Family Friendly English Support
When you are ready for the next step there are some great family friendly ESOL providers in and near Charlton. Here are just a few Entry Level 1 ESOL providers, Alex and Iryna will be happy to help you contact them.
In Greenwich Entry Level 1 ESOL classes are provided free.
Robert Owen and Pound Park Children Centres Wednesday 9.30am - 11.30am its only £2 for a creche, where they will love after your under children under five years old while you learn.
Robert Owen to find out more>>>
Pound Park to find out more>>>
At Brookhill Childrens Centre there is no creche. The course is free and is on Mondays 1pm-3pm to find out more>>>
Alex has kindly provided some online links to help practice English
ESOL stay and play
ESOL stay and play every Wednesday, 12.30pm - 3pm.
Everyone is welcome as we explore English as a Second Language focus for families. With role play activities, story telling and a range of play opportunities we will be exploring basic spoken English to help support your family. A chance to learn together with your children and among our happy local community, our qualified ESOL teacher and many varied language speakers.
This is not an ESOL class, it's just a helping hand. Please do drop in.
Bikes and BBQ
Two novice cyclists joined Emma Mason and Susie Goss joined veteran Big Red Bike Club cyclists Steve Tull, Jay Masand and Annie and Matt Drewry to undertake our gruelling annual 100k bike ride in aid of the Big Red Bus Club.
Although the amount is still to be counted cyclists have raised at least £2000 this year, with the novice cyclist doing an amazing job of training throughout the year to get ready for the big day. Emma Mason said;
"This charity challenge has been great in terms of raising money for a great cause, building cycling distance, fitness and fun. I've laughed so much and enjoyed exploring picturesque parts of London while getting fitter. A win, win for the Big Red Bus Club and me".
Riders who set off nine hours earlier and had spent just over seven hours in the saddle were greeted by volunteers and their families who welcomed the cyclists home to handmade banners and a well deserved burger. A huge thanks to Sue Christensen the support car driver, Helen O'kelly for the endless supply of brownies and Aum, Cat and Carl who organised an amazing volunteer BBQ.
A great day had by all.
Baby Blues Choir
Our free Baby Blues Choir meets every Friday morning during term time 10am-12pm.
Just roll up for a unique blend of catchy songs, relaxed choir teaching and under five stay and play which all adds up to support mums that feel a little isolated. We are a group of mums, just waiting to welcome other mums.
So come along and spend time with your children, make new friends and get access to support and information on other services to help improve family wellbeing.
One mum summed us up;
"I love singing and I think it's good for wellbeing. My family is going through a very difficult time and it's good to some "positive" activities."
Here we are in action at our family Christmas concert;
Local bikers raise over £3k cycling 100k
On September 30th eight riders undertook a grueling 100 kilometer (65 miles in old money) bike ride in aid of the Big Red Bus Club Stephen Channing Annie Drewry, Matt Drewry, Val Hnachuk, Jay Masand, Ellie O’Leary, Steven Tull and Anthony White.
Although donations are still pouring in the day long ride has raised so far £3067.74 with a noticeable match funding donation of £317.50 from Marex Financial.
The route, which can be viewed online, started on the rolling hills to Gravesend, across the Tilbury Ferry and through the scenic parts of Dagenham and Rainham marshes before heading back to Charlton via the Woolwich Ferry.
It was a wonderful day, the sun shone, the wind was slight, and the riders enjoyed the day. The support vehicle staffed by Mike Graser and John Keys kept the riders fuelled and in peak physical condition throughout the day.
Val Hnuchuk who neither broke a sweat, or showed any signs of physical exertion lapped the other team members while videoing the whole day. What joy!
Please do take a look here on our Facebook page>>
Big Red Bus Club Chair, Clare Welburn said
"I am delighted with the effort, energy and enthusiasm of the Ferry Good Bike Ride team. Whilst getting fitter and faster on their bikes they have enabled the club to buy new equipment and improve our play centre. I am so grateful to everyone who got involved - whether they rode on the day or were part of the support crew or sponsored the cyclists. It was particularly exciting that two of the team employers were able to match fund their cyclists donations. Thanks again to everyone who made this happen".
Super Worm comes to Play Plus
What a great time we had today. Super worm was the story we explored and we we did this in loads of ways...
We had our tuft tray filled with slimy spaghetti and tweezers, as the children arrived that was the thing they all headed for. We had some worm play dough mats, where we had to make long worms and short worms. We also had a wonderful time with our new bug hunting equipment, looking for bugs outside. We found little jumping flies and worms and looking at a shiny spider web through a magnifying glass is so fascinating.
Our sensory area was lit up with fish tubes and our disco lights. But what we all loved was the animals coming to visit. Colin the cockroach and Marvin the Millipede. We even fed some beaded dragons.
About us
We are open Monday to Friday 12.30pm -3pm for free family under fives stay and play.
The Big Red Bus Club in Charlton is a little hidden gem located in the corner of Charlton Park.
With a full range of activities throughout the week.
We are a volunteer led family charity which puts local families at the heart of everything we do.
Neighbourly Food Blog
That’s all folks
Posted by Annie Drewry · March 16, 2018 4:59 PM
Bringing some Mexican heat to a snowy day
Posted by Tara Masand · March 01, 2018 4:42 PM · 1 reaction
Burr it's cold outside
Posted by Tara Masand · February 26, 2018 10:48 PM · 1 reaction
Play Plus
SEND Morning - Monday's 10am - 12pm (Term time only)
Who are we....
Play plus is a calm and friendly Music and Arts community project for parents and children under the age of 5, who have a SEND diagnosis or additional needs.
It’s a safe place, which is non-judgemental and our team are supportive and have experience in this area from their own journeys.
We have a calm environment for both children and parents with access to a secure outside space.
Each week we theme our session from great children’s books and include story telling, sensory play and different entertaining and educational activities that support your children's development, communication and confidence.
We have local artists and therapists join us too - from Relax Kids and Global fusion, Ben Trigg Music and a resident artist. It's great to have so much fun together.
Our Team...
Lydia - Play Plus Coordinator
Lydia has worked for Big Red Bus Club for over a year now, and is responsible for coordinating Play Plus. She has her beginners Makaton qualification and is passionate about learning and being inspired by play, music and arts. She also loves creating play activities that can be recreated at home.
Elena - Plus Plus Support 
Elena is our resident artist, she's very creative and takes on most artistic challenges that we throw at her. She loves messy play (so remember to being some spare clothes!) Elena is also trained in Makaton and has completed her level 2 follow on training.
Katinka - Play Plus Administrator
Katinka is the lovely lady who will come and help fill in the forms on your first visit. She is very passionate about sensory activities for children, and comes up with great ideas, to help children be inspired and learn.
Gemma - Play Plus Volunteer
Gemma is a great volunteer who will say a friendly hello and then show you and your children the different activities.
Now you've met the team, it would be great to meet you, so feel free to come along on a Monday morning. There is no charge for the session as we are funded by Children In Need and True Colours.
Where are we...
Near the Cemetery Lane Entrance of Charlton Park. There is a free car park near the play park, and we are on the 422, 486, 53, 54 & 380 bus routes.
Our timetable>>> What you say>>
Play Plus is kindly funded by Children in Need and the True Colours Trust