Saturday 19 September 2026, Wigan
Each year we bring together church toddler group leaders and volunteers to celebrate the laughter, the mishaps, and the unseen ministry that happens every week in your group.
This year, we’ll be exploring how we can be bearers of light and how our toddler groups can illuminate the lives of those around us.
A flavour of the day …
- A fantastic choice of workshops packed with fresh and creative ideas for your toddler group
- A great line-up of guest speakers providing encouragement and insight
- Unique opportunities to network with other toddler group leaders from across the UK
- Time to worship, share and pray together
- Lunch and refreshments included
- An exhibition zone and shop filled with resources
- A chance to renew your vision and feel recharged to continue the incredible job you’re doing!
Main Sessions
Rob and Dianne Parsons- Light in the Darkness
When we were kids, we used to sing a little song in Sunday School – ‘This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine.’ But doing that is not always easy.
Sometimes we feel as if our own light is failing fast – but even a flickering flame can bring so much hope. We’d like to unpack that a little in our session with you.
Rob and Dianne are the founders of Care for the Family. Between them, they have spoken to millions of people across the world.
Mark Griffiths- The significance of what we do
As toddler group leaders, you bring practical, emotional and spiritual light to families navigating the early years of parenting. We’ll explore what it means to be carriers of light in a world that often feels dark and uncertain, and how toddler groups can reflect the light of Jesus to those around them.
Mark is the Director if Mission Resources at Scripture Union, and a popular author and speaker, championing the importance of Children and Family Ministry across the UK.
Host- Cathy Madavan
Cathy is a long-standing Care for the Family speaker as well as a best-selling author. Bringing humour, warmth and her down-to-earth style, Cathy will lead us through the day.
Workshops
Morning
Foundations and footholds – Supporting families with additional needs
Pippa Ankers and Heather Coupland
Ministry in 3 dimensions
Mark Griffiths
Bringing Jesus into every part of your toddler group
Lucie-Jo Lewis
Afternoon
‘To know and be known’ in your local community – making your group relevant to the needs in your community
Jo Gordon
Helping parents to thrive: Understanding their insecurities and giving them confidence
Wendy Jones
Safeguarding and best practice in toddler groups
Rachel Gotobed
Once you’ve booked your ticket, you’ll be sent a link to choose your workshop. Find out more about the workshops we have on offer.
Toddler groups are more than just excitable toddlers and sticky floors – they’re places where light and warmth shine through. They become vital places of refuge, connection and hope to every family that walk through the doors.
And that’s because of you and your team. You’re the ones providing that warm welcome for a first-time visitor, a caring chat over a cuppa, and those small acts of kindness that make parents and carers feel seen and understood.
Even when it feels like you’re just singing songs and wiping noses – you are a bearer of light. And that light carries further than you know!
Join us at our Playtime Conference to rediscover the impact of what you do and the light you bring. Through inspiring sessions, practical workshops and space to connect with others, you’ll be encouraged and equipped to shine even brighter.
Book today – your glue sticks and sanity deserve it!
Whether you’re a passionate toddler group leader, dedicated volunteer, or are simply thinking about setting up a toddler group, we’d love to see you at our Playtime National Conference! Your group might be doing really well, or you might be feeling a bit dejected. Whatever the case, this is the perfect chance to be inspired, encouraged, and chat with other people in the same boat!
- Early bird tickets £27 each up to and including 13 June 2026
- Standard tickets £35, groups of 3 or more £27 each.
- Packed lunch included in fee
- Bookings are all made through Eventbrite
- Alternatively, feel free to call us on 029 2081 0800 and the team would be glad to help you with your booking
- Please note we do not have facilities to accommodate babies and young children at this event
