1st Place Turns 20!
This year, 1st Place proudly celebrates its 20th anniversary - two decades of working alongside children and families in our community. To mark this special milestone, we hosted a weekend exhibition and a series of celebratory events that brought together partners, families, staff, volunteers and friends past and present.
The celebrations began on Friday evening with a gathering for partners, trustees, and special guests. We were joined by the Leader of Southwark Council, Cllr Sarah King, and Cllr Jasmine Ali, along with those who have played an important role in development of 1st Place over the last 20 years.
The Exhibition
The exhibition was open to the public on Saturday and Sunday, offering an immersive journey through 20 years of 1st Place. Spread across two rooms, each space presented a unique perspective on our story, inviting visitors to experience it in different ways.
Where it began, and where we are now
The first space took visitors on a journey through our history, from the early days of 1st Place to the growth of our services and community impact. Displays and photographs highlighted key milestones and achievements, while videos showcased our nurseries, family services, and memorable moments that have shaped who we are today.
Through a child’s eyes
Displays showcased nursery project work, placing a strong focus on child-led learning - inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach.
Display boards, photographs, and videos captured how children explore, create, and express themselves through play and collaboration.
A space to explore & play
This room offered a very different experience — one filled with energy, light, and hands-on activities. Families were invited to engage in sensory and creative play, including light projections, loose parts play, and natural materials inspired by Forest School sessions.
Children made bracelets, explored textures, and experimented with light and sound, turning the space into a lively hub of discovery and excitement. This was by far the busiest part of the exhibition, filled with enthusiastic children and families exploring together.
Thank you
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us across the weekend — from our partners and trustees to the families and community members who continue to be at the heart of everything we do. And a special thank you to our incredible team for making this celebration possible.
Gallery
Click on images to enlarge.
