Supporting Ukrainian Families Through Early Childhood Development
At New Arrivals Support CIC (NASCIC), we understand that starting over in a new country is especially challenging for families with young children. That’s why we created Maliatko—a dedicated Ukrainian-language early years club designed to support refugee and migrant families with children aged 0 to 5 years old.
The first five years of a child’s life are crucial for their health, emotional development, and future success. But for many Ukrainian families displaced by war and forced to settle in the UK, this formative time is filled with uncertainty. That’s where New Arrivals Support CIC steps in.
🌱 What Is the Maliatko Project?
Maliatko is more than a playgroup—it’s a community support space. While children explore, play, and learn in their native language, parents benefit from a safe environment where they can build relationships, share experiences, and receive tailored guidance on child development, well-being, and navigating UK systems.
Through culturally sensitive, trauma-informed support, the project promotes:
🧸 Early years education in a bilingual setting
🫶 Emotional support and peer connection for Ukrainian parents
📚 Access to Ukrainian-language books, songs, and learning resources
👩👦👦 A sense of community belonging for refugees and new arrivals
💬 Expert guidance on early years development, parenting, and well-being
🏡 Why It Matters
At New Arrivals Support CIC, we know that integration isn’t just about access to services—it’s about feeling safe, seen, and supported. For newly arrived families, the Maliatko Project offers a bridge between two worlds: a place where children can stay connected to their cultural roots, and parents can gain the knowledge and strength they need to build a new life in the UK.
By focusing on early years support, we’re helping to prevent generational poverty, support family mental health, and create a strong foundation for Ukrainian refugee families adjusting to life in London and beyond.
📩 Get Involved
Are you a Ukrainian parent looking for support? A professional interested in collaborating on early childhood initiatives? A funder or partner looking to support migrant-led community projects?
We’d love to connect.