Children and Families Newsletter: Autumn

Parent Workshops – October

We’re pleased to offer two exciting workshops this month!
Monday 7 October and Monday 21 October
4:00 – 5:30 PM

The sessions will focus on Black History Month and Diwali, celebrating culture, heritage, and community. We hope to see many of you there!

Congratulations, Fahma!

A huge well done to Fahma, who recently secured an apprenticeship in Childcare. The whole team are incredibly proud of her achievement!

New Website Launch

We’re excited to announce the launch of our brand-new Jumpers! website, which went live on 1 October.

The site is now managed by Childcare Marketing, who will regularly update it with news, events, and key information. Content is provided directly by our setting, so it reflects everything that makes Jumpers! unique.

Parents’ Evenings – October

This is a great opportunity to meet with your child’s key person and talk about their progress in more detail.

• Ladybirds Room
  Tuesday 28 October | 6:15 – 8:00 PM
• Bumblebees & Butterflies Rooms
  Wednesday 29 October | 6:15 – 8:00 PM

Sign-up sheets will be available outside each room from the week beginning 13 October.

Party fun for under 8s!

Planning a birthday party for your child? Look no further! Our kids’ parties at YMCA South Ealing are ideal for under 8s, offering the perfect mix of excitement and fun. We offer a whole studio filled with colorful soft play equipment, tunnels, and climbing fun — all exclusively yours to enjoy!

Our party hire package includes full access to our studio and a bright and spacious café space, ideal for serving up your own refreshments and snacks. You bring the supervision and treats, and we’ll provide the party venue and equipment.

Visit our website for more information, and to book: Children’s Soft Play Parties at YMCA South Ealing – YMCA St Paul’s Group

Looking for the perfect venue for your activity or class? Our purpose-built studio in South Ealing is available for hire!

Features include:

• Air conditioning for year-round comfort
• Free on-site parking for easy access
• Convenient, accessible ground-floor location
• Ballet bars and a sprung floor — perfect for dance and fitness classes

Pricing:
Just £30 per hour!

For more details, or to make an enquiry, visit our South Ealing activity studio hire page.

The Pod Soft Play at YMCA Hawker

Looking for a fun, safe, and climate-controlled space for your little ones to play this autumn? The Pod Soft Play at YMCA Hawker, Kingston is open for children up to 10 years old — no need to book in advance, just walk in and play.

We offer a vibrant, multi-level soft play area, plus daytime activities such as arts & crafts, role play, and a sensory room for under 2s and children with additional needs.

For opening times, prices, and more, visit:
ymcastpaulsgroup.org/soft-play-at-the-pod-kingston

Parties at The Pod

Looking for a birthday venue with a difference? The Pod offers private hire and party bookings.

Check out our website for details: Soft Play Pod Parties

Questions about parties or booking? Email venniceayethman@ymcaspg.org

After School Club: Celebrating Black History Month

Children at our After School Club have been learning about and discussing Black History Month. As part of their exploration, they created beautiful hand-shaped crafts expressing what Black History Month means to them. It’s been a thoughtful and creative way for the children to celebrate and reflect on diversity, identity, and community.

Spaces Available – Breakfast & After School Club at Whittingham School

We hope all our families are enjoying a wonderful summer break – we can’t wait to welcome you back soon!

If you’re looking for reliable and affordable childcare for the new school year, our YMCA Breakfast and After School Club at Whittingham School currently has spaces for children aged 4–11.

We provide a warm, welcoming environment where children can enjoy:

• Fun, engaging activities

• Healthy snacks and time to relax with friends

• Support with homework

• A safe space before and after school

Our clubs are great value, and we accept Childcare Vouchers from all official providers.

To find out more or secure a place, call 020 8509 4636 or email family&childcare@ymcaspg.org.

Y Kidz October Half‑Term — Two Walthamstow Locations!

Great news — this October half term, Y Kidz Holiday Play Scheme will run at two venues! We’ll be returning to Whittingham Primary Academy and also running from a new location at Handsworth Primary School.

Dates & Hours
Monday 27 – Friday 31 October
• Standard day: 10:00 – 16:00
• Extended day: 08:30 – 17:30

Children aged 4 to 11 (Reception to Year 6) are welcome.

Inside and out, kids will enjoy a mix of arts & crafts, storytelling, sports, team games, messy play, mindfulness, music & dance, trips to the park, and more.

To view full prices, booking details, what to bring, and to register a place, please visit:
Book Y Kidz Walthamstow

Celebrating Black History Month at YMCA St Paul’s Group

This October, children across our nurseries, Breakfast Clubs, and After School Clubs are taking part in activities to celebrate Black History Month.

In our nursery settings, we’re inviting parents to join a special workshop focused on exploring and celebrating the richness of Black culture through storytelling, crafts, and shared learning. Meanwhile, our wraparound care programmes are engaging children with themed arts and crafts, creative projects, and conversations inspired by this year’s theme: #StandingFirmInPride.

At YMCA St Paul’s Group, we’re proud to help children learn about the achievements, voices, and history of the Black community – fostering an inclusive environment where every child feels seen, heard, and celebrated.

Celebrating Diwali Across Children’s Services

This month, children in our nurseries, Breakfast Clubs, and After School Clubs will be learning about and celebrating Diwali, the Festival of Lights.

Through a range of fun and creative activities children will explore the meaning of Diwali and how it is celebrated by communities around the world.

In our nursery settings, families are invited to take part in a special Diwali-themed parent workshop, creating a wonderful opportunity to share stories and traditions together.

At YMCA St Paul’s Group, we’re proud to help children learn about different cultures and festivals, building curiosity, respect, and a sense of belonging in our diverse community.