The benefits of your local stay and play group

I started The Play Map to help other parents and carers find their nearest stay and play group. From Ashford to Westminster, we've listed every baby/toddler group near you. It was through attending our local playgroup that my daughter and I realised how important they are to local parents and carers. Here's a few reasons why I think you should get out and support yours!

To Help Social Development

Stay and play groups are a great way for toddlers to develop their social skills. Interacting with peers in a semi-structured setting helps them learn how to share, take turns, communicate, and cooperate with others. And it's been interesting helping our daughter with understanding how to share; something that is tricky when at home without any siblings. It's also great for their future social interactions, especially when attending nursery.

Play-based Learning and Improving Vocabulary

A good stay and play group offers a stimulating environment for both cognitive and emotional development. Through the different activities on offer, children can be exposed to toys and play that they may not have come across before. If a playgroup has a song session at the end, even better! Like attending rhyme-time sessions at our local library, singing has a great impact on language skills and my daughter really looks forward to this part of the session.

Providing a Place for Parental Support and Networking

I've always thought that stay and play groups are not only beneficial for children, but also for parents and carers. They can provide a community where adults share experiences and learn from one another. If you've been with your little one all day, sometimes it's just great to speak to an actual adult and have some adult conversation! We've also met some great friends and arranged fun play-dates through meeting other parents at playgroups.

Preparing for Nursery, Pre-School or Reception

Whilst the age ranges of stay and play groups vary (although the majority will cater broadly for toddlers under 5), it's a brilliant way to get your little one used a weekly routine and, as mentioned above, socialising with other children. This is especially useful if you've yet to start formal childcare at a nursery, pre-school or childminder. The safety of a playgroup means that your toddler can wonder into different parts of the room and get used to new environments and playing without you always in their sight. It's a brilliant way to build independence.

Cost!

With the cost of childcare becoming so expensive, and for some parents this means going back to work isn't financially viable (as everything you'd earn would go on nursery fees), stay and play groups offer fantastic value for money as an engaging activity that allows parents to chat with others and have a little bit of a break (sometimes!). This is not to say that stay and play groups are childcare, but the marginal cost of many of them, and the fact you find one near you if you live in a city almost every day of the week - means that there's no excuse to make the most of them!

One other reason to attend and support your local playgroup is that most of them are run by amazing volunteers. By attending you're supporting their hard work which makes these groups possible. They give their time and care to organize fun activities and create a safe and friendly place for babies and toddlers to play and learn. Without these volunteers, stay and play groups might not exist, and many children and parents would miss out on the benefits. So get out and support your local stay and play group!