Baby and toddler groups

[MozFan]

I know it’s probably the lowest of the list of priorities right now.
But all the talk of social distancing in schools and the new normal has got me thinking, for one they won’t be able to socially distance in nurseries. But also thinking about baby and toddler groups. I’m really missing them. I know they’re likely to be the last thing to re-open, but does anyone think they will try to implement social distancing? Surely it’ll be impossible?

God I never took any of mine to these, my idea of hell!

Or parallel play till about 3yo

Yes.

Parallel play.

Not solitary play.

They are watching and learning from each other.

I suspect it's important.

I wonder if toddler groups don’t run anymore or not for the foreseeable future, maybe I could organise a meet up with a couple of other mums and their toddlers, so my DS can have some interaction with other children his own age. We’d stay outdoors to start with (park, walks, playgrounds if they’re open) I’m talking about after the restrictions are lifted of course.

Parallel play is important though, it’s how they learn to play with others. It’s part of development.

Bumping this as with the latest guidelines,I'm wondering if theres any movement on these groups starting up again.

They were a lifesaver for me as a new parent and we'd love to go back again but I can't see it any time soon. The cleaning post-session would be horrendous and they're mostly run by volunteers. And I can't imagine as many people being allowed in at one time to begin with, so even if you pay, with a lower number it might not cover the cost :(

I was wondering about whether the playgroups would match up small groups of kids with individual workers. One hour play with a smaller set of toys, you sign up to age and toy types, all contact details provided. One hour each, then cleaning, then the next batch.
It's worth hunting for outdoor toddler activities for your young walker OP, some are starting in July in our area, I got onto one course but waitlisted for another.

Playgroups were the only thing keeping my mental health stable

Community centres will be opening back up on the 4th, I wonder if that means children's centres also?