work in progress . . . please let us know your recommendations . . .
Contents
Scroll down to find helpful & local information on National Health Service, Alternative Therapies, Nursery Schools, Primary Schools, Baby-sitters, Childminders, Nannies, Doulas, Au-pairs, Shopping & product recommendations, Places to go, Courses and Activities!
Health
NHS Immunisation Advice – Helpline 020 8254 8393
You can also talk to your health visitor, practice nurse or GP for advice & to ensure that your child’s vaccine’s are up to date.
NHS out of hours service – Harmoni – 0845 602 6292
If you’re local to Wandsworth and you need a GP or dentist when your surgery is closed you can call Harmoni, the local NHS out-of-hours service, to talk to a qualified nurse, GP or dentist.
NHS Direct – 0845 4647
You can use on line at www.nhsdirect.co.uk for immediate advice or to speak to someone directly call the above number for immediate advice &/or response to emergencies.
Alternative Therapies
The Vitality Centre
Centre for alternative therapies & well being-specialises in Pregnancy and Post Natal Health & Care. Pregnancy massage, reflexology, nutrition, yoga, Maternally Fit, osteopathy & cranial osteopathy for mum & newborn. Lovely shop area with mum & baby products, supplements & more.
Acupuncture
Emma Cannon Bsc Hons Ac, MBAcC
Emma has been practising complementary therapies & acupuncture since the early 1990’s & now specialises in fertility and women’s health; gynaecology, conception, IVF support, pregnancy & postnatal care. You can find her on www.newbabycompany.com or telephone 020 7751 1152.
Reflexology
Carly Garrett is a qualified Reflexologist based in Wimbledon who can offer mobile Reflexology and Maternity Reflexology treatments in the comfort of your own home. You can find her on www.carlygarret.co.uk or telephone 07932 741473.
Osteopathy
Sue Philbey (BSc Hons, DO,ND,MRN) practices at the Osteopathic Practice at 71 Fieldview In Earlsfield. Her number is 020 8870 7345. She also does cranial osteopathy on babies & is a Foresight (pre-conceptual care) practitioner & naturopath. Sue treated my back recently at very short notice!
David Isherwood (BSc Hons Ost) clinic is based a short distance from Clapham Junction. You can find him on www.theosteopath.net or telephone 020 7228 6336. He has been enthusiastically recommended by more than one babyconfidence client.
James Dodd (BSc Hons Ost) is in Earlsfield at Back To Back, the Earlsfield Clinic. The website is www.backtoback432.co.uk or telephone 020 8605 2323.
Össur
“Plagiocephaly is the word that is often used to describe a flattened area on one part of an infant’s head, this is usually to one side at the back of the head. Technology in Motion from Össur is recognised as the UK’s leading provider of treatment for infants who have plagiocephaly. The treatment that we use is called PlagioCare™ and each helmet is designed individually for your child to ensure that maximum improvement is achieved with as little disruption to you and your child’s daily routine”.
If you are concerned about your baby’s head shape or would like further information on this treatment you can contact Össur at their local clinic in Wimbledon Park where they offer a free initial assessment.
The website is www.ossur.co.uk/Plagiocephaly or you can email at wimbledon@ossur.com or telephone 020 8944 9919.
Smart Cells
Established in 2001, Smart Cells International is the leading UK based international organisation in storing umbilical cord blood stem cells. Their aim is to ensure that every expectant parent makes an informed choice about the opportunity to store their baby’s cord blood.
The website is www.smartcells.com/en/ or telephone 0845 604 5523 & email uk@smartcells.com
Independent Nursery Schools (3-5 hour sessions, from 2.5 to 5 years)
Barmouth Road Montessori Pre-School – Head: Hetty Thompson
13-15 Barmouth Road, London, SW18 2DT
Tel: 020 8874 2830 Website: www.barmouthroad.co.uk Email: info@barmouthroad.co.uk
Melrose House Nursery School – Head: Ruth Oates
39 Melrose Road, London, SW18 1LX
Tel: 020 8874 7769 Email: ruthoates@hotmail.com
Red Balloon Nursery School – Head: Tamsin Millington-Drake
St Mary Magdalene Church, Trinity Road, London, SW17 7SD
Tel: 020 8672 4711 Email: tamd@rbns.co.uk
You can find further information on all of the above pre-schools & more at The Wandsworth Independent Nurseries Association website www.winanurseries.co.uk.
Independent Schools
Broomwood Hall School – Principal: Lady Colquhoun
74 Nightingale Lane, London, SW12 8NR
Tel: 020 8682 8800 Website: www.broomwood.co.uk Email: info@northwoodschools.co.uk
Finton House School – Headmaster: Adrian Floyd
171 Trinity Road, London, SW17 7HL
Tel: 020 8682 0921 Website: www.fintonhouse.org.uk Email: office@fintonhouse.org.uk
Hornsby House School – Headmaster: Jon Gray
Hearnville Road, London, SW12 8RS
Tel: 020 8673 7573 Website: www.hornsby-house.co.uk Email: school@hornsby-house.co.uk
The Study Preparatory School – Head: Mrs Joyce Nicol
Camp Road, Wimbledon Common, London, SW19 4UN
Tel: 020 8947 6969 Website: www.thestudyprep.co.uk Email: wilberforce@thestudyprep.co.uk
Thomas’s Clapham – Headmistress: Mrs Carol Evelegh
Broomwood Road, London, SW11 6JZ
Tel: 020 7326 9300 Website: www.thomas-s.co.uk Email: clapham@thomas-s.co.uk
Thomas’s have Preparatory Schools in Battersea, Clapham, Fulham and Kensington and two Kindergartens, one in Battersea and one in Pimlico.
Wimbledon High School
Mansel Road, London, SW19 4AB
Tel: 020 8971 0902 Website: www.wimbledonhigh.gdst.net Email: info.juniors@wim.gdst.net
A great place to look for comprehensive details of other UK Independent schools, Boarding schools, London schools, Preparatory schools, Special Needs schools, International schools & 16+ Schools and Colleges is www.schoolsearch.co.uk/.
Babysitters
At Sitters all child carers have years of professional childcare experience & most are OFSTED registered childminders or professionally qualified nannies or nursery nurses.
Tel: 0800 38 900 38 Website: www.sitters.co.uk
Childminders
Start looking here for a registered childminder www.childcarelink.gov.uk
Nannies
Nappy Valley Nannies
Based locally Nappy Valley Nannies was founded by and is run by two professional mothers, Amanda Gerlis & Diana Keverian-Rand.
Tel: 020 8946 5320 Website: www.nappyvalleynannies.com
Simply Childcare
Simply Childcare is an online service, full of adverts from parents seeking childcare & from carers (nannies, childminders, mother’s helps etc) offering childcare.
Tel: 020 7701 6111 Website: www.simplychildcare.com Email: info@simplychildcare.com
Doulas
Caring Doulas
Based in Esher, Caring Doulas was set up by Sue Lynch in 2005, with over 20 years experience as a health visitor.
Tel: 020 8873 3663 Website: www.caringdoulas.co.uk Email: enquiries@caringdoulas.co.uk
doula uk
Fantastic “find a doulas” service which is free! For birth and postnatal doulas.
Tel: 0871 4333103 Website: www.doula.org.uk Email: info@doula.org.uk
Consultants
Maternity Consultant Hattie Davies is a friendly face who will teach you how to care for your new baby. Based in Wimbledon she is someone with extensive baby experience who will give you reassurance & non-judgmental support, working with new mum’s & their families. Visit her website to see her contact information.
Website: www.hattiedavies.vpweb.co.uk/
Au Pairs
smartaupairs
Very well run agency that will help you find au pairs for the summer or longer term. Simply register your family details with them & they will take it from there!
Tel: 01233 712 500 Website: www.smartaupairs.com Email: Info@smartaupairs.com
Baby Friendly Venues
Coffee Houses eg. Starbucks, Cafe Nero, Crumpet, Carluccios . . . to name a few . . .
Common Ground Cafe, Wandworth Common (near Dorlcote Road)
The Park Café, Wimbledon Park
Coffee and Crayons, Fulham Road (fab playroom downstairs where your toddler can toddle while you have a coffee & chat!)
Baby and Toddler Groups
West Side Church, Melody Road, Wandsworth, London, SW18 2QQ
This group, held on Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursdays mornings is for babies, toddlers and their parents or carers. The group is a well-established and equipped, thriving activity that aims to provide a fun environment for kids to play and an opportunity for parents & carers to get to know each other. There are times for singing, stories and refreshments. The cost is a weekly donation of £3.00. There is a waiting list so to join it go along to one of the morning sessions and put your name down, the lady that you need to speak to is called Jane.
Earlsfield Baptist Church, Magdalen Road, Earlsfield, London, SW18 3NZ
This group is held on Wednesday, Thursday & Friday mornings for babies, toddlers & their parents or carers. It is also well-established and equipped, with singing & refreshments. There is a waiting list so to join go along to one of the morning sessions and speak to Alison. Please note that this play group is closed currently – we’ll keep you posted when it reopens!
Places to Go
Cupcake
Cupcake is a members’ club for mums, mums-to-be & their families. As a member you can attend the seminars, attend classes to tone your body, enrich your mind & care for your baby. You can also indulge in spa treatments & ‘me time’ with a postnatal personal trainer, a concierge & a lovely mum-&-baby café.
Tel: 020 8875 1065 Website: www.home.cupcakemum.com Email: membership@cupcakemum.com
Pottery Café
Based in Fulham, the Pottery Café was one of the first design studio’s in the country. You can personally decorate a choice of pottery with hands, feet, fingers and paintbrushes, depending on your age! Pottery is hand made in the Isle of Wight or exclusively supplied by Emma Bridgewater. Fun to do with friends and make perfect gifts! Appointments required for large groups but book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Tel: 020 7736 2157 Website: www.pottery-cafe.com Email: fulham@pottery-cafe.com
It’s a Kid’s Thing!
Family run play zone and activity centre based in Earlsfield. Suited to toddlers and young children in particular but facilities for babies are available. A great place also to hold a children’s party and is available for hire.
Tel: 020 8739 0909 Website: www.itsakidsthing.co.uk
Gambado Chelsea
Gambado Chelsea is the ultimate family play centre. There is a giant play frame with over 110 different fun activities inside including mini climbing wall and lazer games, slides and obstacle courses, the dizzy dodgems, & a full scale fun themed carousel ride will all delight & challenge your little explorers. This is a great venue for children’s parties, meeting friends, groups & fun with the family, especially as adults can scale the play frame & go on a dodgem!
Tel: 0207 384 1635 Website: www.gambado.com/chelsea/home
baby loves disco
baby loves disco is an afternoon dance party featuring real music spun & mixed by real djs blending classic disco tunes from the 70s, & 80s guaranteed to get those little booties moving and grooving. Held in various venues across London this is ideal fun for all the family.
Tickets can be bought online. Website: www.babylovesdisco.co.uk Email: elaine@babylovesdisco.co.uk for general enquires.
Course and Activities
First Aid For Life
Practical First Aid training that will give you the skills & confidence to know what to do in an emergency. Emma Hammett is a nurse & member of the Association of First Aiders with over 20 years of healthcare & teaching experience.
Tel: 020 8675 4036 Website: www.firstaidforlife.org.uk/home.htm Email: emma@firstaidforlife.org.uk
Swimming Nature
Swimming classes for you & your baby in the Knightsbridge area recommended by a client of babyconfidence.
Tel: 08700 949597 Website: www.swimmingnature.com/sn-public/ Email: bookings@swimmingnature.co.uk
Gymboree
The best way to find out all about what Gymboree has to offer is to go along to one of their free trials – it’s a great thing to do with your friends or to make some new one’s! For information about the nearest class to you, have a look on their website.
Website: www.gymboree-uk.com
Monkey Music
Monkey Music introduces music to very young children in a way they can easily understand and enjoy. Have a look at their website to find a class near you – we can recommend the Wandsworth one!
Website: www.monkeymusic.co.uk/index.php Email: info@monkeymusic.co.uk
Other Great Websites!
The inside track on everything from top local schools, sports & activities to fabulous party entertainers. You can chat to other mums here, share your tips & discover what everyone else is talking about.
A chic and easy to use website created to provide a local online marketplace for buying and selling nearly new baby items.
www.letsgowiththechildren.co.uk
If you’re needing inspiration for somewhere to go with the children then this website is a great place to start. It lists venue’s by county so you can check out where to go where ever you’re going to be. It also gives you handy vouchers for money off!
Netmums is a family of local sites that cover the UK, each site offering information to mothers on everything from where to find playgroups and how to eat healthily to where to meet other mothers.
Looking for an exciting day out with the kids?
Really Kid Friendly provides a guide to how child friendly pubs, restaurants, cafes and days out in London really are – with opinions and ratings from people who have actually been there with kids! You can search for things to do on a rainy day in London or check out our list of fantastic free activities. They cover parks, playgrounds, museums and indoor play – in fact, just about anywhere you might go with your family.