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. 

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 wellbeing charity which puts local families at the heart of everything we do.

"The friendliest playgroup I've ever been to." - Family survey  2018

Big Red Bus Club's Food Hub with Fareshare

Posted by Tara Masand · January 23, 2019 12:56 PM

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

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.

It has been nice to meet other parents with children who have additional needs, it’s nice not to feel like people are trying to work out what’s wrong with your child. people are comfortable to ask questions or just to accept without judgement.

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. 

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

Local kids put their baking skills to the test today as they tried out the Big Red Bus Club’s new mud kitchen designed and created for us by the great volunteers at Men in Sheds.

A huge range of delights worthy of The Great British Bake Off were made, including worm spaghetti, leaf mould pastries and mud cakes.

Hours of fun was had as lucky kids took part in a volunteer preview day to test out our great new outdoor resource.

As regulars to the Big Red Bus Club know, our summer term will see a return of our Free Friday gardening club and this mud kitchen will be a great addition to our garden and external play spaces.

A regular user of the Big Red Bus Club, Oscar Massand, aged two and eight months, said’

“I enjoy playing in the mud kitchen and mixing leaves”.

It’s donations like these from Men in Shed’s and Mears, who donated the sink, which means we can stay free and open to all.

Thank you.

A big thanks to all the volunteers who came along today to plant two new borders. As ever it's a real hodge podge jasmine and honey suckle for the nose, gladioli to touch, a riot of colour for the eyes and an apple tree for tasting. Volunteers and thier children took advantage of the glorious weather to catch up with old friends and make some new ones.

As a charity every penny you spend hiring our wonderful venue and lovely equipment is spent right back in our community. By hiring us you are supporting our free Play Plus service for disabled children and their families or keeping our stay and plays open every day free of charge to local families.

You can hire us for 4 hours from either 10am-2pm or 2.30pm -6.30pm on Saturdays or Sundays for only £110.
Book us today with Skedda 

Our standard package 

Example timings based on 10am - 2pm booking 

10-10.30am setting up

10.30 – 1.30pm party activity

1.30pm – 2pm tidy up and removal of waste from site.

Included within hire

-          Indoor climbing frame
-          Kitchen with play food
-          Access to under five library
-          Large abacus
-          2 baby bouncers/ chairs  if needed
-          4 tables for under fives
-          20 under five chairs
-          8 adult chairs
-          Fixed outdoor equipment - unlimited access to outdoor play ground
-          Fully staffed tuck shop throughout
-          Trained and qualified staff assistance four hours

We also have a wide range of toys and equipment to hire.

Dinosaur soft play £45

5 hand painted dinosaur soft play
10 block type soft play 

Dinosaur and den £85

5 hand painted  dinosaur soft play
4ft sensory den with internal lighting and blue tooth speakers

Sensory den package £85

4ft sensory den with internal lighting and blue tooth speakers (large music selection available) Assorted sensory balls 10 sensory blocks
Large sensory play mat
Mirror carousel

Ball pit package £55

Ball pit
10 soft play items 

Soft play bonanza £155

4ft sensory den with internal lighting and blue tooth speakers (large music selection available)
10 piece soft play package
5 piece dinosaur package
Ball pit
2 play tunnels

Outdoor toy package £15 (not shown)

2 tomy cars for under fives
1 two child ride on
4 one child three wheel scooter
4 push along doll prams
1 wooden see saw

Other equipment available 

Tea urn £10
Bubble machine with 1ltr of solution £25
Aura Optic light projector and Aroma therapy diffuser (a selection of oils available) £25
Six foot banquet table and adult chairs £7 per table

Book us today with Skedda 

If you have a equipment booking account code please let us know when booking.

Large and Legging it runs the Big Half

Posted by Tara Masand · March 14, 2019 2:33 PM · 1 reaction

Baby Blues Choir sings up a storm at International Women's Day

Posted by Tara Masand · March 14, 2019 1:47 PM · 1 reaction

Large and Legging it Takes on The Big Half

Posted by Tara Masand · March 04, 2019 12:48 PM · 1 reaction