Groups for children, parents and carers

'Stay and Play' Groups

We run 'Stay and Play' groups at both our centres and out in the community for parents or carers and their children.  Please come along if you are interested.  You will find:

• a wide range of activities for the children
• support and information from experienced staff
• no booking required
• a request for £1.25 per session per family towards the cost of activities and/or a snack

'Stay and Play' at Dorking Nursery School Children's Centre

These groups are for parents or carers and their children under three, run on a weekly basis, term time only on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings from 9.30am to 11.15am and Wednesday (note new day from Sept '11) afternoons from 1pm to 2.45pm. 

'Stay and Play' Groups at Dorking Rural Children's Centre

The groups here are for children under the age of 5 with their parents or carers, run on a weekly basis, term time only on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 10.00am to 12.00 noon. On Wednesday there is a toy library available from 11.00am to 12.00 noon.
 

'Stay and Play' Groups at Beare Green

This group is for parents or carers with their children under five, runs term time only on Wednesday mornings from 10.00am to 11.30am and is held at Beare Green Village Hall, Merebank, Surrrey RH5 4RD.

 

Kickers and Crawlers

A baby group for parents/ carers and their children under 1. Come along and meet other mums and have a play with your baby in a baby friendly environment. No pre-booking needed.  One group meets at Dorking Nursery School Children’s Centre every Thursday (note new day from Sept '11) from 1.00pm to 3.00pm term-time only.  Another group meets at Dorking Rural Children's Centre every Thursday from 1.00pm to 3.00pm all year round. (This group runs at the same time as the baby clinic held by the health visitors.)

 

Twins' Group

For parents of twins and multiple births and their children under 5, Fridays, term-time only, 1.00pm to 3.00pm at Dorking Nursery School Children's Centre (please note new times)

 

Dads' and Kids' Group

A group for dads/male carers and their children 0-8 year olds, running all year round. Come along and meet other dads the first Saturday each month, 10.00am - 12.00 noon.  This group meets at Dorking Rural Children's Centre. Please note this will change to the SECOND Saturday in the month from January 2012 - Sat 14th January, 11th February and so on.

Young Parents' Group

An exciting mix of stay and play sessions for parents under 25 and their children, with advice & support about child development coupled with adult learning opportunities and pampering courses for the parents with a creche provided for the children. Tuesday afternoons from 1.00pm to 3.00pm at Dorking Rural Children's Centre, all year round.

 

Childminders' Group

Every Tuesday during term time from 9.30am to 11.30am there is a drop-in 'Stay and Play' session for all local registered childminders at Dorking Nursery School Children's Centre.  All local registered childminders are welcome to attend.  The group provides fun and stimulating activities for the children in their care.  It also enables childminders to share best practice and to support each other. 

There is a noticeboard for both parents and childminders, including information for parents on how to choose a childminder, future group activities for childminders and childminding training opportunities as well as a vacancy list for childminders to advertise their availability to new parents and carers. For a list of local childminders or help in finding one, contact Judith Barnes, the Childminders Group representative, by email - judith.barnes@hotmail.co.uk.

For more information about becoming a childminder or finding a childminder, you may find this website useful:

Surrey County Council Childminding Association: www.sccma.org.uk

 

Post-natal groups

4-week post-natal courses are held at Dorking Rural for first time mothers on Wednesdays from 1.00pm - 3.00pm (at the same time as the health visitors' breastfeeding clinic).  Please call Lesley Crunden on 01306 740095 for further information or to book a place.

 

Toy Library

A free toy library is available on Wednesday mornings from 11.00am to 12.00 noon at Dorking Rural Children's Centre.

 

CAB (Citizens advice bureau)

A CAB adviser regularly visits both our Centres on the following days.  Call the CAB outreach worker, Janet on 07757 734381 for further information.  The Cab advice website is: www.adviceguide.org.uk

Dorking Nursery School Children's Centre

4th Thursday every month at Thursday afternoon Kickers & Crawlers group at 1.00pm (note new day from Sept '11).

Dorking Rural Children's Centre

2nd Tuesday every month at Tuesday morning Playlink Stay & Play group at 10.00am.

3rd Tuesday every month at Tuesday afternoon Young Parents group at 1.00pm.

1st Thursday every month at Thursday morning Playlink Stay & Play group at 10.00am.

 

Holiday Activities

For more information on groups and activities held during school holidays, see "Holiday Acitivities" section.