Parent and toddler groups - a guide for parents
Parent and toddler groups provide a meeting place for parents and carers with babies and small children to relax and chat together while children play. They offer opportunities for friendship, learning & fun!
Groups are usually run and used by grandparents, childminders and nannies as well as parents. Some are run as part of the service of a pre-school. A small fee is charged for each session to cover refreshments and running costs. Groups usually meet for a few hours once or twice a week. They meet in many different places - church halls, clinics, community centres and children's centres.
Parents and carers always stay with their children and this is why, unlike other groups, parent and toddler groups do not have to be registered with OfSTED (Office for Standards in Education).
Each group has something different to offer so it is a good idea to visit a number of groups before you decide which one suits you and your child best.
If you wish to join a parent and toddler group then you need to visit during the hours that they are running. It is a good idea to telephone first (where a contact number is provided) to check the days and times and whether there is a waiting list.
Parent and toddler groups offer:
- a place to go, where both adults and children are welcome.
- an opportunity for parents to be with their children without the distraction of household chores.
- time and space for children to learn through satisfying play, perhaps with more equipment than can be provided at home.
- the chance for parents to compare notes with others doing the same job.
- opportunities for both adults and children to learn by observing and absorbing new practices and ideas.
- access to other community resources.
- the beginning of friendships that may last way beyond parent and toddler pre-school days!
For a printed version of this leaflet please contact FiND.
To view a list of parent and toddler groups in Redbridge please click on the following link: