What is Starting Rite?
Starting Rite is a 5 session course for parents/carers and their babies (aged between 0-1).
The course is totally baby-focussed with a range of multi-sensory activities for your child to experience, including baby-massage, singing, storytelling, bubbles, waterplay and a sensory tent.
The aim is to give you lots of quality bonding time with your baby whilst also thinking about faith and values you would like to offer your child as they grow up.
Who can attend Starting Rite?
Starting Rite is open to anyone, especially if you have an interest in introducing your baby to God and preparing them for christening / baptism.
Who runs Starting Rite?
The course is run by Alconbury Weald Church; the leaders will be Revd Jenny Paddison and Mrs Jan Ford. Both leaders are fully DBS checked and have taken the relevant Safeguarding training.
How much does it cost?
To cover our costs of hiring the hall, we invite a donation of £3 per family per session. However, everyone is welcome whatever their means, so please note that this is a voluntary donation.
Can I bring other children?
The aim of the course is to enable carers to spend quality time with their baby, so you may prefer to arrange other childcare so you can focus on your youngest. Whilst any other children you bring will remain under your responsibility, we are happy for them to come and we can provide crafts, books and other toys for them to play with. When you book, please let us know that you will have other siblings alongside your baby.
What do people say about Starting Rite?
The course is run in churches all over England. Here are some reviews by mums / dads / carers who went on the course with their baby:
‘fun, informative, made you think about things that you otherwise might not when children are at this special age.’
‘wish it was every week as I have had such a lovely experience’
‘It has been great to be in an environment to feel comfortable and open to talk about things.’
‘a really nice mix of social and spiritual. A nice community’
‘The mix of stories, activities and discussion meant something for baby and me, not just him’
‘I really enjoyed the opportunity to spend 1 on 1 time with my baby without the usual distractions’
‘absolutely loved everything’
‘My baby and I definitely loved coming here – giving time and space to think about the content but also tend to our babies without worry’
‘A lovely get together, nice to meet other mums and babies getting christened at the same time.’
‘Everything was great. Very welcoming.’
When is the next Starting Rite course?
The course runs over 5 weeks. We meet on Thursdays mornings at 9.30am at The Pavilion, Alconbury Weald, PE28 4XB. The first session is on Thursday 24th September 2026 and will run through until 22nd October 2026.
How do I book a place on the Starting Rite course?
If you would like to book onto the Starting Rite course, please click here. (Under "Subject" - Select 'other' from the bottom of the drop down list).