Popular Hartlepool park cafe expanding child's playgroup sessions

Brothers Max (left) and Jack Marsden with Christine Carter playgroup leader at from Place in The Park. Picture by FRANK REID

The Place in the Park cafe in Ward Jackson Park already runs a successful morning session for children aged from birth up to five.

But it has now expanded it with the launch of an afternoon session every Thursday.

Harry Liddell (4) having fun with Maria Seymour from Place in The Park. Picture by FRANK REID

Youngsters can enjoy crafts, toys, stories and a snack in the cafe’s conference suite and its own enclosed garden.

Maria Seymour, who runs The Place in the Park, said: “We have run the morning session for about six or seven years and we are trying to expand on that.

“Some people say it is a bit early for them to get to so we thought we will try to accommodate people on the afternoon but have it at a time where they can still pick up children from school if they need to.

“We have all the toys out in the garden or conference suite depending on the weather.

“The children have a safe play area including our fully enclosed private garden with tents, tunnels, sand pits and ball pools.

“We also have craft sessions, story time and singing.”

The session costs £2 per child and the children also get a free snack and juice.

And it runs throughout school holidays.

Maria added: “A lot of playgroups close during the holidays but this is still somewhere for them to come with their little ones.

“Six weeks is a long time for parents not to have a playgroup they can use.

“With us the children know they when they come in they can run straight through into the conference room and expect the toys to be there.”

The playgroup runs every Thursday between 1pm-2.30pm.