What is a Parent & Toddler Group?
A Parent & Toddler Group is a group of parents/carers and their children that meet regularly in a suitable location, for example, a community centre, parish or sports hall. While these groups are great for giving the children an opportunity to play and socialize in a safe environment supervised by their parents, they are also very beneficial for the parents/carers who get to meet others in similar circumstances that live in their area. They provide a great support network where parents have an opportunity to share their experiences and advice.
For more information on the Parent and Toddler Groups in your area, please contact our Office on (071) 91 48860.
For anyone who would like to access further information in relation to setting up a Parent & Toddler Group, a support pack is available to download by selecting the button below
Parent & Toddler Group Initiative
The Parent & Toddler Group Initiative is a strategic partnership between the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and the County Childcare Committees to assist the promotion and expansion of Parent and Toddler Groups.
The grants recognise that Parent and Toddler Groups are providing informal support to parents, grandparents and childminder’s, as well as to young children. These groups are an important source of social contact especially for parents and families new to an area.
Applications for funding under this scheme should only be made by Parent & Toddler Groups that are organised on a not for profit basis and involve the participation of parents in the community.
The Dept.Of Children, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Youth publish Guidelines for Parent and Toddler Grants each year and the criteria for eligibility change each year.
For more information
Contact Suzanne on 071-91 48860
or email suzanne@sligochildcare.ie
Funding will be available for:
- Toys, equipment and books
- Children’s activities, e.g. arts and crafts, music
- Limited funding, 30% of total funding, will be available towards insurance, rent, training or minor refurbishment
Funding will not be available for:
- Groups operating out of private homes.
- One off events such as outings, parties and trips.
- Groups with €4,000 or more income in the previous year.
- Groups that received funding the previous year but did not return the Progress Report.
Parent and Toddler Grant Initiative 2025
Minister Foley launches the 2025 Parent and Toddler Group Grant
Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, today announced an increased allocation of €350,000 in grant funding for the growing number of Parent and Toddler Groups.
The Minister is delighted to announce that additional funding of €100,000 has been secured, on top of last year’s allocation of €250,000, to reflect the growth of Parent and Toddler groups in recent years.
The funding can be used for a variety of purposes including children’s toys, equipment and books as well as children’s refreshments and snacks. It can also be used for children’s activities such as arts and crafts and music. Parents can also be supported with parenting courses and courses in first aid for children.
The funding will be allocated to Parent and Toddler Groups nationwide through local City/County Childcare Committees (CCCs).
From today, Wednesday, 26 February, Parent and Toddler Groups are invited to make an application for funding under this Initiative through their local CCC.
Following from the success of the additional funding streams in previous year’s grants, the Parent and Toddler Group Grants Initiative 2025 will again offer three streams of funding:
1. €800 for existing groups
2. €1,000 for the establishment of new groups
Additional funding of up to €300 is available to establish and operate Buggy Walking Groups. These Buggy Walking Groups are organised social walks for parents/guardians and young children. The grant can fund costs such as refreshments, information leaflets and insurances. It is open to any existing or new organisations or groups who wish to offer a minimum of six organised walks within their community.
Minister Foley is today attending the meeting of the Early Learning and Childcare Stakeholder Forum in the Department of Children, Disability and Equality’s headquarters.
In announcing this year’s Parent and Toddler Group Grant Initiative Minister Foley said;
“I’m delighted to announced the 2025 round of the Parent and Toddler Group Grants to support the wonderful work of these groups who provide a valuable opportunity for parents/carers with younger children to meet in the community. It is very encouraging to see that more and more parents and toddlers are taking part. These groups are an important source of social contact especially for new parents and parents who are new to an area.
“I am pleased that these grants are supporting the growth of Buggy Walking groups, which were introduced post-COVID to encourage more outdoor activity.
“I want to especially thank the groups who are offering a welcome and friendship to parents and children who have newly arrived to Ireland and into the community.”
Last year, 395 groups Parent & Toddler groups received grants. First 5, the Whole-of-Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families, recognises children’s early years as a critical and distinct period to be enjoyed.
Conditions apply and the City and County Childcare Committees are available to discuss requirements with new and existing groups. Contact details for all of the CCCs are available at gov.ie – City and County Childcare Committees.
Applications for the 2025 Parent & Toddler Grant opened on Friday 21 February and close on Friday 21 March.
Contact Sligochildcare@gmail.com or call 07191 – 48860 to request the application and guidelines documents
Parent & Toddler Groups in Sligo
Ballymote FRC P&T Group
Address: Ballymote FRC, Wolfetone Street, Ballymote, Co. Sligo
Phone: 071 91 97818
Benwiskin P&T Group
Contact: Jackie Warnock
Address: Benwiskin Centre, Ballintrillick, Co. Sligo
Phone: 071 91 76721
First Steps P&T Group
Contact: Mabel Kennedy
Address: Methodist Hall, Wine St., Sligo
Phone: 087 6348472
Kiddiwinks P&T Group – Tubbercurry FRC
Contact: Mary Kilroy
Address: Mountain Road, Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo
Phone: 071 91 86926
Little Buddies
Contact: Manager
Address: The Avalon Centre, St Annes, Sligo.
Phone: 0719161836
Little Gems P&T Group – Special Needs Only
Contact: Niamh Driscoll
Address: Union Road, Ballisodare, Co. Sligo
Phone: 071 91 30464
Sligo Childrens Community Garden
Contact: Jenny Early
Address: c/o Sligo LETS, Cleveragh Drive, F91 X314
Email: sligochildrenscommunitygarden@
Sligo FRC P&T Group
Contact: Liz King
Address: 49 The Mall, Sligo, Co. Sligo
Phone: 071 91 46315
Strandhill P&T Group
Contact: Maureen McMorrow
Address: Strand Celtic Club House, Strandhill, Co. Sligo
Phone: 086 0719110
Anam Ceol – Baby Melody
Contact: Jennifer Shingler
Address: Sligo Presbyterian church, Church street, Abbey Quarter North, Sligo, Ireland F91 A312
Email: info@anamceol-babymelody.com
Bump & Baby meet
Contact: Michelle Doherty
Phone: 0879287635 or Email – mamogs.mum@gmail.com
Address: The Model, The Mall, Rathquarter, Sligo
The Bump & Baby meet is on the first Friday of every month between 10am and 12pm
Website – www.mamogs.ie
Tiny Tots
Contact: Donna Harte
Fridays 10am to 11.30 during term time
Phone 0857776888 or email maugherowcommunitypartnership@gmail.com
Address: Maugherow Hall Doonfore, Maugherow, Co Sligo
Skreen/Dromard Parent &Toddler Group
Contact: Ciara Kilgallon
Address:Skreen Dromard Community Centre F91 EYO1
Telephone: 083-1281822
Banada Parent, Baby and Toddler Group
Contact Name: Aisling Gavaghan
Address: The Hilary Room, Banada Abbey Hall, Banada F91 p8xd
Contact: aisling_marie@yahoo.com
Killeenduff NS Parent and Toddler Group
Contact: Michael
Address: Killeenduff National School, Easkey, Sligo FP1 KX78
Email: principal@killeenduffns.ie or Telephone 096- 49228