Toddler groups and Family activities

A variety of inclusive groups and activities are available at COG to children from birth to 4 years and their families. They predominantly take place during term time, although our popular COG Summer Provision is open during the school summer holidays for children up to the age of 8 years.

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Toddler Groups

Held in a purpose-built, bright and sunny building, annexed to our pre-school, or for adventure and exploration, in our beautiful grounds and woodland, our popular, fully inclusive Toddler Groups are held Monday to Friday during term time, for children aged from birth to four years old.

A lovely opportunity for you to spend time with your baby or toddler (or both) in a relaxed, non-judgemental space, with lots of fun activities for you both; get to know other parents/carers, share stories, ideas and parenting tips. All Baby and Toddler groups are run jointly by a specialist early years practitioner from our pre-school and a member of our family support team, so that you get the best knowledge and experience to support your child's development as well as your own journey as a parent or carer of a small child. And should you decide to join our pre-school when your child turns 2 years old, they and you will know us and our setting, which will provide a smooth transition for your both onto the next stage of their journey through their early years. We're a friendly bunch and we're looking forward to meeting you!

See real-time Baby & Toddler Groups and Community Hubs times on our Calendar.

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How to book a Toddler Group

Most toddler groups are pre-bookable, and although there are sometimes drop-in spaces, it is always advisable to contact us first to check on availability, and avoid disappointment. The exception to this is groups that are invitation only - see details below.

Please contact us via our online form, or if you prefer to give us a call or send an email, that's fine!

Our Groups explained....

Outreach Drop-in - a service for families with children registered at COG Pre-School.

Learning Together (PEEP) - invitation only, contact us for further information.

‍For children from birth to two years old and their parents/carers, this small group session is enjoyable and relaxed with friendly and caring support.

Inspire - invitation only, this is a parents/carers only group – please speak to us at COG or contact us if you are interested.

An opportunity to meet and catch up with other parents/carers; to share and learn from each other in a relaxed space. Positive support to connect with each other through conversation and improve well-being through gentle activities, indoor and out.

Music Makers

Time to enjoy music, songs and rhymes for parents/carers and children, including babies.  Explore sounds and instruments in a relaxed and fun way. Musical activities are varied depending on age groups of children attending each session.  Healthy snack provided.

Little Teds

A lovely session to connect with your child and enjoy a range of fun activities and toys for babies and toddlers. A relaxed place for you to meet other families, swap tips and get advice and support. Healthy snack provided.

Stay2Play

Suitable for children who are two years old or thereabouts, our Stay2Play sessions offer a warm and welcoming space where children can enjoy a variety of stimulating activities, play with others and take steps towards independence.  Small groups for ideas and activities for your toddler which also help support learning at home. Healthy snack provided.

Stronger Together (previously SPOKAN)

An informal and friendly group for parents/carers of children with additional needs, with or without a diagnosis. Run by our Family Support team, we meet monthly at COG and offer support to others in a similar position. Pre-school children/younger siblings are welcome to attend. Your child does not have to attend, or have previously attended COG Pre-School for you to access this group.

NHS Baby Hub

During term time, have your baby weighed and any questions answered by an NHS health professional. Open to all in our local community.

Cirencester Foodbank Hub

‍Every Thursday 1.15-3.00pm throughout the year. Citizens Advice Bureau advisors attend - referral only for all in our local community. Please contact Cirencester Foodbank before attending this Hub.

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The Early Intervention Family Support Team run regular and supportive sessions for parents and carers of young children, including family cookery sessions. For example, during our weekly Inspire group you can try out a new craft or wellbeing activity whilst spending time with others.

Pop-up information sessions at certain times of year explore and promote all aspects of family life; including toilet training, developing skills in communication, and starting primary school; as well as courses and information sessions which include advice on budgeting, personal finance, housing and other advice that may be needed.

We offer individual Triple P and Solihull Parenting programme support as well as a group PEEP session to parents/carers, as we know how hard parenting can be and we all need some extra advice and support at times.  

As well as our own groups and activities, COG is sometimes host to other community groups who provide activities during school holidays and sometimes after school, to COG and local community families. These will be advertised as and when they occur, usually via our COG Facebook page and at our Centre in Beeches Road. You may also find them on our Events page.

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