Being Healthy

Sam Jones’ concerns about her daughter’s walking were successfully resolved when she visited Greenfields Children’s Centre: “It was all so quick – it only took about a week from seeing the Physio, to getting Charlotte’s support boots. If we’d gone to the doctor it may have taken much longer to get a referral…The staff are excellent and I think it’s good because at the drop-in sessions there is always a health professional around…”

Single mum Lauren is rebuilding her life, thanks to the support of Greenfields Children’s Centre: “I can talk easily to the staff at Greenfields: they are very approachable and if I have any worries about anything – the kids, money, where to live and stuff – I know that I can approach them.”

Greenfields Children’s Centre: what it has achieved so far…

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A Parents Perspective: Natalie Bray, local parent

“It’s quite a deprived area round here and it’s not much of a life for the kids. If it wasn’t for Greenfields Children’s Centre, the kids would have absolutely nothing to do.”

GeTTING INvolveD“once I’d found out about the Centre though and realised what it had done for our family, I decided that I wanted to get more involved so that I could reach out to other mums. I joined the Parents User Group and the Advisory Board and now we’re constantly looking at what the area needs and how best we can help.”

A PlACe To Go “It’s so important for children

to have a place to go, to meet others of their own age and

have something to do. In all honesty, if it wasn’t for Greenfields Children’s Centre there would be absolutely nothing for anyone to do and, just

out of boredom, the kids round here would just end

up as another statistic.”

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Forewords: Challenges and Achievements

ToP FIve key ACHIevemeNTs oF GreeNFIelDs CHIlDreN’s CeNTre

Jo Williams, Children’s Centre Service Coordinator of Greenfields Children’s Centre, takes you through five of its key achievements.

1) esTABlIsHING A CHIlDreN’s CeNTre TeAm: the whole team has worked really hard over the last 18 months to develop a quality service for our families. From our admin team, who greet families with a friendly smile as they come into the centre to our team of early Intervention Family support Workers, who go out to visit families in the home. Together we are making a real difference to the lives of children and families!

2) mUlTI-AGeNCy WorkING: we have established close links with a wide variety of professionals so that we can offer families the support that they need in a coordinated way.

3) oNe sToP sHoP: our timetable is full of activities and events throughout the year. From first aid to music sessions with the Halle orchestra…there is something for everyone!

4) HIGH QUAlITy eNvIroNmeNT: we have worked hard to create a warm and welcoming environment for our families with high quality resources which support children’s early learning and development.

5) oUr relATIoNsHIP WITH FAmIlIes: it has been a privilege getting to know our families and seeing both children and parents grow in confidence over the last 18 months. There is no greater achievement than a parent getting a certificate for gaining a qualification for the first time or watching a child learn how to do something for the first time- this is what makes it all worthwhile!

3Children’s Centre Team

Natalie Bray

Jo Williams

Foreword: Jo Williams, Children’s Centre Service Coordinator of Greenfields Children’s

Centre, Winsford

Welcome to our celebration booklet. We would like to

share with you some of the things that parents, carers and staff have achieved since Greenfields Children’s Centre first opened its doors in June 2008.

Parent storiesThis booklet contains the stories of parents who have used the Centre and highlights the positive impact that the Centre has had on their lives…see pages 4-13 for the stories!

Every Child MattersAt Greenfields Children’s Centre we aim to give the children of Winsford the best possible start to life by providing high quality services, where ‘every Child matters’.

We achieve this by supporting families to:

• stay safe• be healthy• enjoy and achieve• make a positive contribution• achieve economic well-being.

Our achievements within each of these areas will be shared throughout this booklet

Services under one roof in the heart of the communityGreenfields Children’s Centre is located on the site of Greenfields Primary school and serves families living in the local area of:

• Knights Grange

• Whitegate.

Servicesour services include:

• early education and childcare• child and family health services• family support with outreach• family learning• adult learning and back to work support

To achieve this, the Centre works closely with other agencies and partners including Health visitors, midwives, Family support Workers…and local day nurseries, schools and colleges - to meet the needs of families and children in a coordinated and effective way!

Thank youI would like to take this opportunity to thank the Children’s Centre team for their hard work and dedication to improving the lives of children and their families. I would also like to thank all the parents who use the Centre. your support is greatly appreciated and we have really enjoyed sharing your child’s first years with you!

The beginningThis is only the beginning…there is still a lot to do! However, I hope that this booklet demonstrates that we are heading in the right direction and that the needs of young children in Winsford will continue to remain at the heart of every thing we do.

Forewords: Challenges and Achievements

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How sam Jones’ concerns about her

daughter’s walking were successfully resolved

when she visited a Winsford Children’s Centre

36 year old sam Jones lives in Winsford with her husband Paul and their two year old daughter Charlotte.

“When Charlotte was eight months old I took her up to Wharton Children’s Centre, a Winsford Children’s Centre and now we mostly go up to the Centre at Greenfields. I started going to the Baby Groups with Charlotte and then, as she’s got older, we progressed onto the Toddler Groups. We go to three sessions a week now. The facilities are new, there’s a good selection of toys and books and the children are provided with healthy snacks. When I had worries about Charlotte, I was given some fantastic support: the staff aren’t here to judge you – they’re here to help and that is exactly what they do.”

sam decided that she wanted to get more involved.“When the Centre manager, asked me if I wanted to join the Parents’ User Group, I said ‘yes’. I use the facilities here quite a lot and I thought it would be a good way of having some input so that I could say what I felt about what’s happening. We get together with the Centre manager – there’s usually between six and ten other parents – and we discuss what we want to happen, or talk about anything that we may not be happy with. It’s good to hear other people’s views and opinions.”

sam is keen to help others get as much out of Greenfields Children’s Centre as she does.“I also belong to the Advisory Board: it’s made up of a group of professionals and other people from the Parents’ User Group. There’s a whole mix really, midwives, Health visitors, staff from the Job Centre and Connexions. They basically bring with them information that they think will help parents or carers. I’m in this group because they need input from someone like myself who’s at home with a little one and using the facilities.”

Adapting to full-time motherhood hasn’t always been easy, admits sam.“I like being involved because, to be honest, it was a bit of a shock when I stopped working as an auditor to become a full-time mum. To be at home constantly has been a complete change so it’s nice to get back out and discuss relevant issues rather than just baby talk!”

When sam had concerns about Charlotte’s walking, she found the support that she needed.

“Charlotte didn’t start walking until she was 18 months old but then I noticed that she kept locking her knee and turning her foot in. I thought this was something that would improve over time and felt that I should not be bothering a doctor with it and be seen as a neurotic mum. I needn’t have worried though because a Paediatric Physiotherapist at one of the drop-in sessions approached me and talked to me about Charlotte and how she was getting on. she then arranged for me to have an appointment at Hebden Green Physiotherapy Centre and, as a result, Charlotte has been given a special pair of boots to help her to start walking better.””

Having regular access to health professionals is important.“It was all so quick – it only took about a week from seeing the Physio, to getting Charlotte’s support boots. If we’d gone to the doctor it may have taken much longer to get a referral. We now get Charlotte’s boots checked every six or eight weeks and I feel that we are on top of the problem. The staff are excellent and I think it’s good because at the drop-in sessions there is always a health professional around – it could be a Dental Nurse, a Health visitor or, like on the day I visited, a Physiotherapist.”

It’s good to talk, says sam, particularly if you can share problems and ideas.“It’s important to know that there are other people out there with small children who are adjusting to a new life. sometimes you can think that you are the only one who’s exhausted because you’ve been up all night with the baby but then you soon realise that you’re not. I think we all appreciate hearing that!”

Greenfields Children’s Centre has developed a range of integrated services that deliver to the ‘Every Child Matters’ Theme of Being Healthy, including the following…

• ‘Mini Movers’: six week dance programme for parents and children ran by a dance specialist. Aim of the group is to promote physical activity from an early age. each week activities are planned to support children with developing listening skills and building confidence with taking part in large group activities.

• ‘Bollywood Session’: a session ran by a dance specialist just for parents teaching them a Bollywood dance sequence. The purpose of the session was to encourage the parents to try something new and enjoy taking part in a physical activity. The parents loved this session and said that it helped increase their confidence.

• Weaning: advice is provided at a monthly weaning group run by Health visitors which supports parents with giving their babies a healthy diet.

• Community Midwives: a weekly clinic at the centre for pregnant mums.

• Children’s Centre Midwife: provides support on pregnancy and health issues at our weekly young parents group.

• Stop Smoking Support

Being Healthy

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Being Healthy

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How Jo learned to cope after the break-up of a relationship, find new friends and go to college

18 year old Jo Ford lives in Winsford with her 17 month old son kieran and her parents Julie and keith.

“When I first discovered that I was pregnant I was only young and had just left school. It was very frightening, particularly when I fell out with my ex-partner, but my support Worker at Greenfields, a Winsford Children’s Centre, was brilliant. I was going through a very difficult time with kieran’s dad and I needed to move out of his home and she was the one who helped me to do that. Now I’m back living with mum and dad and that’s working out okay. kieran was only six months old when it all happened so it was very hard for both of us. my support Worker was the one though who supported me throughout and gave me the options of what I could do. I honestly don’t think that I could have got where I am now without her help.”

Greenfields proved to be a safe and welcoming place for Jo and kieran.“At the moment I’m going to stay at home with mum and dad but then in a year or so, I’ll start looking for somewhere

else to live. When kieran was a baby I used to take him up to Greenfields and we’d go to the drop-in young Parents’ Group. It was great, I’d get together with the other parents and have a coffee and chat about all sorts of things like we’re what we were doing, how the kids were and we’d all try and help each other out. As I was living with my ex-partner at the time, I used to take kieran up to Greenfields where I’d meet up with my mum because it was the only safe place for her to see him. The staff were brilliant about it and really helped us through what was a very difficult time.”

When Jo wanted to go on a course, kieran was looked after in the crèche.“I’ve always enjoyed going up to Greenfields and it’s great for kieran to mix with other kids of his own age. I’ve even joined the IT group on Thursday: kieran goes in the crèche there while I do the course – I’m doing maths, english and a bit of touch-typing too. It’s good that he can have fun with his friends while I get a chance to do something else. The staff have always really encouraged me to do the things that I want to do. Next year I plan to do an NvQ at college.”

Jo has made friends – and found a new level of confidence.“I think a place like Greenfields has really helped me: even though I’ve lived in Winsford all my life, I’ve now made a lot of new friends. I’ve never been good at meeting people but now I feel that I have more confidence and that I’m able to mix in more with others. I’m now getting to know women of all ages which has been really helpful and something that I’ve enjoyed. Before we came here, kieran never really got to mix with other babies and children either but now he is and he’s really enjoying it.”

other young mums should give it a go too, says Jo.“I’d really recommend that other young mums go up to Greenfields. It’s a really nice place to go and you feel completely safe there. everyone makes you feel very welcome but, most importantly, they are also there to support you and your children. If I had any worries about kieran’s health I wouldn’t hesitate to talk to the staff – in fact, I know that I could ask them about absolutely anything.”

staying safe

Greenfields Children’s Centre has developed a range of integrated services that deliver to the Every Child Matters Theme of Staying Safe, including the following…

• Safe Play: parents and children enjoy playing together in a high quality learning environment which encourages children to take risks in a safe environment. Parents often worry about letting their children use scissors or play with ‘real life’ objects such as cutlery or shells. However, with the support of the Children’s Centre team, the parents realise that with appropriate supervision, these experiences all play an important part in children’s learning.

• Outreach Work: our team of early Intervention Family support Workers regularly visit parents at home and support them with a range of issues. some of these families live in stressful situations such as living with an abusive partner or dealing with nuisance neighbours. our team work closely with these parents to put an individual plan to help deal with these issues.

• Partner Working: we have established close links with other partners including Health visitors and midwives, as well as agencies that include social care, Women’s Aid and local schools and early years settings… to ensure that there is a coordinated approach to working with families.

• First Aid: six week family learning course on paediatric first aid for parents.

staying safe

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Greenfields Children’s Centre has developed a range of integrated services that deliver to the Every Child Matters Theme of Enjoying and Achieving, including the following…

Weekly Groups’ Our weekly groups include…

• Pop In session - an informal and relaxed group where parents and children can make new friends and enjoy playing together in our well resourced learning environment. The group also has visits from other professionals.

• Crawlers and Explorers - structured group for children aged two to three years, with activities that focus on a particular area of the early years Foundation stage.

• Baby Matters - structured group for babies with activities such as baby signing, treasure baskets and messy play.

• Nursery partners: close links have been established with our partnering nurseries ‘kiddiecare Day Nursery’ and ‘littler Grange Day Nursery’. The nurseries provide respite care for families receiving family support and staff also run the créches for the children’s centre.

• Pedagogue: our Children’s Centre Pedagogue works closely with local early years settings to raise quality of early years practice.

• Learning Journeys: completed during Children’s Centre groups which contain photographs and comments showing children’s learning and development.

• Speech and Language: the Centre receives support from speech and language Therapists, who work with children and their parents at home and also run a course for parents at the centre.

• Family Learning: six week Family learning course called ‘Craft for kiddies’ which encouraged parents to do messy play with their

children and gave ideas on how to support their child’s creative development.

How going to Winsford Children’s Centres have helped young mum Gemma look after her two children

20 year old Gemma Jones lives in Winsford with her partner Justin and their two year old son Tyler and one year old daughter libby.

“my midwife told me about Greenfields Children’s Centre, a Winsford Children’s Centre, after Tyler was born. I went along when he was about three weeks old. The Greenfields Children’s Centre had just opened and I couldn’t believe how great it was. The Family support workers at the Centre, comes and picks me up and takes us there twice a week

which is really nice. I know that if I didn’t go to Greenfields, I’d

be stuck at home really bored. The children

love coming here and are really into

all the groups but when it’s time to leave they always cry because they want to stay on!”

Gemma gets to spend time, and have fun, with other young mums.“on Wednesday, I go along to the Toddler sessions – you need to stay with your kids and they can play with any toys that they want and then on Thursday, it’s the mums turn to play some games. There are two rooms: one where the Nursery staff look after the children – but we keep an eye on them too – and then in the other room the midwives spend time with the other young mums. We get to make things and do games like bingo or we do some drawing games on the flipchart. It’s really good fun and nice to spend time together as a group.”

For Gemma, going to Greenfields Children’s Centre gives the children a chance to learn and make new friends.“I think the Greenfields Children’s Centre and all that it has to offer is really useful for the children because when they go there, they’re learning the whole time. It’s just like a little school for them. each week different people come in to help the children. We’ve had musicians and they’ve brought in instruments for the kids to play. Tyler enjoys going on the drums most of all. I think he’s really got the hang of it and now when we get home he turns his toy box upside down and bangs it like a drum! They’ve also got to make new friends too which I think is so important.”

When she needed a shoulder to cry on, Gemma knew who to turn to.“When I had problems at home I talked to my midwife about it. she was really good and we managed to sort it all out. I know that if I had any concerns about either of my kids, I’d definitely be able to talk to the staff about it. It’s important to know that there is someone out there who will listen.”

Getting involved in the activities is important to Gemma.“There’s always lots of do here. The Family support worker has suggested that I join the singing and signing group which I think the kids will really enjoy. We’re also beginning to plan some day trips for the holidays. There’s a great choice – we could go swimming, or take the children to a farm and even an ice cream factory. We’re going to talk about it when we go up to Greenfields Children’s Centre next week and see what everyone wants to do. I’m looking forward to the day trips because I know that I wouldn’t have much a chance to take Tyler and libby out otherwise.”

life has changed for Gemma since she’s be coming to Greenfields Children’s Centre.“Coming to Greenfields Children’s Centre has changed my life: it’s helped me to look after the children better and I think we’ve all become much more confident as a result. The midwives work with all the young mums and we have the chance to go to talks about looking after young children, safe sex and stuff like that. I’d definitely recommend Greenfields Children’s Centre to other mums – when they go along they’ll soon find that it’s good for them and for their children.”

enjoying and Achieving enjoying and Achieving

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Getting involved with Winsford Children’s Centres has changed Natalie’s life and now she wants to reach out to other families

28 year old Natalie Bray lives in Winsford with her partner lee and their two children, seven year old Georgia and two year old lee.

Natalie uses Greenfields Children’s Centre, a Winsford Children’s Centre. “I mainly use the Greenfields Children’s Centre because Georgia goes to Greenfields school closeby. It’s made a difference to my life coming here: I’m one of those people who needs to talk to someone and I find it very hard to just stay at home. Also, there are no other children of Georgia and lee’s age where I live, so I feel that it’s really important for us to get out and meet other families. I want more people to know about how they could benefit from coming here: The team at the Greenfields Children’s Centre are fantastic and they work little miracles in this community. everyone is so kind and they always go out of their way to help in any way which is very reassuring to know.”

learning to use the computers in an easy-going atmosphere is great for everyone, says Natalie.“I go to the Computer Pop-in – I’m doing english and maths. you can do it so that you get a qualification if you want to, otherwise you can just learn the basic skills and have fun learning about the computer. I did english and maths at school – which was a long time ago – but I just wanted to do a bit extra. lee goes into the crèche when I’m on the computer but as he’s in the same room as me being looked after by Nursery staff he has the chance to see me. The kids can even come and sit on your knee if they want – unless of course you’re doing an exam! It’s all very relaxed which is nice.”

Now Natalie’s sister has started to join in too…“I did Women’s Development on a Friday – it’s about building self-confidence. People come in to Greenfields Children’s Centre and talk to us about various subjects such as health and beauty. I encouraged my sister to come along too because her son was very clingy and she’d practically

have to peel him off her legs if she wanted to go anywhere. That’s not the case anymore though as he’s much happier and more confident – and so is she.”

Helping her children with art and preparing lee for school is an important part of Natalie’s day.“I went on the six week Craft for kiddies course. Half the session would be about the mums learning art activities, then for the rest of the time, we’d be with the kids doing the hands-on stuff. There’s quite a big age gap between my children so I’m always on the look out for new ideas that’ll be good for both of them. I’m now hoping to do the Helping your Child with reading, Writing and maths course which will prepare lee for school. Greenfields Children’s Centre works very closely with some of the schools around here so they know exactly what’s needed.”

Now Natalie has got involved in responding to the community’s needs.“It’s quite a deprived area round here and it’s not much of a life for the kids. If it wasn’t for Greenfields Children’s Centre, the kids would have absolutely nothing to do. once I’d found out about the Centre though and realised what it had done for our family, I decided that I wanted to get more involved so that I could reach out to other mums. I joined the Parents User Group and the Advisory Board and now we’re constantly looking at what the area needs and how best we can help. It’s so important for children to have a place to go, to meet others of their own age and have something to do. In all honesty, if it wasn’t for Greenfields Children’s Centre there would be absolutely nothing for anyone to do and, just out of boredom, the kids round here would just end up as another statistic.”

making a Positive Contribution

Greenfields Children’s Centre has developed a range of integrated services that deliver to the Every Child Matters Theme of Making a Positive Contribution, including the following…

• Weekly Women’s Development Group: provides time out for mums. Activities are planned to increase confidence and self esteem such as craft, games and pampering sessions.

• Parent User Group: chance to meet with Centre manager and share views and ideas on services at the Centre. These parents also attend the Children’s Centre Advisory Group, which is also made up of local professionals.

• Evaluation: parents are regularly asked to complete evaluations on children’s centre services.

• Recruitment: parents have been part of the interview panel for the appointment of Children’s Centre admin and early Intervention Family support Workers.

• Parent-led Communications: case studies and posters have been completed on families who use the Centre as a way of celebrating their achievements and promoting the Children’s Centre to other families and local partners.

• Links: have close links with the Greenfields Neighbourhood House, which is coordinated by Weaver vale Housing Trust and encourages the local community to get involved with improving the area where they live.

making a Positive Contribution

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How single mum lauren is rebuilding her life, thanks to the support of Winsford Children’s Centres

21 year old lauren Heath lives near Northwich with her two year old daughter keira and her seven month old son Harry.

“After I’d had Harry I was living in a house in Winsford which the landlord then suddenly sold so I had nowhere to live. It was a very difficult time and I was feeling very depressed so when I saw my Health visitor she suggested that I go along to Greenfields Children’s Centre (a Winsford Children’s Centre). A Family support Worker was assigned to me. she came over to visit and walked me over there a couple of times so that I could get a good feel for the place. It was really nice and after a couple of weeks I started going to the Tuesday drop-in playgroup sessions with the children. It’s really friendly. I’ve been along to other mother and Baby groups where everyone keeps themselves separate and they don’t really mix with anyone new, but at Greenfields everyone’s chatting together – it’s great and keira loves it. ”

Going to the drop-in sessions gives lauren more time to play with keira.“staff at Greenfields are helping me to find somewhere to

live and I’m on the Council waiting list. In the meantime, we’ve moved back to live at home with my parents. I still go along to Greenfields though – everyone is very kind and it’s so relaxed – Tuesdays wouldn’t be the same if I didn’t and I usually stop off and see a relative on the way there which works out well. The staff are really helpful too. The Family support Worker sometimes looks after Harry for me so that I can spend more time with keira and catch up with other mothers in similar situations. The whole place is so child-friendly that you can just relax and not worry about anything awful happening to your children.”

lauren is happy when she knows that her children are happy too.“I think going along to Greenfields has helped with my depression: it’s got me out the house but most importantly it has really made a difference to keira. There’s been a lot happening in our lives recently and it can be hard on the children but now we’re getting out more and it’s given keira something enjoyable to do rather than be cooped up inside with just me and Harry. I’m certainly more relaxed because when we arrive she goes off and plays with her friends and I know that she’s happy and I get a bit of a respite which is what I feel I really need sometimes.”

With the help of staff at Greenfields, lauren is starting to set some goals.“my main priorities at the moment are to find somewhere else to live and keep up with my friends and make sure that the children are happy. I can talk easily to the staff at Greenfields: they are very approachable and if I have any worries about anything – the kids, money, where to live and stuff – I know that I can approach them. When Harry had problems with one of his feet, the Family support Worker helped me by sorting out appointments and making sure that we got to see the right people. That way it all seemed to be sorted out so much quicker and there was less hassle which is always good.”

lauren is now looking to the future and planning to take a degree at college.“Before I had keira I was studying for a BTeC National Certificate in Travel and Tourism. I managed to finish the course with a double merit even though I was pregnant in the first year and had keira in the second. I’ve now gone back to college to do my GCse maths and then next year I’ll study for a degree in Travel and Tourism. Hopefully keira, Harry and I will have our own place to live soon too and that would be great for all of us.”

Achieving economic Wellbeing

Greenfields Children’s Centre has developed a range of integrated services that deliver to the Every Child Matters Theme of Achieving Economic Wellbeing, including the following…

• Early Intervention Family Support Workers: provide advice and support on accessing Nursery education Grant, child tax credits and housing benefits.

• Back to Work: close links have been established with local Job Centre, Citizens Advice Bureau, local training centres and connexions to support parents with gaining further training or getting back into work.

• IT: run a weekly ‘learning through IT’ session at the Centre, where parents can do online courses in maths, english and IT, while their children are looked after by our créche workers.

• Children’s Information Service: Children’s Centre Admin are trained in accessing information from the Children’s Information service, so that they can provide information to parents on finding childcare and activities in the local area.

• Mid Cheshire College: sessions have been run by mid Cheshire College on topics such as Beauty therapy, table decorations and art. The college is working with our Women’s Development Group on putting together an art exhibition on ‘Women of Winsford’.

Achieving economic Wellbeing

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How, thanks to teacher Liz, parents and pupils benefit from the links between Greenfields Primary School and Greenfields Children’s Centre

In her role as Foundation, keystage 1 manager and extended services Co-ordinator at Greenfields Primary school, liz stewart works closely with staff at the onsite Greenfields Children’s Centre.

”I am based at Greenfields Primary school where I oversee educational provision for Nursery, reception and years 1 and 2, but I also have a very close involvement with Greenfields Children’s Centre which is just next door. There is an important link between everyone involved at the school and the Children’s Centre and this benefits everyone, particularly the pupils and their parents. In my role as extended services Co-ordinator, I also support families in the community by ensuring that they can access the many services that are available and this often involves getting together with the Children’s Centre to ensure that we make best use of their facilities as well as ours at the school.”

Sharing vital information

liz has been involved with Greenfields Children’s Centre since it opened and is currently on its Advisory Board. “By regularly getting together with the team

at the Centre, we are able to discuss the needs of our

families in the community. By sharing information, we find out

– and respond – to what families need from us. once we know what

parents want, whether it’s courses for them or activities for the children, we discuss how to provide them at the centre.

Working closely with parents – for the children’s sake

When it comes to co-ordinating activities between the two settings, liz Is a key player: “It is vital for us to co-ordinate our activities: we already run a number of courses for parents on, for example, the early years Foundation stage. recently we put on some stay and Play sessions at the Children’s Centre which proved popular. This was when our Nursery children went along to the Centre for a session with their parents and teachers to become familiar with the children’s centre and the range of services that are on offer. Also, at the school we’ve just developed a new play area outside the reception classroom and, as part of our on-going liaison with the Centre, we suggested that they use the area for

activities during the holidays – that way, they get more space and families become increasingly familiar with both environments.

Getting parents involved with their children’s activities

liz has seen how, as a result of getting parents more involved at the centre they have become increasingly confident themselves and become more interested in their children’s learning. “I work with parents who have children at both the Centre and the school and they tell me how much their confidence has built up since they’ve been going there. I also hear how families are not intimidated or frightened at the prospect of visiting the school any more because they’ve got so used to going to the centre.

How music is helping to improve pupils’ speech and language

liz and the rest of the staff at the school are working hard to improve pupils’ language and speech development at the school: “early intervention is really important so we liaise very closely with the Centre, that way we will be aware of which children have already benefitted from speech and language therapy and also we will be aware of those who require extra support when they come up to school. There are all sorts of innovative projects going on too that benefit the pupils’ language, including one with the Halle orchestra which the Centre organised. They asked us if we wanted our Nursery children to join in, and of course we didn’t hesitate.”

How, thanks to a team of Midwives, young mothers are finding friendship and support at Greenfields Children’s Centre

liz Thompson and Jane rogerson are both Community midwives. They work closely

together and each week visit Greenfields Children’s Centre where they run an advice and

support group for new mums as well as an antenatal clinic.

Finding support – as well as friendship and fun

every Thursday, liz holds a young Parents’ Group at Greenfields Children Centre: “About a dozen young mums aged from 25 and under come along – Jane holds her antenatal clinic there on the same afternoon, so it works out well. she’ll often come in for a chat and introduce any new mums to me. I work alongside the Children’s Centre support Workers in the group and we address different issues every week. Basically we’ll talk about anything that the mums want to talk about, whether it’s about breastfeeding, giving birth or smoking cessation. It’s all very relaxed. If we’re baking pizzas one day, for instance, mums can choose whether or not to join in. We would never dictate to them what they should or should not do. The idea is that new mums get together and get support from us but also from other women in similar situations.”

Responding to the needs of mothers in the area

As Jane says, it’s not just first-time mothers who need support: women who already have two or three children may be just as in need of help as a first-time mum. “I look after all aspects of midwifery – that’s antenatal and postnatal care and I work on a labour ward as well – so I get to know the mothers and what their needs and vulnerabilities are. We want to encourage young mothers to come into the Children’s Centre because this is where they’ll find the support and advice they need on parenting skills and where they’ll find out about coping with all the changes that a new baby brings. When we meet them at the Centre, we can also give out practical advice about benefits and housing too.”

Working together for new mothers at Greenfields Children’s Centre

Both liz and Jane have many years experience, and teamwork plays a vital role in the level of support that they provide in the community. They also liaise with social services and the Domestic Abuse Team. “Now that we have Greenfields Children’s Centre everyone works together,” says liz. “We have a system which is ‘joined up’ which means that the families that we see benefit from a much more co-ordinated level of care. If, for example, I come across a young woman in a violent relationship who is pregnant, I can make sure that she gets all the midwifery support that she needs and that other service providers are aware of her situation so that they can help her. By providing such a level of continuity, vulnerable women access more services and they also know where we are when they need us – and that is very important for them and their babies.”

Learning from experience

When she sees young, vulnerable women in the Children’s Centre, Jane is able to draw on her own experiences to help them. “I was a teenage mum and now my son is 24. Having a baby then as a teenager was nothing like it is now – it was uncomfortable, patronising and unfriendly. It was awful really and I don’t want other young mothers to experience that. I chose to work with teenagers as a midwife because I wanted to give something to those mothers that I never had. The majority of women that I see are young mums, either in their own home, in the local hostel or at the Children’s Centre and they need care and support from someone who is friendly and approachable and here at the Children’s Centre that is just what we are doing.”

This month, liz Thompson’s hard work was recognised at the royal College of midwifery Awards, where she won an award for her exemplary work at the Children’s Centre.

Liz Stewart

Liz Thompson

Jane Rogerson at the Midwife Centre

How partners have benefited through working with Greenfields Children’s Centre

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Best Practice: Den Building Project Best Practice: Halle Project

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Best Practice: Den Building Project

The Den Building Day was planned in partnership with the extended schools Coordinator to provide a day for families to learn new skills together and promote positive interactions.

Summer hols

The day was held during the summer holiday, which was great as we also had older brothers and sisters and dads come along too! We had 14 families attend in total (28 children and 14 parents), seven of the families who attended, were receiving outreach support by an early Intervention Family support Worker, and did not access other groups at the Centre. Therefore, this event was an excellent way of encouraging parents to come along and meet the team in a fun and non-threatening environment.

Canes, sticky tape, material and pegs!

The session was led by Graham marsdon, who has run den building projects with families for a number of years. The session was extremely informal and relaxed and the activity was accessible to all ages. The families were provided with canes, sticky tape, material and pegs to make their own den, and some also worked with Graham to create a large den which we all sat under for our picnic lunch. The day ended by all families coming together for songs and games.

Parents and children’s comments from the day:

• “Out in the fresh air, the tent building was brilliant. It was nice to have lunch, joining the tents. Was a good day”: parent

• “Fab day for the kids and adults. Well organised and even managed to stay dry!”: parent

• “I like the colourful dens with pegs”: child

• “My tent was like a clown’s. It was very colourful”: child

• “It was exciting working together”: child

• “Lots of fun and a great opportunity for all to work as a team” child.

Best Practice: Halle Project

last year we were really fortunate to work with Halle education to plan a 12 week music project. During spring 2008, Halle orchestral musicians, music leaders and students from the royal Northern College of music spent time at our partnering nurseries and in groups at the centre, working with children, early years workers and parents.

Child centred music

The aim of the project was to promote an approach to music that was child centred, and where children’s interests were the starting point for future musical experiences. over the weeks, the children and musicians built up a close relationship and children had the opportunity to experience close up what orchestral instruments such as a double bass, clarinet, violin and French horn look and sound like. The aim was to make this type of instruments more accessible to young children from a range of backgrounds and hopefully spark an interest in playing instruments from an early age. As part of the project, the Halle provided a range of quality instruments, which children continue to enjoy playing in our groups.

Halle education are keen to maintain the links with the centre and we are now planning a six week music project, which is focussing on working with parents and building up their confidence in playing music with their child.

Parents and teachers comments:

• “It has completely challenged the way I teach- I am much more alert to children’s motivations and interests now as the starting point. I am trying to put myself where they are at rather than where I think they should be”: comment from musician at evaluation session

• “The children really enjoyed the different sounds of the instruments and the interaction from the musicians. The interest in making music has continued”: parent

• “I think that it has taught them new ways to express themselves”: parent.

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Best Practice: Women’s Development Group

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Best Practice: Women’s Development Group

The Women’s Development group is run weekly at Greenfields Children’s Centre and provides ‘stressed out’ mums with some time out while their child is looked after in our cr_che by our qualified early year’s Workers

Increasing confidence

During the first few months, activities are planned to increase confidence and encourage mums to develop strategies for coping with stress. examples of sessions included:

• bollywood dancing

• make up session

• craft activities

Art exhibition

The parents are now working towards an art exhibition in partnership with mid Cheshire College on ‘Women of Winsford’, where they are creating handbags that represent things that are important to them. This exhibition is part of our celebration event, where other parents and professionals have been invited to celebrate the achievements of the Children’s Centre.

Parents comments:

• “I get a bit of me time and socialising with other people, my confidence is growing.”

• “I’m more relaxed, enjoy everyone’s company.”

• “Has helped relax me and given me some time to myself to do things just for me and spend some time away from the kids.”

Greenfields Children’s Centre Team

Jo Williams Children’s Centre service Coordinator

Lindsay Lambert Pedagogue

Karen Hardman early Intervention Family support Worker

Jaz Elwick early Intervention Family support Worker

Gillian Stobie early Intervention Family support Worker

Karen Stevenson Administrative Assistant

Lynne Connell Administrative Assistant

Greenfields Children’s Centre Advisory Board

Ann Joyce, Diane Metge and Angela Dance (Children’s Centre speech and language therapy team)

Kathie Foye (owner of kiddiecare/littler Grange Nurseries)

Karen Richardson (Head teacher) and Liz Stewart (Foundation stage /ks 1 and extended schools co-ordinator at Greenfields Primary school)

Fran Clough, Gill Boocock and Sally Ford (Health visitors at Dene Drive medical Centre)

Alison Reid (life long learning Team manager at the Junction)

Liz Thompson (Children’s Centre midwife)

Christine Sykes and Kath Pollit (Connexions)

Elaine Parry (Childcare Partnership manager)

Juliet Aitken, Judith Burbidge, Jan Hanby Weaver vale Housing Trust

members of the Parent User Group

Centre opening

Greenfields Children’s CentreWhitby’s LaneWinsfordCW7 2LZ Tel No: 01606 271910

Greenfield Children’s Centre Partners