The Benefits of Stay and Play Sessions for Parents and Children

Becoming a parent is one of the most rewarding experiences in life, but it’s also one of the most challenging. Those early months and years can be filled with joy, laughter, and discovery, yet also moments of loneliness, anxiety, and self-doubt. For many new parents, it can feel like you’ve stepped into a whole new world, one that doesn’t come with an instruction manual.

That’s where Stay and Play sessions can make a real difference.

These relaxed, welcoming groups are designed for parents and children to enjoy quality time together in a fun, social setting. But beyond the toys, Stay and Plays offer something far more meaningful, a sense of connection, community and confidence for both parent and child.

Finding Connection and Community

It’s no secret that parenthood can sometimes feel isolating. Between feeds, naps, and endless washing, it’s easy to lose touch with the outside world. Studies show that around one in ten mothers experience postnatal depression within the first year after birth and it’s important to remember that fathers and partners can feel the same way too.

Stay and Play sessions create a space where parents can simply be, no pressure, no expectations, just time to connect with others who understand. Conversations flow naturally as children play and before long, what starts as small talk often turns into friendship.

Many parents say that these sessions help them regain a sense of belonging, a reminder that they’re not alone in the ups and downs of early parenthood.

A Confidence Boost for Parents

For parents who may be feeling anxious, low in confidence, or uncertain about their new role, Stay and Plays can be a gentle first step. The welcoming, informal atmosphere helps build confidence in small, everyday ways, from chatting with another parent to watching your child try something new for the first time.

It’s also a chance to pick up ideas for play at home, share experiences and feel reassured that no one has it all figured out (despite what social media might suggest!).

And for Children?

Of course, Stay and Play sessions aren’t just beneficial for parents, they’re wonderful for children too. These sessions offer rich opportunities for little ones to explore new toys, textures, and activities, helping to build early social, emotional, and physical skills.

Through play, children learn to take turns, communicate, and express themselves. Sensory activities and messy play help develop fine motor skills, creativity, and curiosity. For many, it’s also their first experience of being around other children, a great way to prepare for future nursery or preschool life.

Stay and Plays come in all shapes and sizes, and no two sessions are the same. You might find:

• Messy Stay and Plays, where children can dive into paint, foam and textures, discovering the joy of creative play without trashing your carpet at home. 🎨
• Music-themed sessions, filled with songs, rhythm and movement to build early language and coordination. 🎵
• Themed adventures, like jungle or seasonal sessions, where little imaginations can run wild. 🦁

With so much variety, there’s something to suit every child’s interest and every parent’s comfort level.

A Peek Inside the Nursery

For families considering nursery care, Stay and Play sessions are also a wonderful way to see a setting in action. You can meet the team, explore the environment and get a real sense of how staff interact with children, all in an informal, relaxed way. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions (especially if you have ones on funding), observe the atmosphere and see if it feels like the right fit for your family.

Stay and Play with Happy Days

At Happy Days Nurseries & Pre-Schools, we’re proud to offer a wide range of Stay and Play sessions across our settings, from messy play and music mornings to themed ocean adventures. They’re open to all families and everyone is welcome.

In the whirlwind of early parenthood, sometimes the smallest steps can make the biggest difference. Attending a Stay and Play might only take an hour out of your week, but the benefits, connection, confidence, friendship and shared joy, can last far longer.

✨ You can find your nearest free Stay and Play and upcoming dates on our Events Page by clicking here, come along, connect and see where children (and parents!) can truly shine.

Charlton Heights Celebrates Community Spirit and National Recognition

It’s been a week of celebration for Happy Days Nursery & Pre-School, Charlton Heights, as the team proudly shared in the success of their neighbours, Allegra Care, while also being shortlisted for a prestigious national award. 🌟

The children from Happy Days Charlton Heights recently joined residents and staff from Olive Tree House and Rose Garden care homes for an incredible Upcycled Fashion Show, organised as part of The Carer’s national Coffee Morning Competition in support of Macmillan Cancer Support.

The event, which took two months of preparation, celebrated creativity, sustainability, and community connection, values that are at the heart of everything Happy Days stands for.

Our children designed and decorated their own t-shirts before proudly walking the catwalk alongside Home Manager Vlad, who dressed as a cardboard box to match their chosen song, “Big Fish, Little Fish.” Together, the event raised over £150 for Macmillan Cancer Support, showing how powerful community collaboration can be.

Manager Steph said: “Our children absolutely loved taking part in the fashion show. It was a brilliant opportunity to bring generations together, share creativity, and support such a meaningful cause.”

The Charlton Heights team is also celebrating being shortlisted as a finalist for Community Nursery of the Year at the 2025 Nursery Management Today (NMT) Awards — a reflection of the nursery’s deep commitment to supporting local families and building strong community connections.

Since opening in 2023, Charlton Heights has become a true hub for families, offering free weekly Stay & Play sessions, tailored parent support on everything from toilet training to school readiness, and assistance with EHCPs and SEN funding. The team regularly attends and hosts community events, supports local charities like St Peter’s Hospice, and leads environmental initiatives such as litter picking, planting for pollinators, and achieving the Eco Schools Green Flag Award with Distinction in 2025.

Manager Steph added: “We want Charlton Heights to be more than just a nursery, a place where families, schools, businesses, and charities come together to support children and each other. This nomination is a celebration of our entire community.”

From creative catwalks to national awards, it’s clear that community truly shines at Happy Days Charlton Heights.

To wrap up our childcare funding series, Alice and Karen answer your most frequently asked questions, from splitting hours between providers to self-employed eligibility and support for families on Universal Credit.

They also cover extra help like Tax-Free Childcare, Disability Access Funding, and Early Years Pupil Premium, because there’s often more support available than you might realise.

Ever wondered what your childcare funding actually covers and what it doesn’t? Alice and Karen unpack the details of how funding works in nurseries, including what’s included in your 15 or 30 free hours, and what parents may still pay for (like meals, nappies, or enrichment activities).

They also explain how the SHINE package at Happy Days makes things simpler for families, and how you can combine Tax-Free Childcare with funded hours.

Ready to apply for your childcare funding? In this step-by-step guide, Alice and Karen explain exactly how to apply for your funded childcare hours, where to go, and what deadlines you need to know. Find out how to get your 30 hours code, when to apply, and why reconfirming your details matters.

They also share tips on what to do if your circumstances change, plus key advice on grace periods and additional support.

Confused about who qualifies for childcare funding? You’re not alone! In this episode, Alice and Karen break down everything parents in England need to know about free childcare hours, from 9 months to school age. Learn the differences between 15 hours and 30 hours funding, what “working parent” eligibility means, and how nurseries can “stretch” your hours across the year.

Perfect for parents exploring early years education funding for the first time.