The effective toddler group guide

This research and background gives practitioners a clear summary of the evidence behind toddler groups, showing how they support early development, family wellbeing and stronger community connections. It highlights key findings you can use to inform your practice, shape decision‑making and strengthen the impact of your sessions.

This resource pack equips practitioners with quick‑access tools, training links and evidence‑informed materials to strengthen the quality of toddler group delivery. It brings together practical guidance, activity ideas and specialist organisations to help you create welcoming, well‑run sessions that support children’s development and family engagement.

Who Let The Dads Out? is a national network of community groups that give fathers and father figures regular, welcoming spaces to spend quality time with their children. Launched in 2003 at Hoole Baptist Church in Chester, the model has grown to over 175 groups across the UK.

Babyzone works in partnership with Family Hubs across multiple local authorities to provide integrated, preventative early years support for families with babies. By embedding Family Hub practitioners and programmes within trusted Babyzone community settings, families are able to access early help, parenting support, health advice and wellbeing services in one welcoming space.

Bristol City Council is keen for there to be ‘no wrong front door’ for families seeking to access support and provision. To increase accessibility to Family Hubs and the breadth of support available, their Family Hub Programme has sought to partner with the local VCFSE sector, who are already supporting families in the city through sustainable, trusted relationships and grassroots projects.