Unique baby and toddler groups, providing essential support for families in Grove, Wantage and the surrounding villages.
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8th July 2022.
We are really enjoying seeing so many new people as well as lots of familiar faces at our groups this term. Now it is sunny we are making use of the garden for our Grove Stay and Play Group, so please remember sun hats and sunscreen for yourselves and your little ones when playing outside.
We are getting closer to our summer break. Our current term will end on Monday 25th July. We will return to toddler groups on 12th September 2022. We wish all those starting school this September the very best of luck. It is an exciting stage for the children and the parents, and we hope that the skills, opportunities and fun they have experienced whilst attending our groups has set them up for a successful start in school.
In August and early September, we are running a few Bumps and Babies group on Thursdays at the Beacon in Wantage on 18th August, 25th August and 1st September. Booking will be through the bookings calendar as usual. We will return to both Grove and Wantage Bumps and Babies groups on 12th September 2022.
Our Summer Term programme, from 25th April until 25th July inclusive is:
Mondays at St Johns Church Hall in Grove - 10am Toddler Stay and Play, 12.45pm Bumps and Babies
Tuesdays at East Challow Village Hall - 10am Toddler Stay and Play
Wednesdays - No groups.
Thursdays - The Beacon, Wantage - 10am Toddler Stay and Play, 12.45pm Bumps and Babies
Fridays - School Readiness drops in, Wantage Library, 10am - 11.30am on 17th June, 1st July and 8th July ONLY.
Toddler Stay and Play is for all 0-5 year olds and their parents or carers.
Bumps and Babies is for all pre-walking babies and their parents or carers, and for pregnant ladies.
Please continue to book your spaces for our groups by clicking 'Book Now'. This allows us to manage numbers and capacity, and avoids disappointment for you and your little one on the day if we are full. All dates, times and venues of groups we are running are our online booking calendar, and bookings open 7 days 4 hours before each group. Click 'Book Now'. If a group is fully booked, it is worth going on the waiting list, as we often get drop outs in the days leading up to a group. This ensures we operate within our limits, and avoids disappointment at the door. We pride oursleves on ensuring we have a friendly and welcoming environment for everyone, and we have you space and time for you to chat with other families and with our friendly staff. Follow us on our facebook page www.facebook.com/growfamilies to see the latest updates and any changes to our programme.
All groups are free to attend, donations welcome but not expected. We have funding from grants, but a suggested donation of £2-£3 per family would make a difference to help us keep going into the future. We will have a pot for cash at the welcome table at each group. Please see a member of GroW staff during the session to donate by debit or credit card, or by Apple Pay or Google Pay. There is no expectation or pressure for anyone attending to donate. Find out more Support Us
Making new friends and creating a support network:
Attending any of our groups or courses are a great way to make new friends and to create a social support network locally.
If you are pregnant or have a baby under 12 months old, we have created a What's App chat group to create a support network of local parents and carers. If you would like to join the group, please email or Facebook message us with your postcode, and age of your baby/due date and we will send you a link to join.
The Family Links Nurturing Programme is a 10-week parenting programme, and the Family Links Parenting Puzzle is a 4-week parenting programme for those with children aged 0-5 years old. These programmes helps to improves the emotional health of both adults and children and strengthens family relationships. They provide strategies and support through your parenting journey. GroW Staff are trained to deliver these courses. To register your interest in attending a Parenting course, please email contact@growfamilies.co.uk to find out more and to reserve your space. Find out more at: https://www.growfamilies.co.uk/nurturing-programme-for-parents