Praise and Play – It’s ‘Just’ a Toddler Group… Or Is It? – St Alphage
At Solihull Parish, Praise and Play has been a much-loved part of our church life for many years. Meeting every Friday morning during term time in the Parish Centre, it’s a warm and welcoming space for toddlers and their parents or carers to come together. There’s chatting, playing, coffee and biscuits, a Bible-based craft, interactive songs, and engaging Bible stories. It’s full of fun and faith, but also so much more.
Toddler groups can sometimes be underestimated. We hear phrases like:
“It’s just a toddler group.”
“It’s just a few mums and kids and a few toys.”
“It’s just…”
But anyone who’s ever been involved in running a toddler group knows differently.
At Praise and Play, children are learning how to interact with others, developing communication skills, and growing in curiosity. Meanwhile, their parents or carers are getting that rare, longed-for hot cup of coffee and the lifeline of chatting with other adults about whatever’s on their minds. It’s a place of connection, encouragement, and community.
For church-based toddler groups, the role is even more significant. In research commissioned by the Church of England, 40% of practising Christian adults said they came to faith before the age of 5. That tells us something incredibly important: what happens in those early years matters. Deeply.
We’ve seen the long-lasting impact of Praise and Play firsthand. We’ve comforted parents as their children took big life steps, starting school, secondary school, and even heading off to university. And we’ve had the joy of walking alongside those same children as they’ve grown in faith: taking First Communion, being confirmed, becoming Young Leaders at Messy Church, singing solos in the choir, and bringing smiles through the puppet team.
That’s why we know – without question – that Praise and Play is not just a toddler group. It’s the beginning of a lifelong journey of faith, belonging, and community.
And if you’re thinking about starting a toddler group in your own context, we’d simply say: go for it. The rewards are far greater than you can imagine.