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 inย 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 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 Groups in Sligo
Ballymote FRC P&T Group
Contact: Sarah
Address: Ballymote FRC, Wolfetone Street, Ballymote, Co. Sligo
Phone: 071 91 97818
Email: ballymotefrc@gmail.com
once per week for 1 hour 30 minutes
Benwiskin P&T Group
Contact:ย Jackieย
Address: Benwiskin Centre, Ballintrillick, Co. Sligo
Phone: 071 91 76721
First Steps P&T Group
Contact: Mabelย
Address: Methodist Hall, Wine St., Sligo
Phone: 087 6348472
Kiddiwinks P&T Group – Tubbercurry FRC
Contact: Maryย
Address: Mountain Road, Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo
Phone: 071 91 86926
Little Buddies
Contact: Managerย
Address: The Avalon Centre, St Annes, Sligo F91 RF78
Email: manager@theavalon.ie
Phone: ย 0719161836ย
Two sessions per week. Tuesday & Wednesday 10.30am – 12.00pm
Little Gems P&T Group ย – Special Needs Only
Contact: Niamhย
Address: Union Road, Ballisodare, Co. Sligo
Phone: 071 91 30464
Sligo Childrens Community Garden
Contact: Jennyย
Address: c/o Sligo LETS, Cleveragh Drive, F91 X314
Email: sligochildrenscommunitygarden@
Every Monday during term time from 10.30am to 12.00pm
Sligo FRC P&T Group
Contact: Lizย
Address: 49 The Mall, Sligo, Co. Sligo
Phone: 071 91 46315
Strandhill P&T Group
Contact: Maureen
Address: Strand Celtic Club House, Strandhill, Co. Sligo F91 RX95
Email: maureenmcmorrow6@hotmail.com
Once a week on Wednesday during term time from 10.30am to 12.00pm
Skreen/Dromard Parent &Toddler Group
Contact: Ciaraย
Address:Skreen Dromard Community Centre F91 EYO1
Telephone: 083-1281822
Email: skreendromardpandtgroup@gmail.com
Thursday during School term 9.45am to 11.00am
Banada Parent, Baby and Toddler Groupย
Contact Name: Tara
Address: The Hilary Room, Banada Abbey Hall, Banada F91 p8xd
Telephone: 087-7051560
10:30am – 12.00pm Every second Friday
Geevagh Parent and Toddler Group
Contact:ย Angela
Address: Geevagh GAA Club, Straduff, Geevagh F52 R942
Telephone: 087-9780077
Wednesday during School term 9.45am to 11.00am
Tiny Tots
Contact: Donnaย
Fridays 10am to 11.30 during term time
ย email maugherowcommunitypartnership@gmail.com
Address: Maugherow Hall Doonfore, Maugherow, Co Sligo F91 XY17
Bump & Baby meet
Contact: Michelleย
Phone: 0879287635 or Email –ย mamogs.mum@gmail.com
Address: The Model, The Mall, Rathquarter, Sligo
Parent & Toddler Group Initiative
The Parent & Toddler Group Initiative is a strategic partnership between the Department of Children, Disability and Equality (DCDE)ย 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 childminderโs, 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.
My Little Library 2026
Two booksA library card for children who donโt already have oneA My Little Library cardholderHelpful tips and resources for parents
Minister Foley launches applications for โฌ350,000 in Parent and Toddler Group Grants
*****Closed 20th February 2026 *****
Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, has today announced the launch of applications for โฌ350,000 in Parent and Toddler Group Grants.
The funding can be used for a variety of purposes including childrenโs toys, equipment and books as well as childrenโs refreshments and snacks. It can also be used for childrenโs 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:
โIโm 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.โ
The maximum allowable total funding to be granted to new and standalone Parent and Toddler Groups in 2026 is โฌ1,000 and the maximum allowable funding to be granted to new and existing Parent and Toddler Groups that are part of a larger organisation is โฌ800.
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).