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.
Minister O’Gorman launches Parent and Toddler Group Grants Initiative 2024
Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman, today launched the Parent and Toddler Group Grants Initiative 2024 as part of the Government’s First 5 Strategy. The Minister has secured funding of €250,000, which will be allocated to Parent and Toddler Groups nationwide through local City/County Childcare Committees (CCCs). From today, Parent and Toddler Groups are invited to make an application for funding under this Initiative through their local CCC.
This year the emphasis will again be on supporting Parent and Toddler Groups that offer a welcome to Ukrainian families and to all families who are newly arrived in Ireland.
Following from the success of last year’s Grants, the Parent and Toddler Group Grants Initiative 2024 will offer two streams of funding:
1. Funding of €800 for existing Groups and €1,000 for the establishment of new Groups.
2. Funding of up to €300 to establish and operate Buggy Walking Groups. These Buggy Walking Groups are organised social walks for parents/guardians and young children. This stream is open to any existing or new organisations or Groups who wish to offer a minimum of six organised walks within their community.
Conditions apply and the CCCs are available to discuss these with new and existing Groups. The contact details for all CCCs can be found here.
In announcing this year’s Parent and Toddler Group Grant Initiative Minister O’Gorman said;
“First 5 the whole of government strategy for under 6’s recognises children’s early years as a critical and distinct period to be enjoyed.
“My Department helps families to nurture babies and young children and support their development, with additional support for those who need it.
“Parent and Toddler Groups provide a great meeting place for parents and guardians with young children to relax and chat together in a supportive environment while children can play.
“I want to thank all the Groups that are offering a welcome and friendship to parents and children in their communities as well as those newly arrived to Ireland. I am delighted to be able to support this work.”
Some parents shared their experiences of Parent and Toddler Groups:
“Thanks to this children’s club, my daughter very quickly adapted [to life in Ireland] and got used to the children, learned to play, make friends, share and much more. Since my daughter is only 2.5 years old, she does not attend full-time kindergarten; we, as parents, really like this type of children’s club. Once again I express my gratitude, you are the best!” – Parents from Lisdoonvarna Parent and Toddler Group.
“It is great to have this opportunity to contact with other families, chat with other parents and help our kids to learn how to play and communicate with each other.” – Parent from Lahinch Parent and Toddler Group
Parent and Toddler Grant Initiative 2024 **CLOSED **
Sligo CCC are now accepting applications for Parent and Toddler Grants 2024
Click here for P&T Application Form
Click here for Guidelines for Parent & Toddler Groups
Click here for Data Protection Declaration
Click here for Annual Income and Expenditure Account 2023
Click here for Progress Report
Please forward your completed application by post to:
Sligo County Childcare Committee
Unit 5 Neighbourhood Centre,
Rusheen Ard,
Caltragh,
Sligo
Closing date: Friday 24th April 2024
Parent & Toddler Groups in Sligo
Ballymote FRC P&T Group
Contact: Niamh Flaherty
Address: Keash Road, 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: Donna Harte
Address: The Avalon Centre, St Annes, Sligo.
Phone: 071916183
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: Kylie Blundell
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: Caral Glynn
Address: Strand Celtic Club House, Strandhill, Co. Sligo
Phone: 087 2118036
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
Website – www.mamogs.ie