Overland Children and Family Centre London, Bow

Reviews

1. Iman Moghul ★☆☆☆☆

   I signed up for this baby massage class via the waiting list and, after around a month, was contacted and offered a place. As a new parent who had been feeling anxious about going out with my baby, attending the class was a big step for me. Unfortunately, my experience was extremely upsetting. During the session, the instructor, Hazel, singled me out and said my baby was “too old” at 5 months, despite another baby in the class being the same age. When I explained that I had been offered a place after being on the waiting list, she accused me—in front of the entire class—of queue-jumping and said this was wrong. I had no idea what she was referring to and was left feeling confused, humiliated, and unwelcome. Both my baby and I were the only ethnic minorities in the room, which made the experience feel particularly isolating and discriminatory. I left feeling as though we did not belong there. To make matters worse, the instructor also shared incorrect medical information regarding babies’ patella development. I was aware this was factually wrong only because I am a doctor—something she did not know. As a result of this experience, I could not bring myself to return for the remaining two sessions. Overall, this was a very disappointing and distressing experience, especially in a setting that should be supportive, inclusive, and safe for new parents. Very sad.

   almost 7 months ago
2. Kelsey Breseman ★★★★★

   The folks of the Breastfeeding Support Network are always so helpful and welcoming—whether you're expecting, figuring it out with your day-old baby, or established and curious about what comes next. It's a lovely supportive environment to get information and connect with other moms.

   1 year ago
3. Ripa Begum (miss bee) ★☆☆☆☆

   I've been to many children centre before lockdown and post lockdown this was the worst I experienced. They had a system where you phone and book which was fine but then once this was got rid of, parents would need to come in through the gates, park up their buggies then go and sign into reception only to be told the places are full and they need to return back. You are dealing with children and parents who suffered enough trauma due to lockdown, how do you explain to vulnerable children who suffer from a lack of social skills that what they came for, isn't available? To avoid this, overland could've put a sign up on the gates to avoid parents from getting their children out of buggies. Another incident was, making parents sign in but then asking them to wait outside (in bad weather too) - again children don't understand this, once they come through the double doors, they believe their parents are taking them back and they don't want this so they react negatively and then you have staff telling them and threatening them indirectly in their 'sweet' voice that they'll have to go back if they don't wait outside, children don't understand this! Some new staff also started working there and their attitudes towards certain parents was awful like parents are to be blamed for the way their children are. Rather than providing a welcoming and inclusive environment, they did the opposite. Having rules like shoes off on carpet so it can remain clean, some children react negatively to this as they only take shoes off at home and they don't associate this as home but then watching a parent struggling to keep their children calm in this situation whilst staff still staying firm in their decision was awful to watch. I mean primary schools don't even expect this.

   almost 3 years ago

1. ally ★★★★☆

   Nice open friendly and safe place to be.

   almost 5 years ago
2. Vanessa Fidanza ★★★★★

   I love it! The people who work there are really kind and professional...

   almost 5 years ago
3. R Miah ★★★★★

   I haven't been able to go much due to lockdown but its quite nice and clean and well managed during health visitor appointments

   almost 5 years ago

1. Kate 1759 ★★★★★

   This a great centre for young children. Some very good activities and facilities for children. I do wish the guy on reception was a little more friendly though!

   more 7 years ago

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