We run many drop-in sessions at Clapton Park for children aged 0-5 including, Stay and Play, Toy Library, Messy Play, Getting Ready for School, Gardening and Forest Schools.

We are here to help and support you. Our Children’s Centre offers a range of services including dietitian, behaviour support, parenting classes, support to get into work, family support and support around finances. Please see Maria, Stay and Play Lead for more information.

Play and Learn 

These sessions are for parents/carers and children, each stay & play targets specific age groups. Come along and have some fun with your children. Learn activities that you can use at home. Watch your child develop and make new friends. Make a My Journey Book to record your child’s development. 

Toy Library 

Come along and borrow some toys to use with your child at home as well as play alongside your child at our Stay and Play session. 

Messy Play 

This is a Stay and Play session with a focus on getting messy. There will be various messy play activities such as paint, slime, cornflour and mud for your child to enjoy. Please wear old clothes for this session. 

Sensory Play 

A drop in session for you and your child, specifically set up for children with special educational needs and disabilities to explore their senses and aid their development. This session is also suitable for children under 18 months. 

Childminder’s Drop-in Sessions

Clapton Park supports the Hackney Childminders’ Network and we have drop-ins specifically for Childminders. For further details, please contact Grace Opon on 020 8986 7441 - 07810 856 321 or at Grace.Opon@hackney.gov.uk. 

Forest School Drop-in Sessions (families)

Our Forest School drop-in sessions offer an adventurous 90-minute journey where children aged 18 months to 5 years can explore the great outdoors and build confidence through nature-based play. Held every Wednesday during term time from 10:00 to 11:30, these sessions empower our young explorers to engage with the natural world, fostering resilience and a sense of wonder under the open sky.

Gardening Drop-in Sessions (families)

Our Gardening sessions with our Gardener Gavin offer a vibrant hour of hands-on discovery where children aged 18 months to 5 years can get their hands in the soil and learn where their food comes from. Held every Wednesday during term time from 10:30 to 11:30, these sessions empower our little growers to nurture seedlings and explore nature’s wonders in our nursery garden. 

Healthy Cooking After School Club

Our Wednesday After School Club for children aged 4–11 offers a vibrant two-hour session of culinary discovery where young chefs gain independence by preparing their own nutritious snacks and meals. By exploring the kitchen together from 15:30 to 17:30, the children foster healthy eating habits and build a genuine excitement for fresh fruits and vegetables.

Forest School After School Club

Our Forest School After School Club for children aged 4–11 offers an immersive two-hour adventure where young explorers can reconnect with nature and build resilience through outdoor play. By gathering every Tuesday and Thursday from 15:45 to 17:40 during term time, the children develop a sense of agency and pride as they master new skills in the fresh air. #

Play Scheme

Our Forest School Holiday Play Schemes for children aged 5–11 offer an immersive outdoor adventure where young explorers can reconnect with nature during half-terms, Easter, and the summer holidays. By engaging in high-energy experiences like tree climbing, den building, and fire-making, the children develop a sense of agency and resilience while mastering traditional wood-crafts and campfire cooking.

Baby Massage (families)

Our Baby Massage sessions for pre-crawlers offer a peaceful 45-minute retreat where you and your little one can deepen your bond through the soothing power of gentle, nurturing touch. Held every Friday from 10:00 to 10:45 as a free five-week course, these sessions provide a tranquil space to support your baby’s relaxation, digestion, and sleep patterns.