Children firstWestminster Issue 27, May 2016

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Free family activitiesWin tickets to Go Ape! A tree top adventure in the centre of London

Keep the kids reading this summer

Visit: westminster.gov.uk/recycling

If you have a housing manager or caretaker please ask them for details of your rubbish and recycling services.

Your mixed recycling collection is weekly

Step 1Order your free recycling bags or container from your housing manager or caretaker, or contact us.

Step 2Put all your recyclable items together into your recycling bag or container.

Step 3Leave it out on your recycling collection day or put it in your nearest mixed recycling bin which may be in your building.

Your recycling guide

You can recycle: Tip: Flatten your cardboard boxes and add to your mixed recycling

Contact us• to order free recycling bags

or a container• to find your rubbish and

recycling collection days and times

• to find your nearest on-street micro recycling centre

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Hamza Taouzzale Youth MP Westminster

Contact Hamza at westminsteryouthmp@westminster.gov.uk

Volunteer and make a difference today

Get your family happy and healthy with MEND

Learn more about fostering

Keep the kids reading this summer

Discover what’s on in Westminster

Enjoy great family discounts

Contents

Cover photo: West End LIVE 2015 (Pamela Raith Photography)

Westminster is the centre of the most exciting city in the world and I’ve loved growing up here. It’s a place where you’re never bored and there’s something new and fun to do every day of the week.

This is especially the case in summer, when the city is bursting with fun. You can sing along to some of the world’s greatest musicals with performances from West End stars at West End LIVE on 18th-19th June. Or cycle the traffic-free streets of central London with Prudential RideLondon’s Freecycle on 30th July. Both for free!

If reading is more your thing, sign up to the Summer Reading Challenge at Westminster libraries, where kids get big rewards for reading. Plus there are lots more free activities in Westminster’s parks and museums, leisure centres, and sports clubs.

There’s so much happening in Westminster it’s hard to keep up. As the new Youth MP I’ll be letting young people in Westminster know what’s on offer. I hope your family enjoy it just as much as we do.

Dear parent or carerI’m thrilled to have been elected the new Youth MP for Westminster, a place full of amazing opportunities for families.

Win tickets to Go Ape!

Page 11

Enjoy a weekend of FREE West End theatre

Page 10

Westminster Children First, Issue 27, May 2016 3

The latest news from around Westminster

Westminster’s young people showcase their talentTen children in care have worked with Tate Britain to create a stunning new piece of art for the council’s Crompton Street office. The young people created over 140 cyanotypes - a photo printing process - before sewing them all together.

Follow @CityWestminster or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/WestminsterParents for the latest news, offers and events for your family.

Westminster’s Children’s Services are ‘outstanding’The council’s Children’s Services have been rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted. Together with Kensington and Chelsea, Westminster is the first council in the country to be given the highest possible rating for its Children’s Services for the work it does to keep children and young people safe.

NEWS

Apply for primary and secondary school places in 2017If your child is due to start secondary school in September 2017 the deadline to apply for a school place is 31st October 2016. If your child is due to start primary school in September 2017 the deadline to apply for a school place is 15th January 2017. Applications open on 1st September 2016. Visit westminster.gov.uk/school-admissions

School mealsLast year over 1,500 parents completed a survey about school meals. Based on what you told us 37 nurseries and primary schools now get their meals from a new supplier, Caterlink. Caterlink was chosen for their healthy food options and focus on teaching pupils where their fresh food comes from. Visit westminster.gov.uk/school-meals

Summer in the CityKeep the kids entertained this summer with Summer in the City – a round-up of free and low-cost activities for all ages. This year’s guide will be available from July. Visit westminster.gov.uk/summer-activities

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VOLUNTEER AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE TODAY

If you’ve been thinking about trying something new, helping other people, or getting involved in your local community, volunteer with Team Westminster.

You can visit our new website at westminster.gov.uk/volunteering for hundreds of exciting opportunities such as being a volunteer mentor for Whizz Kids, communications and events for Shelter, or a member of the Teenage Cancer Trust cheering squad at the Vitality 10k.

There are also lots of one-off opportunities at some of London’s most exciting events including the Vitality Westminster Mile and Trooping the Colour for the Queen’s birthday with Team Westminster Ambassadors.

Visit westminster.gov.uk/volunteering to find out more.

Awa“After a long maternity break I volunteered with Hear Women and afterwards they hired me as a Social Media Coordinator on a part-time basis. I want to return later to a full-time position, but at the moment I’m really happy to have this job as it is perfect with my childcare arrangements.”

Tania“I started volunteering a few years ago when both my children were under 14. I volunteered with two local charities in a variety of roles including admin, IT, befriending and finance. I was actually offered a job with the Abbey Centre, one of the charities, and now I love what I do to help my community.”

Bouchra“I’m a single mother with a 10 and 12-year-old and I volunteer two days per week for a local charity in an admin role. I take the children to school before I start volunteering and make sure I leave in time to pick them up. I enjoy volunteering as I get to meet new people, use my time to help the community and I hope it will help me to find paid work eventually. I have volunteered for a year now with the same charity and I feel my confidence has grown so much.”

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Keep your family fit and healthy at our free Mind, Exercise, Nutrition...Do it! (MEND) sessions in Children’s Centres, schools and community centres across Westminster.

Get your family happy and healthy with MEND

MEND 7-13

Inspire your seven to 13-year-old to do more physical activity and develop good eating habits.

• Mondays, 3.45pm, Queens Park Primary School, Droop Street, W10 4DQ

MEND Mini

Food tasting activities and games plus physical activities to help the development of your two to five-year-old.

• Tuesday 7th June, 9-10am, Wilberforce Primary School, Beethoven Street, W10 4LB

• Thursday 9th June, 9-10am, Our Lady of Dolours Primary School Nursery, 19 Cirencester Street, W2 5SR

• Friday 10th June, 9-10am, Paddington Green Nursery, Park Place Villas, W2 1SP

MEND 5-7

Get healthy eating advice and tips on improving social and physical self-confidence for five to seven-year-olds.

• Fridays, 3.30pm, Wilberforce Primary School, Beethoven Street, W10 4LB

Holly Gabriel is a nutritionist for MyTime Active who run the MEND sessions.

It’s Holly’s job to help families get to grips with healthy eating: “Our sessions provide parents with nutritional advice and guidance to help young families become fitter, healthier and happier. The sessions are great because we encourage everyone to work together and learn from each other.”

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You can swim for free at council pools if you’re under 19. Apply for an ActiveWestminster card at westminster.gov.uk/sports-and-leisure-discounts

Holly

Salmon fishcakes with lemon sauce

Makes six fishcakes

Preparation and cooking time: 30 mins

For the fishcakes:

300g salmon fillets (fresh or frozen. If frozen, follow defrosting instructions on packet) 450g sweet potato, peeled and thickly sliced Zest of 1 lemon 4 spring onions, finely chopped 20g coriander or parsley, finely chopped 25g wholemeal plain flour 1 tbsp of olive oil

For the sauce:

Juice of 1 lemon 1 tbsp arrowroot or cornflour 2 tbsp granulated sweetener

Place the salmon fillets in a frying pan and pour in enough water to just cover the fish. Cook over a gentle heat until the fish begins to flake.

Remove the fish from the pan, remove skin and put to one side.

Keep 150ml of the stock the fish was cooked in.

Meanwhile cook the sweet potato in boiling water until soft. Drain, mash and leave to cool.

Mix the salmon with the sweet potatoes, lemon zest, spring onions and coriander/parsley. Shape into six patties and lightly coat in wholemeal flour. Cook the fishcakes in olive oil until golden brown and hot through.

To make the sauce blend the lemon juice, arrowroot, stock and sweetener together in a small saucepan and bring to the boil, stirring continuously.

Serve the fishcakes with the lemon sauce and a selection of fresh vegetables.

Enjoy!

Why not try one of Holly’s recipes at home?

Is your child a champion of the future?If you have a promising young athlete in the family they could apply for financial support and mentoring from the council as part of the Champions of the Future programme.

Yasmin Marghini, 14, from Pimlico, gets help with the cost of training, which she uses towards her local running track. She trains twice a day, before and after school, and the training has paid off! Yasmin came second in the London Schools Girls Under 15s and gained automatic qualification to the English Schools Championship. If she finishes in the first eight she will go on to represent England in European and World youth competitions.

To find out more visit westminster.gov.uk/champions-of-the-future

Yasmin

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Daniel has been a foster carer for the last two years, and is currently caring for an 11-year-old boy.

“The most rewarding thing about fostering is that despite the challenges you see a young person’s life turn around and head in a new direction.

“I remember one moment that really hit home. I took a boy I was fostering swimming for the first time. He had zero confidence and would always want to hold on to the side. But within a few months he managed to jump in and do a lap of the pool. The next month we went on holiday and it was amazing to see this young person enjoying the waterslides with confidence. That moment reminded me why I do what I do.

“I’d encourage anyone who has even slightly considered becoming a foster carer to enquire because, like me, you may think you’re not the right ‘type’ but in fact through fostering you could make a real difference to a child’s life.”

“Through fostering you could make a real difference to a child’s life”

If you’ve been thinking about fostering take the first step and find out more.

Call 0800 169 3498 or 020 8753 1057, email fostering@rbkc.gov.uk or sign up for a fostering information event:

One-to-one information: Sessions are held on the first Wednesday of every month between 10am and 4pm. Hammersmith Town Hall, King Street, W6 9JU

Information morning: Thursday 19th May, 10am – 12 midday and 6 – 8pm, Westminster City Hall, Victoria Street, SW1E 6QP

Information evening: Thursday 14th July, 6-8pm, Hammersmith Town Hall, King Street, W6 9JU

Find out more at westminster.gov.uk/fostering

Foster Care Fortnight

Foster Care Fortnight runs from

16th-29th May. In Westminster foster

carers are holding coffee mornings in

their homes and inviting friends and

neighbours along to encourage them

to consider fostering. Find out more at

westminster.gov.uk/fostering

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The Summer Reading Challenge challenges your child to read six books from Westminster libraries over the summer, and is a fun and exciting way to keep them reading during the long summer break.

The theme for 2016 is The Big Friendly Read in honour of the world’s best-loved storyteller, Roald Dahl, featuring some of his most memorable characters and stories.

Every time your child finishes a book they get stickers and rewards and there’s a certificate for everyone who

finishes. There is also a team of ‘reading mentors’ on hand who volunteer over the holiday and talk to children about their books.

Zahra Al-Hadi was a Summer Reading Challenge reading mentor at Maida Vale Library in 2015.

Zahra says: “It was fantastic to volunteer on something that helps children with their reading over the summer, so that when they’re back at school they don’t lose their confidence or excitement about reading.

“There are also lots of creative activities and events that take place in the libraries over the summer that the children really love. I would really encourage parents to get their children involved and, if you’d like to volunteer, get in touch. It’s a lovely way to spend the summer.”

If you’d like to know more about becoming a reading mentor visit westminster.gov.uk/ summer-reading-challenge-volunteer

For more information visit westminster.gov.uk/events-libraries

Changes to the council’s Play Service

From the May 2016 half term the council will no longer run its Play Service at six primary schools and two community sites in Westminster. All children who attended council-run after-school play sessions and holiday clubs can now attend activity clubs run by Fit For Sport. For more information visit westminster.gov.uk/play

The summer holiday is a fun break for children, but it’s important they keep up with their reading so their skills and confidence don’t ‘dip’.

Keep the kids reading

this summer

Zahra

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Dates for your diary this summer

Vitality Westminster Mile

When: 29th MayWhere: St. James’s Park and Green Park

Cheer on families and athletes as they run the most famous mile in the world. Plus live music and entertainment in Green Park throughout the day.

westminstermile.co.uk

SouthWestFest

When: 8th-26th JuneWhere: SW1

Enjoy a jam-packed festival for the whole family throughout June. Highlights include a Festival Day in St. George’s Square, Children’s Parade through Pimlico and fun picnics. You can also get involved in lots of activity camps, workshops and much more.

southwestfest.org.uk

West End Live 2016

When: 18th-19th JuneWhere: Trafalgar Square

Don’t miss two days of free, live entertainment from the stars of the West End at the world-famous West End LIVE, returning to Trafalgar Square for the whole family this summer.

westendlive.co.uk

Paddington Festival

When: June-SeptemberWhere: Across Paddington

Paddington Festival returns this year with lots of free and low-cost events for the whole family in the Paddington area, including the flagship Westbourne Summer Festival, a film festival, and the return of the popular Big Dance Bus.

paddingtonfestival.co.uk

Find lots more exciting summer activities in our Summer in the City guide. Visit westminster.gov.uk/summer-activities

There are lots of fun things to do

in Westminster this half-term

Monday 30th May

Try a duathlon – running and cyclingTime: 10am (for 5 to 7-year-olds), 11am (for 8 to 11-year-olds)Age: 5-11Venue: Paddington Recreation Ground, Randolph Avenue, W9 1PDCost: £2.50

020 7641 3642

Monday 30th May-Friday 3rd June

Swim school crash coursesTime: Varies according to skill level, call for more detailsAge: 3+Venue: Porchester Centre, Queen Mother Sports Centre, Seymour Leisure CentreCost: £23.25 for residents, £25.75 for non-residents

020 7630 5522/020 7535 2020

Tuesday 31st May-Friday 3rd June

Basketball, cricket, football and tennis sports campsTime: 10am-3pmAge: 5-15Venue: Paddington Recreation Ground, Randolph Avenue, W9 1PDCost: £56.80 or £29.80 with a Westminster City Save card. Booking required.

020 7641 3642

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offers and discounts for westminster residents

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre tickets for £25

Offer: Get the best available seats for a great run of summer shows for only £25 per ticket, including ‘Running Wild,’ the adaptation of the book from Michael Morpurgo that’s suitable for the whole family. How to claim: Present a valid Westminster City Save card or proof of residence at the box office. Make sure to buy tickets from two weeks before your chosen performance date to claim a discount.

Save on tickets to see Bond in Motion

Offer: Get £2 off tickets to see iconic cars from the world’s most famous spy at the Bond in Motion exhibition at the London Film Museum in Covent Garden.How to claim: Present your Westminster City Save card when buying your tickets.

Up to 70% off top West End Theatre

Offer: Save up to 70% on the best family shows that the West End has to offer, including Wicked, The Railway Children and The Lion King.How to claim: Tickets must be booked on the Westminster City Save page to receive the full discount. An additional 10% will be taken off ticket prices at the checkout.

How to enter: For a chance to win, like our Facebook page at facebook.com/WestminsterParents and tell us what your little monkeys love about Westminster. Competition closes on Wednesday 8th June 2016.

Win five Tree Top Junior tickets to Go Ape at Battersea ParkRelease your little monkeys onto the Go Ape course at Battersea Park, a tree top adventure in the heart of London. They’ll enjoy up to an hour of canopy exploring, trail blazing and obstacles. We have five vouchers to give away worth £18 each.  

Terms and conditions: Prize must be used in 2016. Prize is as stated and cannot be transferred or exchanged.

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Apply for your free Westminster City Save card at westminster.gov.uk/citysave or call 020 7641 6000 (Mon – Fri, 8am – 6pm).

Terms and conditions apply. Visit westminster.gov.uk/citysave for all offers and more details.

Adult learningin the heart of Westminster

Enrol now for 2016/17 courses

WAES is Westminster’s adult college, offering full-time and part-time study in the daytime, evenings and at weekends. We offer a wide range of courses specifically

for adult learners wanting to study in a friendly and supportive environment. Visit www.waes.ac.uk, call 020 7297 7297 or drop in to one of our centres.

Accounting - Business - Ceramics - Childcare - Cookery - English - ESOL Fashion - Fine art - Floristry - Glass-making - Graphic design

Hairdressing - Health and social care - Make-up - Maths - Photography

Ofsted rated us ‘Good’ in 2016!