Get SET!

Parent and toddler groups are some of the most significant ways churches connect with families and serve their local communities. Every week, they create spaces where children can play and thrive, parents and carers can find friendship and support, and people can experience a genuine sense of welcome and belonging.

That's why I'm delighted to introduce Get SET!

This guide is much more than a practical handbook. It's a resource designed to help churches create places where families flourish, relationships grow and faith can be explored naturally and authentically. Whether you're starting a new group, developing an existing one, or simply looking for fresh ideas, you'll find a wealth of practical advice, encouragement and inspiration within these pages.

What I love about Get SET! is that it keeps the focus on what matters most – people. Yes, it covers all the important things such as planning, safeguarding, volunteers, hospitality and activities, but it never loses sight of the bigger picture. At its heart is a vision for building community, supporting families, welcoming everyone and sharing God's love through simple acts of kindness, care and connection.

This guide is the result of the experience, wisdom and passion of many people who care deeply about ministry with children and families, and I am incredibly grateful to everyone who has contributed to its creation.

My hope is that Get SET! will give church leaders and volunteers the confidence to dream, the tools to plan well and the encouragement to make an even greater impact in their communities. The opportunities before us are enormous. Every conversation, every welcome, every story, song and shared moment has the potential to make a lasting difference.

I hope this resource inspires and equips you as you create places where children are celebrated, families are supported, communities are strengthened and God's love is experienced in everyday life.

David Betteridge

Director of Family Ministries

The Salvation Army UK and Ireland Territory

Section 1 Laying the Foundations

1.1 Why Start a Parent and Toddler Group?

1.2 Pray and Plan

1.3 Aligning with the Wider Corps Mission 

Section 2 Finding Your Space and Place

 2.1 Understanding Community Needs

2.2 Finding the Best Venue and Time

2.3 Building the Right Team

Section 3 Behind the Scenes

3.1 Spreading the Word

3.2 Budgeting and Fundraising

3.3 Administrative Essentials

3.4 Finance Compliance Documents

3.5 Safe Mission Compliance Documents

3.6 Safeguarding Compliance Documents

Section 4 Welcoming Everyone

4.1 Inclusivity and Community Building

4.2 Safety first

4.3 Creating Intergenerational Spaces

4.4 Connecting Families to the Wider Church Congregation

Section 5 Playing With Purpose

5.1 Activities: Play with Purpose and Routines

5.2 Hospitality and Snack Time

5.3 Celebrations

5.4 Toddler Church: Sharing Faith Through Story, Song and Activities

Section 6 Growing Together

6.1 Handling the Hiccups: Troubleshooting Common Challenges

6.2 Adapting and Expanding

Many thanks to ...

Major Annette Allen 

Lily Doyle 

Captain Rachel Dunham 

Captain Mary Dunn 

Rebecca Elliott 

Shelley Gallagher 

Dawn Garwood 

Rachel Gotobed 

Hannah Grimshaw 

Liz Hall 

Claire Highton-Nichols 

Cadet DL Lee Highton-Nichols  

TE Karen Hook 

Bethan Kikande 

Major Ann Montgomery 

Lauren Raistrick 

Captain Sharon Stevens 

Deborah Standbury-Juster 

Major Ann Stewart 

Major Andrea Still 

Captain Gayner Ward 

Captain Shelley Ward 

TE Jason Wearmouth 

Bernice Whelpton 

Major Sue Whitla 

Audit Department  

Community Services Department 

Data Protection Department 

Design and Print Department 

Equality Diversity Inclusion Department 

Finance Department 

HR Department 

Mission Resources 

Safeguarding Department 

Safe Mission Department