First Friends Social: Childminders

First Friends Social: Childminders kicks off at Culture House Sunderland on Tuesday 3 November, and it's not just a one-off — it's a series of weekly sessions that run right through to mid-December. The dates are 3, 10, 17, 24 November, then 1, 8, and 15 December, all from 10:00am to 12:00pm. If you're a childminder in Sunderland, it's a regular morning slot you can build into your week rather than a single date to work around.

It's a dedicated social play session for childminders and the children in their care, and the whole thing is built around the idea of adults and children exploring, discovering and playing together. The focus is on building confidence, developing social skills and making new friends along the way — for the little ones, of course, but the social side extends to the adults too. It's a space where the kids can get stuck in and the childminders can connect with others doing the same job.

Because it runs as a series of weekly gatherings, it's less about a one-time visit and more about coming back. The children get to see the same faces and build on the friendships they start making, which is exactly what the session is for. If you're looking for a way to get the children you care for out of the house and into a group setting, this is a steady, recurring option rather than a one-off event.

It's free to attend, though booking is advised, so it's worth getting your name down before you head in. The sessions run from 10:00am to 12:00pm on those Tuesday mornings at Culture House Sunderland, starting 3 November and continuing through to 15 December.