We were invited to enjoy one of Winchester’s
newest activities. The BIG little Me role-play centre takes place in the log
cabin on Stockbridge Road and is a fabulous addition to the community.
A great amount of work has gone into planning and preparing
the sessions which are aimed at children aged 1-7. The role-play experience is
incredibly unique and offers children and their families the chance to learn
about the responsibility they have to the community and environment through
active play.
As soon as we arrived we were greeted with a warm welcome
and shown around. Boo was off and away playing before she’d had time to take
her coat off! The room is inviting, bright, colourful and well thought out.
Straight away I was faced with happy, smiling children in
the throes of role-play, all enjoying themselves and it was easy to see why –
there was so much to explore! This week, we could take a trip to the moon at
the ‘Space Station’, do our weekly shop at the ‘Supermarket’, take care of the
animals at the Vets, fill up our car at the ‘Cark Park & Petrol Pump’,
build a house on the ‘Construction Site’, cook a lovely meal and look after the
babies in ‘Our House’ and perform on the stage in the ‘Dress Up’ area and we
did ALL of those things multiple times in the 90 minute sessions.
The set up of the role-play areas allows children to partake
in free play, where adults can watch and learn so much from the way their
children are embracing the different role play areas. Adults can get involved
and join in whenever they wish to, but the space is safe and accessible to
enable parents to spend time observing as well as playing themselves.
Every effort has been made to add thoughtful and clever
touches and this is emulated throughout. Canvas reusable bags in the
supermarket, reminders to turn the light switch off when the lights are not in
use to save energy and help the environment, motivational quotes, detailed
information about each of the areas and our favourite – you can put your token
in the box and vote for a charity, then BIG little Me donate each month – just
like being in a real supermarket! There are subtle examples of sustainability
throughout, enforcing an important message and encouraging awareness through
play.
There is an area with chairs and tables which are available
to all, with the helpful addition of high chairs for tiny ones to make sure
everyone can enjoy snacks and drinks whenever they need to. Food and drink is
kept out of the play area, you can take your own food for the children, and
treat yourself to a hot drink and a cake while they are playing! There is a selection
of food and drink available for adults and children which is a lovely touch,
and everything is homemade J
We would highly recommend that you book a session for
yourself to see what it is all about. Sessions run weekly on the following
days:
Tuesday: 1.30-3.00
Tuesday: 3.30-5.00
Friday: 9.30-11.00
Friday 11.00-1.30
This week, there is an extra 11.30 session on Tuesday to
help keep the little ones entertained at half term! Sessions are 90 minutes and
cost £6 per child.
Email info@biglittleme.co.uk or visit their Facebook page and
website to find out more information and book your place!
