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Welcome to the Autumn issue of our online newsletter for children and families, produced by the Children and Family Work team at YMCA St. Paul’s Group.
We help whole families to flourish. We have safe and trusted Early Years care and developmental activities, family support and mediation help when difficult issues arise at home or school, summer and school holiday camps, and activities that are just plain fun for everyone.
Take a look at the sections below to learn about what we will be up to across our various children and families services this autumn.
On 24 July we gathered to celebrate our wonderful 2026 leavers. It was a lovely chance to say goodbye and wish them well as they head onto their next adventure. We’re so proud of everything they’ve achieved, and we will really miss them. Goodbye and good luck!

Our autumn Parents Evenings are coming up, offering a relaxed opportunity to talk with your child’s key person and hear about their progress.
Ladybirds: 28 September, 6.15–8.00pm
Bumblebees & Butterflies: 29 September, 6.15–8.00pm
We look forward to welcoming you!
13 October, 4.00–5.30pm
Join us for a friendly, hands‑on workshop as part of Black History Month. Families can enjoy fun activities together, including making Nigerian Puff Puff, a delicious traditional sweet treat. A lovely way to learn and connect.
10 November, 4.00–5.30pm
We’ll be marking Diwali with a creative parents’ workshop full of colour, light and simple activities you can enjoy with your child. Everyone is welcome to join in the celebration!
Saturday 28 November, 11.00am–2.30pm
As we settle into autumn and look ahead to the colder months, we wanted to give families an early heads‑up about one of our favourite seasonal events.
We’ll be welcoming families for a fun day filled with simple activities, winter crafts and plenty of smiles. It’s a lovely chance to come together before the busy holiday season begins. Please feel free to spread the word to friends, neighbours and anyone who might enjoy this community event. We’d love to see as many families as possible joining us!
Our Y Kidz Summer Holiday Camps were a brilliant success, with children enjoying four themed weeks filled with crafts, play and loads of fun. From colourful neon crafts to imaginative fantasy adventures and underwater‑themed fun, each week brought something new and exciting.
A huge thank you to all the families who joined us and helped make this summer such a memorable one!
We’re excited to announce that booking for our October Half Term Playscheme is now open.
Children can look forward to a week of autumn‑themed fun, including games, sports, crafts and plenty of opportunities to play, and make new friends.
Our playschemes will run at both Handsworth Primary School and Whittingham Primary Academy, with flexible booking options available to suit family schedules.
To find full details and book your child’s place, visit our website.
This summer at YMCA Hawker was full of energy and creativity as children took part in our Y Kidz Holiday Camps. Across four themed weeks, the playscheme offered a great mix of crafts, games, outdoor play and activities that kept everyone engaged.
Each theme brought its own excitement — from bright colour challenges to magical quest adventures and ocean‑inspired activities.
A warm thank you to all families who joined us at YMCA Hawker and helped create such a positive, memorable holiday experience!
We’re delighted to confirm that October Half Term bookings for Y Kidz at YMCA Hawker are now open.
This autumn, children can enjoy half term fun, including sports, crafts, group games and plenty of opportunities to play, explore and build confidence. Our team is preparing a varied programme designed to keep children active, creative and happy throughout the break.
Flexible booking options mean families can choose the days that suit them best.
To find out more and book your child’s place, visit the YMCA Hawker, Kingston Y Kidz page.
The Pod Soft Play at YMCA Hawker, Kingston is the perfect place for children aged up to 10 years, and with it’s air-conditioned space, it’s ideal in any weather!
Our exciting multi-level soft play area offers fun and adventure, with a range of daytime activities included in your visit, such as arts & crafts, role play, and access to our calming sensory room, specially designed for under-2s and children with additional needs.
For opening times, prices and more information, visit our website.
Planning a birthday celebration? The Pod is available for private hire and party bookings, offering exclusive use of our multi-level soft play area for a memorable party experience. With catering and a party host included in the package, it’s a stress-free party experience for everyone!

We’re delighted to be back for a brand‑new school year, and it’s been wonderful welcoming children into our Breakfast and After School Clubs. The start of term has brought a great mix of new faces joining us for the first time and familiar faces returning after the summer break.
Children have already been getting stuck into a variety of creative activities, games and outdoor play, helping them ease into the new routine.
If you have any questions about your child’s sessions, bookings or arrangements for the term ahead, your Breakfast or After School Club leader will be happy to help.
Looking for the perfect venue for your activity or class? Our purpose-built studio in South Ealing is available for hire!
Features include:
Pricing:
Just £33 per hour!
For more details, or to make an enquiry, visit our South Ealing activity studio hire page.

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

Close to South Harrow underground station and with free parking onsite, outside play garden and reception facilities.
All profits benefit our youth programmes working with local vulnerable young people.
Hire our purpose-made studio, ideal for classes and dance sessions