This resource pack equips practitioners with quick‑access tools, training links and evidence‑informed materials to strengthen the quality of toddler group delivery. It brings together practical guidance, activity ideas and specialist organisations to help you create welcoming, well‑run sessions that support children’s development and family engagement.
Useful Resources, Links and Organisations
Webinars
The role of toddler groups in supporting school readiness
Toddler groups are a vital part of our local early years community. Whether they are run by a church or faith group, a charity or group of local parents, they bring families together and provide much needed support. Toddler groups are often referred to as the ‘hidden treasure’ of our nation. So how can Local Authorities, Family Hubs and Health Services work with them to support families and school readiness?
We are delighted to be joined by Joanna Gordon, Founder and CEO of Daniel's Den. Their vision is
- Parents and children having the opportunity to ‘know and be known’ in their local community
- People building ‘relationships that matter’ within and beyond their cultural/ethnic group
The role of toddler groups in supporting school readiness (11/09/25)
Working with volunteers to build stronger communities
Event details
Working and engaging with your local community is essential to any Family Hub strategy, but it can be difficult to know where to start. Join this webinar and hear how effective volunteer strategies can improve community cohesion, bring a wider range of families into Family Hubs and other community settings and contribute to improving GLD when children start school.
Hear more about how the Parent Champions approach has been implemented in Camden and St Helens and how Daniel’s Den, a local early years charity in Brent, sustains their work with the support of parent volunteers.
Speakers
Jo Gordon, Founder and CEO, Daniel's Den
Ellie Grace, Programmes and Development Manager, Coram Family and Childcare
https://youtu.be/ytEALLAYI8A?si=Qpn7P2fSQUG6yxHY
Cbeebies Tiny Happy People Champion Training
Beth Jones from the BBC provides a presentation around how Tiny Happy People can support the home learning environment. A comprehensive walk through of resources to support parents and professionals.
https://youtu.be/ZlFlAg4Vl80?si=hVQwhNF4kxUK6r9v
Collaborating with Faith-Based Services
Hear about:
- The Faith-Based Mapping Project (Gather Movement): Piloted in Oldham, mapping 384 services supporting children and families and aligned with Annex F Family Hub service guidelines. Now extended across 28 local authorities.
- Ongoing Engagement with the Faith Sector: Coordinating delivery through a Faith Leaders Steering Team and hosting celebration events that build relationships and visibility.
- Maximising Collaborative Impact: Family Hub leaders from local and combined authorities share quick wins and longer-term benefits from the mapping project.
Speakers:
Miriam Loxham – Senior Principal, Early Years and Family Hubs, Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Jane Moffat – Early Help Operational Lead, Coventry City Council
Mark Cowling – National Coordinator, Movement for Recovery, Gather Movement
https://youtu.be/cAWbO-Z61oU?si=6CBerJ6wlmDjWiEf
Resource Links
- The Early Years Alliance report into the experiences of toddler groups in England, published June 2023
- 1277 Make them Count – 1277 days from birth to nursery
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1277makethemcount
- The London Network of Parent and Toddler Groups
The London Network of Parent and Toddler Groups is committed to serving parent and toddler groups and those who belong to them by encouraging and equipping them for the important task of supporting families.
https://londonparenttoddler.network/#main
- Creating a village: making playgroups a safe space for all parents and carers
https://thriveatfive.org.uk/creating-a-village/
- This research aims to understand the role of playgroups as a vehicle for building long term wellbeing and feelings of connectedness for families.
- The Salvation Army Support for Children
https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/families/support-children
- Faith in Kids - The tough ministry of midweek toddler groups
The tough ministry of midweek toddler groups - Faith In Kids
- The Gather Movement are a movement based in over 150 cities and towns involving over 8,000 churches and charities who are working together and alongside other partners on the ground to see our places transformed.
https://gathermovement.org/https://gathermovement.org/
- Early Years Alliance - offering information and insurance for toddler groups
Early Years Alliance Baby and toddler groups
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Anna Freud - Running a group for babies or toddlers and their parents and carers
- Cbeebies Parenting - What makes a great stay and play group
https://www.bbc.co.uk/tiny-happy-people/articles/zftwvk7
- Babyzone brings families, practitioners and partners together
to improve early-years outcomes for every child.
- Daniels Den- Local parent and toddler groups, in your community and online
- Gather Movement – School readiness resources https://notjustaparentandtoddler.group/