Does anyone not go to playgroups??

[boxtree7]

I use to love my cup of tea at toddlers sometimes it would have being the only tea I had all day. (in our group they changed it so you could only drink tea / coffee in the kitchen no one really bothered)

There was a group of childminders who sat around when you walked into the hall they wouldn't even turn to say hello - If you spoke to there minded children they would be straight over to see what you are saying. The group hired a girl to carry out art and crafts each week which was really good because at least one thing was organised well. Some weeks it just wasn't worth the bus fares.

[miffy]

I don't think Ofsted will judge you for not going to toddler groups - I'm sure I've read something about Ofsted not being happy if childminders are spending most of their time at groups and not in the home setting.

Miffy xx

[buzzy bee]

I just wouldn't feel right sitting around whilst I am being PAID!!! to look after the children. At home I don't constantly play with them but I am also not sitting there drinking coffee/tea apart from when all mindees are asleep

This is exactly why I feel reluctant to go to toddler groups - because I don't want other mums thinking this about me!!

[Kimmy050983]

This is exactly why I feel reluctant to go to toddler groups - because I don't want other mums thinking this about me!!

I didn't write I am thinking this about other people \i wrote that I am uncomfortable doing that.

[JCrakers]

I like going even though sometimes I dont have anyone to stand and talk to but it gets me out the house. I really go insane if I dont go out and I dont have a car for work so cant do the farm or the museums etc.

I go mon/tues/thur/fri mornings (i have different mindees) Some are nicer than others, some have other childminders there and Ive just started to get to know a few of them whichis fantastic as before I could go allday without speaking to another adult.

[Posy]

At my recent Ofsted inspection, the inspector didn't ask about playgroups or anything like that - I think the most important aspect would be whether you are planning appropriate activites for your mindees. That could be playgroup, or it could be other things - I don't see anywhere in the EYFS the requirement to go to playgroups, just to make sure the children have plenty of opportunities for play and socialising. I think it is up to you how you address this.

On a personal note, there are lots of playgroups near me, some are awful and cliquey and some are lovely - I think it is worth trying lots before you give up completely!

[sharonmanc]

Thanks Posey, we get to a variety of different places, today we went to the city art gallery where they had on sensory play for under 5's , it was fantastic>

[clairelou]

We go to a childminder group at sure start one morning and a mums and tots another, for me that is enough, with everyones routines i couldnt cope with being out more

[notts]

We have a lovley one close by which I plan to go to regularly but not every week. They cap it at £2 for childminders so ideal and the people seem nice.

[Cammie Doodle]

No I don't go they are all too far away and I don't drive, but I do meet up with another Minder most days