Little Seedlings – Harlow College's new stay and play area for parents and carers with children under 5 years – welcomed its first visitors on Monday 29 February.

Little Seedlings will provide a lively, friendly and vibrant area, which will be the perfect place for parents to meet for a chat whilst sharing some educational playtime with their children. Open on Monday mornings between 10am and 12 noon during term time, it will be supervised by both staff and students from the Early Years team at the College, giving vital work experience for our childcare workforce of the future.

Joining the excited youngsters at the opening were professional party singer and entertainer Keeley McLaren, in the character of Elsa from Frozen; College Principal Karen Spencer and Head of Childcare Maria Staines, who cut the ribbon to mark the official launch.

Stay and play sessions play a pivotal role in Early Years settings, offering a high quality provision within a safe, informative and stimulating environment, which is both welcoming and supportive to all.

Head of Childcare, Maria Staines, said of the new facility: “We feel privileged at this opportunity to work with the community whilst also giving the students positive experiences of supporting and working with parents/carers and their children.”

Karen Spencer, Principal of College College, added: “We are delighted to have opened ‘Little Seedlings’ at Harlow College. Our new stay and play facility will provide our students with an environment where they can learn new skills and it will also support our local community. Our first children visiting from the Downs Primary School had a fantastic experience working together with our students to learn, explore and create.”

To book call 01279 868068 or email:

Pictured left to right: Karen Spencer, Elsa from Frozen and Maria Staines.