TicketsEarly bird rate until 28 May 1-3 tickets - £25 4+ tickets - £22

Standard rate 29 May - 10 Sept 1-3 tickets - £31 4+ tickets - £28

PlaytimePlaytimeNational Conference 2020

Resourcing church toddler groups

Salt and Light

NorthernIrelandSaturday 12 September

Toddler groups can be salt and light for their communities in so many ways – bringing hope, meeting practical needs, and sharing God’s love.

But sometimes it can be hard to know how to reach out, how to meet needs, or just where to start.

This year’s conference is packed with workshops, resources and ideas to equip and encourage you to connect with those in your groups and beyond. We’ll be sharing the key ingredients of awareness, knowledge and understanding for reaching out to those in need of help, love and support. There will also be loads of practical suggestions on topics including welcoming children with additional needs, using puppets, and safeguarding.

Join us, as together we discover how to be salt and light, and make a bigger impact in our communities.

Salt and Light

Let there be light!Rob Parsons, OBEChairman and Founder, Care for the Family

“All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.” Sometimes the darkness can seem so powerful, but in this inspirational session Rob will share how each of our contributions – however small and seemingly insignificant – can make an incredible difference.

Salt – a flavour to savourCathy Madavan Speaker, Care for the Family

How do we build relationships and meaningful connections that make a lasting impression for good? In this session, Cathy will remind us of how our ‘saltiness’ makes a big difference to everything we do. Don’t underestimate the power of salt – it is a flavour to savour!

We’re excited to be joined by Rob Parsons and Cathy Madavan who will share messages full of

affirmation and encouragement.

Main sessions

Worship LeaderZara Monteith

Zara currently leads worship and works as the administrative pastor at Journey Community Church in Antrim. She is married to Chris, and they have three children – Joshua, Isobel and Esther.

Workshops

ADDITIONAL NEEDS – EVERY LITTLE PLAY-PERSON IS PRECIOUSDonna Jennings

Puppets are great fun and a brilliant way of interacting with both children and adults in your toddler group. Be inspired and take away loads of practical ideas on how to incorporate puppets into your sessions. Don’t forget – never underestimate the power of a puppet!

EXCITABLE EDGAR – WELCOMING ADOPTED AND FOSTER CHILDRENMalini Colville

HAVING FUN WITH PUPPETS IN YOUR TODDLER GROUPIan Jones

The Excitable Edgar advert reminds many foster and adoptive families of their children and the specific needs they have. This can be overwhelming and at times feel paralysing. This workshop will explore practically how leaders can ensure that groups are welcoming spaces where children with experience of being in care can thrive and flourish.

Have you noticed more and more toddler-aged children being assessed for, diagnosed with or experiencing various additional needs? This can be a stressful, isolating and confusing journey for parents and children. Find out why and how your parent and toddler group can be a place of safety, welcome and embrace for both parent and toddler, whatever their needs.

Morning session Afternoon session 1

TEACHING THE BIBLE AT PARENT AND TODDLER GROUPSCherith Shine

In amongst the energy and creativity of running a toddler group, there’s the seriousness of safeguarding and paperwork (or is there?). Helen will share guidelines on running a toddler group effectively.

POWERFUL PLAYING AND PRAYINGKatie Wilson

PLAYDOUGH, POTTIES AND PAPERWORK!Helen Lock

Every week we choose great toys and play activities for the children in our groups, but what if we could use those same activities to communicate Bible stories and spiritual truths? This seminar looks at how we can use our playtimes as a vehicle to declare powerful blessings over our children.

Communicating the Bible to young children can be challenging – especially in a parent and toddler group setting. This workshop will help you consider the importance of Bible boldness at your tots group, and reflect on practical tips for deeper gospel impact on your community.

INTERNATIONAL FAMILIES – THE WORLD AT OUR TOY BOXDonna Jennings

PARENTING AND PERINATAL MENTAL HEALTHLindsay Robinson

15-20% of mums struggle with a mental health issue or illness, as do 10% of dads. It’s an issue that is often surrounded with stigma, silence and shame. Many parents feel isolated, exhausted, and afraid to speak out. This seminar will explore how you and your community can spot parents who might be struggling, offer support and also signpost to other sources of help.

The world has arrived on our doorstep – what a wonderful opportunity parent and toddler groups provide to embrace and welcome our global neighbours. Donna’s cross-cultural background and Northern Irish experience will inspire you with ideas, stories and resources to navigate the globalised playtime on your patch.

I loved the common sense of purpose with so many amazing toddler group leaders gathered together.

Bring your team! Have someone in every workshop and maximise the impact of the day.

Exhibition ZoneDiscover new and inspiring ideas and resources

A fantastic choice of workshops

A great line-up of guest speakers

A time to worship, share and pray together

A day full of creativity and opportunities to network with other leaders

Lunch and refreshments all included

Exhibition zone and shop packed with resources

A flavour of the day

TicketsEarly bird rate until 28 May 1-3 tickets - £25 4+ tickets - £22

Standard rate 29 May - 10 Sept 1-3 tickets - £31 4+ tickets - £28

9.20am - 4.45pm (Registration from 8.30am)

A packed lunch and refreshments are included in your booking fee. Please let us know of any dietary requirements by calling us.

Saturday 12 September Carnmoney Presbyterian 258 Carnmoney Road Newtownabbey, BT36 6JZ

Playtime National Conference 2020

Please note we don’t have the facilities to accommodate babies and children at this event. Care for the Family is a Christian initiative to strengthen family life. A registered charity (England and Wales: 1066905; Scotland: SC038497). A company limited by guarantee no. 3482910. Registered in England and Wales. Registered office: Tovey House, Cleppa Park, Newport, NP10 8BA.

To book: cff.org.uk/playtimeNI 029 2081 0800

It has given me ideas and direction that I didn’t have before.

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