Peckham Rye Stay and Play stopping on a Friday morning

[ZoeG]

Anyone else disappointed with this? It is moving to Monday afternoons instead after next Fri 17th Jan. This is a really bad move for 2 reasons - afternoons is nap time and the main reason is that I imagine like me a lot of you are part time with Fridays being your day off. I work on a Monday so no longer can go and my son loves it. Perhaps if enough people expresses their disappointment with this change they may move it back to a Friday morning?? Worth a try....

[Bellenden Belle]

But for everyone who can't make it at one time, others will be able to....

I'm afraid that actually Monday afternoons would be great for me. I work Fridays.

I sympathise with your situation and hope you find an alternative.

[ZoeG]

Yes I understand that other people don't work on Mondays but it was really busy this morning (as it always is) suggesting that there are a lot off on a Friday too and as I said for many of a certain age toddlers are asleep in the afternoon - precious nap time. Anyway - maybe they should accommodate with both times.

[JenJen911]

Hi

I just wrote to the manager at Ivydale Childrens Center (Miles Smith) asking why this is given some of the reasons you have quoted. I imagine a lot of people are in a similar position. I am not working at my son doesn't sleep at lunchtime but it still seems like a strange decision given the number of parents and children that usually attend and the suitability of the location in that it's pretty accessible for quite a lot of different areas. The response I got is that there's some large joint initiatives "Forest School" and parenting sessions being set up which could only work on a Friday meaning this has to be changed. I'm not sure if it's a resource or venue issue. Maybe these new sessions have been decided to be more of a priority? I will let you know if I hear back. It's a real shame as the venue is so accessible for a lot of people and it's hard to find places where our kids can play inside and out in such a safe and stimulating environment. I know things have got to change from time to time but it feels as if it's only just re-opened... If enough people are concerned about this then it's got to be worth a try getting those in charge of the decision to reconsider.

Jenny

[Missjojo]

I'm also really disappointed that the Friday session is shutting down and I hope there is a way to keep it going. I know things are difficult with community programmes and decisions like this have to be made, but if there is any chance to keep it.....

[ZoeG]

I think I will drop him an email too.

[buggie]

It's a shame it sounds like the session is closing, but surely no one is blind to the finite funds that children's centres have & their need to support those families who need more help (via parenting initiatives) plus, I think there is also a stay & play session run at Ivydale on a Fri morning which could also be an alternative.

The forest school sounds exciting as I've heard nothing but good things about these from families who've attended them.

[East2]

I am really disappointed as well. My toddler loved this session. His nap time is at lunch time so the afternoon sessions are no good for us. I know many other people agree as well. It's a really shame to lose this facility.

[prm]

I don't know what Forest School is but I am also very sorry to hear these news - I have really enjoyed going with my two. I am sure they are already well aware of the popularity of the session given how many attend but I would like to email as well...could anyone give me the details / email address please? It may not be any good but I remember when a bunch of us from the EDF emailed the Horniman when they were going to stop Busy Bees and due to public demand they did not cancel the sessions.

[ZoeG]

I just went onto the Ivydale Children's Centre website and used the general info email address FAO Miles Smith. Not sure if that is the direct route or not. Not sure whether someone has a direct email????