Parent and Toddler Groups - a guide
Parent/carer and toddler groups offer group sessions which
adults and children always attend together. This gives an
opportunity for fun, friendship, learning (for both adults and
children) and support outside the home. Each group should have an
information leaflet which welcomes everyone and contains details of
opening times, contact names, charges, who runs the group and any
other relevant details.
Who runs the group?
Carer and toddler groups usually rely on parents/carers to
help with the day-to-day running of the group. They can be
organised by an elected committee of parents; jointly with a
pre-school; a small number of parents; by an individual (eg. health
visitor) or by a local church or school.
Who attends?
A variety of people attend including parents, grandparents,
foster carers and childminders. A register should be kept to for
those attending.
Registration
These groups do not have to register with social services as
the adults attending are responsible for their own children and
must remain with them throughout the session.
What do I need to look for?
Safety and comfort:
- are the premises safe for your child and are kitchen areas out
of bounds to children?
- Is there adequate insurance cover?
- Are there facilities for the safe disposal of soiled nappies
and are toilet facilities cleaned if necessary?
- Is there somewhere comfortable for pregnant women to sit?
- Is there a no smoking policy for the session?
Play:
- Are all toys safe? Toys should have a Lion Mark and/or a CE
label
- As wide range of children may be attending, watch out for toys
with small, detachable parts which can be dangerous for younger
children
- Is equipment checked regulary to ensure it's in good
order?
- Is play equipment kept clean?
- Are there safety mats beneath and around climbing
equipment?
Arrivals:
- Is there a safe parking space and easy access?
First Aid:
- Is there a properly stocked First Aid Box?
- Are the telephone numbers of doctor, clinic and ambulance
service close to hand?
- Do you have use of a telephone nearby if necessary?
Fire:
- Has advice been taken from the Fire Service and does the group
have a fire drill regularly?
Support
Many groups are members of the Pre School Learning Alliance, a
national charity which promotes high standards of quality care
amongst different types of pre-school provision. They provide
support, advice and training and publish many helpful books on all
aspects of childcare.