Martlesham with Brightwell received a grant of £1500 to assist with the launch of their toddler group in January 2025, which immediately attracted large numbers. Each week, between 15 and 30 children visit with their adults. Lots of childminders and grandparents attend the group but also many young parents with their children. Nearly every week new people are welcomed who have heard about the group from friends or social media. The quality equipment, large space and warm welcome all seem to lead to visitors having a positive experience and coming back again.
From the outset, a new theme was included every week, based on a bible story and ensured that the craft and tuff tray activity linked in. The usual nursery rhymes are sung, and include two songs specifically telling the families about God’s presence with them and how much he loves them. Each session ends by singing a blessing over the families (to the tune of ‘twinkle twinkle little star’!)
The group has seen a great deal of success, and has celebrated their first toddler group Baptism which was a joyful occasion for the whole church family. Many of the visitors have attended other events at the church including ‘Wild Church’ at their sister church during the Summer holidays.
The toddler group will definitely be continuing! Another eight chairs for snack time had been bought as popularity increased. The project has been able to increase their offering to children and families to include a monthly after-school club, more frequent Messy Church and Wild Church sessions, more school visits and extra events at Remembrance and Christmas. There is a real sense that the Toddler group has been the foundation on which Martlesham have now been able to build and expand on.
