b'SUPPORTINGYOUNG CHILDREN& THEIR FAMILIESUNDER FIVES CHILDREN SERVICES AND CHILDRENS FREE MEALS750 babies and toddlers came in the past year to a range of play opportunities at HNCPs Play and Stay session with their parents and carers. The ten different sessions allow children to sing and make music, climb, paint, learn and practice new skills, meet other children and play with new and different toys. They come with parents, grandparents, childminders and carers, who tell us that they love the welcoming environment and peer support they receive.The programme of activities supports babies from birth to when they go to school, with tailored play and toys for each age group. The team of play specialists make sure every parent feels welcome and every child has a fun time, learning new things and trying new skills.We asked Nadine Winters, HNCP Play Coordinator, what makes the play groups so special:Its the welcomewe see ourselves as a family hub that provides a more personal approach, not just ticking boxes. We understand how difficult it is for a parent or carer to walk through the door the first time they come, so we create a safe, welcoming space. We know that every adult and child who comes has a different story, and we are interested in what they need that day to feel good and build a happy life.Our team tries very hard not to judge anyone, accepting that they are doing their best that day. By building trust, parents and carers tell us what they are struggling with, typically sleeping issues, eating healthy foods, helping children to share and focus, and how to regulate toddler emotions.We try to build relationships with every child and adult and help them build friendships with each other. Our key aim is to help set children on the right road to thrive at nursery and school. The learning goals are important to us, but relationships are key to success and keep people coming back for more support.Our service has had to be flexible and responsive because we have been delivering from many different venues. We have been really pleased to see more younger mums coming because they are able to provide support for each other, which is often described as a lifeline.The free lunch for under 5s has become increasingly popular at St Mary Brookfield and every week around 15 children stay to eat with their parents and carers and the other lunch club members. This increases their table and eating skills and encourages them to try new foods that they might not get at home. It also helps families living on a low income, as all children eat for free.HNCP IMPACT REPORT 2020 - 2024 35'