St Nicholas Church, Rattlesden opened their Rattle and Roll Baby Group in October 2024, running each Tuesday morning in term-time, from 9.15am – 11.15am. They received a growth fund of £1000 to use.
Over the course of the autumn term, the group saw a regular gathering of between 8 - 10 under 2s and their parents.
During these sessions, free play was available (with newly purchased toys and safety equipment from the grant) followed by structured story time (usually a bible story suitable to the age group), with actions and acting, finishing with some songs (a mix of bible-based children’s songs and ordinary nursery rhymes) and the church’s own ‘Rattle & Roll’ prayer.
There were snacks available for the children, as well as tea, coffee and biscuits for parents.
At festival times the group also had special craft activities – eg decorating paper plate angels at Christmas, (as well as a visit from Father Christmas!), and egg shapes at Easter.
In the warmer weather the group has also been able to meet outside for water play.
The group hopes that as the commercial pre-school in the village has just started accepting children from 9 months old, the group will see numbers grow.
