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We are a mobile play and learning project supporting children under five and their parents/carers in deprived areas of East London. We work in close partnership with health professionals and charities who encounter vulnerable families to ensure we reach those children most at risk of poor outcomes. Our play sessions are free and our qualified staff team provide a warm welcome, an opportunity for children to develop their confidence and skills and to link parents and carers into key local support services. Our beautifully converted double decker Playbus is packed with fun things to do including a sand pit, painting area, home corner and a wide range of toys and books.
Why the community needs us
We bring free play sessions right to people's door steps. We choose our locations carefully to enable us to reach people who may be isolated within their communities and who are less likely to be accessing other services. On the bus our trained staff work to help children gain new experiences, grow in confidence, support their social and emotional development. We create a safe and relaxed environment where parents can make friends, build local networks and start to feel part of their local communities. Parents facing challenging lives and trapped in downward spirals of negative experiences build trusting relationships with our staff who are able to support them to access other local services.
Our impact on the community
In 2019 we delivered 252 Playbus sessions, 41 facilitated 'bonding with baby' groups, we reached 1537 children and took our Playbus to 16 community events.
As one mother said to us: 'My confidence in parenting is always bettered, I feel a sense of community and no isolation as a mother. l was greeted with a smile, I feel such warmth and familiar atmosphere at each session.'
In our impact report of 2019 we were able to report the following results from surveying participating families:
100% of respondents felt that their children have more opportunities to play and learn because of the Playbus
96% Parents and carers said they had learned new parenting skills as a result of attending Playbus sessions
86% Parents and carers said they felt they have a better understanding of how to support their children's needs since attending Playbus session
92% Parents and carers said they have found out more about local activities or services as a result of
attending Playbus sessions
84% Parents and carers have made new friends by coming to Playbus sessions
73% Parents and carers said that as a result of attending Playbus sessions they have met people who they could turn to if they needed help.
By bringing isolated families together and helping to build local knowledge around supporting children in their early years we make communities better places for children to grow up in, or as one mum put it: "It has given us a place to meet friends and be part of our local community. At the Playbus it is relaxed, open, inclusive and welcoming. We BOTH love it!"
Our details
Kingsmead Kabin, London E9 5QG