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Original poster

Anyone run a baby and toddler group (Not company like baby sensory etc.)?

53 replies

Thegirlwithnousername · 14/08/2020 12:17

Hello,
I run a local baby and toddler group in a village hall once a week for 2 hours.
It's just toys and I do a craft and snacks kid of play area for babies and kids.
I am just a mum of two who's taken this on so I feel a bit out of my depth with this virus.
Anyone else in a similar situation?
What are your plans for returning?
Will you be returning before Christmas?
How can you see it working if you do return soon?
I just can't see a fesiable way to do it, With cleaning all the toys once finished to then cleaning all the required bits for the hall.

OP posts:
queenstownlovin · 14/08/2020 12:24

I run a stay and play in a church hall, I'm not a parent though it's just part of my job. We aren't back on at all yet and won't be for a good while. Parents keep asking but we just don't feel there's a way to do it safely yet.

Hannah2199 · 14/08/2020 13:08

Tricky one. Would it be possible to limit numbers or divide same kids across 2 sessions? In terms of cleaning I've heard that schools /shops are quaranting tems for 72 hours before putting back out so in theory if you put the toys away and got them out again the following week would that be ok??

In terms of social distancing I'm not sure?

I think soft plays are just asking people to sanitise hands on arrival etc.

Twizbe · 14/08/2020 13:10

I used to run a baby group in a church hall. We're under the NCT banner so not able to re start yet.

I could do it with asking parents to bring their own toys and a take away cup for the drinks... not sure how I'd limit numbers etc.

It's such a shame we can't run any events. We'd talked about doing a park walk before lockdown but can't even do that

DeepTreacle · 14/08/2020 13:18

I really feel for you. This is something I feel particularly bitter about, having just had my second I was hoping to meet other families with similar aged children in my village at the wonderfully friendly and well run toddler group (I have been twice on days off work), and have somewhere easy and friendly to take my toddler over the winter. I was always so impressed with their hygiene standards and regular cleaning regime for toys etc. I was hoping to volunteer to help myself. It’s so sad that there isn’t a way to get these things up and running again as I know they are sorely missed

Original poster
Thegirlwithnousername · 14/08/2020 13:46

@queenstownlovin

I run a stay and play in a church hall, I'm not a parent though it's just part of my job. We aren't back on at all yet and won't be for a good while. Parents keep asking but we just don't feel there's a way to do it safely yet.
I agree I just can't see any way we can do it, but just wanted some ideas from others incase I was missing something obvious.
OP posts:
Layladylay234 · 14/08/2020 13:47

@Twizbe, can I ask why you can't run them outdoors?

Original poster
Thegirlwithnousername · 14/08/2020 13:48

@Hannah2199

Tricky one. Would it be possible to limit numbers or divide same kids across 2 sessions? In terms of cleaning I've heard that schools /shops are quaranting tems for 72 hours before putting back out so in theory if you put the toys away and got them out again the following week would that be ok??

In terms of social distancing I'm not sure?

I think soft plays are just asking people to sanitise hands on arrival etc.

All good idea's the issue is we don't have a booking system so I don't know who's going to turn up week to week, It's just a pay as you go session. It sounds plausible with the quarantine of toys as no one else uses our stuff between groups.
OP posts:
Original poster
Thegirlwithnousername · 14/08/2020 13:49

@Twizbe

I used to run a baby group in a church hall. We're under the NCT banner so not able to re start yet.

I could do it with asking parents to bring their own toys and a take away cup for the drinks... not sure how I'd limit numbers etc.

It's such a shame we can't run any events. We'd talked about doing a park walk before lockdown but can't even do that

It's so difficult, Even to know where to start. I don't know if even asking people to bring their own toys would work with others coming over and joining in?. I know kids don't have to socially distance but adults do and it's tricky.
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Layladylay234 · 14/08/2020 13:50

@Thegirlwithnousername A bit different but relevant none the less - my son's karate classes have just started back up and they don't have an online booking system - he puts out the timetable on FB and tells everyone they must book a space if they want to attend. They can then either FB,messsage,email or text and he confirms it. He then says when they're full. He does all this a week in advance. Would something like that work? I'd imagine most parents would be on FB x

Original poster
Thegirlwithnousername · 14/08/2020 13:55

@DeepTreacle

I really feel for you. This is something I feel particularly bitter about, having just had my second I was hoping to meet other families with similar aged children in my village at the wonderfully friendly and well run toddler group (I have been twice on days off work), and have somewhere easy and friendly to take my toddler over the winter. I was always so impressed with their hygiene standards and regular cleaning regime for toys etc. I was hoping to volunteer to help myself. It’s so sad that there isn’t a way to get these things up and running again as I know they are sorely missed
It's so hard, I have two kids and they are a lifeline to many. I really feel for those who have had a baby recently missing out on groups. I miss running it and both my kids love the group. We work really hard to provide somewhere fun for the babies and children and I love it when they come away after having so much fun. Hopefully we can find a way to do it
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Layladylay234 · 14/08/2020 13:56

Me again! Just to give you a perspective from a new parent. I have a three month old and would be more than happy to bring my own toys as long as it meant I could get out of the house so myself and my baby could socialise. And I would imagine most other parents would too. I think at this stage,it's more about getting out of the house and meeting other people.

I posted on the other thread about baby and toddler groups. I've just signed up for a baby signing groups starting to run f2f again and all the adults attending have to wear masks and socially distance but can bring their own toys and drinks for after the session to socialise with other mums. She's doing 4 sessions a week like this and 2 are already full.

In short,I think you could put in a lot of procedures on place which make it different to the baby and toddler group you were running before and I still think people would be eager to come. X

Original poster
Thegirlwithnousername · 14/08/2020 13:57

[quote Layladylay234]@Thegirlwithnousername A bit different but relevant none the less - my son's karate classes have just started back up and they don't have an online booking system - he puts out the timetable on FB and tells everyone they must book a space if they want to attend. They can then either FB,messsage,email or text and he confirms it. He then says when they're full. He does all this a week in advance. Would something like that work? I'd imagine most parents would be on FB x[/quote]
Oh that might be a possibility, I think most people are on our Facebook group or know someone on their, I could add my number for those not.
Thank you I will explore that option.

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Original poster
Thegirlwithnousername · 14/08/2020 14:00

@Layladylay234

Me again! Just to give you a perspective from a new parent. I have a three month old and would be more than happy to bring my own toys as long as it meant I could get out of the house so myself and my baby could socialise. And I would imagine most other parents would too. I think at this stage,it's more about getting out of the house and meeting other people.

I posted on the other thread about baby and toddler groups. I've just signed up for a baby signing groups starting to run f2f again and all the adults attending have to wear masks and socially distance but can bring their own toys and drinks for after the session to socialise with other mums. She's doing 4 sessions a week like this and 2 are already full.

In short,I think you could put in a lot of procedures on place which make it different to the baby and toddler group you were running before and I still think people would be eager to come. X

Thank you for that. Can I ask somethings. We change £1.50 for the two hours which include snack and tea and coffee for the parents. We don't run it to make a profit and I use my own money to provide the snacks etc. But would people still be happy to pay this as we still have to cover costs of hiring the hall if we aren't actually providing the usual things? And to then ask them to bring their own toys? I feel I might be being cheeky?
OP posts:
FoxtrotSkarloey · 14/08/2020 14:05

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ.

Layladylay234 · 14/08/2020 14:05

Honestly,I really don't think most people would have a problem paying,especially that little! As I said,at the moment,it's as much for the adults as the kids right now,especially if you're a new mum. The baby signing class is £6 for a 30 mins session and then socialising afterwards. So I'd happily pay £1.50- I don't suppose you're running in the East Midlands are you?!

I honestly think if you put the feelers out on FB, you'll be pleasantly surprised at the positive response you'll get. Most people are just desperate to get back to some sort of normality. Especially people with limited time left on maternity leave and with toddlers.

As I said,the baby signing lady was very clear and honest in her email,even explaining that she had to run a certain amount of classes to cover her cost,so there's no harm in being honest about that either,the parents will know the position you're in

whoknowswhichwayisup · 14/08/2020 14:08

You could have buckets out for used toys so once a baby has finished playing with something they could go in the bucket for cleaning and you could put more out as you go along?

Layladylay234 · 14/08/2020 14:09

Oh yes,and one final thought,at the buggyfit class I attended last week,the lady made us sign a disclaimer basically saying she'll do her best to protect us from Covid but at the end of the day,we have to be happy with the risk we're taking. So you could also look into doing one of those to protect yourself.

Hannah2199 · 14/08/2020 14:20

Not sure bringing own toys would work if it's a toddler group? Theyll all be sharing toys and clear up at the end would be tricky.

Definitely do a list of people who are coming in advance. People are desperate to get out so I'm sure you'd have loads wanting to sign up.

DeepTreacle · 14/08/2020 14:31

The drinks and snacks are not crucial for me at all - I would be very happy to paymore than that to cover costs (and to cover costs of those who can’t afford it). I’m less happy about the idea of masks if adults can distance but I appreciate that that’s basically a given now. These groups are so valuable, especially with all the other low cost and free indoor activities so restricted for toddlers (in my area libraries, museums, swimming pools all still closed or older children only) and it would be a huge shame for them to be unable to start up again.

Original poster
Thegirlwithnousername · 14/08/2020 14:32

@FoxtrotSkarloey

I know you said not companies, but a lot of the baby sensory type organisations near me are starting up again and have details on their websites about the measures they are taking. Could you look at a few for inspiration?

Personally I'd be happy to bring my own bits and pieces to a hall with non-mobile babies, and sit down and have a natter with people from a distance, but I'd be less keen with mobile babies/toddlers.

I will have a look, I didn't think about what they are putting out as measures actually, Thanks That's the thing we have from birth up until 4-5 so it's hard to police the older kids!
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Original poster
Thegirlwithnousername · 14/08/2020 14:35

@Layladylay234

Honestly,I really don't think most people would have a problem paying,especially that little! As I said,at the moment,it's as much for the adults as the kids right now,especially if you're a new mum. The baby signing class is £6 for a 30 mins session and then socialising afterwards. So I'd happily pay £1.50- I don't suppose you're running in the East Midlands are you?!

I honestly think if you put the feelers out on FB, you'll be pleasantly surprised at the positive response you'll get. Most people are just desperate to get back to some sort of normality. Especially people with limited time left on maternity leave and with toddlers.

As I said,the baby signing lady was very clear and honest in her email,even explaining that she had to run a certain amount of classes to cover her cost,so there's no harm in being honest about that either,the parents will know the position you're in

Thank you, Unfortantly we aren't in East Midlands - North Dorset. I will pop a post out on my fb group and see what people say, Thank you so much for your input its nice to have a fresh pair of eyes, Sometimes you can't see the wood through the tree's, You have given me some options to think about. I do like the disclaimer as well.,
OP posts:
Original poster
Thegirlwithnousername · 14/08/2020 14:37

@Hannah2199

Not sure bringing own toys would work if it's a toddler group? Theyll all be sharing toys and clear up at the end would be tricky.

Definitely do a list of people who are coming in advance. People are desperate to get out so I'm sure you'd have loads wanting to sign up.

Yes I am not sure about own toys but I did like the basket idea about putting used toys in a basket for us to clean.
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DeepTreacle · 14/08/2020 14:38

I have a non-mobile baby and there is quite a bit starting up for them because it’s easy to maintain distance. There is very little if anything for toddlers and preschoolers. Whatever you manage many people will bite your hand off I think. Personally I am accepting that they can’t be expected to distance and I think that those who would find that too worrying would just stay away anyway.

Morfin · 14/08/2020 14:45

Honestly, schools and nursery are back with no social distancing so I genuinely can not see why you can't (fwiw I don't agree with the school plan) limit the number, say 20 (this is the amount some sports clubs are allowed) ask the adults to SD and only put out toys that are easy to wash in a soapy bucket. Have one person making the drinks (and increase it to £2 per session you shouldn't be financing it yourself)
Get everyone to sign in each session then that's your 'bubble' and information for track and trace, and get them to sign that they are free from Covid symptoms. Unlike schools parents can choose if they are happy with this.

Original poster
Thegirlwithnousername · 14/08/2020 14:47

@DeepTreacle

I have a non-mobile baby and there is quite a bit starting up for them because it’s easy to maintain distance. There is very little if anything for toddlers and preschoolers. Whatever you manage many people will bite your hand off I think. Personally I am accepting that they can’t be expected to distance and I think that those who would find that too worrying would just stay away anyway.
I agree, I think the people that attend will be open to them mixing with others and those that aren't happy will stay away. Parent's do have too which I think will be difficult with limited amount of space. I just want to try my best to try and get back to normal for them as much as possible as their little lives have been turned completely upside down.
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