Playtime tip How do I manage parents talking during story and song time? Being upfront and honest and sharing that you find it difficult to concentrate or to be heard while the parents talk. How about having the children’s snack time the same time as the story. The parents can give these out to the children just before the story. The parents maybe can then quietly go and have their tea/coffee and cake? During song time ask the parents to sit with the children, and join in. In your welcome pack you could write a list of expectations that would be helpful for both parents and children.

Playtime tip How do we talk with the parents of a child who is being disruptive? Firstly, be brave! A gentle word with the parent will probably be all that it needs. They will most likely be horrified to be spoken to about their child’s behaviour. Have a helper come alongside the parent and guide them in dealing with the child. Remember the child may not have boundaries in the home. Add a code of conduct in your Welcome pack.

Playtime tip We seem to have an ever increasing number of childminders attending. How can we best manage this? Love and pray for them. Each child and childminder is precious to God. Get them involved in a role. You may need to limit the number of children a child minder can bring – this would need to be put in a Welcome pack.

Playtime tip How can I simply share about Jesus? Share your own story. You will be amazed how people react to your openness. Invite them on a parenting course Invite them to an Alpha course Give an encouraging verse in a card to a parent who may be struggling or needs some help. Invite your minister to the group to let them know who they are and share a Bible story. Do an activity prayer at the end.

Playtime tip How can we maintain a dedicated group of volunteers? Share your vision with the team. Pray for your team and families on a regular basis. Share good news stories with everyone. Send an card with an encouragement and thanks for all they do. Occasionally meet for a meal or a fun night out together. Have a good rota system. Keep communicating to them about each session. Give them a Christmas gift. Don’t take them for granted.

Playtime tip How can we adapt crafts to suit all ages? Look on the internet. Google ‘crafts for preschoolers’ Go to the Playtime crafts section Scramblers network have some great ideas 1277 website Pinterest Speak to Victoria Beech on the Godventure stand.

Playtime tip Each week we are having to turn parents and families away because of the limit of numbers. What can we do? Think about limiting your group to under 3 year olds Could you do a 9.30 – 11am slot and then a 11.30 – 1pm slot? One family per slot. In your Welcome letter put a statement like: ‘Anyone is welcome to our group whether you are parent, minder, grandparent or other, with children of 0-2 years, by the age of three your child will be at Preschool. If you have a younger child attending you may bring an older one if they don’t have a Preschool session’. Work on a boundary in your area. Make sure at the beginning of a new term families know about limited numbers. If needed use a waiting list.

Playtime tip Ideas for themes for the year. Any help please. Creation Firework Night Christmas Polar Pancake Valentines Mothers Day Easter Farm Riverbank Woodland animals Counting Colours Seaside Birds Holidays Pets Go Teach material (Exhibition Zone) Scripture Union - Tiddlywinks

Playtime tip What are the benefits of having sensory play? Sensory Play is learning – it is work through play, they are exploring with all their senses. Will help the behaviour in the group as it is especially helpful for boys to focus longer on something rather than run round the room screaming! It’s calming. Sensory Play and other ‘stations’ in the group means cliques don’t form. It keeps the parents moving around the building. Sensory Play is FUN