What do they do in 'Twos Group'?

[Libra]

DS2 has just started at 'Twos Group' in the village and I have been given a list of when mothers have to go in and help. Apparently I have to go in a few weeks' time and help out. I'm a working mother and DS1 went to nursery full time, so I have never been near a 'Twos Group'. DS2's nanny took him to Mothers and Toddlers and now he is with a childminder she will normally take him to Twos Group. However, I thought it would be a good idea, since I am always moaning about not knowing anyone in the village, to go along on this first occasion that a helper is requested. I can take the day off work, that isn't a problem, but have no idea what I will be required to do. I know no one who has a child of a similar age in the village - DS1 is 11 - and really don't want to appear an idiot or stand-offish (having had the only nanny in a 30 mile radius last year has made me enough of a talking point as it is). So my question is - what will they need me to do?

Ds2 used to go to a group for toddlers aged between 2yrs and 2yrs 11mths. It was basically like a mini-playgroup with toys, crafts, singing etc. Helpers usually did things like helping children to put aprons on, writing names on pictures, pouring cups of juice at snack-time, handing out biscuits, helping to tidy up, helping children to wash hands etc.

Thanks. I could probably cope with that. Tell me I won't have to take toddlers to the toilet?!

I doubt it. They're usually pretty strict about only letting adults who have been police-checked taking children to the toilets. Phew! Quite a few may still be in nappies anyway.

When DS1 was a playgroup (they took children from 2y 6m to School age) the days that I helped out I usually ended up helping set up play equipment, helping put it away, help to make and serve snacks, doing the dishes, washing paintbrushes etc and cleaning the small kitchen area. DS2 was only tiny so in between times I would park myself at an activity (play doh usually), latch DS2 on and usually ended up with half a dozen or so children at the table (including my DS1) and helped them with rolling out playdoh etc.

Other things I got involved in were helping organise trips (phoning for prices etc) and going with them on trips. DS1's playgroup was always happy for Mums to take on little things like this even if they felt unable to take on one of the 'positions'.

Oh no... I've been police checked... Of course, they don't have to know that, do they?
Thanks for this information - you are certainly telling me more than DS2 ('I play with cars')

Sometimes they would ask me to pop to the shops for butter which was quite nice.

Thanks Mrs Spoon. All really helpful information even if it does make my heart sink. Playdoh and me are not close acquaintances, if you know what I mean. The whole idea about going straight on to work after this is probably going to have to be ditched isn't it? Will have to go back home and get changed/washed/de-playdohed first I expect.

LOL Libra, IMO play-doh is fine when it's not being mashed into my house!

Just tell them you've got to go straight to work afterwards and can't participate in anything too messy, I'm sure they will have lots of other jobs. In DS1's playgroup they also had tables with jigsaws, construction etc, I think I generally chose play-doh because it was easy as I was a sleep deprived new Mum who really would have preferred to have been at home in front of daytime TV.