The Toddler Groups
At St. John’s URC
Welcome to our Toddler Groups!
The groups aim to provide play facilities for children aged from one year up to and including the term in which they are three years old (their younger siblings are welcome to come with them!), and a place for their carers to meet and enjoy a time of fellowship with other adults. They meet on alternate Wednesday mornings during school term time from 9.25 - 10.50am and from 11.10am - 12.30pm. There is a charge of £2 for each session to cover the costs of refreshments, equipment, use of the premises, and the parties.
The play facilities include painting and chalk, playdoh, ‘sit-and-ride’ toys, jigsaws, books, a house corner, floor toys, a trampoline, and climbing apparatus with steps, tunnel and slide (built for this age group). We usually conclude the meetings with singing, accompanied by the children playing the instruments.
From time to time, we arrange fund-raising ‘additions’ to our meetings such as a photographer, book sales, Christmas catalogue, etc. but there is no obligation to purchase anything at these events. We also organise parties at Christmas and in summer (Teddy Bears’ picnic). Once a term, we spend a short time with our Minister at a celebration in the church.
The group is run by church members who have freely volunteered their time to serve the community in this way as part of their witness to their Christian faith. We also appreciate all the extra help received form mums and other carers. We always welcome additional offers of help to set up (on Tuesday evenings) and to put away all the equipment!
Please speak to the leader or any of the helpers if you have any concerns about the equipment, premises, etc.. and we will do our best to help. We do ask you to remember that you remain responsible for your child/ren and to be aware of the Fire Drill procedures (copies distributed when you join the group and reinforced by fire drills). We ask those who attend the first group to park in the road when possible (the yellow line does not operate until 11am) but, if you wish to use the car-park, then to wait until 9.30am to allow the St. John's Pre-School carers to leave the area first. Those who attend the second group are asked to park carefully in the car-park, using all available space.
We hope that you and your child/ren will enjoy belonging to these Toddler Groups. If you would like any information about the wide range of activities for children and young people at St. John's, then do not hesitate to ask.
NB The groups are very popular and so a waiting list is usually in operation. Please call Jo to add names to the list or if you wish to transfer to the other session.
If you would like to join the groups or receive more information about them, please contact Jo on 01689 898492.
