Parent and Toddler groups are often based in church halls, community buildings or other centres such as nurseries, pre-schools, playgroups or Children's Centres. Unlike nurseries or pre-schools, you don't leave you child at the group so you take responsibility for your children while they are at the session. Groups may be open a few times a week for a couple of hours. Some groups are free while others may charge a small fee for attending. Most groups cater for the under threes only. Parent and Toddler groups don't have to be registered with OfSTED, and are often voluntary and depend on the help of volunteers to run them. However, some are run in registered settings such as nurseries and so will have some qualified staff. Some Parent and Toddler groups are aimed at particular groups, including first-time, young or single parents and carers, or parents and carers of disabled children or children with special educational needs.Some advantages of attending Parent and Toddler groups include:

• Allowing your child to socialise, so that they gain confidence without having to be away from you. This means that Parent and Toddler groups are a good step towards leaving your child in some form of daycare.
• Children have the opportunity to play with new toys and join in new fun activities.
• Giving you the opportunity to socialise with other families and so avoid the isolation that looking after small children can cause.

If you are looking for a Parent and Toddler group please contact the Family Information Service on Freephone 0800 073 1214 or email fis@bathnes.gov.uk