What people say about our work
"I would like to say that having Cocoon has been very rewarding for myself and my daughters because we share and come together as a community to support each other. The group has helped with routine, socialising and learning new skills. Natalia always sets up great areas of learning for the kids to play that are very well thought about, along with singing and parachute games the kids love. This group is very much needed in the area and is a great asset to all the parents who attend".
Lauren, mother of two "The early years cocoon sessions have been a very special place for my son Elijah for quite some time. It's been a safe space for him to enjoy learning and interact with children in his age group freely with lots of great resources. I also have a 1 year old Theo who thoroughly enjoys exploring all that the sessions have to offer, especially when we do singing! Natalia is amazing and always welcomes us with a smile, she does a great job running the sessions!" Sophie – mother of two "I've been attending Cocoon play group sessions in Dagenham library and Saint Martin's church for a few weeks now. My 2 year old son absolutely loves going and is mixing in well with the other children. He doesn't attend nursery so these play groups are a great opportunity for him to see others and play alongside other children. The sessions are also great for me as a stay at home mum as I get to talk to other parents and discuss any concerns or just have a general chat. I am so grateful to these groups and would recommend to anyone with young children". Michelle – mother of one |
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"The library sessions run by the Early Years Cocoon have been enjoyable not just for the children but for the adults too. For the children, it's a safe, positive and caring space for them to explore, play and develop their language. Cocoon provides many toys and activities to keep the children busy and its leader, Natalia makes a point of spending some time with each child and family suggesting ideas to help with play and speech. Children also have an opportunity to see and play with other children.
The sessions end with rhymes and my son who is now 12 months loves this and the parachute! For the adults it's a safe space to meet other parents to share and support one another. There is always a shared smile". Rosa – mother of one "My kids (2y boy, 4y girl) really enjoyed the session, stayed focused and engaged by danced to the activity songs and requesting songs. They are often looking forward to a Cocoon session. I like the structure and inclusive message and can clearly see the joy and benefits for my children. Thank you for doing this!" Stephan and Matina, parents of two “Cocoon has been amazing for my family! Firstly for the kids because these online sessions give them something to look forward to during lockdown. They're always excited to wake up and know that it’s Cocoon day. They love joining in the songs and movements and they look forward showing their own items to influence the songs or their own way to choose. I think that helps them to feel like they're part of something and still contribute to a decision. It’s the same with the phonics bit in the session. By them showing their own items allows the kids to partake but greatly identify the item sounds at home in daily life. They love the stories and during that time it allows mom to grab a cuppa. There are many benefits for me as well as it gives us an opportunity to do something together and also allows me a breather if I need it. I love the strategy Natalia uses to interact and engage parents and kids. It’s all awesome.” Laurelle, mother of two “Cocoon has been a really special resource for myself and my children! It gives us something to look forward to on 3 mornings of the week with a short half hour of fun, sharing and learning! The Art in the Park has also been a great way to meet other children and families and have fun together in a safe way during this period of lockdown. My older daughter was very lucky and was thrilled to bits to be able to celebrate her sixth birthday with other families and children in a park during an event arranged by Cocoon, which happened to be on her birthday. It made her birthday much more special for her that it otherwise would have been. I think our Cocoon families now share a special relationship of friendship! Thank you very much Cocoon! Please continue the good work.” Sumit, father of two "N's favourite things where the song - 123 it's good to be me! Actually, she is singing right now and all afternoon! Also, she was very interested in the book - We are all different, I probably will buy or borrow from library, because she wanted to talk more about each picture. And of course the songs - her favourite is about the currant buns, and she was very pleased you said her name 😅 Jolanta, mother of one ‘My two daughters and I loved the session organised by Cocoon to celebrate World Children’s Day on 21st November! It was a lot of fun to sing, play, act and dance and made it a special weekend for our family. Thank you!’ Sumit, father of two |
“We absolutely love Cocoon sessions! They are always so much fun. There is a great structure and wonderful combination of fun and educational parts. Kids get involved and enjoy activities! Sessions in the park are just amazing! It's always brilliant to be outdoors and online sessions are very well- timed and structured! My boy already knew what's coming next and was happy to take part. Natalia is very talented and creative, her approach is fantastic! Thank you very much for this opportunity 🥰”
Irina, mother of three “Cocoon online sessions: these session have helped maintain some sort of structure in our day. My class engages my 2 year old as he can use props and toys at home to join in. He also loves seeing his friends faces. Natalia keeps interacting with the little ones throughout the session with songs (responding to kids suggestions), phonics getting children to practice sounds and pick items in their home to reinforce learning of the sound and a short engaging story. We love it! Cocoon art in the park: During COVID these groups have really helped with us with meeting local families in what could have been a rather lonely time. The activities have engaged kids (the park lets them burn off energy) and my boy has loved seeing friends. These outside groups also offer a great form respite from time at home with a bouncing toddler in a safe environment. Being at home (even with a garden) can get tedious but just seeing others and knowing we’re not alone in this parenting journey is a great joy and support.” Hannah, mother of three |