Stay and Play Group
An activity group for children and their parents or carers in local villages.
Information, support and advice for parents, fun activities for children and a mobile toy library
What are Stay and Play Groups ?
In the Beane Valley area, we provide activity sessions for families at weekly groups in 4 villages throughout the year. During the school holidays, children up to the age of 8 are welcome at our groups.
Parents and carers of preschool children are invited to bring them along to take part in play activities. However, you do not need a child with you to attend the groups. If your children are at school or preschool, or even if you have not yet given birth, why not come along and make new friends.
Our groups are run by Playleaders and Family Workers, all qualified and experienced in Early Years or Family Support. Each week there is a topic of relevance to parents, and our Family Workers provide information and advice and are happy to discuss any issues. Our Play Leaders set up toys and craft activities and a safe play area for the children.
How the groups are run
Each group is run in a local village hall. The room is set up to provide a safe area for children to play with art and craft activities and lots of toys that are changed regularly. Our Family Workers are available to speak to parents individually during the sessions. Parents and carers are encouraged to play with their children and have fun.
A healthy snack and drinks are provided, and the session ends with parents and children enjoying stories, songs and rhymes.
Occasionally, Health Visitors attend the groups and are happy to discuss any concerns.
Families are able to borrow toys from the Toy Library for a small charge. There is a catalogue at the groups, and orders can be taken for collection the following week. We charge an annual membership fee of £3 and toy rental charges start at 20p per fortnight. We have a huge selection of toys, puzzles, games and storysacks suitable for children from 0 - 8 years.
Stay and Play Groups are open to all parents, grandparents, childminders and nannies. We welcome all parents to come to the groups and socialise. We hope parents will share their tips, experience and ideas and support each other. Wherever you live you are welcome to attend groups in any of the villages.
See our current activity programme to check days and times.
There is no need to book. Sessions are £2 per family per session.
During school holidays children up to 8 years are welcome
