ESCC brochure 2009 by Jane Jordan

Our achievements

2007/09

Foreword East Staffordshire Children’s Centre continues to achieve more and more each year, as you will read in this brochure, but its ultimate success lies in just how many people are finding their lives completely transformed thanks to the work of the centre. I’m Chair of the Management Board at the centre, which brings together local councillors, people from the voluntary sector, healthcare services and local head teachers. Our job is to ensure that every penny invested in the Children’s Centre is spent wisely. And when the centre is providing a real lifeline to so many families, it’s vital that we continuously look for ways to make that money stretch a little bit further, so that we can reach even more people. Over the years I’ve seen the level of parent involvement in the centre really develop. We now have a very active Parents’ Forum which enables

About this brochure

parents to shape the services of the centre so that they continue to meet the changing needs of local families.

As you read this brochure, you’ll see we’ve used a number of different ways to highlight

This brochure shows how children’s services can work together to provide

our achievements over the last two years.

first class integrated services for families right across East Staffordshire.

Look out for … My grandson was one of the first children to attend the Children’s Centre. Now my younger grandson is also loving his time here. Sending my own precious grandchildren is the best endorsement I can give to the centre. Dotted throughout the brochure are some key facts and figures

Long may it continue to flourish.

we’re very proud of and want to share with you.

Don’t take our word for it, hear what a difference we’re making to local people’s lives from the local people themselves.

Focus on...

There are some

groups and projects that are unique to East Staffordshire Children’s Centre so we really want them to stand out.

Parents quotes: The feedback we get from our parents is vital. See what they have to say. 2

Sandie Williams Chair of the Management Board

Contents Transforming Lives

Parents Shape Services

Focus on... Best Practice Examples

Community & Employment

Training & Development

Health & Family Support

Play & Learning

Extra Special Needs

Nursery Day Care

In Partnership

Every Family Matters

Transforming Lives

Welcome to East Staffordshire Children’s Centre’s

It’s always been recognised that the first five years are the most

Achievements Brochure. Our aim is to show the impact

important of a child’s life. But now it’s official – researchers are

we’re having on local families’ lives and how, during the

beginning to identify that children’s centres are having a major

past four and a half years, we’ve literally provided a

impact on children’s development.

lifeline for many people in East Staffordshire. Creating a vibrant, successful children’s centre relies on having The Government’s aim is to make the UK the best place in the

a team of highly trained and highly motivated staff. We place

world for children and young people to grow up. Developing

a very high premium on staff training and development, and

children’s centres in every community UK-wide is one of the

learning is an expected outcome for everyone at the centre.

ways in which this can be achieved. In fact, nearly 3,000 children’s centres have already opened, putting the Government

Staff often carry out best practice visits across the country

well on its way to achieving its target of 3,500 centres by 2010.

to share ideas and bring back new ways of working so that we can constantly improve. We also hold training and

In my view, children’s centres are the most significant development

development events at the centre and encourage staff

since 1948 when state education was made compulsory in the

to undertake various courses.

UK. This revolution in children’s services is gathering pace in local communities with local agencies and organisations working

Having a first class team means first class services and our

together to put children at the heart of local services.

recent parents’ satisfaction survey endorses this. It showed that families value what we do very highly and praise the

Here at East Staffordshire Children’s Centre, we’re proud to be

extensive services we offer.

part of this revolution. Since opening in August 2004 as one of the flagship children’s centres, we’ve grown and grown, and

We now have over 85 staff covering more than 30 professions –

pride ourselves on providing unrivalled children’s services for

from health and special needs to nursery care. We welcome

children aged 0-5 under one roof.

children from all walks of life and offer a well rounded service

New research by the National Childbirth Trust and National Evaluation of the Sure Start Research Team confirms that large, local authority Children's Centres like ours, make a significant difference to children's development, especially those from socially disadvantaged backgrounds.

We’ve provided 120 different services, activities and crèches in the past year from the Children’s Centre and local community venues.

There are five basic principles at the heart of the children’s centre and all our work stems from these: Within the past 12 months, we’ve met all the criteria for the Every Child Matters Framework: Be Healthy – we’ve worked with nearly 1,000 individuals. Stay Safe – over 500 individuals have taken part in activities. Enjoy & Achieve – we’ve engaged

families need help and support in bringing up children

with more than 1,100 individuals. Make a Positive

children should go as far as their talents can take them

Contribution – nearly 1,100 individuals have been involved with the services we offer.

which brings children together from many different backgrounds.

children need to be safe, healthy and enjoy their childhood

it’s always better to prevent failure than tackle a crisis later

Bringing up children, and being a child today can be tough. Many children have an unhappy start in life or fail to reach their potential because of poverty and disadvantage. That’s why a priority for this year will be accessing child poverty and ensuring that disadvantaged families are using our services and facilities.

all children and families deserve services that meet their needs

While our work meets the Government’s Early Years Agenda, we know that it’s parents who bring up children, not the Government. Our goal is to fine tune the service we already offer and continue to respond to community need. We want children, parents, staff and partners to be proud to be part of East Staffordshire Children’s Centre – and we hope that this is something we’re already achieving.

Peter Gerrard

Since the Children’s Centre opened in 2004,

Head of East Staffordshire Children’s Centre

we’ve reached nearly 4,000 individuals (more than 1,600 families). In the last year alone, we’ve registered a staggering 1,466 new individuals (nearly 700 families) who’ve attended outreach services and activities. This is an increase of 35%

During 2008 we forged links with other

compared with the previous three years.

Children's Centres and communities across the world, including the Krizevac Project in Malawi and Children's Centre services in Finland.

Since we produced our last Achievements Report, people accessing our services has risen by 130%!

Parents Shape Services Our Parents’ Forum At the Children’s Centre, the child is at

Our Parents’ Forum was formed in November 2005 and has

the heart of all activities and services

recently become a sub committee of the Management Board.

and we know that their parents or

and its outreach services, the opportunity to have their say

Its aim is to give parents and carers who use the centre about the services it offers.

carers are the most significant people in their lives. This means that it’s vital

It also provides an excellent chance to meet other parents and staff to enhance and influence policy.

we work in partnership with them. The group meets every eight weeks and has an impressive track record of influencing change at the centre: February 2008 saw a massive surge in the

The Parents’ Forum suggested sending a survey to families using the centre during the past year. Almost 1,000 surveys

number of people coming along to the

were issued to gain feedback on the services provided. It’s

Children’s Centre, with nearly 400 families

now become an annual survey.

accessing our services in that month alone! G

Members have joined in the early discussions about how an additional new room at the centre could be used.

An Elephant Kiosk offering internet access has been installed at the centre thanks to the Parents’ Forum and key website links have been suggested.

Members have been involved in the Krizevac Project which sees us working with a Children’s Centre in Malawi, Africa.

Parents' Forum Case Study

SELF-CONFIDENCE KEEPS GROWING Getting involved in the Children’s Centre Parents’ Forum has given Jackie Braithwaite new self-confidence, strength and lots of new friends! It was at her local GP surgery that Jackie learnt about the Children’s Centre. She was pregnant with her youngest son and already had two older children aged 11 and nine. As a previous sufferer of depression and new to the local area, Jackie was feeling isolated and lonely. “I’d had a very difficult summer and it really knocked my confidence,” she says. “When my son was three months old, I decided to go along to Tummies to Tots,” she says. “I really enjoyed the group because the people were very friendly and helpful.” “I then joined other groups such as Baby Peep and Baby Talk, where you learn how to help your baby communicate. I also did a Baby Massage course and a Child Development course, which were really useful.” And it wasn’t just her youngest son who benefitted from the Children’s Centre. Over the following months Jackie and her three children attended various activities including trips to Markeaton Park and activities at Burton Library. “The activities are great as you get a chance to meet other parents and form friendships,” says Jackie. “In fact, I’m still in contact with different mums now.” “I used to go to the Children’s Centre toy library so that I could have a chat as well as borrow a toy. One week they told me about the Simply Play group and it was there that I found out about the Parents’ Forum.” Jackie attended the Forum for the first time in December 2007 and loved it. “I wouldn’t miss one because it’s nice to feel involved and to know you’re doing something really useful,” she says. “I’ve become an important member of both the Parents’ Forum and the working group on the Malawi project.”

“My son now attends the Children’s Centre nursery every Friday so I can regularly go to the Forum.” “He merrily gets on the Children’s Centre minibus and comes home really talkative. His speech has improved and he’s more willing to do fun crafty activities since starting at the nursery.”

“Getting involved in the Children’s Centre has given me a new found confidence and strength to make new friends and make a difference.” 7

Focus on... Best Practice examples The Weaning Group In response to requests from the community for more guidance and support about weaning, our Weaning Group was set up in February 2008 by Adiba Akhtar, Dual Language, Community & Employment Worker. Parents felt that simply gaining advice from family and friends was not enough, so the group provides expert guidance for those who have started weaning or who need support on how to begin weaning their babies. The group, which is run alongside a Health Visitor from each of the Community Learning Partnership (CLP) areas, has proved very popular, with seven or more families attending each course. The programme is very visual with practical demonstrations of how fruits and vegetables can be steamed and blended. Parents learn more about finger foods and healthy eating, and even have

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The visual aids were very good and the tasting sessions were excellent.â&#x20AC;?

chance to taste recipes.

Parents attending the programme have said that the course has given them the confidence to start weaning.

Hit the Ground Crawling We believe that fathers play a key role in the lives of their children, which is why we provide activities all year round for dads, granddads, uncles and male carers.

“The main thing I felt worked well in the session was what to do when your baby starts to cry - have patience.”

After listening to their feelings and concerns about fatherhood, we realised that dads felt these issues are not always understood or considered. Our ‘Hit the Ground Crawling’

with two or three men who have recently become fathers and

workshop aims to address this.

their babies.

It’s a programme developed by the Fatherhood Institute

The session gives dads-to-be the opportunity to speak to other

for expectant fathers and is the UK version of an initiative

men like themselves about their experiences, watch them caring

originally started in America 10 years ago.

for their babies and find out what it’s like to become a dad.

The simple, flexible and inexpensive peer mentoring programme

It’s proved so successful that Staffordshire County Council,

involves a small group of dads spending a morning or afternoon

working with the Fatherhood Institute, has now begun rolling out the ‘Hit the Ground Crawling’ programme in Burtonwood, Stafford, Rugeley and Staffordshire Moorlands.

“I thought it was a good idea to set up the ‘Hit the Ground Crawling’ workshop because you learn a lot about becoming a dad from other dads.”

Our workshop was even featured in the Department for Children, Schools & Families national ‘Children’s Plan Progress Report’ as an example of good practice.

The first ‘Hit the Ground Crawling’ session gained national exposure. It was held in July 2008 and was attended by three fathers and their babies and five fathers-to-be. BBC Radio 4 covered the workshop for a programme called ‘Boot Camp for Dads’ which was broadcast on 15th September.

Best Practice examples continued Special Start Special Start is a ground breaking programme, offering a home visiting service to families with a baby born prematurely (pre 34 weeks) in the Burton area.

“Special Start offers such a crucial service. Having a premature baby which has been in special care for three months and then discharged on oxygen is the most scary thing. To be offered support and advice once back at home was so welcome.”

It helps parents and carers give their baby a ‘special start’, when many have faced a period of vulnerability following the birth. Individual support is provided through weekly or monthly home visits, when babies are encouraged to develop through play, communication and learning. At the same time, support and guidance is offered to parents. Monthly coffee mornings offer an opportunity for families to meet and share their experiences. It provides a life-line to families once their baby has been discharged from hospital. Since the pilot project in 2006/2007, over 40 families have been referred to the service and have benefitted from the programme. Approximately a quarter of these will require on-going support from a range of professionals. Parents complete a questionnaire as they finish the programme, and all the feedback has been extremely complimentary.

“The Special Start visits are fantastic. I am a first time mum with lots of concerns and questions. Last year was very difficult for my family and the support and advice from Special Start was priceless.”

Our Special Start service is unique to East Staffordshire and is funded by the Portage Service, Community and Learning Partnerships and the Children’s Centre.

Fathers Case Study

BRUSHING UP ON BEING A DAD When Aaron Stringer got involved with a new initiative for dads at the Children’s Centre, he didn’t know it was going to have a dual purpose for him. Not only was he able to share his experience as a ‘veteran dad’ with dads-to-be at the centre’s ‘Hit the Ground Crawling’ workshop, he was also able to prepare himself for becoming a dad for the second time.

my new baby was a girl, so that was all new too! She’s three months old now and, although it’s been a fantastic time, having a new baby is also challenging. There’s always more to learn.”

The workshop involves a small group of dads-to-be spending a morning or afternoon with two or three men who are already fathers. There’s the chance to watch new dads caring for their babies and even for the dads-to-be to hold a baby themselves.

Aaron also regularly attends Play and Stay sessions with Brandon and his partner’s children, Ami aged nine, seven year old Kurgan and Shannon, a close family friend. He says: “The children love all the activities on offer, such as painting and crafts, and I enjoy playing with them and meeting up with other dads.”

Aaron had already built up a wealth of experience of fatherhood bringing up his son, Brandon, now aged eight. When he went along to the workshop, he was gearing up for the arrival of his baby daughter, Maddison. “When it was just me and my son, I found other dads had all sorts of questions about how they could prepare for fatherhood and how they could support their partners and so on,” says Aaron.

“I’m always looking for new ideas for play with the children and anything like this can only be good for them and their development. We’ve got some really good activities planned in the future, including a dads’ treasure hunt and various sporting activities. We’re also doing a healthy eating campaign at the moment which has been really interesting.”

“Women have lots of opportunities to ask questions when they’re pregnant, such as at appointments with the midwife and antenatal classes, but there really isn’t anywhere for dads to find out what they want to know.”

For Aaron, getting involved with activities at the Children’s Centre has been a real eye-opener. “I can’t believe how much there is going on and how much I’ve been able to tap into. It really is a fantastic place.”

“I think a lot of dads-to-be are scared about becoming a father and there may be things they don’t feel able to discuss with their partner. They really don’t know what to expect when a new baby arrives and they want to be able to help and do the right thing.” “Having somewhere dads can talk to each other about their experiences and ask any questions they’ve got is really valuable. There’s a lot they can learn from other men with a bit of parenting experience, men who’ve been through the same thing themselves.” Despite his years of parenting, when Aaron found out he was going to be a dad for the second time, he was grateful for the chance to brush up his skills. “It had been several years since my son was born and

Community & Employment A whole host of groups meet at the centre and various venues within the

Chill & Chat

community where parents and carers

Chill and Chat is a weekly group which takes place at a large

can share their experiences with others, gain any help and support they need,

indoor play centre in Bretby. Its aim is to give parents and carers an opportunity to meet, socialise and chat. The group encourages parents to interact

and rest assured that their children are

with their children and lets

having a fantastic time as well as

them know about other

developing their skills through play.

which are available, which can

services, groups and training help improve their confidence and self esteem.

A total of 225 individuals (83 families) have attended Chill & Chat during the past two years. They’ve attended the centre 709 times! The sessions are pretty much fully booked each week, with an average of eight families coming along.

The team also offers access to training and volunteering experience, enabling them to become more confident in returning to work.

“I’ve made new friends at the group. It has also given me the confidence to access other services and training available at the Children’s Centre.”

Childminders’ Network Local childminders are encouraged to join the Centre’s Childminders’ Network and become accredited. All members are given support and are assessed against strict quality standards. Regular training and support is also provided by the Network Co-ordinator and other agencies. Every six weeks, an average of 15 childminders attend the training we provide and the Network Co-ordinator visits them every six to eight weeks to assess their practice. Promotional events are also organised in the town centre to highlight the network and the satellite children’s centres. 12

The network currently has 24 members, of which three are accredited childminders. All the childminders received ‘good’ in their Ofsted inspections, with one receiving ‘outstanding’. Half of them have an NVQ3 qualification and one is working towards a degree.

Tickle Tots All childminders can drop into the Tickle Tots sessions. It enables them to get together, receive support from each other and share good practice, while giving the children the chance to socialise together and develop their skills. They can also talk to the Network Co-ordinator and keep up to date with childminding issues. On average, six childminders attend this group.

Family Group

A total of 879 individuals (383 families) have

The Family Group was initially set up to support families in the Stapenhill area of Burton to give them the opportunity to seek

services available. It’s run by two members of staff and has the support of a Homestart member of staff once a month.

Community & Employment Team during the past two years. Between them, they’ve attended the

advice and support from staff and find out about other

accessed the services provided by the

The Stapenhill area Family Group has provided such a lifeline to local people, that a new group was set up at the end of 2008 to cover the Winshill area.

centre’s services 2,752 times to take part in activities and services including First Aid courses, fathers’ groups, support groups, Food Hygiene courses and weaning programmes. Dads are loving the activities just for them. They’ve come along to the centre 295 times in the past two years to enjoy drop in groups, play and stay sessions and Saturday projects. More than 60 dads have taken part in activities.

Play & Stay This group ran at Queen Street Children’s Centre until February 2009. It was led by local childminders for any families to attend and offered a chance to socialise. Up to 14 parents and their children came along to the group, and were able to find out about the other services provided by the Children’s Centre.

Volunteers Since 2006, we’ve been running a successful volunteering programme which provides an ideal opportunity for parents or carers to gain valuable work experience at the centre. Volunteers can help out at children’s groups, events and activities to develop their skills and build their self-confidence. We work in conjunction with CASES (Community Action &

Help Zone

Support East Staffordshire) which

A brand new area was created within the centre’s reception

are interested in volunteering

towards the end of 2008. In the Help Zone parents and visitors

opportunities with children.

refers people to the centre who

In 2007 there were 12 active volunteers and by 2008 this had increased to 17. An additional six volunteers regularly support the SNaPs group.

can get advice on a range of topics such as lifestyle changes, overcoming barriers to return to work and practical financial aid. Working in partnership with Connexions Staffordshire, Business Enterprise Support and Citizens Advice Bureau, we’ve arranged a regular timetable of sessions for the Help Zone. A Family Information Point - an interactive touch screen kiosk – has also been installed, providing visitors with access to a wide variety of

“I was a little nervous at first but I’ve gained lots of confidence over the weeks while volunteering.”

advice websites. 13

Community & Employment fathers’ groups We know that dads are just as

Project Saturday As fathers often find it hard to access activities which are held

important as mums and so, during the past two years, we’ve significantly increased the services we offer

at the centre during the week, we launched Project Saturday. Different weekend activities are organised for dads and their children and the feedback has

specifically for fathers. We now have a

been very positive.

The first Project Saturday activity, a three week self defence and exercise course, saw six families attending.

good range of dads’ activities available as part of our outreach services.

Dads’ Play and Stay These play and learning sessions are aimed at dads, male carers, uncles and grandfathers. As well as spending quality time together with their children, they can have fun, meet new people and develop a support network with other dads. Play and Stay runs fortnightly at local venues in the Burton area, with sessions being held at Queen St Community & Children’s Centre, Princess St Training, Education & Enterprise Centre and Winshill Resource Centre.

Children’s Centre Allotment

Trips and Holiday Activities

Dads and kids alike really get stuck in at our large plot at the

A variety of day trips and activities have been arranged for the

allotments on Anglesey Road. The plot is currently shared

Dads & Kids group including a Summer day trip to Skegness

between four families who have their own key and can visit

in 2008 and a visit to Tamworth Snowdome. These give fathers

the allotment at any time. Basic tools and equipment are

an opportunity to spend quality time with their children and also

provided, along with other essentials and a selection of seeds

build good relationships with them.

and plants. We also have a library with a range of gardening books available. Children's Centre staff visit the allotment on a regular basis and offer advice and support if needed.

The number of families who’ve come along to at least one activity at the Children’s Centre is a whopping 579! During the past two years, five families have accessed more than 20 activities.

During these activities, dads are seen to eagerly take on the role of the main carer for their children for the day, using parenting skills they already have and gaining confidence by trying out the new skills they’ve learnt at the centre. One father took his seven month old son on a trip and, thanks to the support gained from the other dads, he was much more confident by the end of the day.

Hit the Ground Crawling This workshop enables dads-to-be to hear the experiences of new dads to prepare them for when their own baby arrives. Turn to page 9 for more information.

Laches Wood Family Learning Residential Weekend Laches Wood Outdoor Education Centre in Wolverhampton is the county’s leading centre for family learning activities and provides the venue for our yearly residential weekend for fathers or male carers and their children.

Focus Group These group sessions allow parents to get involved in the centre by sharing their ideas for future activities. Centre staff are then able to shape services to meet the needs of the local community more effectively.

They spend the weekend taking part in a fun packed programme of activities in the centre and its grounds

We held two residential weekends during 2008. In February, six dads and 13 children stayed at the centre and in November, five dads and 11 children enjoyed a weekend there. Both residentials were a huge success with families needing little encouragement to take part.

including treasure hunts, den building, toasting marshmallows on a campfire and a torchlight photo trail. Families stay in a family room and meals and transport are provided. Staff from Laches Wood and the Children’s Centre are on hand to support families whenever needed.

“As a family we gained a strong father/son bond and now I would like to be involved in more activities.”

Young Dads’ Project A relatively new group, the Young Dads’ Project aims to provide help, support, training and activities for fathers under the age of 25 and their children. Recent activities have included the dads visiting local schools to talk to pupils about the impact having a child has had on their lives. 15

Training & Development Community & At the Children’s Centre both children

Food Hygiene Food Hygiene has been a very popular course during the last

and parents are equally important. We offer a wide range of training for parents looking to develop their

couple of years. Parents and carers are able to learn about basic food hygiene, legislation, food safety hazards, temperature control and the principles of safe food storage.

skills and return to work, as well as for

The course runs over three weeks

those who simply want to build their

and learners receive a Level 2

self-confidence.

on successful completion.

Award in Basic Food Hygiene

Parents achieving this award increase their opportunities to gain employment and some parents have already progressed to become volunteers at local toddler groups.

Advanced Computers Following on from the Beginners IT course, this course builds on the skills already learnt to increase parents’ or carers’ knowledge.

Beginners IT

Topics covered include creating

Parents and carers are able to learn basic computer skills on Many parents who’ve completed this course have gained enough confidence to progress on to the Advanced Computers course which really improves their workrelated skills.

posters, greeting cards,

This course has been held at three community venues, with 72 people taking part and improving their skills.

this course. It looks at using a

calendars, simple budgets and

keyboard and mouse, formatting

practising email skills. The benefits

text, accessing the internet and

to parents include increasing their

sending and receiving e-mails.

skills, engaging in learning, achieving a qualification and

The course provides a chance

increasing their chances of gaining employment.

for parents and carers to engage in learning and to develop vital IT skills.

Back to Work Skills Parents who need support with going back to work can benefit

“I learnt basic knowledge on the computer and would like to learn more on the internet.”

from this course. It helps to build confidence in interviews and parents learn how to answer those awkward questions. One-to-one support and advice is provided, along with a professionally produced CV. The course is run by staff from the Children’s Centre, but has links with Burton Enterprise Support, Connexions Staffordshire, Citizens Advice Bureau, New Deal and Burton College.

Employment First Aid During the past two years, the Children’s Centre has successfully run eight First Aid courses. These teach parents about paediatric first aid and are targeted at those who have a child under the age of five.

First Aid courses have been run at the Children’s Centre along with three other community venues. A total of 76 people have taken part.

Indian Head Massage This 12 week course was introduced in 2008 to help parents build additional skills and gain a qualification, as well as improving their confidence and self-esteem. It’s a practical stress management course where parents and carers can learn basic massage and relaxation techniques which will help keep stress under control and improve their well-being.

The course leads to a recognised qualification in Basic First Aid Skills which may help parents gain employment.

“I never thought that I would be able to do this, as I left school with no qualifications.”

Our adult training courses such as Emergency First Aid, Food Hygiene and Basic and Next Step Computer Training, have attained a 100% pass rate during the past two years.

Yoga

Digital Photography

This is a new adult training course introduced in January 2009.

This course enables parents to learn a new skill and explore

Its aims are to help to calm and focus the mind and improve

ways of getting the best from their camera. It also shows

the state of wellbeing of those attending.

parents how to take a photo, the main features of using a digital camera, and teaches them about picture enhancement

The 12 week course includes learning breathing techniques

and manipulation. Parents gain practical experience of how to

to combat stress and to help with conditions such as asthma.

print photos onto T-shirts, mugs and calendars, a skill which may be useful if a parent is considering starting their own business, for example. 17

Training & Development

Play & Learning

In the past two years, we’ve worked with scores

Childcare Qualifications

of people who are unemployed, providing

There is a clear progression route for childcare training at the

training to enable them to get back into work.

Children’s Centre. Essential Child Development is a 16 hour programme which provides learners with a basic understanding of child development. It’s ideal for parents who want to know how they can support their child as they grow and develop. It also offers a first step to a childcare qualification as every learner is encouraged to attend Essential Child Development before being offered a place on the level 2 programme. The level 2 qualification is the ncfe Certificate in Developing Skills for Early Years Practice which takes one year to complete. For those who successfully complete the programme, a recognised level 2 qualification is achieved and this can help parents gain employment in an early years setting. The course is provided by South Staffordshire College and learners need to complete a minimum of 40 hours work experience and attend the Children’s Centre for two hours per week. Once the level 2 has been achieved, there’s an opportunity to progress onto the NVQ level 3 in Children’s Care, Learning and Development which takes approximately 18 months to complete. This course is run in conjunction with Burton College

ESOL

and involves learners carrying out 12 hours’ work experience a

The ESOL programme is run at the Children’s Centre in

week, as well as attending the Children’s Centre for two hours

conjunction with Staffordshire Adult and Community Services.

per week.

Every potential learner is offered a one-to-one assessment to ensure they’re registered to a class which will offer the correct level of programme. Crèche support is available to enable parents to attend. Beginner classes run once a week and learners are entered for speaking and listening exams when they are ready.

More than 50 Individuals have attended the ESOL programme, with a total of 253 attendances. A 100% pass rate was achieved by all learners taking exams at the end of Summer 2008. Eleven learners achieved Step 1 and Step 2 speaking and listening exams, and three learners achieved Entry 1 speaking and listening exams. Four learners achieved the reading and writing exam alongside speaking and listening.

“I am so pleased that I came to ESOL classes. I am now able to help my children with their homework and they are very proud of me.” 18

During the last two childcare courses, retention rates have been excellent - 94% for the 2007/2008 programme and 100% for the current programme. A total of 16 learners achieved the Level 2 childcare qualification in 2007/2008 and, in the last two years, 10 learners have achieved, or are working towards the NVQ3 in Childcare, Learning and Development. As a direct result of achieving a childcare qualification, 11 learners have gained employment.

Training & Development Case Study

JUST GO FOR IT! Kristin Worker has found a new direction in life since becoming involved with the Children’s Centre. Kristin, who has a two year old son called Connor, lives in Branston with her husband, Lee. She explains: “I was working in sales when I got pregnant with my son but vowed I wouldn’t go back after he was born.”

got a theory session. Because Connor’s been going there for quite a while, he knows all the staff and he’s really settled there. It means I can relax and concentrate on my studies.”

“My next-door neighbour asked if I’d ever thought about working in childcare. At the time my confidence was really low and I really wasn’t sure.”

Eventually, Kristin is hoping to turn her studies into a new career. She explains: “I’d like to find out if there are any other courses concentrating on caring for babies and I’d also like to do my Level 2 in Sign Language. I’d love to find a job where I could use those qualifications.”

Thankfully Kristin’s neighbour persisted and eventually Kristin found the courage to take the first step and find out more about courses at the Children’s Centre. “It was the best decision I could have made,” she says. “The centre suggested I try the Essential Child Development course. I was a bit unsure at first but the more I got into it, the more I found myself looking stuff up on the internet and wanting to find out more.” “I was also able to relate what I was learning to my son, Connor. In fact, I think it’s given me a bit more patience with him.” “If I tell him not to do something and he carries on doing it, I take a step back and see if it’s because he doesn’t understand what I’m saying rather than because he’s being grumpy.”

“The Children’s Centre has given me a whole new direction to aim for. They’ve been incredibly supportive. If I have any questions or I need help, I know I can just pop in and pick their brains about anything and everything.”

“I feel my confidence has really grown since I started going along to the Children’s Centre. Now I just go for it.”

Building on her new-found interest in childcare training, Kristin went on to achieve a Level 2 Childcare qualification and is currently hard at work on the Level 3 course. “I’ve found I really enjoy working with babies and I’m having a really good time on a placement in the baby room at a nursery. I’m also doing a paediatric First Aid course which has been quite tough at times but also really interesting.” During her studies, the crèche at the Children’s Centre has been a great benefit to Kristin. “I was able to use the crèche when I was doing my Level 2 qualification and it’s still really handy now when I’ve

Health & Family Support From pregnancy, through birth and the

Baby Massage During this four week course, parents or carers of babies aged

growth of the child during its first key years, we provide lots of advice and support for families.

eight weeks to six months old, are shown how to massage their baby which strengthens the bonding process. They can meet in a calm environment and discuss issues such as sleep and colic, as well as discovering different ways of coping with a new baby.

Since 2007, the number of qualified staff has increased to four which has enabled the centre to provide more courses throughout the area. Sessions have run at Queen Street Children’s Centre, Hill Street Health and Wellbeing Centre, Winshill Neighbourhood Resource Centre and Tutbury Health Centre. A total of 255 individuals (127 families) have taken part in these very popular groups.

“It’s a fantastic way of bonding with baby for mummy and daddy.”

More than 400 families have accessed the services provided by the Health & Family Support Team during the past two years. They’ve attended the centre more than 3,000 times between them, enjoying many different activities such as baby massage, toddler time, Fridays 4 U and breastfeeding support.

Crafty Workshops These sessions are designed to encourage

Tantrums to Treats Parents with children aged under five can gain help and

parents to socialise and to help them express

advice with handling their child’s behaviour on this course. A

their feelings and any issues they need help and

different topic is covered each week and helpful tips and advice

support with. The craft workshops are run within other

are given. Parents can share their experiences while their

activities at the centre, for example, the Dads’ Group,

children are being cared for in the crèche.

Post Natal Depression (PND) Group, Fridays 4 U and Tantrums to Treats. They’re also a popular part of the promotional events run at the centre which are aimed at making initial contact with families.

“It’s strengthened my relationship with my children.”

Tummies to Tots

Toddler Time

This weekly drop in group, based at Queen Street Children’s

Parents or carers of children aged between one and two can

Centre, is aimed at mothers-to-be and parents or carers with a

drop in to Toddler Time at Queen Street Children’s Centre.

child under 12 months. It provides an opportunity for parents or

It’s a chance to meet others in a

carers to meet other parents and reduce the feeling of isolation.

friendly environment and chat

A member of staff is on hand so parents can discuss any

with staff about any concerns,

concerns such as sleep routines, weaning or child development.

such as bedtime routines or toilet training. All activities run during the sessions cover

“The social interaction with other babies and mums has been really beneficial.”

different aspects of a child’s development.

“The staff are wonderful, supportive and helpful.”

Shopping Crèche The Children’s Centre continues to provide a drop-in crèche on a Wednesday afternoon where parents pay £5 to leave their child for two hours while they can have some time to themselves.

Respite Crèche Places

Respite Nursery Places

Each week, two afternoon respite crèches are held at the

During the past two years, the centre has continued to provide

centre for parents who’ve been identified as needing some

four respite nursery places each day for families who are

time to themselves to alleviate a stressful situation. Six places

experiencing short-term difficulties. If a family is identified as

are available at each crèche and are offered to families for

needing respite, children are given a minimum of three months

six weeks.

in nursery and family support is provided throughout as required. Transport is also available. Queen’s Hospital delivers approximately 3,091 babies each year and the Children’s Centre has reached 464 of the babies in the past 12 months

within East Staffordshire.

Health & Family Support continued Active Birth

Parenting Assessments

These antenatal support and advice sessions provide pregnant

Since its launch in June 2008, 57 families have been supported by the group. Of these, 21 women came along with no partner.

One-to-one parenting assessments are carried out in response

women and their partners with

to a referral from the Vulnerable Children’s Division. They form

advice and support to prepare

part of an overall assessment

them for the birth of their child.

of parenting capabilities and are used alongside work which other professionals carry out with the family.

The centre has recently agreed to train Social Worker staff in professional Parenting Assessments so that it meets the best practice standards.

Approximately 120 birthday cards are sent every month to children who access the Children’s Centre services.

“I can relax more around my children now.”

“It’s all helpful! I particularly enjoyed meeting and talking with other mums-to-be.”

Family Support Visits

Breastfeeding Support

These visits take place for a variety of reasons, such as to

The Children’s Centre welcomes and supports breastfeeding

mums at all sessions. Once a month, a Breastfeeding

referral from another professional. If a family is considering

Workshop, led by a community midwife, is held to deal with the

starting a course or joining a group, these visits can help to

advantages, as well as the possible problems, of breastfeeding.

introduce a familiar face. They can also focus on a specific

Around two months after

problem such as breastfeeding, identify a family’s need such

the workshop, a Reunion

as respite, or help with individual issues such as introducing

Group is arranged for past

new routines with children.

attendees so they can meet up again following

In the past two years, visits have been made to 351 individuals (162 families). A total of 536 home visits were made. Plus, 259 internal referrals have been made to link families to further support their needs, and 30 external referrals.

their babies’ birth.

Recent research findings have indicated that not enough breastfeeding support has been given by general hospitals to parents after childbirth. Our successful breastfeeding workshops have welcomed more than 50 women.

Focus on… Young Parents Group Launched in 2005, Fridays 4 U is the only specific group aimed at young parents under the age of 21. The Burton upon Trent area has been identified as having high rates of teenage pregnancy, and we recognise that teenagers often face particular

“It’s loads of fun - something I don’t do at home.”

able to think about issues such as returning to education or stopping smoking. The Fridays 4 U activities are carefully selected to help build the young parents’ self esteem

challenges in bringing up their children.

and cover issues such as healthcare, access

Some may be estranged from their families, many

to education, training, managing money and

will have had their education interrupted, and all of them may

confidence building.

find themselves missing the social life of their teenage peers. Drop-in sessions are held every Friday morning which allow all Fridays 4 U allows young parents to chat with other parents

the teenage parents and children to sit down to a meal together.

and make new friends in a supportive and non-judgemental

Various trips have been arranged during the past year including

environment, while gaining support from centre staff and a

visits to the Sealife Centre, Drayton Manor and Cadbury World.

wide range of partners. Group members shape the activities planned by providing We recognise that key needs have to be prioritised and that

feedback on sessions and suggesting ideas for future sessions.

many young parents are in crisis as a result of the pregnancy, needing support and advice on dealing with benefits and

During the last two years, the Fridays 4 U team has continued to

housing, and often overcoming problems in relationships.

build relationships with partner organisations and has successfully

Once these are being addressed, the young parent is more

worked with local school nurses, community midwives, Stonham Home Support for Young Parents and Connexions.

“It’s great because we got to do things as a group.”

Our strong partnership with Connexions enables us to work together to contribute to the overall aims of the National Teenage Pregnancy Strategy. Connexions offers advice and information, aiming to improve the outcomes of the young parents and reduce their long term risk of social exclusion.

“The group is good because we can encourage the children to join in.” 39 families have come along to Fridays 4 U during the past two years, attending over 400 sessions. Of these, 14 of the mothers were aged 15 to 17 and have all received valuable family support visits.

Health & Family Support Case Study

NO-ONE SHOULD MISS OUT Rachel Key is so impressed with the services at the Children’s Centre that she’s got all her friends involved too! “I simply don’t want anyone to miss out,” she says. Rachel has a two year old son, Morgan, and lives with her partner, Geoffrey. She’d been told about the Children’s Centre by a friend early on in her pregnancy, but it was a week before her due date before she actually got in touch. “My mate reminded me about the Children’s Centre and I gave them a ring. They were absolutely brilliant – even when they realised how far along in my pregnancy I was,” she says.

“It’s given me the chance to start a fitness programme at the health and well-being centre, which is doing me the world of good too.”

“They invited me to the Antenatal Yoga Group and even though I only had time to attend one session, they switched things around to concentrate on all the labour and birthing exercises. I was raving about it afterwards!”

Rachel was also invited to join the centre’s Thursday Afternoon Group, which caters for parents identified as needing a little extra support. A group of mums are able to get together while their children are looked after in the centre’s crèche.

After Rachel’s son was born, she took him along to the weekly Tummies to Tots group for mums-to-be and mums and children up to the age of one. Rachel was so impressed by the sessions that she helped to set up regular Toddler Time sessions for older children through the centre’s Parents’ Forum.

“The Thursday Afternoon Group – or TAG – has been a real support to me,” says Rachel. “It’s really helpful to have a little bit of time out to talk to other mothers and get things off your chest.”

“The Toddler Time sessions started up last year because a number of us felt there was something missing,” she explains. “They’re really hitting their peak now. Morgan loves them. We do all kinds of play and activities including arts and crafts, dressing up and action songs. There’s a baby corner for younger siblings if they want to come along too.” Rachel, who has a history of depression, has found the Children’s Centre a great support in times of particular need. Her son currently accesses a respite nursery place one day a week, giving his mum some much-needed time to herself. “It’s good for both of us,” says Rachel. “I was really worried about transport but they pick him up first thing in the morning and

take him to the centre. He’s really getting on well. I have weekly contact with his keyworker which is very reassuring.”

“Sometimes we do activities, such as crafts or health and fitness sessions, and we also have access to all sorts of information such as healthy eating advice. I feel confident that Morgan is being well looked after and know I’m somewhere I can ask any questions I’ve got and say whatever I want.” Rachel is so grateful for the support she’s received through the centre that she’s keen to put something back. “I’ve been very involved with the Parents’ Forum which gives you the chance to have your say on services at the Children’s Centre – anything from setting up new groups to influencing changes within the building.” “It’s a brilliant place.”

Health & Family Support Case Study

CENTRE IS PART OF MY LIFE Life is certainly hectic for Kay Kinsella, but thanks to the Children’s Centre, she’s able to find time to unwind and recharge her batteries for a while. Kay has five children, including two with cystic fibrosis, and a stepson. She lives in Burton with her husband, Paul and says her links with the Children’s Centre date back to before it was even built. “I had a bit of depression after I had my four year old, Liam, and I was put in touch with a peer support group and a breast-feeding support group run by SureStart. Then the Children’s Centre was built and all the services were transferred there.” “By that time I was pregnant with my three year old, Sean, and it wasn’t until after he was born that we found out he had cystic fibrosis.” Suddenly Kay was caught up in the demands of caring for a baby with special needs. “Sean was poorly a lot and needed a lot of care and attention,” Kay says. “Thankfully the Children’s Centre offered us a respite nursery place for Liam one day a week, which was a terrific help.” “It gave me a day to catch up with things like the washing and household chores and also to take Sean to hospital appointments and so on.”

members of the group and we’ve bonded really well. We do all sorts of relaxing things like crafts or bingo, or sometimes we just have a coffee and a chat.” “Although we’re all there for different reasons, I think it’s something that all of us look forward to. It’s my one chance to socialise and relax.” For Kay, knowing her daughter is happy in the Children’s Centre’s crèche offers particular peace of mind. Kay explains: “Although Aoibh needs special medication and physiotherapy for her cystic fibrosis, apart from that she’s like any other little girl.” “She loves the crèche. She enjoys drawing and painting – things she doesn’t always get the chance to do at home. She knows the staff now and it’s great for me knowing that I don’t need to worry about her.” Kay has also joined the Parents’ Forum and values the chance to be informed about what’s happening at the centre and have some input into the way it is run. “The Children’s Centre is a very significant part of my life. I really don’t know what I’d do without it.”

Then when Kay was pregnant with her youngest child, Aoibh, now 18 months, she found out that she too had cystic fibrosis. As a result, the Children’s Centre provided a respite nursery place for Sean, while his older brother started school. Kay was also invited to join the Thursday Afternoon Group which provides a much-needed break for parents in need of a little extra support. “The Thursday Afternoon Group is terrific,“ she says. “I’m able to put Aoibh in the crèche for a couple of hours and completely unwind.” “Things I might otherwise have shouted at the children about, I can just let go. I’ve got to know the other

Play & Learning We recognise that play, language,

Baby Talk Learning how to help a baby communicate and develop early

communication and emotional well being are essential to early learning. And so we offer loads of sessions

speech is always important. Baby Talk encourages parents and their babies aged up to six months to learn together through activities with toys, mirrors, books and

where parents can meet others while

singing songs and rhymes.

their children have great fun and

The group has been held at the Children’s Centre and three outreach venues, attracting 91 individuals (48 families) during the past two years.

develop their physical, social, emotional and creative skills.

“The course changed the way I read books to my child. I now read in rhyme or make animal noises to make it more fun.”

Numbers Count

Simply Play

This six week family learning programme was only introduced in

This group encourages parents and carers to take part in

2008 and is already very popular. It introduces early maths and

play sessions with their child using cheap everyday objects.

number skills to children aged 2 and over, and shows how these

It’s hoped that parents will then be able to copy the ideas at

can be included in everyday activities and situations. Parents are

home with objects they already have. Simply Play activities

encouraged to take packs home with them so they can continue learning at home.

are aimed at children aged over 12 months and encourage them to explore and investigate within a stimulating and safe environment.

“There were lots of simple ideas that you don’t think of yourself.”

More than 400 families have taken part in activities run by the Play & Learning Team during the past two years. That’s more than 830 individuals. Between them, they’ve visited the centre’s services nearly 3,100 times!

Baby PEEP

Family Food & Fitness

Baby PEEP is designed to strengthen the relationship between a parent or carer and their child, so that they make the most of everyday learning opportunities. It’s aimed at babies aged between 6-12 months and involves messy play, discovering books and enjoying songs and

This new family learning programme consists of three sessions A total of 40 families have attended this activity at the Children’s Centre and community venues in Paget, Stapenhill and Winshill.

which encourage parents and children to come together and explore new ways of exercising and trying healthy foods. Sessions involve tasting sessions, making simple healthy snacks, looking at portion sizes for young children, getting children to try new foods and simple fun ways to exercise as a family.

rhymes.

“I enjoyed the very different themes and thoughtful programme.”

Language/Family Fun Activities

Lend & Learn Toy Libraries

A range of activities are regularly held in partnership with Burton

The library is open to all families, childminders and groups within

Library to encourage speech and communication skills in

East Staffordshire, enabling them to borrow a wide range of

children under five. The activities are run as drop-in sessions,

resources for children from birth to six years. Lend and Learn

allowing parents or carers to

has its main base at the centre, but

choose how long they wish to stay. Each session has a different theme but all include a creative activity, role play area, book area, baby area and small world area, and are rounded are off with a

also operates from outreach Our Pirate Ahoy activity in Autumn 2008 saw a staggering 100 families coming along, creating our most successful activity to date.

bases at Winshill, Tutbury and Uttoxeter. Members can also take advantage of a free book loan service. The library

sing-a-long. Recent themes

means children

have included Construction Crazy and Winter Wonderland.

can enjoy lots of varied play experiences which

“The staff always have time to assist me. There is a good range of toys.”

aid development.

Play & Learning Case Study

A BRAND NEW OUTLOOK Julie Chamberlain is keen to start a whole new career route thanks to the courses and training available from the Children’s Centre. Julie lives with her husband, Mark, and four year old son, Luke, and got involved with the Children’s Centre just after her son was born. Julie says: “My midwife mentioned it and I went along with my sister-in-law who had a baby four months older. We started going to Tummies to Tots which was a great way for me to meet new people and for Luke to meet other children.” As Luke grew older, Julie was interested to hear about the various groups she could join to help her develop her relationship with her son. “I did Baby Massage which was terrific and I still use what I learnt now,” she says. “If Luke’s got a tummy ache, I know how to rub his tummy to help him feel better.” “I also did a lot of other things that involved me and Luke, such as Numbers Count and Simply Play which showed you what your child could do at home with simple household objects.” When Luke was just three months old, Julie took advantage of the crèche facilities at the Children’s Centre so she could do a First Aid course – and it wasn’t long before she had to put what she’d learned into practice. “I was keen to do the First Aid course because I was worried in case anything happened to Luke and I couldn’t deal with it,” Julie says. “I did the course when he was about three months old and just a few weeks later, he had a febrile convulsion. Luckily my husband was at home at the time and he phoned for an ambulance.” “Luke stopped breathing for a few minutes and my husband had to stay on the telephone to the emergency services and relay what I should do.

It was a horrendous experience, but because of my First Aid training, I understood what I was supposed to be doing until the ambulance arrived.” Once she’d had her first taste of the various training and development opportunities available at the centre, there was no stopping Julie. She completed courses in Food Hygiene, IT skills and Essential Child Development and achieved a Level 2 Childcare qualification. After also passing her NVQ Level 3 in Childcare and Education in December 2008, Julie admits her new qualifications have changed her outlook on life. “I already work part-time for the Post Office, but as a result of the courses I’ve done through the Children’s Centre I’d also really like to work with children in some way,” she explains. “The Children’s Centre helped me find a placement at a local pre-school when I was doing my Level three and I found it really fulfilling.” “If it hadn’t been for the Children’s Centre I wouldn’t be going down this route at all. I owe such a lot to the centre. It’s given me the confidence to know that I can achieve what I want.”

“Over the past four years, the Children’s Centre has played a huge part in mine and Luke’s lives.”

Extra Special Needs Case Study

A ROLLERCOASTER YEAR Rachel Russell’s life was turned upside down when her twins were born in January 2008, at just 26 weeks. The Special Start Programme has enabled her to keep her head above water during a stressful first year. It was three months before baby Austin was well enough to leave hospital and the following month before Gracie-May was able to join her family at home. It was a traumatic time for Rachel and her husband, Matthew, as they came to terms with being new parents at the same time as learning more about their premature babies’ special needs. Thankfully Rachel had the support of Special Start, a home-based teaching service provided by the Children’s Centre and the Local Education Authority for pre-school children who may have a delay in their development. “The senior portage worker came to the neonatal unit to introduce herself which was lovely,” explains Rachel. “At the time, I didn’t have chance to think any more about it because everything was so overwhelming. But when the twins were out of hospital, she came to our house and our relationship with her has blossomed from there.” Since then, the family have been visited every two weeks by the portage worker, who spends time with both children as well as providing a valuable listening ear for Rachel. “She does a lot of work with Austin because he has a weakness in his left side,” Rachel says. “He does everything with his right hand, even lifting his left hand with it. “To the untrained eye, it just looks as if she’s sitting on the floor and playing with him, but it’s obvious she knows exactly what to do.” “I really don’t think we would be where we are now if she hadn’t been spending time with us. Just half an hour every fortnight has really made such a difference.”

As well as spending time with Austin, who has just been diagnosed with epilepsy, the portage worker also works with Gracie-May, who suffers from chronic lung disease but is progressing well. In addition, she’s happy to listen to Rachel’s concerns and help in any way she can. “She’s absolutely fantastic,” says Rachel. “When we first came home from hospital we really felt as if we’d been thrown in at the deep end and since then it’s been a real rollercoaster of a ride.” “The twins have both been back and forwards to the hospital for short and long stays and it can be emotionally draining. She listens to anything and everything I’ve got to say and is a real tower of strength. If I’m ever feeling down about something, I know she’ll come round and cheer me up again.” Rachel also attends an invitation-only support group for parents of premature babies at the Children’s Centre once a month. She says: “That’s been terrific - a real bonus. There are superb facilities, such as a sensory room with fibre optics and mirrors which the twins absolutely love. It’s very reassuring to talk to other mums with premature babies. It can be easy for other people to make you feel concerned if your baby isn’t meeting particular targets for size and weight, for example. It’s really good to share your experiences with mums in the same situation.”

Extra Special Needs We recognise that some children need

Portage Portage outreach is a home-based teaching service provided

special support to help them develop to their full potential through play,

by the Children’s Centre and the local Education Authority for pre-school children who may have a delay in their development. Its aim is to help children reach their milestones.

interaction and stimulation. That’s why A Portage Worker visits the family in their home to work with

we’ve designed a range of activities and services especially for them.

both the parent and child on a specific teaching target. A chart will be left with details of an agreed target and how the parent can help the child work towards it during the week. A family is supported in this way for six months, after which time the child’s progress will be reviewed. Parents are also told about other Children’s Centre services which may be suitable for them.

SNaPS SNaPs (Special Needs and Parental Support Group) has been

“Having someone come to our house has made such a difference to our family.”

meeting at the Children’s Centre since January 2007. With help and support from staff at the centre, the group is now a voluntary support group run by parents for parents, which meets once a month. It offers a forum in which parents and families of special

Community Paediatric Team

needs children can meet in a welcoming non-judgemental

The Community Paediatric Team is now a consultant-led service

environment and gain support and advice from each other.

which offers support for children in the Burton area. The team has six doctors, four of whom

SAHARA

work jointly with Queen’s Hospital, Burton.

This group was first launched in Autumn 2008. It aims to provide extra support to Asian families with young children

A parents’ forum has also

under the age of five years who have additional needs. The

been established called ‘The

group meets every fortnight and staff from the centre work

Exchange’ to strengthen

with members of staff from other agencies to create an informal

communication with parents

and non-judgemental environment where parents can share

and families. It plans to meet

their experiences.

two or three times a year.

Doctors within the Community Paediatric Team have won awards at the West Midlands British Association of Community Child Health and were shortlisted in the Trust’s own awards ceremony for work on the Clinical Consultation and implementing NICE guidelines.

Roundabout Nursery Roundabout offers a caring and stimulating environment

Tots and Toddlers: This is an informal group which ran on

for children aged up to five years who require a little extra

Monday mornings. Children aged two and under, along with

support with their development.

their parents, attended this play based group to play, talk and discuss developmental issues.

During the last two years Roundabout has provided the following:

Roundabout on the Move: This afternoon group ran twice a week and was attended by children who needed support

Roundabout Nursery: Every week six nursery sessions

with their physical development, especially movement. It

have been available for children with significant delay in at

was a structured, but very friendly group where staff worked

least two areas of development. Children have attended

together with both children and parents to ensure maximum

either two, three or four sessions each week. The staff

development whilst still having lots of fun!

available within the nursery include a special needs teacher, a senior child development nursery nurse and three nursery

National Autistic Society EarlyBird Programme: The teacher from Roundabout ran this 13 week course with a

nurses with specialist SEN training.

teacher from a local special school. Parents and carers of About half of the children who come to Roundabout

pre-school children with a diagnosis of an Autistic Spectrum

also attend other nurseries at some time. Children who

Disorder, were able to work together during group taught

transferred to mainstream schools were able to access

sessions and benefit from individual home visits and support.

a very structured and staged transition programme. Forty one children have attended nursery sessions at

Speech and language therapy: Within the nursery, children have benefited from assessment, advice and

Roundabout during the last two years.

support for speech, communication, language and feeding. In addition to structured support received in nursery, a range of clinics and home visits have taken place. The speech and language therapist and nursery teacher have delivered several courses for parents to learn how to support the development of their childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s communication at home. G

Physiotherapy: Children have been able to access assessment and treatment for all aspects of their physical development through nursery, clinics and home visits. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve helped children to improve their movement, posture and co-ordination through individual sessions and specialised programmes within nursery sessions.

Occupational therapy: Occupation therapists have supported children to develop self care, fine motor and

Assessment sessions: Throughout each year,

sensory skills through assessment and support in clinics and

multi-professional assessment sessions for children are

teaching programmes delivered in the nursery. Together with

available within Roundabout Nursery following referral

the speech and language team, they ran a sensory/feeding

by a community paediatrician. On four consecutive

group for children and their parents or carers.

Wednesday mornings, two children attended the sessions to allow all the professionals within our team to complete a full developmental assessment. At the end of each assessment, a multi-professional clinic allowed everyone

We distribute a staggering 1,800 newsletters

to suggest future steps, including offering a place in

to families and organisations each month.

Roundabout if appropriate. Over 40 pre-school children joined us for assessment.

Nursery Day Care Our top quality nursery is run by well

Childcare Places The centre keeps very busy offering day care and education for

trained and fully qualified staff and welcomes children aged 0-5 years on Mondays to Fridays. We have four

51 weeks of the year. Currently, 120 children access these services in any one week, through the Neighbourhood Nursery Initiative, Social Services, Children’s Centre Respite, Roundabout and the Nursery Education Grant. Many parents who receive a nursery grant, choose to pay for wrap around care ie breakfast

childcare rooms:- a baby room, a

or lunch, as well as purchasing additional day care sessions.

crèche, a 2-3 year olds room and one for 3-5 year olds, plus a family suite.

Yoga Bugs

“It’s been great to see the boys grow as they have, and that’s partly because of all the care and dedication that everyone has put in. Thank you for the support given when my family went through some harrowing experiences.”

The children in the Wise Owls room (3-5 year olds) are now enjoying a 30 minute yoga session once a week by a qualified Yoga Bugs teacher. The children enjoy a different themed session each week, which incorporate yoga positions and

Students and Volunteers

stretches which captivate young minds and bodies.

We’ve continued to support a range of students and volunteers from our local community at the centre. This includes working with partners such as Burton College, Total People and our own volunteer programme at the Children’s Centre. Our day care offers a wealth of opportunities for students to gain experience, supported by student mentors.

Working in Partnership with Parents

Outdoor area - new canopies have been

We now hold four coffee mornings for parents during the year

put over Tiger Cubs and Wise Owls which

to gain feedback on our services. Our meal evaluation ‘Food for

mean that in the summer there’s additional

Thought’ survey was undertaken with all parents whose children

shaded play space and on rainy days children

attend the nursery and all their comments have now been taken

are still able to go outdoors but be undercover.

on board. As a result, we’ve compiled a brand new children’s menu, taking into consideration parents’ views and wishes.

Holiday Club – In Summer 2008 we ran a holiday club for five to eight year olds called ‘The Play-Station’. This was a joint venture

“It was an absolute joy to read Reece’s ‘Learning Journey File’. It bought a tear to my eye to see how much progress Reece has made since he first started nursery. A very big thank you to Vicki, his Keyworker, and all the staff.”

between the Educare and Outreach teams and was received very positively by parents. Due to its success, there are now plans to run this at Easter as well as during the summer holidays.

Library – 2008 was the year of reading so we invested money into books. All the children received a new book and their parents gained guidance on how to share stories with their children. The centre has now set up its own library which was opened by Janet Dean MP. Groups of children can go to the library and enjoy being read to, as well as borrowing books to take home.

Make Some Noise Each week a member of staff from each of the daycare rooms join together with the Educare co-ordinator to plan a music and movement time for children aged 12 weeks to four years. So far, we’ve enjoyed the success of a ‘Sound Walk’, ‘Going on a Bear Hunt’ and the ‘Jungle Boogey Woogey’. The activities can be adapted and used all week in the nursery rooms with the children and a weekly group comes and enjoys the open space

Seniors – We appointed three Senior Educarers in 2008 to oversee the daycare rooms. There is now a Senior Educarer in Baby Bears, Tiger Cubs and Wise Owls, who work closely with our Educare Co-ordinator to run the Nursery on a day-to-day basis.

of the multi-purpose room. Early Years Foundation Stage – This was implemented during the Summer of 2008, with all staff receiving an initial one day’s full training. Its aim is to help young children achieve the five Every Child Matters outcomes of staying safe, being healthy, enjoying and achieving, making a positive contribution and achieving economic well–being.

Learning Journeys – We introduced learning journeys for all children during 2008. These run from Baby Bears through to Wise Owls and capture children’s magic moments while helping keyworkers plan for children’s next steps in their development. They are available for parents to look at any time and, although it’s still early days, we’ve received some really positive feedback.

Nursery Day Care Case Study

STAFF RALLIED ROUND TO HELP When Suryya Mehmood had to find childcare for her son, Yasser, at short notice, she chose the Children’s Centre nursery and thinks it’s the best decision she could have made. Suryya lives in Burton with her husband, Sasdar, and three children, Suleman, aged nine, Zarah, aged five and three-year-old Yasser. Yasser was looked after by his dad in the mornings while Suryya worked, but when he was called abroad because of a family illness, she had to find some childcare – and fast. “I was really stuck,” says Suryya. “I got in touch with the Children’s Centre and they were brilliant. They managed to find a place for Yasser in the nursery and he loved it from the start. He’s picked up all sorts of things – within weeks of starting there he was feeding himself independently which he’d never done at home.” Suryya has nothing but praise for the staff in the nursery. She says: “They’ve always got time for you. They’re great with the children and are terrific with the parents too.” “The nursery staff do so much with the children, like crafts and painting – activities it can be really difficult to find the time for at home. They sing songs and rhymes with them and it really amazes me what Yasser picks up and remembers once he gets home.” “I’ve never worried about leaving him because I know he’s going to get as many hugs and kisses at nursery as he would from us. The staff care so much about the children they’re looking after and the children become really attached to them.” Suryya was particularly impressed with the way staff at the nursery rallied round when there was a recent death in the family. “Yasser was in nursery when we heard and when I explained what had happened, they were fantastic. They offered to keep him in nursery for the whole day which was one thing less for us to worry about as a family.”

Suryya has also taken advantage of many of the other activities on offer at the Children’s Centre. “I did a lot of drop-in activities with Suleman and with Zarah such as the breastfeeding group and Baby Massage,” she explains. “I also went to Baby Massage with Yasser. He loved it and it was nice for me to get together with all the other parents. When you’re used to being at work it can be quite isolating to find yourself at home with a baby.” “It’s good to have activities which get you out of the house and benefit you as well as your child. You get to mix with other parents and staff and they get to meet other kids. The beauty of the Children’s Centre is that there’s so much going on. It’s a terrific place.”

“They’re great with the children and are terrific with the parents too.”

Nursery Day Care Case Study

MY BOYS JUST LOVE THE NURSERY! Although Nahida Sher’s been involved with the Children’s Centre since her two boys were babies, it was as they grew into lively toddlers that she found its daycare facilities were second to none. Nahida lives in Burton with her husband, Anwar, and young sons, Haaziq, aged three and two-year-old Aaryan. “I heard about the Children’s Centre when I was pregnant and the midwife gave me some leaflets,” she says. “I did go to things like the Play and Stay sessions but just occasionally, not on a regular basis. Then I started getting newsletters from the centre and things snowballed from there.”

“I really liked the way the staff were interacting with the children and as both of mine seemed so relaxed, I felt really calm myself about leaving them, to be honest.”

“When Haaziq was little, I didn’t need a nursery because my mum was able to look after him. But after I had Aaryan, I thought it was too much to leave her with both of them. So when I went back to work, I decided to look at the nursery at the Children’s Centre.”

Since then, Nahida has been hugely impressed at the way Haaziq and Aaryan have grown and developed at the nursery.

Nahida had already heard good things about the nursery from her neighbour and when she made some enquiries, she wasn’t surprised to find just how popular the facilities were.

“They both come home with all sorts of paintings and colourings and they always want to tell me about everything they’ve been doing,” she adds. “They go to the bookshelf and pick a book they want to read, which is something I think going to nursery has really encouraged.”

“I’d heard so much about the nursery that I had my heart set on the boys going there,” she explains. “I put the boys’ names on the waiting list as I didn’t want to send them anywhere else and just kept fingers crossed. I was due back at work in the September and in the August I got a letter to say there were two places available. I was over the moon!” Nahida has never regretted her decision to start using the Children’s Centre nursery for both her boys. She says: “It’s been absolutely fantastic for them. I know a lot of mums are nervous about sending their children to nursery, but on the very first day when they called me in for the induction, both of the boys started to play straight away and I knew they were going to be happy there.”

Having her children in nursery has also given Nahida the chance to further her own skills. “I’ve left my old job and I’m doing a computer course at college,” she says. “Having daycare for the boys has given me the time to do something for myself as well as benefitting them.” “I even recommended the nursery to my sister when she was looking for a place for her daughter and she loves it too.” “I’ve now been asked if I’d like to join the Parents’ Forum at the Children’s Centre which I’m looking forward to. I’d like to put something back into the centre as it’s been so good for me.”

In Partnership Our aim is to develop community-

Active Birth Workshop This monthly workshop, run by a community midwife, is for

based working. By this we mean working hand-in-hand with other individuals, agencies and organisations

antenatal mums and their partners at around 36 weeks of pregnancy. It covers topics such as signs of labour, different positions to adopt in labour, methods of pain relief and the use of mobility in labour. Places are booked through the community midwives and Queen’s Hospital.

to provide top quality integrated childcare services for local families with children aged 0 – 5.

Health Visitors The Children’s Centre works in partnership with local health visitors, providing additional support to identified families. This includes respite places, home visits and invitations to groups and courses. A monthly Health Visitors’ and Community Midwives’ Breakfast meeting is also held at the Children’s Centre, providing an opportunity to share ideas and discuss shared areas of interest.

We currently support 136 lone parents, providing valuable help and advice. In the past two years, we’ve also reached nine new teenage parents under the aged of 18 who are now coming to our support groups.

Maternal Mental Health Course (Postnatal Depression Group) This eight week course is run by a local health visitor and community nursery nurse. It’s for mums who have recently given birth and are feeling alone and isolated, tired and emotional, and frustrated by the fact that they can’t get on with life and enjoy

Krizevac Project

themselves. A crèche is provided so that mums can chat and meet others with similar feelings.

The coming year will see the first exciting steps in developing our new relationship with an International charity, Krizevac, by establishing links with a small community township in Chilomoni,

East Staffordshire Children’s Centre

Malawi. This is one of the poorest countries in the world. Our

is located at the heart of the community and is

goal, with others, is to share our experience and prosperity and help the local community to build a brand new Children's Centre.

an ideal venue for other organisations to use. These include Early Years who hold their

We hope to help to raise funds and equipment, make links

training days here and CAFCAS and the

between ourselves and the children and families in Malawi, share

District Children’s Strategic Group who hold

experiences and perhaps, one day, even organise international

their meetings at the centre.

visits to share professional expertise and knowledge. 36

Our Valued Partners In East Staffordshire there are six Community Learning Partnerships (CLPs) which bring together all the children’s services providers for 0 -19 year olds. We work closely with the co-ordinators of these CLPs and acknowledge and support the excellent work that they do. We provide services in partnership with the CLPs and this multi-agency working enables us to be more effective at meeting local families’ needs. These are our partners, who we actively work with to achieve results:

Abbot Beyne School

Fatherhood Institute

Anglesey Primary School

Princess Street Training, Education & Enterprise Centre

Foster Carers

Queen Street Community & Children’s Centre

Audiologists

Fountains School

Burton Addiction Centre (BAC)

Grange Infants School

Burton Albion Football club

Head Teachers

Burton Caribbean Centre

Health Visitors

Regeneration & Partnerships Project (ESBC)

Burton College

Heart of Burton Partnership

RELATE

Burton Domestic Violence Support Group

Hill Street Health Centre

Rykneld School

Holy Trinity Primary School

School Nurses, Cross Street Clinic

Homestart

SARAC

Horninglow Infants School

SENSS

Integrated Drug & Alcohol Services (IDAS)

Shobnall Leisure Centre

Burton Education Centre Burton Enterprise Support Burton Families Support Team Burton Job Centre (Jobcentre Plus) Burton Library CAMHS CAFCAS

Krizevac – International Children’s Charity

CASES Childminders Children & Midwifery Department, Queen’s Hospital

Meadowside Leisure Centre

South Staffordshire and Shropshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

National Childbirth Trust National Day Nurseries Association

Citizens Advice Bureau

Orbit Housing Association

Community Learning Partnerships

Orthotics Services

Community Fire Safety Technicians, Burton Fire Station

Paget High School

District Advisory Team Education

Speech Therapists

Pakistani Community Centre

District Youth & Community Service East Staffordshire Borough Council Education Offices, Staffordshire County Council Family Assessment & Support Service Team

Paediatricians, Acute Services Paediatricians, Community Based Paediatricians, Hospital Based Paulet School Peripatetic Teachers for the Hearing Impaired Physiotherapists Portage Services

Saint Mary’s First School, Uttoxeter South Staffordshire College

Parents/Carers Groups

Dieticians

Social Care & Health Paediatric Social Worker, Queen’s Hospital

South Staffordshire PCT

Occupational Therapists

Learning Disability Team

Christchurch Infants School

De Ferrers School

Social Services Area Office, Burton on Trent (including; ACPC Colleagues)

Nursery Nurses

Connexions

Regeneration & Leisure (Uttoxeter)

Lansdowne Infants School

Children’s Community Nurses

Cross Street Clinic

SRB Office, Paget High School Staffordshire Adult IAG Partnership Teenage Parents/Carers Support Groups Teachers Teaching Assistants

Trent & Dove Housing Tutbury Health Centre Tutbury Youth & Community Centre Victoria Community School Voluntary Organisations Winshill Campus Children’s Centre YMCA

Psychologist

Every Family Matters At East Staffordshire Children’s Centre, our aim is:

“to provide high quality integrated education, care and support for the varying needs of children, their families and the local community through an holistic approach delivered by a multi professional staff team, to ensure better outcomes for all.” At all times, we aim to ensure that the centre meets the needs of all, taking into account gender, race, culture, religion, language, sexual orientation, age, ability, disability and social circumstances. We want to help prepare children for full participation in an equal society.

Our vision is that: ”Every child and family matters. Through excellent partnership working they will be able to access care, education, health services and individual support according to need, to enable them to be healthy, safe, to enjoy and achieve, make a positive contribution and to be encouraged to ultimately achieve economic well-being and individual fulfilment.” We’re continuously working to: G

provide a broad and balanced programme of activities

agencies and all families in our community to ensure

their children to reach their full potential.

that we meet the 5 key outcomes for children:

provide full day care integrated with education for children

being healthly

aged 3 months to 5 years.

staying safe

enable all 3 and 4 year olds to access government

enjoying and achieving

funded nursery sessions here and at local feeder schools.

making a positive contribution

achieving economic well-being

ensure children who have special needs are identified and assessed and that appropriate provision is made

support children in need of protection from neglect and abuse, and offer assessment and intensive structured family support in partnership with other agencies.

provide opportunities for parents and carers to access advice, support and information from the centre.

for them. G

encourage partnerships and involvement with other

and experiences which helps parents and carers enable

create partnerships with health professionals and all community stakeholders to ensure children receive holistic services which

provide a wide range of group programmes for parents and carers which will enable them to develop their skills, knowledge and confidence.

provide or facilitate services to enable parents and carers to undertake training and development.

will keep them healthy and safe.

East Staffordshire Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Centre Waterloo Street, Burton on Trent Staffordshire DE14 2NJ T: 01283 233400 E: admin.escc@staffordshire.gov.uk W: www.staffordshire.gov.uk/education/childcare/families/ ccentres/EastStaffordshireDistrict/eaststaffs/