Isle Of Dogs based childcare offers minibus connection to the estate for summer holiday club that prioritises open air activities and adventures
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Parkview Outdoor Play has a long history of supporting parents through childcare on the Isle Of Dogs.
Running after-school clubs for pupils at local primaries and holiday play schemes, the organisation is well known for looking after kids aged 4-11 from its base at The Dockland Settlements at Calder’s Wharf.
Now it’s trying something new, extending its outdoor sessions to parents working in Canary Wharf to lend a hand over the summer holidays.
“One of our parents said how nice it would be if they could bring their children into work with them – where we would be waiting to pick them up, take them out for the day and then drop them off back in Canary Wharf,” said Lorraine Cavanagh, CEO at The Dockland Settlements, a charity that’s been supporting communities in Tower Hamlets, Newham and Southwark for more than 130 years.
“We thought that sounded like a great idea – something that would stop parents at work worrying if they were stuck on trains, anxious about being there to collect their children on time.
“We’ve got a fleet of five minibuses, so we’ve decided to offer a morning pick-up and evening drop-off service.
“What we say about Parkview is that it’s where memories are made.
“Our focus is always on playing outdoors – we aim to take the children out every single day for experiences they wouldn’t normally have.
“Our programme allows them to test themselves within a safe, supervised environment so they can understand what it’s like to take risks and develop resilience.”
a day spent at Parkview Outdoor Play
Days begin with breakfast and free play with a range of activities on offer at the Calder’s Wharf centre.
Then, around 10.30am the kids are placed in groups and board minibuses with parent-provided packed lunches and head off on that day’s adventure, returning at 4.30pm – some for parents to pick up and others to stay at the centre for an evening meal and then pick-up or drop-off at 6pm.
“We have two age groups – four-sevens and eight-11s,” said Tommy Tracey, centre coordinator at Calder’s Wharf, who’s worked at The Dockland Settlements with Parkview since he was 17.
“It’s all about understanding what the individual child is capable of and finding what will be challenging for them, without pushing them too far.
“A lot of the time for the younger ones that’s simply letting them run around in a supervised environment so they can burn off their energy and just have fun.
“For the older children we’ll organise activities with a bit more structure so they’re learning skills to take away and use again while also enjoying themselves.”
making memories on trips
The day rate for Parkview Outdoor Play for supervision is £35 for a 4.30pm finish and £40 for up until 6pm.
The daily trips mostly cost extra and vary in price depending on the destination, although some excursions are provided at no extra fee.
Parkview is also able to negotiate reduced rates at many attractions, as it’s a frequent customer and a group client.
“We don’t allow mobile phones, tablets or other similar devices,” said Lorraine.
“It’s all about them making relationships.
“Those are things that can last a lifetime.
“For example, we take them to the Forest School at Mudchute Park And Farm where they learn to make their own fires and to toast marshmallows.
“When I’m talking to adults about what we do, those are the experiences they remember from their own childhoods – those smells and tastes.”
a focus on fun and adventure
Parkview prides itself on putting on a wide range of activities with a strong focus on exercise and adventure in a variety of locations.
“One of our most popular locations is Nuclear Races in Brentwood,” said Tommy.
“It’s like an assault course, not too physical, but there’s plenty of mud and you know everyone will be going home tired and chilled out.
“The kids especially love it when the staff get involved – you see them egging us on and it’s lots of fun for everyone.
“One of the best things for me is when I see a child hesitate and then go on to try something that they discover they love. It’s amazing.”
Other activities include watching films at the cinema, exploring Diggerland, bowling, roller skating and even crabbing and the beach at Canvey Island.
“There are summer clubs that take the children out once a week, but with us they’re out every day doing things like canoeing, laser tag and visiting parks,” said Lorraine.
“One of our favourites for the younger ones is a trip to Monkey Bizness, which is a soft play centre, but it’s really high and they love that extra adventure.
“They’re usually all asleep on the bus on the way back.”
key details: Parkview Outdoor Play
Parkview Outdoor Play is based out of The Dockland Settlements at Calder’s Wharf on the Isle Of Dogs right next to Island Gardens.
The new service will pick children up from Bank Street in Canary Wharf and drop them off again at the end of the day.
For full details or to request a brochure, email Tommy via tommy.tracey@docklandsettlements.org.uk
Find out more at The Dockland Settlements here
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