Parents Area – What is Peep?
Find free and low-cost ways to support your child’s development through play – in Peep groups, Stay and plays, and everyday life
What is Peep?
Peep Groups or Stay and Play sessions help parents and carers support their child’s learning and development through everyday moments and play.
Peep sessions or courses are delivered by many different organisations around the UK, Ireland, Australia and Kenya. We run our own groups and nursery in south Oxford.
What happens at a Peep session?
Every Peep session is a bit different, but you can expect a warm welcome, time to chat with other families, songs and rhymes, stories, play activities and ideas to try at home. Sessions are relaxed and friendly, giving you and your child time to chat, play, learn and enjoy being together, sharing ideas from one of the Peep programmes.
Have a peak into a Peep group and hear from Peep families, in our short video.
Find out more:
Parenting can sometimes feel like a struggle. We’ve been working with parents – and with organisations who work with families – for over 30 years. This keeps us grounded in the ever-changing realities of bringing up young children.
The day-to-day things you do with your child – often without even thinking – have a huge impact on their learning and development. Feelings of anxiety and self doubt are common, but remember that nobody knows your child as well as you do.
Research shows that chatting, singing, playing and reading together have a big impact on how your child’s brain develops in these early months and years, and on how they get on at school.
“The Peep course has really helped my family to bond. We play together much more often.”
Peep Parent
Small things, big difference
Sing your favourite songs and encourage your child to join in. Waving their arms or babbling are part of their early talking.
Find out more about Peep:
Here are some questions that we and Peep practitioners have been asked. We’ve given short answers but All Peep groups are slightly different, so it’s worth checking details locally.
What age is Peep for?
Peep offers support from pregnancy through to the early school years. Different groups and activities are designed for different stages of your child’s development.
Is Peep only for families who are struggling?
No. Peep is for all families with babies and young children. Some families join because they want ideas and support, while others enjoy getting to know other families, or helping their child get ready for nursery or school.
Do I need special toys or equipment?
No. Most Peep activities use everyday routines and simple household items. Talking, singing, playing and sharing books together are some of the most valuable things you can do.
Can dads, grandparents and other carers come too?
Yes. Peep welcomes anyone who plays an important role in a child’s life, including dads, grandparents, foster carers, kinship carers and other family members.
How do I find a Peep group near me?
Have a look at our Peep groups in your area page. We train practitioners to use Peep in many parts of the UK, Ireland and Australia, so it’s up to them how and when they use it. You might find Peep being delivered in your local Family Hub or Family Centre, nursery or school, health centre – anywhere that works with families.
We run Peep groups near our Peeple Centre in the Leys, Littlemore and Rosehill areas of Oxford – find out more if you live here.
I'm not confident reading or singing. Can I still take part?
Absolutely. You don’t need to read or write – sharing books with young children is as much about looking at the pictures or making up your own story. Peep is about enjoying time together with your child. Practitioners create a friendly, supportive atmosphere where everyone can join in at their own pace.
Is Peep free or do you need to pay?
Many Peep groups are free because they’re funded by local organisations such as Family Hubs, children’s centres or charities. Some groups may make a small charge, so it’s best to check with your local provider.
My child has additional needs. Can we come?
Yes. Peep aims to be welcoming and inclusive for all families. If you’d like to talk to someone before attending, your local Peep practitioner will be happy to discuss how they can help your family feel comfortable and supported.
What if English isn't my first language?
You’re very welcome. Peep groups are friendly and informal, and many practitioners have experience of supporting families who speak different languages. Talking, singing and sharing books in your home language is a wonderful way to support your child’s learning, and your practitioner can help you build on this.
What if my child won't sit still?
That’s completely normal. Young children learn in different ways and at different ages. No one expects children to sit quietly for the whole session. Peep activities are designed to be flexible, and your child is welcome to join in in the way that suits them.
What if I'm feeling nervous about coming for the first time?
Lots of parents feel that way before their first session. You won’t be expected to know anyone or join in with everything straight away. Your practitioner will make you feel welcome, and you can take part at a pace that feels comfortable for you. Most parents tell us they quickly feel at home.
Is there evidence that Peep makes a difference?
Yes. Peep has been developed over many years and is supported by research. Studies have shown benefits for children’s learning and development, as well as parents’ confidence and relationships with their children.
Can I use Peep activities at home even if I don't attend a group?
Yes. You’ll find ideas, activities and information throughout our Parents Area that you can enjoy at home with your child. If you have the opportunity to join a Peep group, you’ll also meet other families, share experiences and receive support from a trained practitioner.
What’s the Peep approach to working with families?
Peep groups and practitioners aren’t here to judge you, or tell you what you should be doing. Peep sessions are about working in partnership, sharing ideas and experiences with each other. You can try those you find helpful, and leave the ones you don’t!
Peeple is a not-for-profit charity. We’re dedicated to helping parents, carers and practitioners support children’s development and give them the best start in life.
The Peep principles underpin what we do:
- We believe that relationships are at the heart of learning
- We believe in the potential of every parent, every carer and every child
- We recognise parents and carers for what they already do, and help them to do more
- We believe that lives can be transformed by building on everyday learning experiences
- We recognise the importance of reflecting on the world through the eyes of others
“I know more about my child’s development from our Peep group – it makes me feel more confident”
Peep Parent