Tales from Westminster's Waterways

Free Afterschool Storytelling Club for 8-11 Year Olds

Summer Term 2025

Come aboard the Floating Classroom for an 8-week storytelling adventure!

We're excited to offer this free afterschool club where young storytellers will explore North Westminster's waterways and create original stories inspired by our local canals.

Led by professional storyteller Phil McDermott and the Floating Classroom team, children will embark on a creative journey to develop their own unique tales – real or imagined – inspired by the past, present and future of Paddington and its canals.

During the 8-week club, children will:

Discover the rich history and stories of North Westminster's waterways
Learn storytelling techniques from a professional
Create original characters and plots in their own story journals
Develop public speaking and performance skills
Share their finished stories at a special celebration event

Each session will include games and creative activities designed to build confidence and nurture imagination. By the end of the project, children will have become accomplished storytellers with their own original stories to share!

When and Where:

Our storytelling club will take place every Wednesday on the Floating Classroom (Electric Barge) in Paddington:

Wednesday 23rd April, 4:15pm – 6:00pm
Wednesday 30th April, 4:15pm – 6:00pm
Wednesday 7th May, 4:15pm – 6:00pm
Wednesday 14th May, 4:15pm – 6:00pm
No session on 21st May (half-term)
Wednesday 28th May, 4:15pm – 6:00pm
Wednesday 4th June, 4:15pm – 6:00pm
Wednesday 11th June, 4:15pm – 6:00pm
Wednesday 18th June, 4:15pm – 6:00pm

Drop-off at the Floating Classroom from 3.45pm - 4.15pm

Important Information:

This club is completely free, thanks to generous support from the Westminster Brighter Futures Fund
Open to children aged 8-11
Everything needed to take part in the club will be provided, including story journals
Space is limited, so early registration is recommended

If you have any questions, please contact Cameron: cameron@thefloatingclassroom.co.uk or call the Floating Classroom office on 0203 951 7376. (Please note: my normal working hours are Monday - Friday 10am - 6pm.)

You can sign up using the form below.

Child's Full Legal Name

First Name

Last Name

Preferred Name

Child's Date of Birth

YYYY

Child's School

Type of School

School Borough

Parent/ Guardian/ Carer's Name

First Name

Last Name

Phone Number

Child's Home Address

As part of our commitment to safeguarding the well-being of all children taking part in our activities we are required to maintain accurate records, including home addresses.

Address 1

Address 2

City

State/Province

Zip/Postal Code

Country

Please provide a name and phone number for an additional emergency contact (in case we can't reach you)

Can your child attend all of the dates for the club?

Yes

Does your child have any access or learning needs?

If yes, please provide details so that we can ensure that we are able to provide appropriate support.

If your child has any allergies or dietary requirements or you have any questions, please let us know here:

Photo Consent

Occasionally, we take photos during the activities we run. We would be grateful for your permission to take photos of your child and use these in our printed and online publicity for the Floating Classroom and Puppet Theatre Barge. This might include (but is not limited to) our printed and online publicity, social media, press releases and funding applications. Our funders may also use these images for their promotional material. You are not required to provide photo consent, and we will ensure that no images of your child are stored or used by the charity if you do not provide your consent.

How did you hear about this club?