Under 5's Play Programme

New Beginnings Community’s Under 5s Play Programme offers welcoming, supportive sessions for babies, toddlers and their parents or carers, providing a safe and nurturing space during the important early years of a child’s life. Our sessions are designed to support children’s development through play, exploration and shared experiences, helping them build confidence, curiosity and early social skills at their own pace.

Alongside supporting children, our groups give families the opportunity to connect with others, reduce isolation and enjoy time together in a relaxed, non-judgemental environment. Parents and carers are encouraged to join in, take time to chat, or simply watch their child explore, knowing they are supported every step of the way.

All sessions are delivered by experienced staff and dedicated volunteers who understand early childhood development and family life. We pride ourselves on creating a friendly, inclusive environment where every family feels welcome, valued and supported.

Our Sessions

Little Fish Baby & Toddler Group

When: Thursdays, 10.00am – 12.00pm

(term time)

Who: Babies and toddlers up to 5 years
Cost: £2.50 per child over 6 months
£1 per baby under 6 months
£1 per extra sibling

Includes toast, fruit and refreshments for all
Location: New Beginnings Community, St Mark’s Community Hall, Smethwick
Booking: No booking required

A relaxed stay-and-play session for babies and toddlers where children can explore, play and socialise, and parents and carers can enjoy time together.

Sessions include toys, sensory play, messy activities, arts and crafts, songs and stories, alongside refreshments and social time for adults. Families are welcome to join in at their own pace.

Baby and Parent Session

When: Mondays, 10.00am – 11.00am (term time)
Who: Babies up to 2 years

and their parents or carers
Cost: Free
Location: New Beginnings Community, St Mark’s Community Hall, Smethwick
Booking: No booking required

A calm, nurturing session focused on bonding, wellbeing and early development for babies and their parents or carers.

These sessions offer gentle play activities and a supportive space to relax, feed your baby and connect with others in a similar stage of parenthood.

Baby & Me (Sandwell Changes Programme)

When: Mondays, 11.30am – 12.30pm
Who: Babies from birth to 18 months
Cost: Free (available to Sandwell residents)
Location:
New Beginnings Community
St Mark’s Church, Londonderry
Thimblemill Road
Smethwick
B67 6LP
Booking required:See link below

Baby & Me is a relaxed, supportive session designed to strengthen parent–infant relationships and support babies’ early development.

Sessions include songs, sensory play, gentle movement and calm bonding activities. Parents and carers can meet others, share experiences and build confidence in a friendly, welcoming environment.

Little Chefs (Sandwell Changes Programme)

When: Mondays, 11.30am – 12.30pm
Who: Children aged 12 months to 5 years
Cost: Free (available to Sandwell residents)
Location: New Beginnings Community, St Mark’s Community Hall, Smethwick
Booking required: See link below

Little Chefs is a hands-on cooking session where toddlers and young children take part in simple, fun and age-appropriate cooking activities.

Children explore food through stirring, mixing and preparing easy recipes using child-safe utensils. Sessions support healthy eating, sensory exploration and social skills, with parents and carers guiding their child throughout.

Sensory Play for Babies (Sandwell Changes Programme)

When: Tuesdays, 10.00am – 11.00am
Who: Babies from birth to 1 year
Cost: Free (available to Sandwell residents)
Location: New Beginnings Community, St Mark’s Community Hall, Smethwick
Booking required: See link below

A gentle sensory session designed to help babies explore the world through touch, sound, sight and movement.

Sensory play supports early brain development, coordination and communication, while also offering a calm experience for babies and a relaxed social space for parents and carers.

Messy Play (Sandwell Changes Programme)

When: Wednesdays, 10.00am – 11.00am
Who: Children from birth to 4 years
Cost: Free (available to Sandwell residents)
Location: New Beginnings Community, St Mark’s Community Hall, Smethwick
Booking required: See link below

Messy Play gives children the freedom to explore materials such as paint, sand, water and dough with no rules or expectations.

These sessions support creativity, sensory development, early language skills and social interaction, while providing a safe space for children to experiment and express themselves through play.

To Book Changes Programme click here