When the school becomes a polling station….

So what do you do when the school becomes a polling station.

May, the month of a double bank holiday, a half term and a now a European Election. Which means another day of organising childcare, mobilising grandparents or just “working from home”. Around 35 Greenwich schools will close this Thursday as the nation goes to the polls leaving quite a few of us, in a pickle.

As important as this election is, Thursday is another day that needs precision planning and forethought. Especially if your school is a polling station. Most parents we spoke to have booked the day as a holiday or are running a split half day with their partners. Others will call in sick. Outrageous you say, a necessity for most, especially if like so many Greenwich residents, other family members are thin on the ground and not just around the corner.

With the weather set to cloudy and muggy here are a few top local picks if you do want to get out and about and need some ideas!

Hollywood Bowl -O2 Located in the O2 Arena, Hollywood Bowl O2 centre has a stylish London vibe and is the perfect stop off for fun games and delicious food and drinks. Home to 12 state-of-the-art bowling lanes, and one of our VR ZONE Portals, this centre isn’t one to miss. Opens from 12 pm

Oxygen freeJumping – O2 – Oxygen The O2 features two floors of trampolines for children (and adults) to bounce around and have a go on our activities such as the foam pit, toddler area, slide tower and giant airbag. We like to cater for everyone at Oxygen Freejumping, as well as Freejumping sessions we also have Little O toddler sessions which are for the little ones aged 5 and under and Peaceful Play for children with special needs.

Brick Wonder at the Horniman Museum – From an ancient Egyptian pyramid to Old London Bridge, and from the natural wonder of a coral reef to the modern marvel of the international space station, travel through history and explore over 50 models made using half a million LEGO® bricks.

Greenwich Picturehouses –  Aladin. A charming street rat. A sheltered princess. A blue genie who holds the key to their future. Guy Ritchie brings his unique flair for fast-paced, visceral action to Disney’s vibrant tale of identity, happiness and freedom in the fictional city of Agrabah. This live-action remake stars Will Smith as the Genie; Mena Massoud as Aladdin; Naomi Scott as Jasmine; and Marwan Kenzari as Jafar. Screens throughout the day.

Netflix – ok, so using the Netflix Nanny while you rush around using those 76mins to do more housework or “working from home bits” is an option but hey stuff the dishes and drop the duster. Close the curtains and snuggle down for a family movie, with popcorn et al. Great option if you don’t fancy turning your lounge into a duvet fort.

Unofficial School Outings – Some mums have also told us they are banding together as a class group and going out on mass to museums or places of interest that are relevant to what’s being taught in class. Check the school office, or your school’s parents facebook page or organise a trip yourself!