To think this is the end of toddler groups ?

[showmethewaytothemagic]

Prebooked classes for babies and toddlers are allowed but drop in groups aren't due to Covid ? I can't see many voluntary groups reopening. I enjoyed them so much with my DS and when you're on a budget it's great to get out.

I run a voluntary drop in group and believe me, as soon as it’s allowed WE WILL BE BACK!!!!!!

Have missed it so much. We did one in the playground this week and it was absolutely lovely (thankfully weather was warm and dry) but from Monday that’ll be illegal. Crushed.

I also help to run one and it is breaking my heart not to be able to do it. We've been doing outdoors meet ups which are helpful, but just not the same. Ours has been running for decades, so will definitely be back!

I enjoyed our weekly one too. Haven’t been since March. I doubt it will be back.

I haven't seen the details but surely the drop in playgroups can switch to pre booked while they need to.

A simple email confirming attendance a day before the group would mean it is pre booked and the numbers attending be controlled (which I'm guessing is the objective).

My drop in baby group was my sanity when my DD was born. At times it was the only source of adult conversation (bar DH) I had in the week. I am due DD2 in 8 weeks and am very worried about how I will mentally cope without it. I dont think baby groups dont work well with a toddler in tow, and toddler classes dont work well with a baby in tow unfortunately.

All the ones near me are still closed whihc is frustrating and has meant a very isolated maternity leave. 2 of them have issued statements to say due to the changes in law from next week they don't see any viable way in which they can open so they have taken the decision to close. I doubt they will be the only ones to do so.

It's that these groups don't have the resources or manpower ( and money) to organise prebooking. Plus you are meant to socially distance indoors to be over the 6 people. Baby classes seem to be doing mats you stay on as islands 2 m apart. I can't see this working as a free for all type group ... but then is soft play is open with prebooking so there must be a way around it ?

I have a DD now and do want to go to a baby / toddler group 😌

It really sucks. Ours is in our church hall and I wanted to start again in September with masks, social distancing etc but the church leadership thought it would be too many different bubbles coming together. We’re in an area where covid rates are rising so it’s probably wise not to do it.

But for struggling parents I know our group is a lifeline. So I’m really gutted.

I did the story and singing time on zoom through lockdown but obviously it’s not the same.

Used to go to one a day with my two. Honestly kept me sane. So sad for new mums without friends or family living close by.

They can open with more than 6 can't they?

I’m gutted. Our toddler group in the local church hall was great and really relaxed so it was a good place for my highly strung DS. It was a real lifeline for me.

We had a meeting the other day about how we could restart ours - it would be so different to what people are used to and even with booking I don’t know how we would keep carers apart and keep the toys clean etc.

I made some suggestions on our group chat about streamlining toys, everyone pitching in to clean and bringing our own drinks/snacks. Our group’s not particularly busy so we could keep apart ok. But the committee say too risky so that’s it.

I run a programme for girls aged 2-4 at a local Nottingham school but we are still unable to welcome families due to COVID-restrictions. I am though creating an online learning and activity space for families to have access to specially designed activities by EYFS specialists. If anyone wants to find out more, feel free to send me a message and I can share more information.

Once it is safe to do so, we will be able to welcome families back into school.

I miss the rhyme time sessions at the library, my DS absolutely adored them. We last went in late February, we also went to a singing group around the same time which he loved. He was around 16 months old at the time, now he’s almost two and I hate the fact he’s missing out. He’s starting football on Saturday though so that’s something!