Ducklings Parent & Toddler Group

King’s House School in Richmond started Ducklings Parent & Toddler Group in January 2023. Held at King’s House Nursery, sessions are free of charge and open to all families in the local community. The toddler group runs from 1.30 – 2.30pm once a week during term time in the Caterpillar classroom and is aimed at children aged 18 months to 3 years. Led and planned by Nursery staff, sessions include a range of free flow activities and end with a music circle time. 

Aims

To support families and young children in the local community, providing opportunities for them to socialise and meet. 

To provide opportunities for children to develop social skills following the impact of Covid on early years development.

Background

King’s House started Ducklings after noticing the impact that the pandemic was having on children, with many missing out on the chance to play and interact with each other as babies and toddlers without the usual playgroups. As a result, parents and carers also lacked support with fewer opportunities to meet each other. Many childcare providers have unfortunately been impacted by Covid and the cost-of-living crisis, with some closing, and King’s House has been able to provide support for families through an accessible toddler group. The group has been running since January 2023 and plans to continue indefinitely. 

Resources

Staff time is key to the success of this partnership; sessions are planned by a Nursery Class Teacher, and supported by the Head of the Nursery and Marketing Manager. Sessions run in the afternoon, when Caterpillar Classroom is available. The School has funded additional age-appropriate toys and resources.

Impact

Families are able to ask teachers questions, set up playdates, or we can recommend activities in the local area. Particularly in a post-Covid early years environment, Ducklings has enabled families to connect with each other.

Staff are also able to ask families about their concerns and worries, becoming more aware of childcare needs in the local area. We are also more aware of the individual needs of those children who do go on to join King’s House Nursery, supporting the settling in period. 

Around 50 families have attended at least one session in the last 14 months.

Pupil Involvement

Up to 15 children from the local community attend each week, usually aged 18 months to 3 years. 

Frequency

Held once a week for an hour during term time, planning to continue indefinitely.