Today, along with a friend, we took our children (two aged 4, 6 and 10 months) to the play den on Stamford New Road, Altrincham to be among the first to try out this new concept of children’s “play centre”. Unlike traditional play centres which are more physical fun, the play den harnesses imaginative play.
Safe to say it was a huge hit, in our 90 minute slot neither of our three active children returned once to our table they were engrossed from start to finish, playing with each other, independently and with the other children there. Clearly captivated by the narratives they were weaving as they played, they were well and truly hooked.
There was something for everyone too; James seemed to spend more time over with the bricks whilst Sophie took her position of head vet with incredible diligence and attention to detail, Lilia enjoyed dressing up and performing errands in the shop whilst Gabrielle (the baby) ate her lunch!
Diane and Nicola were both such warm hosts, their passion and commitment to children’s learning and development is clear to see. Their play workers really helped to nurture and extend children’s learning through play, moving and positioning themselves around the different stations and gently interacting with the children. They genuinely thrived from watching and helping the children and fed back like all proud teachers do on their observations of priceless learning moments, beaming with pride at the children’s learning.
This whole concept has been brought together with children at the heart and this is so clear when you are there. The easy, relaxing and calm atmosphere is a testament to how much the children were charmed by both the environment and the staff who make engaging the children look like child’s play!
We will be back, thank you!
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