For many families, the local baby and toddler group is one of the first places that they visit with their little one. Perhaps they want to reach out to other families who also have a new baby, or maybe they’ve just moved to the area and want to make friends as well as find valuable sources of support in their community?
The welcome they receive in that group can make all the difference at a time when they may be feeling apprehensive as they deal with the changes happening in their lives. Experience has shown that, time and time again, groups such as these are as much for the parent/carer as they are for the children. People often share the sense of loneliness and isolation that they can feel at home with little ones, with the weekly visit to the baby and toddler group being a highlight in their routines. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
So, how can you make sure your group is welcoming to everyone?  &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Meeting and greeting &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
It can be quite intimidating walking into a room full of strangers, so that first smile can make all the difference.
A group where every family can feel a sense of belonging is key to inclusion, promoting confidence and a strong sense of identity, while ensuring that diverse characteristics and unique needs are both recognised and valued. Take a moment to reflect on how your group promotes those feelings of belonging when families arrive, and how the group resources reflect the community and families that attend. If adults/children have additional needs or disabilities, what adaptations can you make so that they can access the group and feel included? &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
It's also important for groups to be responsive to the diversity within families and address any inequalities. All are welcome – mothers, fathers, grandparents, foster families, same sex families, blended families, younger and older parents – without judgements or assumptions being made. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Group leaders have a pivotal role in establishing an environment that is warm, caring, safe and secure. Each new family on arrival should be given the information they need on how the group runs, the routines of the session and the policies that are in place to help the group run smoothly and keep everyone safe – for example, that adults are at all times responsible for their children, that no little ones are allowed in the kitchen area, and keeping doors or safety gates closed. This is also the time to be clear about expectations for the session. If families have English as an additional language, consider ways that this information can be shared – perhaps another family who already attends the group could help or local interpretation services? Or can information be presented visually?  &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Building relationships &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Some families may need extra help and support over a number of weeks as they begin to build connections with others and the group becomes an important part of the routine with their little ones. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Parents and carers should feel comfortable that they can approach group leaders to share their ideas and ask questions as this will not only benefit them, but also support the leaders to gain a better understanding of the needs of families. They may have suggestions about how to ensure that everyone feels welcome, so consider ways that you can give them the confidence and means to share their views. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Involving families &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
For many, a baby and toddler group is their first experience of learning through play and a valuable opportunity for them to get actively engaged with their little one’s development. Taking part in different activities at the group can help families to understand how their children learn and what their interests are.  Take a minute to stand back and look at the arrangement of your room and the activities on offer. The layout can help to welcome and meet the needs of the families – is there space for bigger play, cosy corners for books and stories, an area with floor mats for babies along with floorspace for other children to play?  Think as well about the adults in the session – is there room for them to be with their children and actively engaged in the play? While taking care of their children, is there also the opportunity for them to get to know other families and support each other?  &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Getting families engaged and involved in their child’s development at this early stage can help ensure that every child has all the support they need to develop to their full potential and be the very best they can be – and baby and toddler groups are an important part of this. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;