Priory Court Stay & Play

As people arrive, children can already start exploring the activities. If you’re new to our sessions, let us know and we can introduce you to a ‘buddy’ (someone who’s been before) if you like. If you’ve been before and would like to be a ‘buddy’ for someone new, this can help them feel welcome.

We usually begin with an ‘opening circle’ - a welcome song to introduce everyone and the loose theme for the session. Perhaps you could teach us how to say ‘Hello’ in another language? We often start with some music. If your child has a favourite nursery rhyme or traditional song, this would be a lovely moment to sing it together! 

Then there is free play, with several activities set up relating to the theme of the session. Activities are usually open-ended, which means that the children can engage with them in any way they want to - there’s no ‘right or wrong’... the aim is to follow the child and give them inspiration for their play! If you want to lead an activity and need to buy specific materials for it, let us know as we can either buy the materials for you, or reimburse you.

We usually have a mix of the following activities available:

• Something arty/crafty involving mark-making

• Something involving sensory or messy play

• Bread-making and churning cream into butter, making soup (colder months) or fruit salad (warmer months)

• Something outdoors to encourage exploring nature, like looking for bugs, gardening or a craft activity using natural materials

• Some interesting objects for the children to explore to learn about different cultures

• Some nice books for the children to look at

• We often suggest an activity for at home to continue the play and learning beyond the session itself!

Then we gather back together for a ‘closing circle’ for more songs or a story, and to enjoy the soup and bread we’ve made together. This is another lovely moment to share your child’s favourite song, or perhaps a song from your own childhood.

Want to make suggestions for our sessions?

We’d love to include any ideas you have, either for the session you are attending or future sessions!

Do you have a book or an interesting object at home that links to the session theme for children to explore? Why not tell us about your child's favourite craft, messy play or what they like to explore outdoors? Do you have a recipe for traditional bread you could share with us? Or something you like to add to the soup to make it more flavourful or nutritious? Perhaps you'd like to prepare an activity for people to take home for later? Suggest these to the session organisers or email us and we will work together to make them happen! Check out our other volunteering opportunities!