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About (& Staff Bios)

Creative Wiz Kids was started in 1990 in New York City by Frances Bildner. A professional painter who has exhibited in Europe and the U.S., Frances’ philosophy is “learning through play not pressure”.

Frances started Creative Wiz Kids because she saw the number of playgroups that ignored the natural curiosity and creativity of children.

By basing her playgroups’ activities on children’s ability to learn through play, and their inherent desire to grow and explore, Creative Wiz Kids has become a centre for child-focussed learning and expression in London.

Ethos at Creative Wiz Kids

The Philosophy at Creative Wiz Kids is a simple one. Children are all natural artists and learn best in a relaxed unpressured environment. At Creative Wiz kids the emphasis is on the artistic process not on the finished product. Although our Wiz Kids have produced lovely work, it is in the process of “making” be it Art, Dancing or Acting where children gain the most benefit. Great Emphasis is placed on play and fun. In an increasingly hurried world, we at CWK believe it is essential that children are allowed and encouraged to enjoy the play and pleasures of childhood.

Artist and Poet, Frances Bildner, who started CWK in New York City in 1990 enthusiastically runs the programme in Hampstead and Notting Hill with her band of loyal helpers, all of whom have Arts backgrounds as well as loads of energy, experience and creativity to share with all Wiz Kids.

A Short Video About Creative Wiz Kids

Benefits

Social interaction / making great friendships / no tests or pressure / great confidence builder / childhood delights / emphasis on fun / A genuine arts programme run by genuine artists who interact well with kids! Come and be part of the “Creative Wiz Kids Experience!”

Our Team

The whole is much more than the sum of it’s part. Meet our Wiz Kids Team!

Leigh Curtis

Manager / Artist / Professional Cake Maker/ Nursery School Teacher
I am passionate about working at Creative Wiz Kids where I am currently the manager. After several years of experience in a managerial role in a large department store, I am currently a Nursery School Teacher with an NVQ level 3 qualification in childcare and development. I have been working in education for fourteen years and am highly experienced. I am also an artist and professional cake maker and love to share those skills with the children I work with.

Lucy Scammell

Lucy has worked at Wiz Kids for eight years. She has extensive child centred experience as a Wiz Kids club manager and party host, a nanny and as a theatre practitioner. Lucy is well practiced engaging children as a group or on a one to one basis, her work also specialises in supporting SEND children.