Little Learners Playspace - Ashington
BEST FOR
Ages 0-7
SETTING
Indoors
WHERE
Ashington
What it’s like
Messy play sessions built around painting, play dough and sand for babies through to age seven.
This one's less about climbing frames and more about hands in paint and feet in a sand pit. The sessions are built around a mark making programme designed by an early years teacher, so what looks like mess to you is actually your child working on the muscles they'll need for writing later. Expect painting, play dough, role play areas and sensory activities, with babies as young as a few months old catered for right up to age seven.
There are two main class types. Mini Mark Makers is for babies 0 to 9 months, and if your little one has a birthday mid-term they're welcome to finish it before moving up. Messy Mark Makers covers the wider 5 months to 5 years bracket, which is a decent stretch of ages to fit under one label, though it means a toddler and a five-year-old might be in the same session doing quite different things with the play dough.
They'd rather you signed up for a full term, since the programme is designed to build week on week, and term bookings get a small discount. Drop-ins are allowed too, which is handy if term life doesn't suit your diary, but you won't get the discount for it. Dress for mess: this isn't the day for a child's good outfit, and they do sell Little Learners t-shirts and hoodies on site if you'd rather not think about it.
Birthday parties are on offer with themed messy play activities, and Little Learners handles the setup and cleanup while you pick the venue. If your child struggles with sensory input, noise or interacting with other children, it's worth flagging to the class leader, as they say they'll adapt where they can.
Facilities
Need to know
- Best for
- Babies to age 7, with separate classes for under-9-months
- Parties
- Birthday parties available with themed messy play activities
- Term bookings get a small discount over drop-ins
- There's a gift shop on site selling Little Learners t-shirts and hoodies
- Sessions are sensory friendly, so flag any specific needs to the class leader beforehand
Plan your visit
What age is this suitable for?
Mini Mark Makers is for babies 0 to 9 months, and Messy Mark Makers runs from 5 months up to 5 years. The wider site lists ages up to 7 overall.
Do we have to book a full term, or can we just drop in?
Drop-ins are welcome if a full term does not suit you. Term bookings get a small discount though, which drop-ins miss out on.
What should my child wear?
Nothing precious. Loose, comfortable clothes that can go in the wash, since the whole point is getting stuck into the messy play.
My child does not like getting messy, is this still worth trying?
Plenty of children come round once they see others enjoying it. If your child has specific sensory needs, mention it to the class leader as they say they will try to adapt the session.
Do you do birthday parties?
Yes, with themed messy play activities. You choose the venue and Little Learners does the setup and cleanup.
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