Best Start Communities Count
Delivering a range of family based activities focusing on those with children under five.
Contacting Best Start:
Urgent enquiries – Phone or Text Fiona on Mob: 0750 707 2134.
Invoice Address: Best Start Communities Count, Regen 35, MCDT Ltd, 99 Parkway Avenue, Sheffield, S9 4WG
Best Start Communities Count is a Big Lottery funded project delivering a range of family based activities focusing on those with children under five. The project aims to harness the enthusiasm of local people to work together and improve the life for young families in the Manor Castle, Norfolk Park & Arbourthorne, Darnall & Tinsley, Shiregreen & Brightside areas of Sheffield.
Our Project Manager, Sarah Newton and Community Development Worker, Fiona Spotswood work with a team of dedicated Early Years Practitioners to establish accessible toddler groups within these communities and to train parent volunteers to help keep these groups going and become self-sustaining long into the future.
Toddler Groups
Bring your under 5’s along to play & meet other parents £2 per adult & child. 50p per additional child. Snack included.
Day | Time | Location | Address | Group Facebook page |
Mondays | 9.15am – 11.15am (term time only) | St John’s Church,
| 555 East Bank Road, Sheffield, S2 2AG | Manor Castle |
Tuesdays | 9.15am – 11.15am | St Leonard’s Church,
| 331, Arbourthone Road, Sheffield, S2 3RD | Norfolk Park & Arbourthorne |
Wednesdays | 9.15am – 11.15am | The Pat Midgley | Manor Oaks Road, Sheffield, S2 | Manor Castle |
Thursdays | 9.30am – 11.30am | Geadless Toddlers
| Terry Wright Community Hall, 569 Gleadless Road, Sheffield, S2 2BT | |
Fridays | 9.15am – 11.15am | St Swithun’s Church,
| 2 Cary Road, Sheffield, S2 1 JP | Manor Castle |
School holiday activities
for the whole family
Best Start Communities Count also organise school holiday activities for the whole family, including trips to the seaside, cook and eat sessions, fun days and discos. Alongside this we provide creative activities and courses just for parents – with free crèche spaces available for childcare.
Many of the activities are directed by input from the community and we welcome as many parents and local representatives onto the Community Partnership Board as possible. Please do get in touch if you want to get involved as your voice matters!
For the latest information about Toddler Groups and activities please follow the Facebook Page for your area:
Manor Castle
Norfolk Park & Arbourthorne
Darnall & Tinsley
Shiregreen & Brightside
In April 2023 we were thrilled to receive £1440 from Asda Community Fund to help cover rents rising due to the cost of living. Not only does this keep our groups running for local families, but also helps keep our community buildings open in these challenging times.
Latest from our blog
Best Start Tinsley Allotment Toddlers
Best Start Tinsley Allotment Toddlers We work in partnership with the allotment volunteers Jess and Jacqui to run the toddler session, children explore the great outdoors in a
Slow cookers, keep cooking costs down
Slow cookers help keep cooking costs down in the face of rising energy bills Best Start was thrilled to be able to access £980 ward pot funding for 40 families in the Shiregreen
New Funding for Best Start
Manor & Castle Development Trust is delighted to announce that the Best Start Communities Count (BSCC) project has received a third round of lottery funding enabling the project to continue its amazing work with families
Supporting children and families in our city to access activities.
In Summer 2020 Sheffield Healthy Holidays launched an initiative. Supporting children and families in our city to access activities and ideas to stay active during school holidays. For more information about the city wide
