See available post from across our charity. We regularlty recruit to positions in childcare, early years learning and developement, family support, and a variety of support roles. Family Support and Outreach Worker Location: Waltham Forest Salary: £31,430 per annum — Fixed Term Contract Hours: 36 hours per week Closing date: Friday 19th June 2026, 12pm Interviews: w/c 29th June 2026 Overview The successful candidate will join our Community Services team and play a key role in delivering a range of services, including: Parenting Programmes Co-production 1:1 Family Support (including home visiting) Targeted group work With Waltham Forest families at the heart of your work, you will collaborate with partners to tackle inequality and promote inclusion, including but not limited to: Early education and child development Health Information and participation Adult education and employment Family support This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore subject to an enhanced DBS certificate; this is a requirement of the DBS code of practice. Job Description Apply Now

Information for parents/carers & families Support for you on your parenting journey Top Tips Blog Sleep Play Behaviour Speech & Language Oral Health Trauma Toileting Attachment Parenting Exploring Foods Activities to do at home Fun and educational weekend and holiday activities for your and your children. Discover Parenting Groups Access our sessions on baby massage, sleep patterns, pre-natal support, post-natal wellbeing and more! Discover

Sleep Support What is Sleep Support? Sleep is crucial for children's growth, development, and overall well-being. Our sleep support offer consists of 1:1 work with parents to agree individualised plans that support safe, consistent bedtime routines for children under 5 yrs. Things we can help with Bedtime routines Bedroom environment Safe Sleeping 1:1 consultations Safer Sleep Creating a safe sleep environment is vital for all children. Consider things like sleeping position, using a cot or crib, creating a smoke/alcohol/medicine-free zone and consistent bedtime routines. Watch this video by The Lullaby Trust for some helpful information (links to YouTube) Sleep Deprivation Sleep deprivation as a new parent can be very challenging. It might seem like everyone else’s babies sleep more than yours or you may worry that you are doing something wrong. Watch this video by The Lullaby Trust from some useful tips and reassurance (links to YouTube) 1:1 Sleep Consultations You can book via the Lloyd Park Children's Charity Eventbrite page Book online

See available post from across our charity. We regularlty recruit to positions in childcare, early years learning and developement, family support, and a variety of support roles. Current Vacancies We employ a range of positions across all of our teams including early years, family support, data and administration, catering, finance and site services. Safer Recruitment Please Read Applying online Please Read Need more help? To find out more about a role please email: recruitment@tlpcc.org.uk Latest Roles PLEASE NOTE: We receive a high number of speculative applications weekly. Unfortunately, we do not have the resources to respond to these applications. W e can only respond to applications for positions advertised below. Early Years Educator - Level 2 Early Years Educator - Level 3 Casual Play Assistant Read More Read More Read More

Donate to Lloyd Park Children's Charity. Help fund our vital work to support children and families under extreme pressure brought on by poverty. Make a donation Every donation makes a difference to children and families needing support, often at the toughest times in their lives! One time One time Weekly Weekly Monthly Monthly £10 £10 £20 £20 £50 £50 £100 £100 Other Other Donate £10.29 I'd like to add £0.29 to cover transaction fees. Gift Aid Gift Aid allows us to claim an additional 25% of the value of your donation from the HMRC. It won't cost you a penny but means your donation can go even further! Find out more here How we use your donations Unless otherwise stated your donations contribute to our unrestricted funds which we use to make all of our charitable activities more sustainable. Where we specify that your donations will support a particular campaign or cause they would become restricted funding that can only be used for that purpose. Your donations support children needing help We fight to overcome poverty using your donations to create the support services that families tell us they want, delivered when they need them most! Baby Bank is just one great example of our lifeline services that your donations make sustainable. Some of Baby Bank's day-to-day costs include: Cost-of-Living Support We work with families to link them to services that can help them with the costs of clothing, food and energy. Safer Sleeping Environments Cots Cot matresses Bedding Running Costs Rent Cleaning and m aintenance Salaries Resources and e quipment Refreshments for families Home from Hospital Bundles All the essentials needed for parents to bring newborn babies home from hopsital safely

Our Story Read All About it! Making news since the 80's! 1/8 Our founder, Pauline, talks about starting the charity When I moved to Aveling Park Road in 1977 there was nowhere for people to go with their children, so I opened up my home to friends and other families. Together we set up a range of activities: keep-fit, coffee mornings, play sessions and Halloween and Bonfire parties. We also used the playscheme in a gardener’s shed and double-decker bus in Lloyd Park. In 1981 the bus was under threat of closure, so we formed the Lloyd Park Action Group and started our campaign to improve services for the community. As a result, we were given use of five portacabins in Lloyd Park and in 1984 we formed The Lloyd Park Parent and Toddler Group; with play sessions every weekday afternoon. Since this time we have continued to campaign and develop community-led services to support local families, and there have been so many successes. From raising the funds to employ our first staff members, securing grants of £1.3 million in 2003 for the building in Lloyd Park and in 2016 winning the contract for Children and Family Centres to enable us to support families across Waltham Forest. My fondest memory of the community coming together to support the charity was in 1992 after our building was completely destroyed by a fire. When I first saw the devastation I thought it was the end of the charity, but our community worked together to get services back up and running within a week. It was quite incredible how everyone rallied together to help us. There have been some amazing p eople involved over the years who have helped make this charity so special. The staff are so critical to its success, but because I'm the figurehead I have been nominated for a few awards. It was an absolute privilege to be awarded an MBE by King Charles in 2011 (then Prince Charles) and I accepted it on behalf of everyone involved in Lloyd Park over the past 35 years. Pauline Thomas MBE Founder of The Lloyd Park Children's Charity 1977 Local families meet in Pauline Thomas’ front room on Aveling Park Road. 1981 The group starts using an old gardeners’ shed in Walthamstow’s Lloyd Park and become known as The Lloyd Park Action Group. 1984 The Charity moves into five portacabins and a team of volunteers begin to offer parent and toddler sessions. 1987 Our first paid member of staff is hired and we introduce a playgroup. 1990 We become The Lloyd Park Under 5’s Centre and offer extended daycare for working families. 1992 The centre is destroyed by fire but the local community comes to our rescue to help us reopen. 2003 We raised £1.3 million to build The Pauline Thomas Centre in Lloyd Park. 2007 The Higham Hill Centre opens. 2009 Funded by 'Parents as Partners in Early Learning' and then the National Lottery, we worked in partnership with families to develop and introduce our family support community project, 'You and Your Child'. 2011 Expanding our interest in nature and risk-taking play comes Grow Wild. 2013 Local parents come together to fight poverty. They set up our Baby Bank to provide emergency support to families in crisis. 2016 We are awarded the contract to provide Children and Family Centre services for all families in Waltham Forest on behalf of The London Borough of Waltham Forest. 2018 Families work together to overcome barriers and fight for equality by introducing our Breaking Barriers project. Timeline Key points in our history 2019 Our brand new and exciting play space The Friendship was opened at The Lloyd Park Centre. 2022 Following our co-production partnership with Whitefields, we developed our deaf provision, becoming the first early years setting to offer this specialised service. 2025 We opened the Grow Well Centre, now home to our Baby Bank services.

Wellbeing Support Our aim A parent's wellbeing and that of the wider family is the foundation for a child's healthy development. Parents' and carers' own wellbeing often comes lower down their list of priorities as they putting their children's needs first. Many aren't aware of their own wellbeing needs. With this in mind; we offer a range of services that have wellbeing support at their core. Early Years Social Prescribing Our early years social prescribing team works with families to connect them to community services that meet their practical, health and wellbeing needs. Learn More Flourish Post-natal Support Improving the maternal mental health in safe, group spaces where mothers can talk about how they feel, be less isolated and get support. Learn More How to access our wellbeing support? We accept both self-referrals and professional referrals Request Help or Refer Please note: To be accepted referrals to our Flourish sessions must be made by a health professional and include an EPDS score. For more info. contact our wellbeing coordinator Email Wellbeing Team Telephone: 0208 527 1737

Supporting Our Work We help 1000s of families every year with your support! Baby Bank Wishlist Give newborns and toddlers a better start by gifting essentials to families needing help! Donate now Current Campaign: Baby Bank Appeal We receive no funding for this lifeline service. Your generosity helps to keep our doors open for families in crisis! Please donate to our GoFundMe fundraiser Donate now Make a donation Every penny helps to sustain our work with marginalised children, giving a little more hope for those in urgent need! Donate now Business Partnerships Discover why supporting us can benefit your business, how you can get involved, and the difference we can make together. Explore Other ways to help Volunteering opportunities for individuals and companies keep Baby Bank going! Learn More Your support goes a really long way! There are loads of ways to support us including making a donation, attending an event, fundraising, volunteering or partnering your business with us. Whichever way you choose you'll be helping us to reach thousands of vulnerable children and their families every year!

Apply for a childcare place Waiting list Due to high demand for our childcare we have to operate a waiting list for places. Registration Fee A non-refundable fee of £24.08 per child covers our costs. There is no fee for FEEE term-time sessional places Waiting List Position Your place entered at the time that your registration fee is confirmed. Notification Once added to the waiting list, our team will contact you if an appropriate place for you child becomes available. Current waiting list status The Lloyd Park Centre 15 hour FEEE sessional care - Open Daycare - Open Join Waiting List Please note that the Under 2s waiting list at Lloyd Park is currently closed. Applications are still welcome for 2–5 year places and sessional places The Higha m Hill Centre 15 hour FEEE sessional care - Open Daycare - Open Limited places available Join Waiting List

Web Content Disclaimer While care has been taken in assembling this website, the statements contained herein are believed to be accurate. However, The Lloyd Park Children’s Charity assumes no liability for any loss, damage, or inconvenience arising from inaccuracies. We make no express or implied warranties regarding the quality, accuracy, or completeness of the information provided. To the extent permitted by law, we exclude all liability for loss or damage—whether direct, indirect, or consequential—resulting from your use of this website or any information or omissions therein. Additionally, we cannot control the content of external pages maintained by other providers or organisations accessible through our site. Please note that the listing of external products and services does not necessarily imply endorsement by The Lloyd Park Children’s Charity. Shortened URL's; URL shortening is a technique used on the web to shorten URL's (Uniform Resource Locators) to something substantially shorter. This technique is especially used in social media and looks similar to this (example: http://bit.ly/zyVUBo). Users should take caution before clicking on shortened URL links and verify their authenticity before proceeding. If you identify any errors or outdated information, please contact our team via email to lpc@tlpcc.org.uk

See available post from across our charity. We regularlty recruit to positions in childcare, early years learning and developement, family support, and a variety of support roles. Safer Recruitment Overview We follow a 'Safer Recruitment' process and are committed to safeguarding that promotes children’s welfare and wellbeing. We expect all applicants to demonstrate this commitment. Our team receive 'Safe Recruitment' training regularly to ensure that we recruit the most appropriate candidates. All roles within the Lloyd Park Children's Charity are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore subject to an enhanced DBS certificate; this is a requirement of the DBS code of practice. Shortlisted applicants invited for interview are required to complete a written self-disclosure. (This does not affect your statutory rights). Disclosure Information (Required at point of interview) Candidates with be asked to disclose whether or not they have ever: o been known to any Children's Services Department or the Police as being as risk to children? o have ever been the subject of any investigation and/or sanction by any organisation or body due to concerns about your behaviour towards children? o have ever been the subject of disciplinary sanctions or been asked to leave employment or voluntary activity due to inappropriate behaviour towards children? o have any unspent convictions or conditional cautions? o have ever been convicted of an offence overseas? o have been "barred" from working with children? o have any spent adult cautions (simple or conditional) or convictions that are not 'protected' as defined by either: o The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (amended in England, Scotland and Wales Order 2020) o Or the Rehabilitation of Offenders (Northern Ireland) Order 1978 as amended in Northern Ireland? We will treat all information with confidentiality and delete information for unsuccessful candidates. Back to Jobs

Archive Meetings notes, documents and media 2025 February Parents Ideas Workshop 2024 November Parents Ideas Workshop

2026 September April January 2023 September April January Archive 2025 September April January 2024 September April January 2022 September April January

Jobs in childcare, early years learning and development and family support. Now recruiting Back to 'Join our team' page Early Years Educator Apprentice Location: Walthamstow Salary: £21,416 Hours: Fulltime - 36 hours per week Closing date: Description You will study with Pen Green Research and receive support to learn on the job at one of our settings. Your role will involve working with the team to provide high-quality, creative learning opportunities for young children, stiving to ensure every child has the best start in life. As an Early Years Educator Apprentice, you will play a vital role in creating a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment. Job Description Apply Now Early Years Practitioners - Level 2 Location: Walthamstow Salary: £22,127 Hours: Fulltime - 36 hours per week Closing date: Description You will be part of an amazing team who provide high quality trusted Early Years experiences and education to all children in our care. Your role will be to implement the delivery of the Early Years Curriculum to ensure that all children reach their full potential. As part of a family group you will build relationships with children and families to promote children’s learning and development and wellbeing. Job Description Apply Now Early Years Practitioners - Level 3 Location: Walthamstow Salary: £25,197 Hours: Fulltime - 36 hours per week (40 hours can also be considered) Closing date: Description You will be part of an amazing team who provide high quality trusted Early Years experiences and education to all children in our care. Your role will be to implement the delivery of the Early Years Curriculum to ensure that all children reach their full potential. As part of a family group you will build relationships with children and families to promote children’s learning, development and wellbeing. You will be responsible for supporting the Senior Early Years Practitioner and supervising and nurturing level 2 practitioners, apprentices and students. Job Description Apply Now Casual/Assistant Playworker Location: Walthamstow Salary: Hourly rates Under 18yrs - £8.00 Aged 18-20yrs - £11.05 Aged 21 and over - £11.44 Hours: Part-time - 15 hours per week, Monday - Friday, 3-6pm, Term Time only Closing date: Description You will be part of an amazing team who provide high quality trusted Early Years experiences and education to all children in our care. Your role will be to support with the Tea Time Cub provision at The Higham HIll Centre, collecting primary aged school children from Whittingham school and Hillyfield on the Hill, supervising the children; providing fun activities, & serving a nutritious tea. Job Description Apply Now Cleaner Location: Walthamstow Salary: £21,715.20 Hourly rate: £11.60 Hours: 10 hours per week, Monday - Friday, 6am - 8am Closing date: Description You will be part of an amazing team who provide high quality trusted Early Years experiences and education to all children in our care. To carry out a full range of duties providing high standards of cleanliness and general security. To include cleaning activities under the direction of the Site Service Manager and Centre Manager. Job Description Apply Now Applying online All candidates must complete our employee application form. Use the job definition as a guide to structure your application and help demostrate your relevant experience. It lists the skills, competencies, talents and behaviours we are looking for. If you are new to the role you are applying for, tell us what you know about the role. Please read our Privacy Notice for Job Applicants on our policy page for info. on how we handle your data If you would like to discuss any of our open roles or arrange a visit to one of our settings, please email recruitment@tlpcc.org.uk

Fathers' Wellbeing Service The aim of our service We aim to support local fathers in learning new ways to enhance their mental health, raise overall levels of well-being and improve their wider family dynamics. Feedback we have gathered from fathers so far indicates that our support has contributed to their "growth as parents" and promotes "stronger family relationships". Who is it for? Sessions are available to expectant fathers or those with children under the age of 2 years living in Waltham Forest. CURRENTLY CLOSED What can we offer? We provide confidential 1:1 counselling as well as in-person and online group sessions where fathers can establish meaningful connections and learn from one another. 1:1 Counselling Our services offer personalized and targeted support for fathers in our 1:1 counseling sessions. Various aspects of wellbeing are explored including emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, and how these impact their lives. Additionally, we provide strategies to reframe thinking patterns and manage stress responses. Fathers Support Group This group is designed for fathers seeking connections with peers and a space to learn from shared experiences. Participants can learn to enhance their relationships with their children and, in father's own words, strive to “become better fathers". How to access our support We accept both self-referrals and professional referrals via our online 'Help Request' form using the button below. On receving this one of our team will contact you for an initial assessment. You decide on some goals that you'd like to achieve. We'll help you achieve these through group sessions and/or 1:1 counselling. When you feel as though you've achieved your goals we'll review your progress with you. If you any questions or would like more information please contact our wellbeing co-ordinator. Email: lilienl@tlpcc.org.uk Telephone: 0208 527 1737 CURRENTLY CLOSED Working in partnership with London Borough of Waltham Forest's Family Hubs Delivered by The Lloyd Park Children’s Charity

Multi Agency Action Planning Working Together for Families November 2025 We regularly bring together partners from across the voluntary sector, health, early help, and local leadership to review data and agree actions that improve outcomes for children and families. Using a collaborative, data-informed approach, partners identify priorities and develop shared, practical actions, supported by tools such as our Blossoming Trees model. Working together, we identified key priorities across several areas: SEND families: improving early access to support, raising awareness of development, and strengthening joined-up pathways Child development: targeted outreach to children not reaching expected milestones and improving access to health and early support services Gender differences: adapting provision to better engage boys and support communication through play Demographics and access: improving data sharing, strengthening co-production, and making services more accessible to diverse communities Health: improving oral health through better access to services, education, and early support Financial resilience and poverty: strengthening links with community support, including food banks, budgeting support, adult education, and volunteering opportunities to reduce the impact of poverty on families. We are grateful to all partners who contribute to this work. Together, we are able to turn insight into coordinated action and strengthen support for our community.

Our Evidence and Learning At The Lloyd Park Children’s Charity, we learn by listening to families, reflecting on our practice, and using evidence to improve our work. This page shares research, evaluations, project learning, and our annual impact, alongside real examples from practice showing how we support children and families every day. Together, this highlights what matters most; relationships, trust, and connection, and how these lead to positive outcomes. We are committed to continuous learning and sharing what works to strengthen communities. July 26 Multi-Agency Action Planning: Working Together for Families Bringing partners together to explore data and insight to identify priorities and take coordinated action to improve outcomes for children and families Annual Data Summary: Understanding Our Community Sharing insights from our services to highlight reach, engagement, and the impact of our work with children and families Ready for School: Project Overview, Outcomes and Impact Supporting families and strengthening children’s development across the prime areas and towards a Good Level of Development (GLD) Grow Well: Building Strong Foundations in the Early Years Bringing together research, data and practice-based learning to show how relationship-based support improves outcomes for babies and families Journal Club: Working Together to Strengthen Practice Drawing on shared staff learning and research to understand what works and strengthen our early years and family support approach Early Years Social Prescribing: Building Connections How community connections, parental wellbeing, and early support work together to improve outcomes for children and families Breaking Barriers: Building Confidence and Connection Exploring how a parent-led, inclusive and play-based approach supports families to build confidence, reduce isolation, and strengthen relationships. Somewhere to Belong: Early Support for Families Supporting parents and young children with SEND through connection, confidence, and joined-up early intervention. Musical Climbers and Creators Co-produced with families, children and music-making charity, Soundcastle. Discover the inspiring sounds and creations made by children. Multi-Agency Action Planning: Working Together for Families Bringing partners together to explore data and insight to identify priorities and take coordinated action to improve outcomes for children and families You and Your Child: Insights from Family Support Working alongside families to build confidence, strengthen relationships, and support children’s development and wellbeing.

SEND Community Services Building trusting relationships with parent/carers allows us to develop and implement support packages for their children's individual learning needs as they progress on to nursery or school. We use toolkits approved by the local council's 'Early Years Team' to assess children and plan their support with parent/carers. Early Years Inclusion Pathway LLoyd Park Children's Charity is now commissioned to deliver a 12 week PEEPS programme called "Learning Together-Preschool' for children 2-4 yrs and 'Learning Together Under 2's'. This is an invite only programme for those referred to LBWF's 'Early Years Inclusion Pathway'. Click on the button to the right to find out more on their website: As part of the programme you will be asked to complete a short questionnaire at the start and end of the programme. This helps us measure the impact of these sessions and hopefully secure further funding so that more families can benefit from the sessions. You can find out more about PEEPs on Peeple.org website here: Find our more Peeple.org.uk Please be aware that these links will connect you to external websites. Our charity cannot be repsonsible for the content of these sites including any downloadable files. Please read our policy on links to external web pages here Transition and funding support Our team can support parent/carers with signposting, funding advice and onward referrals. Funding advice includes SENIF (SEN Inclusion Funding) and EHCPs (Education, Health and Care Plan). Onward referrals might be to speech therapy and/or SAC clinic ( Special Advisory Clinic). SENIF EHCP Sensory Play Session Our experienced team deliver this informal open drop-in play session. It's a session primarily for families with SEND children that's also inclusive for all. So, SEND children can play and socialise with their other friends in the same space. The sessions can be tailored to the attendees' needs and are focussed on playing together in a warm and relaxed atmosphere. What's On Bespoke, co-produced activities/projects Our SEND Manager leads on working with families to find out what kinds of services they would like to see provided for their children locally. We're always looking for opportunities to work with local partner organisations to proactively address the gaps in local SEND services. We also have an established working group to identify and secure funding for new projects and activities, so if you have an idea for a service let us know! Our CoCo East co-production collaborative seeks to amplify local voices and to support in family-led activity design and delivery. The group is well represented by families living with SEND so please do come along to one of our online meetings or submit an idea on the dedicated page! More information on CoCo East here Somewhere to Belong Our SEND Manager has also researched and developed this evidence-based programme of support for SEND families. Research found that SEND facilities should be familiy-centred, local and fun. Somewhere to Belong pr ovides support that improves the childs wellbeing and development but also looks at the benefits of inteventions for the whole family. We currently run a session in our adventure play space, Grow wild, on the 3rd Sunday of every month and hope to be expanding our Somewhere to Belong offer in 2025. Check out our activities timetable here: What's On Useful Links Please be aware that these links will connect you to external websites. Our charity cannot be repsonsible for the content of these sites including any downloadable files. Please read our policy on links to external web pages here : Local support Waltham Forest Parent Forum - Support families with SEND chidlren in Waltham Forest Flourish Specialist Education Service (Flourish Learning Trust schools) London Borough of Waltham Forest resources Short Breaks LBWF Local Offer LBWF SEND team Short Breaks Government resources SEND Code of Practice Benefits (Gov.uk) General help General Autism Infromation Autism Education Trust Toilet training Guides https://eric.org.uk/ Autism.org.uk LBWF Guide for schools and early years settings (including childminders)

Musical Climbers & Creators A year of exploring music with some wonderful SEND children In 2023/24 we were delighted to bring this wonderful project to life in our Grow Wild adventure play space with the support of Youth Music. This fun and uplifiting session was co-produced by the Lloyd Park Children's Charity's SEND and outdoors play practitioners, parent/carers, children and the amazing music-making charity, Soundcastle. The project delivered unique music-based outdoor learning and sensory experiences for children living with SEND who are often excluded from music-making and outdoors adventure play. Sounds from the Forest Stomp in the Forest 00:00 / 09:06 These beautiful tracks were composed by Soundcastle using vocals, sounds, beats and music made by the children, recorded as they explored the space and made music together. Meditation in the Green Space 00:00 / 09:22 Magical Memories Outdoors music-making in our inspiring 'Grow Wild' adventure playspace Real musical instruments to play led by musicians Freedom for children to play and join in at their own pace Music-making combined with creative play Inclusive music-making for SEND children and their siblings Breakthroughs for SEND children in socialising and personal confidence Building more confidence to jump and tumble with drum beats Children discovered a passion for music-making Parents saw leaps in their children's development Feedback from parents and carers I cannot enthuse about this playgroup/adventure playground and staff more. It is SUCH a supportive environment for not only my son but my daughter too aswell as myself. Staff have gone above and beyond for both my children as they often run in opposite directions and I physically can't keep an eye on both of them! The staff are unfaltering in their care for both the children, this is so important to me as often siblings can sometimes not be so welcomed in my experience which is very difficult for me. The musical element to the session is genuinely magical. At first the musicians would play musical instruments as my children played and slowly but surely my children have actively taken part in playing the musical instruments themselves which they both adore. I feel like my children get so much out of this sen session, they both have gained so much confidence in the setting since coming and both get so excited when they realise we are going to Grow Wild I myself, as their parent, really enjoy coming too! I can never usually relax in other settings as my son can be unpredictable with his behaviour at times, but here I can just breathe and let my children have fun with staff who are always enthusiastic to see them. Thank you so much! We have truly enjoyed our sessions on a Tuesday. My son loves to be outside and to be able to enjoy all the instruments in this free way has been so enriching for him. The musicians are wonderful with the little ones completely working at their pace and direction! Tirelessly playing “train” and offering different instruments and sounds occasionally so he gets a varied experience. All done in a respectful way so he hasn’t felt overwhelmed or too directed. If I had to think of something I’m tempted to say it would be nice to have some more performance group playing from the musicians with flute etc but perhaps that’s more my wanting as the simpler instruments have been generously shared and given access to and the children lead the way!! Thank you all and hope you can keep going …. We will keep coming!! Since we started attending in May my son has made huge progress in his speech, language and communication and these sessions have been a huge part of that. He finds communication challenging and this usually prevents him from interacting with other people. He became very comfortable very quickly at Grow Wild and very quickly started to interact with the musicians and it has been an absolute joy to see. He then repeatedly talks about Grow Wild at home throughout the week so not only is the session beneficial when he's there, but he loves it so much that he wants to talk about it all week, so it's been fantastic for his development at home as well. My daughter has also just started to come out of her shell. She usually only speaks to me but this week she spoke to three different adults at the session too and was much more confident and independent. I also love how safe these sessions are. Being able to run around outside in a safe space with other children and parents who understand his differences is priceless. These sessions are by far the best SEND sessions I have been to in Waltham Forest as they tick so many boxes. A safe outdoor space, access to a wide range of activities like climbing, water play, painting etc. all alongside the musical elements and an energetic, kind and enthusiastic team of adults running the sessions. ....So many of my son's sensory needs are met in one session which helps him to feel calm and regulated throughout the rest of the day. There is something available and beneficial for every child and it's fabulous to see every child enjoying themselves week after week. So thank you so much for everything. I hope that you can secure funding for September as it'll be a huge loss to the SEND community if these sessions were to stop. Both my children have both asked me if they can go to Grow Wild three times today already and this will happen every day until next week 😅 We have a home education journal and at the end of every day, we write down what we've done and my son often likes looking back at the photos of him at Grow Wild and asks for his own musical instruments. Just wanted to say how fantastic the musical element to the play has been and how much both my 19month old and I have enjoyed coming to those special sessions. It has given my son great exposure to music and to different and unique instruments we would not normally come across in our own play. The musicians are all so very talented, professional yet friendly and have a natural ability to connect with the young ones. I feel very fortunate to have attended the sessions we have with you, which have really enhanced my son's learning through song, tune and creativity. This group has been a lifeline to us from the start until now. We attend whatever the weather and my ASD child has thrived and grown from being in such an accepting and accomodating environment. He has gone from a child who was extremely uncomfortable around people, particularly adults, to somebody who seeks out interactions from the Grow Wild and Soundcastle teams. He's changed from being crying and anxious on arrival to shouting "go to see Zoe!" the minute he sees the tree. He has developed a tolerance for other children, for group singing and for music. He has developed so many social skills and even shown a keen interest in making music himself. He gets all of his sensory seeking needs met, has the freedom to explore without any pressure and we are truly fortunate to be able to attend this group. My child has developed and grown into somebody who can be in public without severe discomfort and who actually enjoys the company of other people, and I believe Grow wild has played a massive part in that.....

Breaking Barriers Breaking Barriers: Bringing Families Together, Building Confidence and Connection Breaking Barriers is a parent-led, community-based approach developed in 2018 to support connection, confidence and belonging for children and their families. It was created in response to evidence that families experiencing disadvantage often face multiple barriers to accessing support, including isolation, low confidence and wider inequalities. The model focuses on creating safe, welcoming and non-judgemental spaces where families can build relationships, access support and gradually connect with their community. It is grounded in the understanding that many families, particularly those with children with SEND, refugee and migrant families, young or single parents, and fathers, may feel excluded from traditional services without more intentional and inclusive engagement. A key strength of the approach is its gradual, relationship-based design. Families are first supported through small, tailored sessions that build trust and confidence in a relaxed, play-based environment. Their feedback is central to shaping how services develop, with a strong emphasis on co-production and responsiveness to lived experience. As confidence grows, families are supported to access wider provision, often with practical help such as accompanied visits or financial support where needed. Over time, parents are encouraged to build networks, contribute to activities and play an active role in their community. Delivery at Grow Wild, a natural play space, is a distinctive element of the model. Outdoor, play-based provision encourages parent–child interaction, builds confidence and helps reduce the stigma sometimes associated with more formal services. It also creates opportunities for connection across different communities. Consultation with over 200 parents highlighted the importance of inclusive, flexible and accessible services. Families valued welcoming environments, opportunities for outdoor play and practical support such as transport, appropriate timings and culturally relevant provision. Evidence from practice shows strong outcomes. Parents report increased confidence, new friendships and stronger engagement with services, while children benefit from improved wellbeing, learning and enjoyment. The model has also been effective in engaging underrepresented groups when delivery is tailored and culturally responsive. At its core, Breaking Barriers works by reducing practical and emotional barriers, building relationships and supporting confidence. This leads to stronger social connections, greater engagement and improved outcomes for families, alongside reduced isolation and increased community integration. Overall, the project demonstrates that inclusive, relationship-based and community-led approaches can make a meaningful difference. By combining targeted outreach, co-production and play-based provision, it offers a flexible model that can be adapted to improve access, strengthen relationships and reduce inequalities across early years services. Acknowledgement This project was developed under the leadership of Max Jervis Read, Chair and Trustee of The Lloyd Park Children’s Charity. His commitment to social justice and belief in inclusive, community-led approaches were instrumental in shaping Breaking Barriers and its focus on reaching families who are often excluded from support.