What would you look for in a stay and play/playgroup?

[mammajulie]

I’m a childminder and I’ve been convinced to take over running our local playgroup! I’ll have two wonderful assistants helping out, so there’ll be plenty of support — but I’d love some fresh ideas to keep the group fun and engaging.

What are some of the best playgroups you’ve been to, and do you have any tips or activities that have worked well for you?

Thanks in advance!

Somewhere that is clean and disinfected regularly (including the toys washed and broken ones mended/replaced/thrown out) would be top of my list. A clearly designated space for babies/non walkers which is adhered to by everyone (carers, staff, kids) plus a clear area for older kids to play in (do you have access to outside space?) as well as clear opening/closing times which are stuck to unless it is an emergency. If you do have to close/change days then communicate this quickly - one we used to go to had an admin post only whats app group which parents could opt to join and they posted if there would be any changes. Dont just stick it on SM and hope for the best, as most people dont check (or arent on!) your SM before leaving the house. Where I live you would do well if you were open during half term/INSET days, as everywhere closes, but that depends on whether you have childcare yourself. But if you do open in school holidays have a clear and consistent sibling/school age kids policy - no one wants a herd of 8-10 year olds taking over the place.

It is unclear from your post whether carers are expected to stay (a stay and play) or if you will have the kids alone (a play group) but if you have parents there then a decently stocked cafe, with free water easily available plus space for things like buggies/highchairs (that isn't in the play area!) ... oh and a good changing table/area in both men and women's toilets which is cleaned regularly, with signs in the eating area to ask if you need a spare nappy/wipes etc as it is too late by the time you are in the toilet. If you put them in the toilets then people will pocket them even if they have their own.

Another place we went to invited a local pottery painting place in before key dates like fathers/mothers day, Christmas etc and people could do everything there (including paying/collecting it) which was much easier than trying to get into the actual pottery cafe. They also partnered with an independent "party guy" who did free 15 minute sessions a couple of times each week which constantly kept him in business as the main "party person" for 3-5 year old parties. Poor guy.

Make sure you and your assistants go out of your way to talk to parents who seem to be on their own, so they feel welcome and want to come back again.

I’ve been to groups where the volunteers actively seek out newcomers or those on their own to talk to them and it really makes a difference, compared to groups where they all stick together and just chat to each other ignoring the parents (unlikely to go back).

Make sure if you give a snack it isn’t a choking hazard please - so grapes and sausages need to be cut appropriately. Apple is best avoided. Popcorn, marshmallows and boiled sweets should NOT be given to under 5s. Avoid lollies.

Keep an eye on the toys. Don’t put out broken ones or ones that need new batteries - this leads to upset kids.