Green

'Ready and...' is one of the favourite songs in our Peep groups. The babies and toddlers love the simple tune and actions - and it's amazing how much they're learning at the same time.

Once they've got to know the song, your baby or toddler will start to know what's going to happen next - you might notice it in their face, as they wait during the pause then laugh or look excited as you lift them (or their arms) up and down. Understanding 'what happens next' is an important life skill as children get older.

Action songs are also a great way for young children to learn what words mean, as they move up and down, side to side, backwards and forwards.

If you're not sure of the tune, here's a link: > Ready and...  or just make up your own tune.  

Our four-minute 'What is Peep?' video shows Peep groups with families, babies and toddlers, and you'll hear from Peep practitioners and parents:

You can also see a shorter 2-minute version here: 'What is Peep? Two-minute snapshot video'

Peep groups are for parents and carers and their young children - some are for babies, toddlers, pre-schoolers (3-5) or young school-age children, while others are for mixed age children. 

In Peep groups, practitioners and families share ideas and simple, low-cost activities that support your child’s learning in everyday life - talking, singing, sharing books and playing together. They're also a great way to get to know other families.

As a parent or carer, your baby or child will already be learning so much from you, as you chat, play, sing, cuddle, and do all your usual day-to-day activities. Research shows that these things that you do together have a big impact on how children's brains develop in these early years, and on how they get on at school and in later life. 

By emphasising the importance of parents, it doesn't mean that it's your fault if things don't always turn out as you hoped! There are lots of influences and things going on in children's and our busy lives. It doesn't matter how you got on at school, or whether you're a stay-at-home parent/carer or you go out to work - you're just as important to your child. There's no such thing as a perfect parent - being a parent or carer is about enjoying the up times and helping each other through the down times, not about feeling guilty.

Peeple is a not-for-profit charity. We developed the Peep Learning Together Programme and the Peep Antenatal Programme, and we train practitioners from around the UK, Ireland and Australia. Contact your local children's or family centre or hub, nursery or family information service, to see if there are Peep sessions near you.

We share tips and ideas to support children's development on our social media pages -  @PeepleCentre on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Do join us there, or check out a few Peep tips here. You can also find some parents' experiences here.

'Finally I am folding up my stretchy songband professionally after starting my first Peep Group in 2003. Apart from ageing a wee bit, and making sure my grandchildren love a song, I have loved every bit of my adventure with the Peeple organisation that is now all grown up.

As an educational psychologist for almost 40 years, my challenge was always to help people see how practical experience and insight into early learning builds trusting relationships, confidence and a hunger for education. When I started my journey, education and psychology were in a very different place.

Early years and disability were always my passion. Peep helped me forge a new relationship with families. I found my Peep groups helped parents - who might be feeling temporarily lost and overwhelmed by the enormity of parenting - find solutions, through our joint experience, not my ‘expert’ knowledge. It was a very important lesson for me to work collaboratively to find solutions, and made me a better psychologist.

Through it all I have met wonderful people committed to making every single persons’ lot the best experience possible. There have been many changes for Peep along the way, some I have liked and some I have questioned!  Training, materials, delivery, research, to name just a few, have been scrutinised and developed. This has always been done with the unswerving knowledge that making a difference to parents, carers and families - together with those working in Early Years in their communities - is the only way forward in developing a literate, numerate and socially resilient society.

At this point I could wax lyrical about the funny experiences I have had, and am reminded I frequently did just that on my training courses. Recently my experience has been over the internet, which breaks down regularly around me, but to my surprise it is possible to connect with group leaders and infuse them with my passion for all that is Peep. I am in awe of the continuing ingenuity of practitioners to engage with the families around them and help spread the word and learning around child development in such an accessible way.

There have been many moments that have shown me the excitement that comes from recognising that an opportunity offered and modelled in an interaction has helped a child and parent know or do something more often. That helps everyone feel good about themselves and their achievements.  That smile, that understanding, that job well done gives immeasurable pleasure even when the world seems to be hard to negotiate. I know I have been a ‘good enough’ advocate for Peep and sometimes just managed to be the best I can be.

Keep using the best educational resource of things to do with children from 0 - 5 ever put together, that is the Peep Learning Together Programme - and spread the word.  Good luck, have fun and know you are making a difference. It has been a privilege to be a small part of what has been achieved.'

by Anne Littlefair, (retired) Peep Practitioner, Peep Trainer and Educational Psychologist 

Many thanks to Anne from all of us at Peeple, for all your amazing work with Peep families, your passion, your invaluable role as a critical friend and advocate, and for helping to train and inspire the next generation of Peep practitioners!

Thanks to Gillian Forbes (Highland Council Peep Co-ordinator) and Mairianne Nairn (Highland Council, Community Early Years Practitioner) for sharing their case study

"We offer a mixture of online and face-to-face Peep Antenatal sessions for expectant parents. Initially, we wanted to help support pregnant mums/families within the area during the pandemic, which we did with the support of Highland Council's Midwifery Development Officer and her team.  We adapted elements of the Peep Antenatal Programme so that we could deliver it flexibly online with families with wide‑ranging needs.  We received positive feedback from the parents and professionals involved in the pilot sessions, and it was agreed to continue offering sessions, particularly to families with additional support needs.

Once referrals are received from the midwifery teams, we make contact with each parent to introduce ourselves and the course, and answer any questions. Parents-to-be start the course around 26+ weeks of pregnancy.  We offer online and face-to-face groups. This enabled parents to get to know other parents-to-be, support each other, and integrate more into their community. Isolation was a particular issue for families during the pandemic, but becoming a new parent can be daunting at the best of times, and getting to know others in the same boat is invaluable.  

From our first involvement with the families we actively encouraged the pregnant mums to invite husbands/ partners or family members to join the sessions as a source of support.  During the 1-1 sessions and small groups we had several dads joining and engaging. We were conscious that the sessions had to offer lots of opportunity for discussion and for the parents to feel comfortable asking questions and sharing personal information. 

> Find out more about our 1-day Peep Antenatal training

course content

The Programme supports parents perinatally (i.e. before and after the birth) to reflect on their developing baby, tune in to their baby's feelings and behaviour and respond sensitively (known as reflective functioning). This helps parent-baby bonding and attachment, and reduces the risk to the early parent–baby relationship, helping to prevent isolation, anxiety and low-level depression.

All sessions are a mix of discussion, video clips, sharing of relevant research and advice, songs/rhymes and story sharing, all underpinned by the focus on reflective functioning.  After the initial phone conversation with the parent/s, we offer five group sessions of about an hour each, focusing on:

1. Getting to know each other
2. Supportive networks
3. Transition to parenthood
4. The developing brain, and emotional support
5. Baby states

Following these five sessions, we offer a reunion session once the babies are born.  Throughout the course we also signpost parents to other groups or provision within their local community.

outcomes and feedback

All families that attended our sessions kept in touch and let us know when baby was delivered.  Several of the families have continued to stay in touch with each other, creating WhatsApp groups and meeting up.  Having that social network in their own local community is vital for community engagement and maintaining positive mental health."

parents’ feedback

'I think it was very interesting and informative to learn about how to talk to our baby and what to do to communicate.  I didn’t think to read to them since I didn’t think they would understand but I definitely will be reading to them as early as possible.'

'I really enjoyed the course and will miss our weekly chats, however I’m delighted to have met some new people who will hopefully become lifelong friends, and Bump’s new friend group to grow up with.'

'All sessions were very positive and upbeat with some great ideas, we have been able to adapt to our own pregnancy and planning for the baby’s arrival.  I definitely felt the sessions boosted my confidence.'

'It has been great to meet other mums-to-be as Covid made it feel very isolating and alone, but knowing there are other mums experiencing the same things as me is very comforting.'

'The sessions felt relaxed and were supportive.'

'The discussion around bonding and communicating with your baby helped prepare me for my baby being in SCBU [Special Care Baby Unit]. By singing and talking to her, she was able to recognise my voice.'

referrers’/ midwives’ feedback

'I think every parent would benefit from this service as we cannot put a price on the wellbeing of the next generation.'

'The weekly update received following each session [with parents’ permission] is great, and I add this to their maternity notes.'

'My client thoroughly enjoyed the sessions - she stated she felt she was doing something practical to improve her parenting knowledge and skills, and that this was at a comfortable pace.' 

'My client was struggling with anxiety and social isolation due to the pandemic, she has been complimentary on the emotional support she has received from the Peep Co-ordinators.'

feedback from the Midwifery Development Officer

'The Antenatal Peep sessions have been universally welcomed and supported by all the Community Midwife Teams across the whole of Highland. It fits well within the GIRFEC framework (Getting it right for every child), and with families recommended for additional support at the Health Plan Indicator (HPI) wellbeing assessment around 16 weeks of pregnancy. 

The flexibility of the programme being delivered online or face to face, and either in a 1:1 or group format, has been most welcomed. The Antenatal Peep Programme helps maternity services reach parents who have been historically difficult to engage in more traditional parentcraft groups, such as young parents, parents in more remote areas, and parents who are isolated or have anxiety as well as those using substances.

The sessions fill an important gap in welcoming fathers to take an early and active role in developing loving and secure attachment through deeper understanding of how to connect with their unborn babies, and to consider some of the social and emotional aspects of transitioning to parenthood. The potential to connect with other parents albeit virtually was particularly vital during the Covid 19 pandemic. The classes are an important intervention in assisting with developing positive parent and infant mental health, and will complement the work that will be undertaken in Perinatal and Infant Mental Health teams.

Feedback from service users has been very positive. The topics covered were found to be fun and informative, often expanding on the basic knowledge they already had, at a pace and time that was suitable. The coping skills developed during the course proved to be very useful once the baby was born, and parents felt that they were able to understand their baby’s feelings more easily and figure how best to respond.'

• If you're an Antenatal Peep practitioner, log into the Antenatal Area for further delivery tips.
• Follow the link to find out more about the Peep Antenatal Programme and Training.

“I attended my local Peep group with my youngest child, when she started nursery.  I started going along so that I could help my child with her learning.  As we went along every week, I started to really enjoy the sessions and when I was asked if I’d like to do the Peep Progression Pathway accreditation, I decided to do Early Literacy.  I enjoyed this so much that I decided to complete the Early Maths accreditation at level 5. 

Going to Peep really helped my confidence to grow.  I was learning so many new things about child development that I realised that I would love to work with children in a school setting.  Before I could apply to work in school, I had to go to college to complete Core 3 in Maths, I was able to do this in 8 weeks.  Then I applied for a job as a learning assistant, and I am now working in the nursery class in my local primary school.  I absolutely love my job and wish that I had made the move sooner but without going to the Peep group I would never have been confident enough to do it! 

After the summer holidays I am hoping to continue my learning by completing an HNC in Early Learning and Childcare.” 

Stacey, Dumfries and Galloway

> Find out more about Peep Progression Pathway accreditation for parents and carers

We're piloting in Autumn 2026 (London boroughs only) 
Register your interest here  or  read more below

Children’s early STEM learning grows from their natural curiosity and engagement in real-world experiences and play. These are enhanced through interaction with adults who share the child’s interest, and can be extended with relevant knowledge, vocabulary, and ideas.

Peep Exploring Together is a programme which aims to improve practitioners’ and parents’ confidence, knowledge and skills in supporting early STEM learning. The intervention has two elements: Exploring Together Training for practitioners, and the Exploring Together Programme for parents.

“I think it helped him a lot. The nursery were saying that he's changed so much, speaking more, coming in with ideas...”
Exploring Together Parent

The programme and training are being developed and piloted over two phases:

Phase 1 (2021-24): Development, piloting and independent evaluation

• Peeple developed and piloted the programme, in partnership with Sheringham Nursery School and Children’s Centre and the University of Oxford. The project was funded by the Charity of Sir Richard Whittington, for which the Mercers’ Company is corporate trustee, as part of their Early Years Special Initiative.
• We developed training and resources, which could be delivered and access online, to enable practitioners in early years settings to use the programme with families.
• The Institute of Employment Studies (IES) and the University of Oxford evaluated Exploring Together in six early years settings in the London boroughs of Newham and Redbridge. The IES Evaluation report ‘Peep Exploring Together: Supporting the foundations of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM)’ was published in November 2024. With promising outcomes from this independent evaluation (see below), we secured four years’ additional funding to develop the programme further and extend its evidence base.

Phase 2 (2024-27): Refining and scaling the programme and training

We are delighted that a continuation of the project is being funded by the Early Years Special Initiative Phase Two.  During this time, we are:

• refining content and materials for the Peep Exploring Together programme and training for practitioners
• exploiting the benefits of digital platforms to share the Programme with families and to support their interactions with settings (e.g. using established home/ school platforms)
• scaling the delivery of the Programme across London, including 90 nursery settings and Family Hubs, 50 childminders and 1,000 families
• extending the evidence base, including the Programme’s impact on parents’ interactions with their children and their Home Learning Environment, and on children’s outcomes relating to language, numeracy, confidence and curiosity.

Impact of the Exploring Together STEM programme on parents and their young children

The evaluation found that parents:

• reported undertaking both maths and science-based activities with their children at home at a significantly higher frequency immediately post-Programme compared to pre-Programme
• were overwhelmingly positive about the impact of the Exploring Together Programme on their child, reporting developments in their confidence (including self-belief and confidence in STEM), curiosity, and a greater interest in STEM concepts or topics such as space, or the natural world
• reported maths skills improvements around counting and simple sums such as addition/ subtraction, as well an improved knowledge of shapes and weights
• reported improvements in children’s language and communication skills including more verbal communication, increased vocabulary, and improvements in listening
• noted the benefits of increased parent-child time
• felt more confident in their ability to support their child with improving their STEM skills at home through play and in daily activities such as cooking, and said that the Programme had made STEM more relatable.

Practitioners universally reported enjoying and learning from the Programme. They often felt that the Programme changed their perspectives on their own practice as early years professionals and helped them to feel more confident in their interactions with parents. You can see more parent and practitioner comments below.

We hope that STEM will become something that more practitioners and parents are excited rather than anxious about. Together we will help very young children from all walks of life embrace their inborn curiosity and fulfil their potential to become the scientists, engineers, mathematicians, programmers and inventors of the future.

With thanks to our Peep Exploring Together funders, partners and the families that took part.

Early Years STEM Pilot (London): open for expressions of interest

Peeple is seeking early years settings, groups, childminders and Family Hubs in London boroughs to take part in the Peep Exploring Together STEM pilot, from Autumn 2026.

This pilot offers a structured, evidence-informed approach to early STEM learning that strengthens home engagement. 

Barriers to engagement for both staff and families were at the heart of the design process when we were developing both the training for practitioners and  the programme for families.  

Why get involved:

• Enhances parental engagement and strengthens home-setting partnerships
• Low time-commitment, free training (approx. 5 hours, flexibly delivered over 3 - 5 weeks) and implementation support
• A clear focus on quality interactions (using the ShREC approach) in everyday practice
• Delivery designed to integrate with your existing provision - 8 sessions available online (via Padlet or existing school-home platform) or face-to-face
• Direct support for learning at home, through free weekly resource packs for families

>  Register your interest here 

Our Peep partnership organisation in Australia is Playgroup Victoria. They have an exclusive licence with us to train practitioners to use Peep Programmes in Australia. 

 >  Click here to see their next training dates, find out more or to book places via the Peep team at Playgroup Victoria

Playgroups, both universal and targeted, are a key service for families with babies and young children in Australia. They promote play as central to children’s development and help parents to develop individual strengths, parenting skills and to integrate with their community.

Playgroup Victoria*, based in Melbourne, is a not-for-profit organisation committed to helping all Victorian families discover the benefits of playgroup. They advocate for the benefits of play for young children and provide support for communities and families wanting to start and run a playgroup. They gather evidence to influence policy makers of the vital role that playgroups play in creating and sustaining cohesive, supportive communities and in giving children the best possible start in life. 

In 2022-23 a hundred more Peep practitioners were trained. The Peep programme is now being used in every state and territory in Australia.

Claire Georgiou is Peep National Manager for Playgroup Victoria. Claire has several years’ experience in delivering the Learning Together Programme with families, and delivering Peep training to practitioners.

Danny Schwarz, CEO of Playgroup Victoria: "Playgroup Victoria welcomes the opportunity to become the Australian Licensee for the Peep Learning Together Programme. The values and purpose of Playgroup Victoria focus on the benefits derived by children's and parents’ participation in play-based experiential opportunities and learning. Our partnership with Peeple will have significant and positive impacts for the lives of Australian children and their families."

Dr Sally Smith, CEO of Peeple:  "Playgroup Victoria is the ideal custodian for the Peep Learning Together Programme in Australia. We have enjoyed a positive working relationship with them over the past three years, and established that the principles behind our organisations are beautifully aligned. We look forward to contributing to their development of Peep in Australia – and learning a great deal together in the process."

To find out more or to book Peep training in Australia, please contact: Claire Georgiou, Australia's Peep National Manager – email [email protected]  or  tel  0488 600 190  

Our Peep Learning Together Practitioner Accreditation values and builds on Peep practitioners’ skills, confidence, knowledge and understanding about working with parents and children to support their home learning environment and enhance children’s outcomes. 

Join a free Information session to find out how you or LTP-trained colleagues can complete the Practitioner Accreditation unit as part of your Peep delivery - click here for forthcoming Info session dates

What is the Peep practitioner accreditation unit called?  'Supporting parents and children to learn together'

Who is the practitioner accreditation unit for?   Anyone who has attended or is going to attend Peep Learning Together Programme (LTP) Training 

What are the benefits of completing the accreditation?

• Quality of delivery with families: The accreditation embeds the Peep training and Programme into your work with parents and children together, and enhances quality - so it’s valuable even if you already have a higher level qualification.
• Your CPD: It will contribute to your CV and Continuing Professional Development.  The accreditation unit has 3 credits, at level 3 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, equivalent to level 6 in Scotland and level 5 in the Republic of Ireland. (For more detail, see the 'Qualifications can cross boundaries guide', created on behalf of the UK and Ireland Qualifications Frameworks, updated Aug23.)

What does the accreditation involve? 

You complete a portfolio based on your Peep plan-do-review cycle, whether you deliver Peep groups, drop-in sessions and/or one-to-one work with families. Your line manager or a colleague will observe one of your sessions and have a follow-up discussion with you – guidance and a form are provided in the log-in Members Area. This observation doubles as quality assurance for your organisation and supervision support for you.

What is the time commitment?

It takes approximately 30 hours, including the Peep LTP training course. You will have up to  9 months to complete from the Accreditation start date that we give you after you have registered. You can submit your portfolio as soon as you have completed it.

Who is the Awarding organisation/ body?  AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group. 

How much does the Practitioner Accreditation unit cost?

• £100 + vat per learner, if you have already attended Learning Together Programme Training.
• Only £70 + vat pp when purchased alongside the Learning Together Programme Training (LTP Training £515 + Accreditation £70 = £585 + vat pp on booking)

What does the cost include?

This includes the unit's downloadable materials and guidance, 1-to-1 initial online support call with your assessor, monthly online group support sessions with an assessor, assessment and certification.

How will I be supported to complete my portfolio?

We will assign you an Assessor who will arrange an initial online call with you. There are also monthly online group sessions which focus on aspects of the portfolio, and provide an opportunity to network and build supportive connections with other practitioners. 

How do I sign up for the Practitioner Accreditation unit, and when do I need to decide?

The Peep trainers will briefly talk you through the accreditation process during the Learning Together Programme (LTP) Training course. We encourage all Peep LTP practitioners to complete the accreditation, but we want you to have time to think about your Peep delivery and the accreditation, before you decide.

If you've already attended LTP training: log in to your Peeple website account and read more about what's involved, and how to register: www.peeple.org.uk/practitioner-accreditation-overview 

Once you have registered and paid you will be given the next accreditation start date (these occur once a month) and assigned an assessor, which is when your nine months will begin. We will also give you online access to the Practitioner Accreditation area of the website containing all your accreditation materials, including the portfolio, guidance, policies and key contacts.   

When do I need to start by?

You can start as soon as you're ready to start planning your Peep delivery. If you weren't able to start delivery soon after the training, or you're returning to Peep after a gap, the accreditation and plan-do-review portfolio can be a supportive way to get going with your Peep delivery.

How is the Practitioner Accreditation unit assessed?

Completed portfolios are assessed by Peeple’s assessors, and are part of an Internal and External Quality Assurance (IQA/ EQA) process led by AIM, the awarding body. Certificates will be sent to learners once AIM have completed the EQA process. 

Get in touch to find out more, or with any questions: email  [email protected]

nursery opening hours

We are open from 8am - 5pm Monday to Friday. There are various session options within those times, plus an additional session option until 5.30pm.

Little Peeple Nursery is open for 48 weeks a year, closing for a week at Christmas and Easter, and two weeks in the summer. Children can either attend for 48 weeks or for school term-time dates.

nursery term dates

Sept 2025 - Aug 2026 term dates:

> 2025-26 term dates for term-time only children

> 2025-26 term dates for 48-week children

funded childcare

Funded early education and childcare is available. To find out if you are eligible check the gov.uk website: www.gov.uk/get-childcare

requesting a place

Please complete and return our Application form below, or get in touch with any questions.

> Little Peeple Nursery Application form