News: Little Nippers starts back after Easter on Monday 16th April, 9.15am.
Little Nippers is a toddler group run by the Holy Redeemer for the local community.
The group is held on Monday’s at 9:15am to 11:30am during term time (not including public holidays) and is for 0-4 year olds. We meet at the Holy Redeemer Church hall on Churchmore Road, next to the Vicarage (directions). There is a £1 donation per family per session. The group is very friendly and new people are most welcome.
A typical morning
The mornings are very relaxed and informal. People usually turn up with their children in the first half hour of the doors opening. The sessions are mainly a free-play time. Children can play with any of the toys or get involved with the activities. Those who bring children often play with their children, chat with other carers and drink tea. Halfway through the play session, we have a singing and story time. The children are given drinks and biscuits and we normally have a few songs with plenty of actions and, every other week, a Bible story. The kids love the sessions – the most difficult part is getting your children to leave at the end!
Toys
We have a good variety of toys. The ball pit is very popular. We also have a small seesaw and slide on soft mats, a children’s kitchen, train set and a model farm. There is plenty of space in the hall, allowing the children to enjoy themselves and run around. There is also a small outside space that the children can use in the summer.
Activities
We try to run different activities for the children. We usually have an arts and craft activity. Some times we do cooking. In the summer, the children can play outside. Every week, an important part of our session is a singing and story time (above). This is known to be a valuable way of helping children develop good reading and writing skills. By having a Bible story on alternate weeks, we also hope to encourage the children’s spiritual development.
Special events
From time to time we run special events at Little Nippers. Recently we had a photographer come in to take pictures of children and their carers. In the summer we sometimes have visits to the parks and at Christmas we have a special Family Carol Service that all children and carers from Little Nippers are invited to.
Safety
To ensure that Little Nippers is a happy place, we try to ensure that it is safe space. Parents and carers are responsible for looking after their children while at the group; we do not have a creche facility to leave children. All of our volunteers have mandatory Criminal Record Bureau checks in keeping with our Safeguarding Children Policy.
New families
New children and families are welcome at Little Nippers. We currently do not have a waiting list; new families can simply turn up and introduce themselves on the day.
Please come to the side door on the right of the Hall, not the front doors which are kept closed during the sessions.
Contact
For more information about Little Nippers toddler group, Sunday School or any of our other activities, contact Denise Gilmour. Families are always welcome at our services.
