Where do three year olds hang out! - Wimbledon/South Wimbledon

[OliviaL]

Hi all

Me again. Not sure if I'm going blind or what but can't seem to locate any playgroups for older toddlers around the area. My DD was three in January and I'm not seeing that many kids her age around during the day, presumably because they're all at nursery and we haven't yet secured a place for her. So much of what is on seems to be geared towards babies and very young toddlers and we're past that stage now.

She's really sociable and had heaps of friends at home so this has thrown her a bit. She was a bit upset earlier today that she hasn't made any friends yet so would appreciate any suggestions you might have for places where she could at least play a bit with kids her age. She started ballet last week so that's a start. Not looking to develop life long friendships necessarily but just a bit of socialising for her would be great.

Thanks in advance
O

In my experience 3 is often the cut off age for many playgroups. I have a 3 year old who is in afternoon nursery and we still attend St Matthew's playgroup in West Wimbledon and there are 3 or 4 other children his age there.

Organised classes can be a bit tricky for socialising, can't they? But what about Playball? You could also check out the activities run by the YMCA.

The Polka Theatre is good - not sure what age they can start drama classes but there's plenty of theatre that your DD would love and in the summer you can just hang around with her there - in the playground bit at the back etc....

There used to be activities going on at South Wimbledon Community Centre but it's about to be purloined by the Council to be an annexe for All Saints School - but check out what's going on there in the interim!

Second the YMCA. They have a different activity every morning Mon- Thurs and its a drop in/ pay as you go.

My DD is 3 and she goes to the Polka every Tuesday afternoon and loves it.

Second the YMCA. Also Jitterbugs/Gymboree?

You could try the playgroup at Deen City Farm, I haven't tried it but apparently it's very popular. They have lots of lambs, kids etc at the moment so a great time to visit.

I take my 3.8 ds to the playgroup at Deen City Farm. It is a very friendly group and there are a few other 3 & 4 yos, but it is mostly for the younger ones. The room isn't that big so there isn't space to run around at all.

We have been going since he was 1 yo, so it is familiar. I know many of the other parents and carers quite well now and we have a nice trip through the park to get there and then he gets to see the animals as well. So it works out well for us, but I have been thinking that we should do something else that will engage him a bit more. I might try the YMCA!

Prima, what is the session your DD attends at the Polka? I couldn't see anything on their website?

OhSheesh, you need the Polka's Take Part leaflet. It's on their website here: issuu.com/polkatheatre/docs/take_part_final_leaflet_for_2012

They have a few single-day workshops in July and August but very few places left, some are already sold out. In term time they have art and storytelling workshops in blocks of five weeks, maybe 2 or 3 per term, but I think the one currently running is the last one until September.

If you get on their mailing list they will let you do a priority booking before the new season starts...

Thanks Prima. Good tip!

Thanks Prima. Good tip!

Hi there

If you haven't secured a place at a nursery and don't mind paying, there are a few playgroups around the area where you leave your dc for a couple of hours and they get a chance to mix with other children in a structured setting (not to mention you get a couple of hours free!).

Many primary schools have a privately run nursery on site or nearby where they offer 2-5 yr olds a playgroup option and/or wraparound care. Those children who are 3 or above can access the 15 hours funding. I can't vouch for the place but Wimbledon Park Primary has 'Little Learners in the Park'.

If you're willing to travel a little further, Little Caterpillars (in the grounds of Hillcross school) is Ofsted outstanding and Bowlane (next to Hatfeild primary) is excellent too.

They are flexible as to the number of sessions you do. My dc started on 2 sessions per week.

Olivia - I feel your pain - I spotted this happening to us last year when DS was 2.5.

Glad to see others recommending Polka, as I've signed DS up for the September course. Maybe see you there!

Ooh, also meant to add that DS loves the sandpit in Wimbledon Park, and he almost always finds some other children to play with there, so I'm sure your super-social DD would be fine - if she likes sand.