The information provided by the Newham Children's Information Service is solely to assist you in choosing a suitable provider, it does not recommend or endorse any of the providers listed. The London Borough of Newham makes every effort to ensure that the information provided is accurate and up to date but cannot accept responsibility for inaccuracies and omissions. You must always check details with providers directly in order to ensure that their service meets your requirements.
NEWHAM CHILDREN’S INFORMATION SERVICE Telephone: 0800 074 1017 or Email: mailto:CIS@newham.gov.uk
PARENT/CARER AND TODDLER GROUPS
The Pre-school Learning Alliance defines a parent/carer and toddler group as a group of parents or carers with children of pre-school age. The groups provide for both children and adults, giving carers the chance to meet and talk to other people while their children play. Groups are run by parents, playgroup staff, or by volunteers.
Sessions tend to take place once or twice a week and most groups are open in term time only. There is usually a small charge to pay which goes towards the cost for refreshments and toys. Parent/carer and toddler groups are not required to register with OFSTED because parents/carers remain with and are responsible for their children throughout the session.
Parent/carer and toddler groups across the country are all very different, however there common goal is that they meet a need in the community. If you would enjoy the company of other adults while your child plays nearby, just go along on the day the group is running and join in.
What do they offer children?
Parent/carer and toddler groups offer children play opportunities to aid physical, intellectual, emotional and social development. They give children a chance to play in the company of other children and to experience toys and materials not available at home. What do they offer adults?
Parent/carer and toddler groups can offer community support for parents, carers, expectant mothers, Childminders, lone parents, children with disabilities or special needs, families on low income, families living in bed & breakfast or cramped conditions, isolated people, nannies or other carers of pre-school aged children. The groups offer a meeting place for parents/carers, and provide an opportunity for relaxation, company, mutual support, advice, social time, sharing good and bad experiences, and meeting and making friends.
The information provided by the Newham Children's Information Service is solely to assist you in choosing a suitable provider, it does not recommend or endorse any of the providers listed. The London Borough of Newham makes every effort to ensure that the information provided is accurate and up to date but cannot accept responsibility for inaccuracies and omissions. You must always check details with providers directly in order to ensure that their service meets your requirements.
CHOOSING A PARENT/CARER AND TODDLER GROUP
The Children’s Information Service in Newham can provide you with information on parent/carer toddler groups in your local area, with details of opening days, times and cost per session.
Newham has around 50 groups and no two are alike, so find the one that suits the needs of yourself and your child. The following questions might help you choose which group you would like to attend:
• How close to your home is the Group?
• How many children are there, and is your child likely to settle there?
• What play activities are provided?
• Is there a good selection of books, toys and play equipment.
• How much involvement is expected from parents or carers?
• Is the play area safe for your child
• Is the group accessible to parents or children with disabilities?
Useful contacts
You can contact the Children’s Information Service on 0800 074 1017 for more information on parent/carer and toddler groups, and other children’s services in Newham.
Newham pre-school Learning Alliance also offer information and advice about parent/carer and toddler groups. They can be contacted at Fellowship House, St. Bartholomew’s Road, East Ham, E6 3AG. Tel: 020 8552 4000 / 020 8470 6071 / 020 8503 5278.
Help with Childcare Costs
Childcare Tax Credit: The childcare tax credit is a new form of financial assistance from the government, which aims at helping families using registered childcare with up to 70% of their childcare costs. For more information, detailed advice and a claim pack call the Tax Credit helpline on 0845 300 3900.
Nursery Education Grant: The nursery education grant is available for most three and four year old children under the Newham Early Years and Childcare
Plan. For information and a list on those providers who are registered for Nursery Education Grant, call the Early Years and Childcare Service (Education Department) on 020 8430 5029 or 020 8430 5031.
Although care has been taken in preparing the information contained in this document, St Bartholomew’s Church & Centre – [PEH] does not and cannot guarantee the accuracy thereof. Anyone using the information does so at their own risk and shall be deemed to indemnify St Bartholomew’s Church & Centre – [PEH] from any and all injury or damage arising from such use.
Disclaimer of Endorsement: Reference to any products, services, hypertext link to the third parties or other information by trade name, trademark, supplier or otherwise does not constitute or imply any endorsement or non-endorsement, sponsorship or recommendation by the St Bartholomew’s Church & Centre – [PEH]. nor is an endorsement of us implied by such links. They are for convenience only, as an index of Service Users at St Bartholomew’s Church & Centre.
