Children and Families Newsletter: Spring

Polaris Award Winner – Rebecca Buckley

Congratulations to Rebecca Buckley, who recently won the Polaris Award for Community Partners at the YMCA St Paul’s Group Stars Awards.

A dedicated parent partner at Jumpers! Nursery, Rebecca has championed our programmes locally, gathered valuable insights to help strengthen our offer, and generously donated toys to enrich our baby room.

Her initiative and commitment have made a real difference — a truly well-deserved award!

Parent Workshop – 28 January

Thank you to everyone who joined our recent parent workshop. The children had a wonderful time tasting different foods, exploring new textures, and getting hands-on making playdough. It was lovely to see so much curiosity, and great to spend time together as families.

Mother’s Day Coffee Afternoon – Tuesday 10 March, 3.00–4.00pm

We’d love you to join us in the Y Lounge Cafe (next to the soft play studio) for tea, coffee and cake. It’s a relaxed chance to meet other parents, have a chat, and celebrate together. Everyone is very welcome.

Parent Workshop – Easter Fun 31 March, 4.00–5.30pm

Come along and join us for a fun Easter-themed session with activities including:
• Baking Easter cookies
• An Easter egg hunt
• Easter arts and crafts

It should be a lovely afternoon, we hope you can make it!

Staff Training Day – Thursday 2 April

The setting will be closed on this day so staff can take part in training. This helps us keep our knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage and safeguarding up to date, ensuring we continue to provide the best care for your children.

Easter Closure

We will be closed on Good Friday (3 April) and Easter Monday (6 April), reopening as normal on Tuesday 7 April. We hope you all have a lovely Easter break.

Parents’ Evenings

• Ladybirds: 28 April, 6.15–8.00pm
• Bumblebees & Butterflies: 29 April, 6.15–8.00pm

These evenings are a great opportunity to talk with staff about your child’s progress and development. We look forward to seeing you there.

Sports Day – Bumblebees & Butterflies
12 May, 2.30–3.30pm

Parents are warmly invited to join us for Sports Day fun. Refreshments will be available afterwards in the Y Lounge for families who don’t usually attend on Tuesdays.
Children who attend that day will enjoy a picnic in the nursery garden (so no afternoon tea needed).

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

Activity Studio Hire, South Ealing

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 £33 per hour!

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

Studio to Hire, Roxeth Gate, Harrow

Close to South Harrow underground station and with free parking onsite, outside play garden and reception facilities.

• Studio hire from £40 an hour for regular bookings or £45 an hour for a one-off booking

All profits benefit our youth programmes working with local vulnerable young people.

Studio

Hire our purpose-made studio, ideal for classes and dance sessions

• Mirrored walls
• Sprung floor
• Ballet bar
• Music system
• Toilet, changing and waiting areas
• Lockers
• Outdoor play garden

Y Kidz Half Term Fun at Handsworth School

We had a fantastic February half term at our Y Kidz playscheme at Handsworth School, with children enjoying a wide range of activities including games, crafts and sports. It was wonderful to see so much energy and creativity throughout the week — thank you to all the families who joined us.

Y Kidz Easter Camps – Booking Open

Booking for our Easter holiday playscheme is now open, and we’ll be running sessions at two locations in Waltham Forest: Handsworth Primary School in Highams Park and Whittingham Primary Academy in Walthamstow. Sessions run during the school holidays with flexible day options available.

If you’d like your child to join us for more fun, activities and time with friends this Easter, you can find full details and book your place here:
https://ymcastpaulsgroup.org/y-kidz-holiday-playschemes/y-kidz-walthamstow/

Y Kidz Easter Holiday Playscheme at YMCA Hawker

We’re excited to share that bookings are now open for our Y Kidz Easter Holiday Playscheme at YMCA Hawker in Kingston

The playscheme is packed with fun, creative, and active sessions to keep children engaged, make new friends, and enjoy their school break in a safe and welcoming environment. From games and crafts to sports and themed activities, our experienced team makes sure every day is full of energy and smiles.

👉 Visit our website for full details, dates, and booking information.
https://ymcastpaulsgroup.org/y-kidz-holiday-playschemes/y-kidz-kingston/

The Pod Soft Play at YMCA Hawker 

Looking for a fun, safe, indoor space whatever the weather? 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 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.

Booking is open for dates until June 2026, but hurry – dates are booking up fast! Check out our website for details: Soft Play Pod Parties

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

Celebrating Excellence – Aurora Award Winners!

We’re delighted to share that the Handsworth Breakfast & Afterschool Club has won the Aurora Award for Outstanding Team at the YMCA St Paul’s Group Awards.

The team provides exceptional wraparound care in Walthamstow, growing to 85 children a day this year and launching a new October and February Holiday Club due to demand. Michelle’s leadership and the team’s commitment — including creative opportunities like publishing children’s poems — truly set them apart.

One parent shared, “The club has enabled us to have a very stress-free life. The children are very happy at the club.”

A fantastic and well-deserved achievement — congratulations to the whole team!

Celebrating Mila’s Fantastic Achievement!

We are incredibly proud to share that Mila Silva-Watson (aged 8) from Handsworth After School Club has won a prestigious prize in a recent performance competition!

Mila attends Make Believe Group, a performing arts school that gives children from all backgrounds the opportunity to shine on stage, build confidence and develop valuable life skills through the joy of performance.

Her success is a wonderful achievement and a testament to her talent, confidence and hard work. We love seeing our children pursue their passions outside of school and thrive in their communities.
Well done, Mila — we are all so proud of you!

Celebrating This Special Season Together

At YMCA St Paul’s Group, we recognise that this time of year holds deep meaning for many in our communities.

Across our services, staff, volunteers, children and families may be marking important moments in different ways — through reflection, celebration, gathering with loved ones, acts of kindness, or personal traditions that are special to them.

As an inclusive organisation, we are proud to welcome and respect people of all faiths, backgrounds and beliefs. Diversity is one of our greatest strengths, and we value the richness it brings to our community every day.

Whatever this season means to you, and however you choose to observe it, we wish you a peaceful, joyful and meaningful time. 💛