About Callander Kids
Callander Kids is a toddler group run by a committee of volunteers who are parents of children who attend the sessions.
The group generally caters for children from birth to three years old, when many of the children will begin nursery. However, we do operate during school holidays and are insured for all children under five, so it is not unusual for older siblings to join the group during holiday times.
We have a good range of toys and equipment to suit the full age range from young babies (mats, 'donuts', activity centres, etc.) to toddlers (soft play, ride-on toys, dressing up, craft, etc.).
In the sessions, we try to strike a balance between free play and more structured activities, particularly for the older toddlers, such as craft sessions, playdoh etc. We also organise group outings such as the annual trip to Blair Drummond Safari Park and arrange annual Hallowe'en and Christmas parties for the children.
Sessions: We run on Wednesday and Friday mornings between 9.30am and 11.30am. We ask parents to arrive at 9.30am to help set up the equipment. At approx 11am, some of the mums will gather the children for singing / nursery rhymes while the others put the equipment away. We have some music time at the end of the session when the children have the freedom to dance and enjoy the open space. Anyone who is over 6 months pregnant or has a baby under 6 months old is not required to help set up or clear away equipment.
Fees: We charge £2 per session for the 1st child in each family. Additional children from the same family are charged £1 per session. This charge covers the cost of hiring the hall and insurance. We also do fundraising to raise money to update our toys and equipment and to subsidise outings. Our main fundraiser is our annual Autumn Fayre.
Snack time: At about 10.30am the children all sit down together to enjoy a snack and a drink. Parents / carers should provide a drink and any snack they wish for their child. We have a child with an allergy to nuts so we ask that you do not bring any nuts to the group please. For grown-ups, coffee and tea is available in the kitchen.
Committee meetings: These usually take place on the 3rd Friday of every other month. We welcome all members of the group to these sessions. Minutes are posted on the notice-board in the hall. Any ideas about things to do, new equipment, guest speakers etc are always welcomed.
