IMPS is a Christian based playgroup run by the Community Church in Westbury on Trym (also at the Southmead Greenway Centre on a Thursday) on Wednesday and Thursday mornings from 9.45-11.45am during term time.

Due to the popularity of the playgroup (particularly for the Wednesday session) there is currently a waiting list.

What really sets this playgroup apart from others in the area is the vast amount of space available, which is used to its full potential, providing activities for babies to pre-schoolers across four different rooms.

An endless supply of tea and coffee for the adults and squash, biscuits and healthy snacks for the children are served in the main room.

Singing takes place here at 11am and once a month the vicar Tim delivers a short Christian message using Maurice the Monkey (a firm favourite with the children) leading the singing with his guitar.

Favoured by the older children is the craft room, offering a different craft activity every week, homemade playdough, painting and a sandpit well stocked with toys.

For the more energetic there is a climbing frame and slide and trampolines.

Ever popular are the playhouse and dressing up costumes, as are the toy house, toy kitchen, dolls, jigsaw puzzles and many more toys provided for the bigger children.

The large separate area for babies has lots of toys and comfy sofas and is a good place to sit and chat.

The playgroup has a busy friendly feel and the volunteers are welcoming to newcomers.

At only £2 per family, it’s a great morning out for babies and young children and is popular with their parents and carers and is definitely worth the wait.

Review written by Debbie Titman.

To find out more about IMPS and other weekly activities for babies, toddlers and preschoolers in and near Westbury-on-Trym, please see the Westbury-on-Trym Baby & Toddler Timetable on Bristol Mum.