Newcastle Action for Parent and Toddler Groups Initiative (NAPI) has been working since 1995 to raise the profile of parent and toddler groups and increase the amount of support available to them. The steering group is made up of representatives from Parent and Toddler Groups throughout the City, supported by workers from several voluntary organisations.
Our aim is to promote the education, and development of children aged under 5 in Newcastle by providing advice, information and support services for parent and toddler groups.
What is a Parent and Toddler Group?
It is a group of adults, mothers, fathers, grandparents, childminders or carers that come together with their children who are under the age of 5 in their community. They offer support to adults and a break from the normal routines of the day. Groups are managed, normally, by these adults who arrange the activities and mange the finances. Parent and Toddler Groups offer invaluable experiences for parents/carers and children.
There are approximately one hundred and thirty toddler groups currently operating in the City of Newcastle upon Tyne. Their role in child development and family support is often unrecognised and they are seriously under-funded and to date have been inadequately supported.
There are toddler groups in every area of the City, however they vary enormously in terms of size and resources. Some are large and some are very small. Some have dedicated volunteers, sometimes there are paid workers, but most consist simply of a group of parents getting together with their own children. Some are financially secure and others struggle along barely able to afford basic running costs and unable to replace broken toys.
Parent and Toddler Groups welcome children and adults whatever their religion, culture, ability and means.