Fun at Hampstead Heath

18 of us went over to Hampstead Heath in blazing sunshine earlier today. We took the London Overground from Whitechapel to Gospel Oak (changing at Canonbury). The camera died, so there are no pictures to share! But we had an epic game of cricket, fun in the paddling pool and playground, and a quick game of twister.

UNICEF and Stepney Partnership

Earlier today, Somali families from across Stepney Partnership schools and representatives from OSCA (Ocean Somali Community Association), met with the fundraising team at UNICEF. We discussed ideas for how the Stepney community can raise funds for the crisis in Somalia. The children came up with amazing ideas including a sponsored bike ride or skip in Mile End Park and a toy sale in schools. Check the blog for more updates...

Families win awards at Houses of Parliament

Big congratulations to six Stepney Partnership families who won an important national award at the House or Lords last night. The families were:

Ben Jonson – Laila Ali - Liban, Sahra, Llyas
Cayley – Aysha Islam, Aadam, Safiyya, Aaliyah
Halley – Andrea Phillips, Jane, Jadie
Redlands – Mohammed Rasel, Rahina Begum, Eshetha, Norrien, Yunus
Smithy Street - Rukia Khanom, Haneefah
Stepney Green – Bodrul Ahmed, Mr. Ullah

The families received their award for the huge impact that parents/carers have had on their children’s learning and the wider community. The Youth Achievement Awards were organised by the Universal Peace Federation and included inspiring stories from young people across the UK.

We had a real adventure which started with a boat trip from Tower Bridge to Westminster. Families then received their awards from Lord King. Finally, and with huge exictement from the families, we had a special tour of the House of Commons from Rushanara Ali (MP for Bethnal Green and Bow). Rushanara was very proud of the families, and we are all very grateful for the time she spent talking to children and parents.

Dads at Parliamentary Reception

Seven dads and eleven children from Stepney Partnership schools went to the House of Lords yesterday for a Parliamentary Reception about Fatherhood.

Dads had a chance to talk to David Lammy MP who is chairing the All Party Parliamentary Group on Fatherhood, along with other MPs, Peers and Policy Makers. Children took part in reading and writing activities put on by Ladybird Books. We arrived in style! We took a boat from Tower Pier to Westminster.

The event kicks off Stepney Partnership's activities about Fathers taking place this week for Father's Story Week.

Stepney Partnership Dads go to Parliament!

Next Monday, seven Dads and their children from Stepney Partnership schools are going to the House of Commons to attend a celebration of fatherhood! There will be MPs, Peers and policy makers from the All Party Parliamentary Group on Fatherhood and people from family charities and companies.

Ladybird Books will run a book corner with bunting, cushions, story telling etc for our little guests.

Full report to come...

Kite Making at Mile End Park

An amazing turn out for today’s session with over 70 people pond dipping or making kites. There were some amazing kite designs, and it was great to see parents and children working so closely together.

The activities were part of Stepney Partnership’s half-term family programme.

Little Angel Theatre

After a wet day at Greenwich Park yesterday, it was fitting that today’s play was all about making a big rain storm go away!

We visited the Little Angel Theatre, and it was a truly magical play today, with amazing actors and puppetry. Everyone came out of the theatre with huge smile on their faces. The play is on until 10th July, and we recommend that you go!

We started at Redlands by making our own puppets. Then we travelled to the Little Angel Theatre by going on the Overground from Whitechapel to Highbury and Islington, and then walking 15 minutes to the theatre.

The trip was part of Stepney Partnership’s half-term family programme.