Children and Families Newsletter: Winter

Winter Family Fun Day: Thank You for Celebrating With Us!

We were delighted to welcome so many local families to our Winter Family Fun Day on Saturday.  Families enjoyed wreath making, Christmas biscuit decorating, face painting, sensory snow play, and lots more creative fun.
Thank you to everyone who joined us!

If you are interested in sending your child to our nursery, we would love to meet you. You can book a tour directly through our website, where you’ll find available dates and more information about what we offer.

Parent Workshop: 9 December

We invite all parents and carers to join us from 4:00–5:30pm for a seasonal workshop focused on Christmas and Hanukkah activities. This is a lovely opportunity to explore creative ideas you can also try at home, meet other families, and enjoy a relaxed festive atmosphere.

Christmas Jumper Day: 11 December

We are excited to celebrate Christmas Jumper Day, when children are encouraged to come dressed in their brightest, most festive Christmas jumpers or colourful outfits. It’s a cheerful way to bring the holiday spirit into the setting!

Christmas Carols & Songs: 12 December

Please join us 11:00–11:30am in the Studio (where Soft Play is held) for a performance of carols and festive songs by the children. They have been practicing hard, and staff would greatly appreciate your support in helping them rehearse at home.

If your child does not usually attend on Fridays but would like to participate, please drop them off by 10:15am so they can join their group.

After the performance, we invite parents and children who do not attend on Fridays to enjoy refreshments at the Y Lounge Café from 11:30–12:30. It’s a lovely chance to celebrate together.

Children’s Christmas Party: 16 December

Our festive celebration will take place from 3:00–4:30pm within the setting, featuring fun seasonal activities and plenty of holiday cheer. A very special guest (Santa!) will be making an appearance at 4:00pm.

Children who do not attend on Tuesdays are still warmly welcome to join the party, but they must be accompanied by an adult.

Staff Training Day: 19 December

Please note that the setting will be closed for staff training on this date. These training days are essential for ensuring our team continues to provide the highest quality care and learning experiences for your children. Thank you for your understanding.

Christmas Closure

This year, the setting will close at 4:00pm on Wednesday 24 December 2025 for the Christmas break. We will reopen at 8:00am on Friday 2 January 2026.
We wish all families a joyful, restful holiday season and look forward to welcoming you back in the new year.

Festive Recipe: Christmas Smoothie

Bring a little holiday flavour into your home with this nutritious and delicious Christmas smoothie.

Ingredients:

• 180ml clementine juice

• 40g porridge oats

• 320g frozen blueberries

• 2 ripe pears (peeled)

• 1 tbsp honey

• ½ tsp mixed spice

Method:
Combine all the ingredients in a blender and mix until silky smooth. For an extra-smooth texture, soak the oats in the clementine juice for about 10 minutes before blending. Enjoy this colourful, antioxidant-rich drink with a hint of warm spice.

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 – Winter Fun!

As we embrace the festive season and look forward to Christmas during Advent, we’re adding extra winter sparkle to our activity sessions with Christmas crafts and seasonal creations for children to enjoy.

Looking for a fun, safe, and cosy indoor space this winter? The Pod Soft Play at YMCA Hawker, Kingston is open for children up to 10 years old – no advance booking needed!

Our multi-level soft play area offers endless excitement, alongside winter-themed daytime activities such as arts & crafts, role play, and access to our calming sensory room for under-2s and children with additional needs.

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

All activities are included with entry to Pod Soft Play.

Morning Sessions: 10:00 am – 12:45 pm (Every Weekday)
After-School Fun: 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm (Mon–Weds)

Parties at The Pod

Looking for a birthday venue with a difference? The Pod offers private hire and party bookings with exclusive use of our mutli-level Soft Play.

Hurry – dates for 2026 are booking up fast! Check out our website for details: Soft Play Pod Parties

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

Creative Christmas Crafts

Our Breakfast and After School Clubs are buzzing with excitement as we head toward Christmas! The children have been busy creating a great range of Christmas crafts, and the rooms are already looking really festive.

They’ve made some bright stars, brilliant snowmen, and jolly Santas, and we can’t wait to see what they make next!

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.

As we recognise the rich diversity within our community, we are delighted to celebrate Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights.

Hanukkah invites us to reflect on themes of hope, resilience, and the power of light, values that resonate strongly with our work and mission. We send our warmest wishes to all families marking the festival.

Celebrating Advent and Christmas at YMCA St Paul’s Group

Advent invites us to pause, reflect, and prepare with hope, while Christmas reminds us of the joy, light, and love brought into the world through the birth of Jesus.

Across our communities, we are celebrating this season with moments of togetherness, creativity, and kindness, sharing the values that sit at the core of the YMCA. We wish all our families a peaceful Advent and a joyful Christmas filled with warmth and connection.