Toddler Groups
From first friendships to first words — discover toddler groups and play sessions for 1-3 year olds across the UK.
Your Toddler Groups Journey
Toddler groups, playgroups, and stay-and-play sessions provide the social and developmental foundations for pre-school learning.
Young Toddlers
Ages 12-18m
First steps activities, push-along toys, simple songs, and supported social play.
Stay & Play (drop-in) – Eliot Bank Family Hub
Lewisham Family Hubs
toddler-groupsStay & Play (drop-in) – Bellingham Family Hub
Lewisham Family Hubs
toddler-groupsStay & Play (drop-in) – Downham Family Hub
Lewisham Family Hubs
toddler-groupsActive Explorers
Ages 18-24m
Messy play, soft play, simple craft activities, and toddler-led free play sessions.
Stay & Play (drop-in) – Eliot Bank Family Hub
Lewisham Family Hubs
toddler-groupsStay & Play (drop-in) – Bellingham Family Hub
Lewisham Family Hubs
toddler-groupsStay & Play (drop-in) – Downham Family Hub
Lewisham Family Hubs
toddler-groupsLanguage Blooms
Ages 2-2.5y
Storytime groups, singing sessions, and structured play activities building vocabulary.
Stay & Play (drop-in) – Eliot Bank Family Hub
Lewisham Family Hubs
toddler-groupsStay & Play (drop-in) – Bellingham Family Hub
Lewisham Family Hubs
toddler-groupsStay & Play (drop-in) – Downham Family Hub
Lewisham Family Hubs
toddler-groupsPre-School Ready
Ages 2.5-3y
More structured activities, turn-taking, listening games, and pre-school preparation.
Stay & Play (drop-in) – Eliot Bank Family Hub
Lewisham Family Hubs
toddler-groupsStay & Play (drop-in) – Bellingham Family Hub
Lewisham Family Hubs
toddler-groupsStay & Play (drop-in) – Downham Family Hub
Lewisham Family Hubs
toddler-groupsPre-School
Ages 3-4y
Nursery and pre-school programmes building school readiness, independence, and early literacy.
Stay & Play (drop-in) – Eliot Bank Family Hub
Lewisham Family Hubs
toddler-groupsStay & Play (drop-in) – Bellingham Family Hub
Lewisham Family Hubs
toddler-groupsStay & Play (drop-in) – Downham Family Hub
Lewisham Family Hubs
toddler-groupsWhere Toddler Groups Can Take You
The skills developed transfer to many careers in and around the field.
Playgroup Leader
Running playgroups and toddler activities
Range: £12.9k - £23.7k
Source: ONS ASHE 2024
Key Skills
Typical Route
Helper → Assistant → Leader → Setting manager
Early Years Practitioner
Working with toddlers in nursery settings
Range: £12.9k - £23.7k
Source: ONS ASHE 2024
Key Skills
Typical Route
Level 2 → Level 3 → Room leader → Deputy manager
Salary data from Office for National Statistics, Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) 2024
Toddler Groups Heroes
These stars started at local clubs just like yours. Their journeys show what's possible.
Maggie Atwell
Early Years
Pre-School Learning Alliance founder, champion of playgroup movement
“The playgroup movement gave a generation of mothers community and their children a flying start.”
Professor Kathy Sylva
Early Years Research
EPPE study lead — proved quality nursery education has lifelong impact
“The quality of early childhood provision shapes educational outcomes at 16 and beyond.”
Gina Ford
Baby Routines
The Contented Little Baby Book — bestselling parenting guide
“Routine gives toddlers the security and predictability they need to explore and learn.”
Sue Cowley
Early Years
Author of 30+ books on teaching and early years education, toddler group specialist
“Toddler groups are where the seeds of school readiness are planted — by parents, carers, and community.”
Featured Toddler Groups Providers
These organisations offer structured programmes for young people across the UK.
TotsSpots
299 programmes
TotsSpots connects Irish families with baby and toddler activities across the country. From music classes to baby massage, sensory play to parent-and-child groups, the platform brings together local providers catering for the under-5s. Early years activities support children's development while giving parents opportunities to connect with others navigating the same life stage. Featured classes focus on bonding, early learning, and gentle socialisation in welcoming environments. While TotsSpots is Ireland-focused, BusyKids includes their listings to help families near the border or those planning visits find suitable activities. Browse sessions by location and age to find the perfect activity for your little one.
View provider page →Sample Programmes
Little Ones Playgroup
📍 P25 HC94
Ages ?–1
Nottinghamgymnastics
129 programmes
Nottingham Gymnastics operates from Sixways Community Centre offering structured gymnastics for children from preschool through secondary age. Their colour-coded progression system — red, orange, yellow, green groups — provides clear development pathways. Preschool pioneers sessions develop motor skills before school, while structured independent classes build coordination and confidence. 1-2-1 sessions address individual development needs, and home education gymnastics serves families educating outside mainstream schools. For families in Nottingham wanting gymnastics with clear progression rather than recreational tumbling, the club provides genuine skill development in a supportive community environment.
View provider page →Sample Programmes
Nottinghamgymnastics - Home Ed parent and child
📍 Sixways Community Centre
Ages 3–10
Nottinghamgymnastics - Home Ed parent and child
📍 Sixways Community Centre
Ages 3–10
4 All Foundation
20 programmes
4 All Foundation offers children's activity classes. Book via ClassForKids.
View provider page →Sample Programmes
4 All Foundation - Stay and Play Arleston
📍 Arleston Community Centre
Ages 0–3
4 All Foundation - Stay and play Ditherington community centre
📍 Ditherington Community Centre
Ages 0–4
Find Toddler Groups Near You
Search by location, age, or programme type to find clubs and courses in your area.