Our free Stay & Play is weekly on Wednesdays, from 10:30am – 11:45am
As we are a Salford Family hub partner, our sessions voluntarily follow the play-based learning approach of the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) through activities that encompass the three Prime Learning Areas (Personal, social and emotional development, communication and language and Physical development).
Our sessions follow the play-based learning approach of the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage). Each week our volunteers set out the room with continuous learning activities such as blocks, puzzles, role play items and sensory toys where the children can explore on their own terms. Many children in our group learn to play together this way and copy from each other; our mixed ages mean younger children are encouraged by their older peers. We have a baby-friendly area where we encourage tummy time activities and have toys suitable for 0-6 months.
In addition we have an adult-guided activity each week such as threading, playdough, colouring, arts and craft or special activities such as our Sensory Den with fibre-optic lights. We encourage parents to guide their children through the supervised activity at the table, and are supported by a VFTS volunteer or staff member when needed. Having an adult-guided activity models new skills for the children and challenges them to try new things, improving their cognitive development and resilience.
Of parents have seen a positive impact on their baby’s development.
Joined us through word of mouth/recommendations from other attendees or professionals.
Shared that attending helps them feel less isolated.
Leave feeling more supported in their parenting journey.
Have made new friends by joining the sessions.
Of attendees said they attend to have access to developmental toys for their child.
Our toys are regularly rotated to ensure children always have new and exciting resources to play with. Parents and carers are encouraged to participate in their children’s play, having fun together as well as meeting new friends.
We have implemented a regular routine at Stay and Play, which has been guided by feedback from our members;
Exploring resources, toys, books and activities with parents supervision. This encourages bonding and attachment with the parent/caregiver, develops cognitive and physical skills and models behaviours that they can take home with them.
Sit down, enjoy a healthy snack and a drink, calm down from the session and speak to our friends. This encourages healthy behaviours such as taking turns, practicing manners (Please/Thank you), sitting down to eat and sharing food. We encourage parents to sit with their children throughout this time.
Sharing our favourite nursery rhymes through a fun song session develops language and communication skills which families can take home with them.
“It’s great that you clean all the toys after the stay and play session - I really appreciate that. Also, the staff are very friendly and helpful, which makes the experience even better. I enjoy song-time and meeting my friends.”
“My baby likes playing, I like meeting people - the mums and staff are all friendly. It makes us get out of the house, my daughter is free and happy and afterwards she has a nap!”
“I enjoy the sessions where it is safe for my child to play with other kids and I can enjoy chatting with other mums”
“Everyone is so nice and welcoming. We love spending time with other people and children, it is great to have more time with my baby to play with toys we don't have at home”
In the school holidays we invite families to bring their older children to sessions, offering arts and crafts, messy play, seasonal activities such as Pumpkin Smash for Autumn, outdoor adventures such as picnics at Buile Hill park and litter picking in the local area.
Our Holiday Club sessions are friendly and inclusive of children of age 0-7 years, still following the EYFS principles and aiming to include activities which encourage physical, personal, social and emotional and communication and language skills.