If the library’s too crowded for you, if you’re worried about getting to the Essendine before it fills up, if you’re looking for something where your under 5 child’s not going to get wet, eat sand or get covered in paint, then this new free drop in could be for you.
I hadn’t been a huge fan of the Maida Centre with those hazardous automatic doors off the main room, but this past Friday, they left those open and with all the toys available, there was no need for any bids for freedom – plus a strategically placed tunnel kept people inside. Looked like a good start and it was.
There were multiple mats laid out all over the room with different types of toys on each – building blocks, musical instruments, puzzles, telephones, farm animals, soft toys and more. With all the mats, it gave children a chance to explore and decide where they wanted to station themselves. Children ranged in age from babies up to about 3 years old and everyone played together very well.
This drop in is run by the Maida Vale Children’s Centre and the woman that ran it this past Friday and usually runs it, is also a breastfeeding counselor at the Centre – so a good resource if you need any advice.
My 15 month-old walked around like she owned the place, had fun with her good friend, and made some new ones – including a lovely older girl who took her under her wing after a patchy start over a toy they both wanted (a pushable one that resembled a lawnmower).
Before we ruined a good thing, we left, but were told that these sessions usually end in song.
Have you been? Let us know what you think.
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Fridays, 9.10-11.30am
Maida Centre
221 Lanark Road
London
W9 1NX
Call the Maida Vale Children’s Centre with any queries: 020 7641 5775
