Little Sweet Peas is a monthly drop-in SEN playgroup for children between 0-5 years old and their accompanying parents and carers to attend. The sessions are focused on play activities for you and your little one to join in with. There will be elements of messy play, art activities, nursery rhymes. music and sensory stories! These are followed by lunch and refreshments with the other parent carers.
BDCPS are there to run and support with our team of experienced staff and volunteer playworkers, giving you the opportunity to meet and chat with other parent carers, as well as seek advice and support from the BDCPS team. It is an informal and relaxed environment, helping to give you the level of support you need, with a cup of tea, biscuits and a tasty lunch thrown in too!
Meet The Little Sweet Peas Team
Poppy, Activities Coordinator:
I’ve worked with BDCPS in a variety of roles across the years which means I have a lot of experience in working with a range of disabilities. My current role at BDCPS is as the Activities Coordinator, planning and running activity clubs. My A-level in Child Development and previous voluntary experience in a nursery setting also gives me knowledge and experience in the early years practice.
LSP is something I enjoy doing because I enjoy planning and leading sensory activities to support children’s learning, playing, and skill development. The smiles you see from the children and parents interacting are what make it so enjoyable to work here!
As a fun play activity, I love sensory stories and dancing, as they give children the opportunity to interact with new and interesting props and introduce them to another learning element they might not have experienced before.
Rose, Children’s Services Manager:
Rose is our Children’s Manager and oversees our Little Sweet Peas sessions. She is qualified in Playwork and Childcare, Learning & Development and has had the joy of working with children with disabilities for over 20 years. Rose drove the start up of our Little Sweet Peas after seeing a need for parents of children with additional needs to celebrate and enjoy the early years within a supportive environment for the challenges faced. She loves sing and sign (although singing is definitely not one of her talents!) because she sees how much little ones love music and believes developing communication is such a crucial tool for the child and family.
Alison, Early Years Worker:
Alison (or Ally for short) has an early years degree and has supported children and young people in a variety of roles for over 18 years. She is a proud mum to three cheeky and energetic boys. Her eldest son Jaden has complex additional needs and is a big part of the BDCPS community!
Ally loves being part of the early years team and helps with our LSP sessions. The best part is being able to share her personal and professional experience.
Her favourite aspect of LSP is supporting everyone to feel comfortable and confident to explore in a fun and engaging way. Whether it be singing, sensory exploration, or her personal favourite of anything creative and messy!
“Meeting others, sharing ideas and experience, with friendly and reassuring people. All often whilst enjoying some lunch and cake – what a great way to support our BDCPS families!”
Rachel, Early Years and Family Support Worker:
Rachel – Having spent a career of many happy years working as a school nurse within Bedfordshire special schools supporting children with complex medical needs ages 2 to 19 years and their families,
I was very luck to join the team at Bdcps.
Here I have been able to concentrate on pre schoolers, family support and wellbeing.
Through bdcps I am able to support a weekly pre school group of children and their parents to access physical therapy and music therapy in a playful fun way. Enabling them to receive much beneficial advice and peer support all done through fun activities.
As part of my role within bdcps I am able to offer home support on an individual basis to families in a very practical way. For example, looking after their little one while parents are able to concentrate some special time with their other children/siblings.
I lead a bdcps wellbeing session once a week.
This involves a lovely walk around a country park followed by refreshment s and a catchup at the café. My favourite part is when I’m allowed to have some cuddle time with the little ones who come on the walk with us. Allowing parents free hands to enjoy a well deserved hot drink.
I step in to support Little Sweet Peas sessions whenever I can.
Laura, Early Years Worker:
Laura – My early years experience is I’ve worked as a nursery nurse and a child minder and I’m level 3 trained in early years child care. I’m involved in LSP as I love helping and watching the children play learn and develop and helping and supporting the whole family
I love arts and crafts as I love seeing the children be creative and create memories.
Joy, Early Years Worker:
Joy – I have experience in a pre school setting where i gained NVQ level 2 in childcare and I’m also have 2 children (now adults) with additional needs. One with profound and multiple learning disabilities including autism, he also has mild cerebral palsy and epilepsy. My daughter has Downs Syndrome.
I feel Little sweat peas is an important space where parents can meet for support and not be judged and children and parents can relax and have fun.
I love the musical activities with the children as it really makes them smile.
The cost of Little Sweet Peas is just £5 per adult – children can come along for free! You can book via Join In once you have registered.
Look out for our special Little Sweet Peas meet Father Christmas session in December! An extra special event with a visit from the bearded man himself… SANTA!
