Little Acorns - A Nurturing Space for Local Families
With engaging activities, creative play, and a joyful singing time, Little Acorns - Citygate’s toddler group - nurtures both children and their caregivers. It provides a gentle introduction to our church family and families are often invited to Citygate’s Sundays and events.
Mums and tots at Little Acorns enjoying snack time.
Little Acorns – a welcoming space for families
Little Acorns is a cherished part of our Southbourne church community, carrying on the wonderful work started over 15 years ago by Ros Rees with the original toddler group, Play Pals. When Citygate Church adopted SEC, the group was rebranded as Little Acorns, continuing its mission under a new name. Our heart is to create a peaceful, accepting place where parents and carers feel supported, heard, and welcomed with genuine hospitality.
A place for parents, grandparents, and carers
Designed for parents, grandparents, and carers with babies and preschool children, Little Acorns provides a safe, welcoming, and friendly space. While officially aimed at children under three, many little ones continue attending until they start nursery or school. The group is a place where friendships grow—not just among the children but also among the adults who come along. Through encouragement, support, and a listening ear, we offer guidance and reassurance to families, creating a nurturing environment where both children and parents can flourish.
While Little Acorns is not overtly evangelistic, faith is woven into the fabric of our group. We pray together before each session and families are warmly invited to other church events, including special Christmas and Easter services, deepening their connection to our community.
Activities and experience
Each session is thoughtfully planned to provide developmental opportunities and fun experiences for young children. Activities include:
Crafts – Encouraging creativity and even offering mindfulness moments for adults.
Free play – Providing a space for exploration and socialisation.
Song time – Featuring favorites like "Sleeping Bunnies" and our goodbye song to end on a joyful note.
Snack time – Sitting together to share food, promoting connection and routine.
Tidy-up time – Encouraging responsibility and teamwork.
Building community and making an impact
One of the most special aspects of Little Acorns is the close-knit community it encourages. Because of its smaller size, we can get to know families personally, offering individual support where needed. Parents and carers often voice how friendly and relational the group is, many recommending it to others and expressing sadness when their children outgrow it.
One particularly heartwarming story is that of a young boy who struggled with speech. Through patience, encouragement, and a listening ear, we were able to support both him and his mum. Over time, we saw incredible progress in his communication skills. Moments like these remind us why we do what we do. Our annual Christmas and Easter Fun Days are another highlight, with families returning to these larger events, even after their children have moved on from our weekly Little Acorns sessions.
There are lots of toys and games at Little Acorns.
Who can join?
Anyone caring for a child under Reception age is welcome! Just turn up on a Thursday at 3 pm, including during half term. You're so, so welcome!
Hopes and prayers for the future
As we look ahead, our hope is for continued growth and deeper relationships within our community. We pray that Little Acorns remains a place of peace and connection, where parents and children alike find encouragement and support. We also pray for opportunities to have conversations about faith and to share God’s love in practical ways.
At Little Acorns, we believe in creating a space where families feel truly at home. Whether through a cup of tea, a friendly chat, or a simple craft, we hope every person who walks through our doors feels valued, supported, and part of something special.
— The Little Acorns Team