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.
Check out some of Frances’ art here: https://expressiveartsltd.com/frances.html www.etsy.com/uk/shop/FranniB
“Every child has an innate talent in art, which merely needs to be stimulated to grow.” – Frances Bildner
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!
Ella
Alongside her experience in childcare Ella trained at the Oxford School of Drama and is currently completing a Music degree at ICMP in London. Ella will be bringing all that creativity and experience into the clubs!
“Hi, I’m Ella and I can’t wait to meet you! I have a huge passion for the arts and believe children learn through play and fun, not pressure. I have lots of fun and engaging activities planned including Music and Drama workshops, Arts & Crafts and much more! I’m really looking forward to a fantastic club, where your child can explore their creativity, learn through play, and most importantly have fun!”
Davina Bloom
Davina is a Drama Workshop Leader, running workshops for children since leaving drama school in 2006. Davina has been working with Creative Wiz Kids for many years in the holiday clubs and toddler groups and loves Creative Wiz Kids way of working, giving children the space to explore their creativity in a relaxed and fun environment.
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.
Hannah Curtis
Artist / SALT Student
I have been working at Creative Wiz Kids since 2022. I have several years of experience with children and I am passionate about bringing creativity alive through arts and crafts. I am currently studying speech and language therapy (SALT) at City, University London.
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.
Sadie
Hi, I’m Sadie and I’ve been working at Cwk for two years now. I did GCSE art and love being creative and doing arts and crafts. I’m also at university in York doing Psychology and Child Development.
Dillon
I am a student who loves clothing design and art. I am enthusiastic about designing and making my own clothes. I also really enjoy painting, as well as developing my drawing. This is my first year at Wiz Kids, and I am excited to be working with the creative wiz kids, seeing how everyone can create art in their own unique way!