What is a Parent & Toddler Group?
A Parent & Toddler Group is a group of parents/carers and their children that meet regularly in a suitable location, for example, a community centre, parish or sports hall. While these groups are great for giving the children an opportunity to play and socialize in a safe environment supervised by their parents, they are also very beneficial for the parents/carers who get to meet others in similar circumstances that live in their area. They provide a great support network where parents have an opportunity to share their experiences and advice.
For more information on the Parent and Toddler Groups in your area, please contact our Office on (071) 91 48860.
For anyone who would like to access further information in relation to setting up a Parent & Toddler Group, a support pack is available to download by selecting the button below
Parent & Toddler Group Initiative
The Parent & Toddler Group Initiative is a strategic partnership between the Department of Children, Disability and Equality (DCDE) and the County Childcare Committees to assist the promotion and expansion of Parent and Toddler Groups.
The grants recognise that Parent and Toddler Groups are providing informal support to parents, grandparents and childminder’s, as well as to young children. These groups are an important source of social contact especially for parents and families new to an area.
Applications for funding under this scheme should only be made by Parent & Toddler Groups that are organised on a not for profit basis and involve the participation of parents in the community.
The Department of Children, Disability and Equality publish guidelines for Parent and Toddler Grants each year and the criteria for eligibility change each year.
For more information
Contact Suzanne on 071-91 48860
or email suzanne@sligochildcare.ie
Minister Foley launches applications for €350,000 in Parent and Toddler Group Grants
Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, has today announced the launch of applications for €350,000 in Parent and Toddler Group Grants.
The funding can be used for a variety of purposes including children’s toys, equipment and books as well as children’s refreshments and snacks. It can also be used for children’s activities such as arts and crafts and music. Parents can also be supported with parenting courses and courses in first aid for children.
From today, Thursday, January 15, Parent and Toddler Groups are invited to make an application for funding under this initiative through their local City/County Childcare Committees.
There are hundreds of Parent and Toddler groups around the country. This year the focus for the 2026 Parent and Toddler grants is to support groups in helping parents and children establish connections and to promote the inclusion of families from all backgrounds, abilities and cultures.
Minister Foley said:
“I’m delighted to be supporting the remarkable work of the Parent and Toddler groups who provide a valuable opportunity for parents/carers with younger children to meet up in the community. These groups are especially useful for new parents and parents who are new to an area.”
The maximum allowable total funding to be granted to new and standalone Parent and Toddler Groups in 2026 is €1,000 and the maximum allowable funding to be granted to new and existing Parent and Toddler Groups that are part of a larger organisation is €800.
Funding is available to establish and operate Buggy Walking Groups. These Buggy Walking Groups are organised social walks for parents/guardians and young children. The grant can fund costs such as refreshments, information leaflets and insurance. It is open to any existing or new organisations or groups who wish to offer a minimum of six organised walks within their community.
The funding will be allocated to Parent and Toddler Groups nationwide through local City/County Childcare Committees (CCCs).
My Little Library 2025 has begun
Parent & Toddler Groups in Sligo
Ballymote FRC P&T Group
Address: Ballymote FRC, Wolfetone Street, Ballymote, Co. Sligo
Phone: 071 91 97818
Benwiskin P&T Group
Contact: Jackie Warnock
Address: Benwiskin Centre, Ballintrillick, Co. Sligo
Phone: 071 91 76721
First Steps P&T Group
Contact: Mabel Kennedy
Address: Methodist Hall, Wine St., Sligo
Phone: 087 6348472
Kiddiwinks P&T Group – Tubbercurry FRC
Contact: Mary Kilroy
Address: Mountain Road, Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo
Phone: 071 91 86926
Little Buddies
Contact: Manager
Address: The Avalon Centre, St Annes, Sligo.
Phone: 0719161836
Little Gems P&T Group – Special Needs Only
Contact: Niamh Driscoll
Address: Union Road, Ballisodare, Co. Sligo
Phone: 071 91 30464
Sligo Childrens Community Garden
Contact: Jenny Early
Address: c/o Sligo LETS, Cleveragh Drive, F91 X314
Email: sligochildrenscommunitygarden@
Sligo FRC P&T Group
Contact: Liz King
Address: 49 The Mall, Sligo, Co. Sligo
Phone: 071 91 46315
Strandhill P&T Group
Contact: Maureen McMorrow
Address: Strand Celtic Club House, Strandhill, Co. Sligo
Phone: 086 0719110
Anam Ceol – Baby Melody
Contact: Jennifer Shingler
Address: Sligo Presbyterian church, Church street, Abbey Quarter North, Sligo, Ireland F91 A312
Email: info@anamceol-babymelody.com
Bump & Baby meet
Contact: Michelle Doherty
Phone: 0879287635 or Email – mamogs.mum@gmail.com
Address: The Model, The Mall, Rathquarter, Sligo
The Bump & Baby meet is on the first Friday of every month between 10am and 12pm
Website – www.mamogs.ie
Tiny Tots
Contact: Donna Harte
Fridays 10am to 11.30 during term time
Phone 0857776888 or email maugherowcommunitypartnership@gmail.com
Address: Maugherow Hall Doonfore, Maugherow, Co Sligo
Skreen/Dromard Parent &Toddler Group
Contact: Ciara Kilgallon
Address:Skreen Dromard Community Centre F91 EYO1
Telephone: 083-1281822
Banada Parent, Baby and Toddler Group
Contact Name: Aisling Gavaghan
Address: The Hilary Room, Banada Abbey Hall, Banada F91 p8xd
Contact: aisling_marie@yahoo.com
Killeenduff NS Parent and Toddler Group
Contact: Michael
Address: Killeenduff National School, Easkey, Sligo FP1 KX78
Email: principal@killeenduffns.ie or Telephone 096- 49228