Parent and Toddler Groups are places for parents or carers and their children to go and have fun and meet new people. They offer company, friendship and support to adults and give children the opportunity to play alongside and with others. Parents and carers remain with and are responsible for their children throughout the session.
Who are they for?
Parent and Toddler Groups welcome babies, toddlers and pre-school children generally up to the age of three years although some groups, particularly in rural areas, welcome children up to school age. Some groups are more specialised and cater for specific groups such as multiple birth groups or ‘bumps and babes’ groups for ante-natal mums and babies up to a year old.
How much do they cost?
This will vary from a donation to cover refreshments to approximately £1.50 per session.
What to expect?
A Parent and Toddler session is usually between 1 and 2 hours long. How the session is organised will vary from group to group.
Usually they provide opportunities for:
- Free play with a good range of toys available including larger toys such as play houses, tents and tunnels, cookers, and workshops. It can be an opportunity for children to play with toys they may not have at home.
- Table top activities including puzzles, play dough, colouring and building bricks.
- Some groups have a craft activity that may involve cutting, sticking or painting.
- A refreshment break for adults and children. In some groups older children sit together at a table.
- Some groups have a story or singing time, often at the end of a session to allow for clearing away of toys.
How will I know what to do?
Every group has a main organiser who will welcome you and introduce you to the group. Some groups have a welcome letter to explain everything you need to know.
Many groups operate a rota system where parents and carers are asked to sign up for their turn at opening up, making refreshments or putting the toys away.
How are Parent and Toddler Groups run?
Parent and Toddler groups are run in a number of ways:
- Committee run groups - these are groups run for parents by parents. A group of the members will form the committee and meet regularly to make decisions about how the group is run on behalf of the members. The committee will be elected at an AGM and share the responsibility for providing a safe and happy environment for the whole group. Joining the committee is a good way of being involved with the Parent and Toddler Group.
- Church Groups - these are often organised and run by members of the church, leaving parents and carers free to enjoy time with their children. Whilst these groups often have no committee they welcome help and support in running the groups from the parents and carers who attend.
- Supported Groups e.g. in Children's Centres or Family Centres - here professionals and volunteers usually staff the Parent and Toddler groups although parental help is always encouraged.
- Informal Groups - some groups are run on a more informal basis with one or more members organising and running the group on behalf of everyone.
How do I find a Parent and Toddler Group?
The Family Information Service at ask has details of Parent and Toddler groups in Wiltshire. Every group is different and it may take a few visits before you get to know the group and feel part of it. Sometimes the best way to get to know people is to get involved and offer to help.
What if there isn’t a Parent and Toddler Group in my area?
Why not get together with other parents and carers and start a Parent and Toddler group. Kim Law, ask’s 0-3s Outreach Team Leader, is available to guide you through the process.
