Private School News

First Anniversary Celebration for Stay and Play at Howell’s School

Babies and toddlers may not immediately spring to mind when you first think of Howell’s School, Llandaff, but its very successful Stay and Play is celebrating its first birthday. Specifically geared to the youngest children, both boys and girls (up to three years old), Stay and Play provides the opportunity for Mums, dads, grandparents and other carers to take their little ones to Howell’s Junior School Hall to play in a bright and stimulating environment on Tuesday mornings from 9.45am to 11.15am. While the adults enjoy tea or coffee and biscuits in an informal and relaxed atmosphere, the children can play and explore safely while developing their creative, physical, social and emotional skills.

The sessions are run by Mrs Vanessa Yilmaz, who is a specialist in Early Years Education, and each week there is are different activities to stimulate the children. Marcia Banner, one of the mothers who attends, comments: “The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed as well as stimulating for the children. The session is constantly evolving thanks to Vanessa’s creativity.” Anna Guina describes the group as having “a lovely informal atmosphere, which means it is easy to just drop by on a Tuesday”. Claire Weston, another mum, says: “the Stay and Play session at Howell’s School has a calming effect on me. The activities and music are very enjoyable for child and the parent”.

Howell’s School is 150 years old this year but far from being rooted in a bygone age, its range of activities is constantly changing to meet the needs of the present day. One of its main aims is to serve the needs of the local community and the school frequently opens its doors to children from other schools and to other groups which can benefit from its facilities. If you would like to sample the activities available at Stay and Play, do come for a taster session.

To celebrate the anniversary, for the Stay and Play session on Tuesday 11th May admission will be free and there will be special cakes!

For more information, please contact Vanessa Yilmaz on 029 2056 2019 or just pop in to the session.