What makes a good playgroup?

We're looking for your views on how to find a really good playgroup or mum & toddler group, so we can share them on MFM.

Is it the toys and equipment, the friendliness, the activities, the convenience or how much your little ones seem to enjoy themselves?

Have you ever been to a playgroup once and never gone back?

Do you go to a playgroup where you make sure newbies are welcomed? 

Let us know...

Thanks

Susie

Personally I consider lots of factors,snacks are they healthy,staff,are they friendly? Are the toys suitable for ages of children who attend? and then distance plays a part for me,as picking 1 up from nursery at half day can be tricky.

I attend 2 mother and baby groups,both cost £1 which you cannot beat on price,they run from 10am til 12pm and have a range of activities for the boys,my gripe is biscuits are offered as snacks but alas I'm guessing they are volunteer groups and they'd have to charge much more fo a choice of snack,which may limit their numbers,so I just take a banana with me!!!!!! They are more than happy for me to do this,think that's because I make the cakes at christmas and easter!!!!!

As for playgroups where you leave your children.....anyone who's aregular will no I'm not afan of doing that and very fussy about snacks,activities etc.....Jc wont be attending one,he can go to nursery at school at 3,that's plenty soon enough I think!

---

 

The mum and toddler group that I take Jack to is good.  Recenlty, they needed new Chairperson, secretary, etc, and I am now Chairperson.  We all have an input into the running of it, deciding what toys come out, planning parties, etc. and I think it everyone feels included, then everyone feels more a part of it and enjoys it more. 

New mambers are welcomed, and everyone tries to get on.  I hate groups which click together, and don't let anyone else in.

been to a few playgroup and i never will go back. the hall/place looks dark and cold. it dun caters for all ages like from 0 mths to 3 yr. It is hard when you have two to look after.

We've started going to a playgroup near us for many reasons. Firstly, it was to get my LO to socialise, be in a new environment as she's rather curious about her surroundings now. Secondly, we're new to the area and I really wanted to meet up with other mothers, get out of the house and have some adult conversations too. The playgroup seems to provide healthy snacks for the older little ones - fruit and veg like carrots. Though my LO is too young for these snacks, it's heartening to know that our one pound donation goes a long way. There doesn't seem to be any committees of parents and there are some friends who have obviously come together but there are lots of opportunities to meet mums with babies around the same age as the playground is for 0-18mths. Just perfect. It's a good 10min walk which we enjoy as it's next to a park and a hop skip and jump to the high street for a quick shop or coffee after. Another vital concern for me was hygiene in terms of the toys and mats. I've spoken to the childminders who have reassured me that the toys are sanitised after each session. Bravo for this lovely playgroup. My only hang up is babies who are ill and snorty should be kept at home and not pass the bug around.

I have been to three, in total, and went once to each. I found it was more about parents chatting than playing with their kids or even socialising their kids as many just ignored them and there was conflict with no resolution(!) many times.

Oh Buster that does happen at one I used to attend,mums so interested in chatting whilst their LO ripping shreds out of another!!!! Try and say anything,you get ignored so we ended up leaving,I'd rather entertain my Lo's at home then let them see that!!!!

---

 

When my daughter out-grew the baby group we were attending we went along to the mother and toddler group at the same centre with some of the others of the same age as my daughter.  We only went back once to give it a chance.  On our 1st visit all the other Mums were more intereted in chatting and drinking coffee than stopping their children from stampeding into our little ones.  Hardly anyone chatted to us.  The 2nd week my daughter was chewing on some hand bells and got a clump of hair, from inside the bell, in her mouth so we never went back!

I go to a gaelic playgroup where everything is shared and we all talk about ways to fundraise for the group etc.  Nobody minds if you tell someone elses child off.  This may be because it is such a small group that we are tight knit but we are also very welcoming to new members.

 I like groups where there are plenty toys for all ages, healthy snack and drink, coffee for the adults, parents that pay attention to their children and to other parents.  I always watch my daughter carefully when she goes somewhere new to see how she reacts and if she's happy then I'm happy.  I usually ask her, after a 1st time anywhere, if she enjoyed it and if the play leaders were nice.