The Difference we make
Play Learn Grow - Early learning & development through play
Play Learn Grow supported improvements in children’s communication, play and early learning, alongside increased confidence and engagement from parents. Parent-reported and program-assessed outcomes show the impact of the Play, Learn, grow programmes across a number of areas. Read our impact report and view our outcomes:
Outcomes for families
Children’s Development
Children taking part in Play Learn Grow showed improvements across all areas of communication, play and overall development. Parents reported better understanding and responsiveness, increased communication of needs, and greater engagement in both solitary and social play. Overall, families felt their children were developing more positively by the end of the programme.
Parent Confidence
Parents reported increased confidence in supporting their child’s learning and development. Improvements were seen in understanding developmental needs, engaging in play activities, and using praise and encouragement. By the end of the programme, parents felt more confident and involved in their child’s learning journey.
Early Learning Skills
Children demonstrated improvements across early language and literacy skills, including expressive language, songs and rhymes, early reading, environmental print awareness and early writing. Parents also reported greater confidence in supporting early learning activities at home, such as shared reading and creative play.
Participation
Participation increased for both parents and children over the course of the programme. Parents became more actively involved in sessions and home learning activities, while children showed higher engagement and willingness to take part in structured play and learning activities.
%
of parents
reported that Play, Learn, Grow had a positive impact in all 5 areas of impact:
Home learning support
New ideas for play and development
Understanding child development
Confidence in play activities
Child benefited from sessions
Annual Impact Reports
Early Years Research
The communities we serve are diverse and resilient, and we don’t only work on the ground to support them. We invest our experience and passion at a strategic level to improve provision for families across Tameside, Oldham, Stockport & Bolton.
In 2024/25…
families supported
volunteering hours
%
of parents surveyed would recommend our support
What our families say…
My breastfeeding journey would have been cut very short without the help and
support from the ladies at HOST and I am so thankful to them today.
Elizabeth, Tameside Borough
Because of the support I received from Home-Start, I feel like my relationship with my son is more meaningful.
John, Oldham Borough
My volunteer coming means I can do so much. This service from HOST has made such a difference to mine and my children’s lives and I am truly grateful for all the
support.
Helen, Stockport Borough
HOST have been absolutely amazing during this time checking up on me and ensuring that I have what I need for my new baby, I cannot go out myself due to self-isolating.
They are dedicated and brilliant and deserve praise for all their hard work.
Louise, Tameside Borough
Speaking to Kieran at a Dad chat group , helped me voice my concerns about becoming a first-time Dad and feel more confident and able to support my wife. I will always be grateful to HOST and Dad Matters for this support.
Tim, Stockport Borough