body for inspecting schools. Provides links to school reports and official publications as well as FAQ and contact details.

Educational Websites

www.bbc.co.uk/schools
BBC website with revision techniques and practice questions

www.letts-education.com
Online guide to the “Letts Study Guides” for Key Skills, GSCE & A-Level

www.harcourt.co.uk

Online Guide to Heinemann educational publications

www.educationunlimited.co.uk
The education site for the Guardian and Observer Newspapers

www.tes.co.uk
Times Educational supplement online

www.bbc.co.uk/learning
bbc programmes

www.booktrust.org.uk
A wonderful site to promote books and encourage reading

www.discovery.com
The TV channels website. It is divided into several main sections, among others also “Schools & Kids”

www.gcse.com
An award winning site approved provider for the DFE´s National Grid of Learning

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7.4. Extra Curricular Activities

Dance

English National Ballet School

Classical ballet classes for the serious student. Boys and girls (16 – 18 years of age)

Tel: 020 7376-7076

E-mail: info@enbschool.org.uk

Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing

Please ring for a list of teachers in your area.

Tel: 020 7377 1577

www.istd.org

Drama

Centre Stage Performing Arts

The Croft, 7 Cannon Road, Southgate, London N14 7HE

Tel: 020 8886 4264

www.centrestageuk.com

Stagecoach

Drama, dance and singing classes for 4 – 16 year olds

www.stagecoach.co.uk

Click on UK, then UK locations to find your nearest stagecoach venue.

Locations in Battersea, Tel: 020 8946 2986; Wimbledon, Tel: 020 8979 7795 and Putney,

Tel: 01932 254 333.

Music

The Royal Academy of Music, Junior Department

Instruction and recommended teachers

Tel: 020 7873 7373

www.ram.ac.uk

British Suzuki Institute

Teaches the Suzuki method for string instruments and piano to children from the age of four and up.

375 Kensington High Street, London, W14 8QH, Tel: 020 7471 6777

www.britishsuzuki.org.uk

Monkey Music

Music and movement classes for children from 6 months to 5 years old.

Tel: 020 8699 0977 for Battersea and Clapham; Tel: 020 8764 5185 for Wimbledon;

Tel: 020 8393 6353 for Kingston and Surbiton.

www.monkeymusic.co.uk

Skating

Alexandra Palace Ice Rink

A huge ice rink holding up to 1250 people.

Alexandra Palace Way, Wood Green, London N22 7AY

Tel: 020 83652121

www.alexandrapalace.com

Guildford Spectrum

Parkway, Guildford, GU1 1UP

Tel: 01483 443341

www.guildfordspectrum.co.uk

London Skaters

A site with all the ice skating and ice rinks in and around London.

www.londonskaters.com/faq_ice_skating.htm

Swimming

Swimming Nature

A site to find swimming classes at a venue near you.

Tel: 08700 949597

www.swimmingnature.com/sn-public/

Gymnastics

Tumble Tots

A preschool programme for physical development of children between 6 months – 7 years. Venues throughout the UK

Tel: 0121 585 7003

www.tumbletots.com

Leisure Centres

Leisure centres offer a wide range of activities from badminton to martial arts. Many have swimming pools and most have special facilities for young children.

For a leisure centre in your area go to:

www.leisure-centre.com

Camps

Camp Beaumont

Nine day camps in and around London, providing various activities for five days at a stretch, Monday to Friday.

Tel: 01263 823000

www.campbeaumont.com/

PGL Activity Holidays

Choose from multi-activity holidays, chosen activity holidays or themed holidays. For children 7-17 years of age.

Tel: 08700 551551

www.pgl.co.uk/online

British Activity Holiday Association

Provides a list of camps and activity centres that are considered safe and well run. Covers private sector activity centres for children, families, adults, schools groups and management training

Tel: 01962 252 994

www.baha.org.uk

YMCA

Holiday and day camps aimed at children between 5 and 14 years of age.

Click on children’s then holiday schemes and day camps

Tel: 020 8520 5599

www.ymca.org.uk

Kids Klub

Provides day and residential camps in various locations throughout England. Offers a wide range of adventure, sports, arts & crafts and entertainment activities. For 6-17 years of age.

Tel: 01449 742 700

www.kidsklub.co.uk

Ardmore Language Schools

Residential international summer camps.
English language, cultural, social and activity programmes and excursions. Ages 8-12 and 13-17 years old.

Tel: 01628 826 699

www.theardmoregroup.com

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7.5. Outings

All the major travel agents in your local High Street can offer many possibilities for planning holidays with children as well as special interest holidays both in the UK and abroad. When travelling with children by car, all those under the age of twelve who are not at least 135 cm tall must use a car seat.

Websites

The following websites offer good advice and ideas for holidays with children:

www.family-travel.co.uk

www.daysout.co.uk
A site with a comprehensive listing of attractions and how to get there.

www.kidsnet.org

www.london4kids.com

www.ticketmaster.co.uk
go to family & attractions for tickets to shows such as Disney on Ice, the Tweenies and the London Zoo.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/trusty/index_flash.htm
The National Trust kid’s website

Books

Kids Out
The London magazine for parents, published monthly by Time Out. Features events, education, activities and more.

Tel: 01454 642 467 for subscriptions.

Parent Wise
Parent Wise is published six times a year. Features travel, shopping, events.

Tel: 020 7733 4955 for subscriptions

Let’s Go with the Children
Different guides, yearly publications available in bookshops and libraries; each guide covers one of the 13 counties in England and lists various places of interest and things to do for children aged 3 to 16.

Please find a handful of suggestions to take the kids for an entertaining day:

Museum of London

This museum is a good introduction to the life in London from prehistoric days to the present day in the form of scale models.

London Wall, EC2

Tel: 020 76003699

www.museumoflondon.org.uk

London’s Transport Museum

A hands-on activities museum, tracing the history of public transport to the present day.

Covent Garden, WC2

Tel: 020 73796344

www.ltmuseum.co.uk

London Aquarium

The aquarium has many tanks housing thousands of sea creatures. There are also touch pools where children can stroke the rays.

County Hall, Riverside Building, Westminster Bridge Road, SE1

Tel: 020 78678000

www.londonaquarium.co.uk

Legoland

Legoland is one of the country’s top family attractions. It includes a theme park and an activity centre.

Windsor to Ascot Road, signposted from J6 of the M4

Tel: 08705040404

www.legoland.co.uk

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Although every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, Outpost London cannot assume responsibility for errors in the information included in this guide.