This month, we were thrilled to have officially launched Explore and Discover, our brand new stay and play sessions designed for children under 5 and their parents or carers.
Each week features a new theme; think messy play, creative arts and imaginative discovery with the aim of building a structure to help children hit important developmental milestones through the power of play. Everyone is welcome.
To celebrate the launch, we sat down with our Parent Support Worker, Camille to learn more about her vision for the sessions.
What inspired you to join the team at We Are Beams, and what is your favourite part about working with the under 5’s?
I have spent years in Early Years settings, from running weekly play groups to my work in nurseries. I just love spending time with parents and children in this age group. Every child learns in their own unique way, and my passion is showing parents different, engaging ways to interact with their little ones to help them hit those key milestones.
We are so excited about these new sessions! Can you give us a ‘behind the scenes’ look at a typical day and the activities children can dive into?
Each session is themed and packed with a variety of activities tailored to support individual growth. I know many parents feel a sense of pressure or worry about their children hitting milestones ‘on time,’ but I want to reassure them, that is not what these sessions are about.
I follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework to provide a gentle structure. Our aim is to make the eventual transition to school feel like a natural, gradual, and happy progression rather than a sudden leap.
At such a crucial developmental stage, how do these sessions support the overall growth and wellbeing of children?
It’s all about the ‘small wins.’ I adapt our activities to match the specific interests and abilities of the children in the room. By encouraging these small steps and celebrating every milestone, no matter how tiny, we build their confidence and wellbeing in a way that feels like fun.
We know that support isn’t just for children, but for the families too. How do these sessions provide a space for parents and carers to connect?
Parenting can sometimes feel isolating, and I’m passionate about changing that. These sessions are designed to bring our community together.
We also want to ‘open the door’ for families who may be struggling. Whether you are just starting to notice challenges or are already on the pathway toward a diagnosis, these sessions are a gateway to the wider We Are Beams community. This includes our Family Advice Service, which provides dedicated support for families navigating specific challenges.
“If a parent is thinking about joining a session for the first time but feels a little nervous, what would you say to encourage them to come along?”
My door is always open. You are more than welcome to give me a call or come by to visit our facilities before your first session. For little ones who might feel overwhelmed or anxious about a new environment, I have a photo storyboard I can share with you. We can look through it together before you arrive and again once, you’re here to help them feel safe, familiar, and ready to play.
If you would like to get in contact before a session, please do email Camille.rickwood@wearebeams.org.uk
To find out more about our under 5 sessions, Explore and Discover, please click here
