Fantastic Redbridge Children’s Centre gets a magical makeover!

A Redbridge children’s centre has been transformed and renamed following extensive refurbishment.

Mini Explorers, formerly the EYPaD (Early Years Play and Development) Centre, was relaunched recently by the Mayor of Redbridge, Cllr Sheila Bain, at a special event for children and parents.

The centre, located on The Drive in Ilford, next to Cranbrook Primary School, has undergone a full makeover with layout changes to create an amazing experience for its young users.

Parents can also choose from an extensive new programme of activities for under-fives.

Cllr Lloyd Duddridge, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: “Mini Explorers is a fantastic place for young minds to flourish whilst having fun. We have made a large number of improvements to the centre to ensure that it supports every stage of a child’s development and gives parents opportunities to enjoy activities with their child that they might not be able to do at home.

“Mini Explorers is a bright and welcoming place to visit at any time of the week, and we are thrilled to relaunch it today.”

Improvements include:

• Re-organisation of the building to create three main playrooms with new resources for speech, language, and imaginative play, including dressing up and construction areas. In addition, there is a soft play sensory zone for younger babies and crawlers and a toddler playroom with painting, sand, playdough, water play and messy activities.
• Extensive redecoration with ‘Mini Explorers’ banners inside and out, reflecting how young children learn by being given opportunities to explore through play.
• The Jungle café has been developed with themed posters, lights, and sounds for a multi-sensory experience. Young people with disabilities will run the café from Little Heath Special Secondary School as part of its students’ training programme, helping them to build wide-ranging skills. It will be open from 9am to 3.30 pm.
• A calming therapy room with lights and sounds has been created so we can deliver baby massage and toddler yoga sessions.
• Space for children with additional needs to receive sessions from Quest Learning specialists and new garden resources to deliver new nature-themed activities.

At the launch, around 50 parents and children from Redbridge and across east London came along to see the new-look centre.

All activities are planned weekly and delivered by qualified early years practitioners who use the EYFS framework to support children’s development and prepare them for school or nursery settings.

The new timetable has lots of exciting sessions from Monday to Saturday, such as our popular Family Play Day, Messy Play, Outdoor Explorers, Fun Cooking, and Arts &Crafts.

Prices start from as little as £5 a child per session, with one adult going free.

It is widely recognised and accepted that the first two years of a child's life from conception are the most critical. During this time, the child's brain develops, creating emotional bonds with their parents, becoming resilient, and establishing the foundations of communication and language while also learning to control their bodies.  

Sessions are based on the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework and Development Matters guidance and are delivered by qualified Early Years professionals.

Our staff can also answer your questions on child development, parenting, school readiness and how you can provide a rich home learning environment to help your child reach their full potential. 

People can also book rooms for hire to host meetings and children's parties. Local businesses and individuals are also welcome to hire rooms.

For enquiries and room hire information, don't hesitate to contact us via email or on 020 8709 2012. Find out more at Mini Explorers.