Letter from the Editor
It is hard to believe that when I moved to London 15 years ago, all shops
closed at 6pm and NEVER opened on Sunday, dishwashers were non-
existent, tumble dryers were a luxury and London was covered with
smog and smoke. Clearly, things have changed a lot since then.
Even for me. Just when I thought I had settled into life as an expat,
married to a Brit, I had my children. My international experience became
slightly more challenging. Still relatively new to London, with only a
handful of new friends, I didn’t have a social network to introduce me to
doctors, schools, childcare or any multitude of child-centric activities. FOCUS offers personal
advice and professional
Fortunately for you, we have put together the best of our experience, expertise to help
knowledge and resources to help you easily navigate life in the UK international professionals
with children. The FOCUS staff alone has over 50 years combined (and their families)
experience of life in the UK with kids! successfully live and work in
…and, if you can’t find what you are looking for, we are only a phone the UK. We are a non-profit
call away, 020 7937 7799. membership organisation
staffed entirely by
A special thank you to Fabiana Plat our superb graphic designer who expatriates, offering a
shocked us all by presenting artwork we ALL loved the FIRST TIME! minimum of one year’s
support.
Thank you to our chief contributor Valeria Fleury for gathering
information that makes this guide so special. We maintain the most
comprehensive resources for
And of course, thanks to Ana Beatriz Alencar and Elisabeth Soose who the international community
make sure that our resources are not only unique but also up-to-date. all in one location. Our
Kensington office provides
Last but not least, thank you to all FOCUS staff and volunteers for your seminars, workshops and
contributions during the creation of our new publication. one-to-one consultations for
all members.
FOCUS
Martha Winfield 13 Prince of Wales Terrace
Editor London W8 5PG UK
Tel: +44 (0)20 7937 7799
FOCUS staff Executive Director Barbara J Rees ● Deputy Executive Director Alessandra Fax: +44 (0)20 7937 9482
Gnudi ● Director of Finance Vicky Singh ● Director of Marketing Eva Stock ● Director of
Email: office@focus-info.org
Resources Ana-Beatriz Alencar ● Director of Membership Hélène Pettier ● Resource
Manager Elisabeth Soose
Web: www.focus-info.org
● Marketing Manager Marta Favaloro ● Editor Martha
Winfield ● Art Director Fabiana Plat
2 Focus Children’s Guide
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