Quality Standard 4.6
Help members understand how your toy library works
Play is essential because it’s how people explore the world, build relationships, and make sense of their experiences. Through play, children (and adults) develop creativity, problem-solving skills, confidence, and emotional resilience. It supports learning in a natural, joyful way, helping people test ideas, take safe risks, and connect with others. At every age, play nurtures wellbeing and reminds us that curiosity and imagination are powerful drivers of growth.
First-time members will not understand how your toy library operates and the responsibilities of membership. For them to get the most out of your toy library, you need to spend the time to explain your toy library’s operations to them.
There are many formats that your welcome message can take -
Printed booklet
Email
Digital booklet accessible on your website or delivered by email
Physical walkthrough of your space
Ensure that your staff and volunteers are empowered to deliver this message consistently, by having an up to date key messages script. This may include information about
cleaning expectations
volunteering requirements
Where to find toys and how to get help selecting toys
the process of borrowing and returning
what to do if something goes wrong (late, missing or broken pieces)
How to get in touch with the toy library
How to get involved
Any other benefits or features of the toy library (i.e. party hire).
To track how you are going with delivering your key new member messages, consider including a question on your annual survey that asks “what do you wish you knew before you joined the toy library?”. This can identify gaps in your communications.
Accessible Story Guide
Developed as part of the DAIS project, this template allows you to customise and share what a visit will look like to your toy library with children. This can be particularly beneficial for children with a disability
Play is essential because it’s how people explore the world, build relationships, and make sense of their experiences. Through play, children (and adults) develop creativity, problem-solving skills, confidence, and emotional resilience. It supports learning in a natural, joyful way, helping people test ideas, take safe risks, and connect with others. At every age, play nurtures wellbeing and reminds us that curiosity and imagination are powerful drivers of growth.