The Baptist Church playgroup currently admits 36 adults and accompanying children on Wednesdays and Fridays. There are usually spaces on Fridays, but Wednesdays are busier. Places are limited to comply with the Baptist Church Health and Safety Policy. Tickets are given out from 9.40am, and the group runs from 10-11.30am.

Previously it was run differently, there was a list of 35 adults for both days, and quite simply, it you werent onthe list, you didnt get in! Waiting lists ran up to 18 months! Some of these 'chosen few' didnt even turn up week after week, and didnt necessarily live in Earlsfield.

The way the playgroup is run now means it is open to far more parents, grandparents, nannies and childminders in the [b]local[/b] area, especially those who cannot afford to pay for organised groups with higher fees.

I have seen plenty of babies at the group, with or without older siblings. Some come in asleep and join in when they wake up, others go off to sleep later on, and the parents or carers dont see a problem with it. Especially if you have two children or more you get used to juggling things like that! LOL

The ladies who run it are local childminders who do it on a voluntary basis. They are making a great success of it, which is why it is so popular now.

Other local drop-in playgroups also have maximum capacities, and will close the doors when full. This is to ensure a safe playtime for all children. There is a high demand for playgroups in Earlsfield, and if anyone knows of suitable premises I would be tempted to open my own group!!!!!!
H

I would be interested in the 'drop in playgroups' in Earlsfield too. I have tried to get to the Baptist Church one and am very annoyed that now it is 'ticketed' you have to get there at 9, wait around until 10 and then go in. What is happening is that people with older toddlers are able to that and are going to library rhyme time in between. Therefore those of us with younger babies / toddlers who still need a morning sleep miss out on both - as rhyme times are packed and the playgroup is full. Surely not an ideal/fair situation!! Please let me know of any 'fairer' playgroups we can just turn up to rather than wait a year or queue for hours to get in!
On a more positive note rhyme times are excellent, the one o'clock club in Garratt Park is brilliant for the afternoons and Amanda's Action Kids at Common Ground is well worth the money too.
Thanks

Hello

I agree It's a Kids Thing is quite good, my Son used to really like Funky Feet! The Library has story time and rhyme time plus there is a good local playgroup behind the Earlsfield Baptist Church, I think this is open Wednesday and Friday mornings 10-11.30am but you have to get there about 9.40am to get in. St Andrews on Garratt Lane also has a playgroup but I can't remember the days. The one o'clock club in Garratt Park is also worth a visit.

You could also try Playhouse Playgroup at the top of Magdalen Rd it's a bit expensive but it has a nice big garden and there is plenty to do there. I think it is also a nursery.

http://www.playhouseplaygroup.org/

Hi
There are several drop-in toddler groups you could try, although most run during term times only. Have you looked at activities run in the library? Also, It's A Kids Thing offers a range of activities for little ones.

Helen
x :D

Hi there,
Can anyone help with any ideas for things to do with an active little 13 month old in Earlsfield. All the playgroups I have found I should have registered for before she was born, as they all have a year long waiting list! Just keen to do some different activities with her and was not impressed with Monkey Music...any ideas gratefully received! Thanks