Express & Star

'It's an honour that parents say our growing Wolverhampton children's project is the 'Rolls Royce' of playgroups'

Wolverhampton's Small Wonders Stay & Play based at the city's Lifespring Centre was set up for families 14 years ago by four mothers who wanted to do something to help other parents and carers.

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Co-founder Ursula Wastall is still helping to manage the playgroup for children, aged between two and five,  which has grown from strength to strength since then and currently has 100 families attending.

She said: "Our first session was held in October in 2012 with 20 children and it grew each week after that. 

"By September 2014 we had a waiting list so a decision was taken to extend the programme to two sessions and within a week of expanding it was full straight away. 

 Families enjoying themselves at Small Wonders Stay and Play
Families enjoying themselves at Small Wonders Stay and Play

"Parents and carers come from across the city to attend as well as locally. 

"The parents call it the 'Rolls Royce' of playgroups which I think primarily is due to the love that we show to the families. 

"It's not just about providing children's activities. 

"We pay attention to detail. For example, the building is clean and so are the toys. 

"Parents even change their working days so they can come to the sessions on a Friday. We feel really honoured that they do that.

"It's a community rather than just a drop-in. Same people come each week including lots of dads and grandparents and they love it.