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26 Apr 06Early Years Newsletter - Spring 2006
News from Early Years and Childcare
Poole Information Event and Fun Day
Funding for Nursery Education
Poole Sure Start Forum
Credit for Care
Noah Drums up fun at Half-Term
DPCMA - AGM date for your diary
Successful play sessions
DPCMA website
Poole Childminding Conference
Team effort
New Cache Level 3 Diploma in Home-based Childcare
Children's Information Service update
Early Years Calendar
Tops tickling the senses
Welcome to Susannah Hallett
Healthy Early Years
Help is at hand
Free funding advice for Community Groups
Special Toy Library
Child Safety Week
New Under 5's group at Turlin Moor Youth Club
Have you visited your local library recently?
News from Early Years and Childcare
For all of us in Early Years and Childcare, change has become the norm. Sure Start, children’s services, extended schools, children’s centres and a new Early Years Foundation Stage are just some of the changes ahead, and we will talk more about some of these issues at our new Sure Start Forum launch on 20 April. I hope many practitioners and parents will be able to join us for that event.
In the meantime, the continued care and education of our youngest children through quality provision is key to the changing agenda. To help us support that ongoing work we are currently developing a new team within the Early Years Team. A new Childcare Manager (the post is out to advert as I write) will lead the Childcare Team. Initially it will consist of Pat van Schagen and Celia Manville who have given many settings support over recent years. Nicky Rutherford is currently working on a one year contract to assist with this work, but look out for further change in this developing team, as we look to strengthen our support to all of you who in turn care for the children of Poole.
The development of Poole’s six children’s centres continues to move forward, as we explore potential partnerships and practical opportunities for small building projects. As you will know there is little space for new builds in Poole, so, it is clear that the best use of our budget is to link closely with existing projects and services. The work of our children’s centres managers when in post will be primarily one of network development and partnership work. It is my hope that all early years and childcare providers, together with other service providers, will become part of the integrated services which children and families need, so that they don’t fall between gaps in service provision.
Partnership – with settings, children’s service providers, with statutory, private and voluntary sectors – will be key to the future development of children’s services in Poole, and will enable us all to navigate the changes ahead. The new Poole Sure Start Forum offers the opportunity to be involved at all levels, so please read John Pay’s article to learn more.
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Poole Information Event and Fun Day - a resounding success!
Saturday 11 February 2006 saw Poole Children’s Information Service stage the first Information Event and Fun Day at the Lighthouse, offering regional service providers a unique opportunity to meet and communicate with members of the public in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere.
Organised to raise awareness of the wide range of services and support available to parents, carers, information workers and professionals in the Poole area, the event attracted over 60 exhibitors and upwards of 1000 visitors, exceeding all expectations and confirming the need for such an event.
“The event was a resounding success for everyone” said Cllr Tony Woodcock “We were thrilled to see so many of our valued service providers all in one place, providing a central focal point for Borough residents”.
Keeping as much of an emphasis on fun as on providing information, children were entertained throughout the day with a free bouncy castle, surf simulator and tunnel crawl, along with many of the stands offering individual activities including badge making, games, giant animal puzzles and face painting.
Poole Children’s Information Service would like to thank everyone who made this event possible from exhibitors to visitors and are already looking forward to the next event for 2007!
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Funding For Nursery Education \n
Poole has now received confirmation of the new Nursery Education Funding guidance guidelines from the DfES. This has enabled us to finalise our plans for 2006-7, which are as follows:
* 3 and 4 year old children are now entitled to five sessions a weeks of 2 ½ hours duration, for up to 38 weeks per year
* for children doing less than five sessions a week there is now the opportunity to extend their funding beyond the current 14 week restriction
The guidelines have highlighted a number of challenges which the Borough of Poole will serve to address over the coming months and we will of course keep you informed.
A brand new Nursery Education Funding leaflet detailing all the changes is now available for you and your parents. Please contact Poole CIS on 01202 261999 for copies. If you wish to discuss any changes to the Funding please contact either Claire Lawrence or Dawn Butt.
It was over two years ago that we started to think of re-launching what was then the Sure Start Partnership, a partnership that I believe for many years had served providers well. The role of providers had changed and practitioner's professional status had increased substantially, and, the Partnership at that time was not serving its constituent members effectively.
Poole Sure Start Forum
best start for children, choice for parents \n
Changes from the Government and the DFES like the new Children's Act calling for joined up thinking as far as serving the needs of young people was concerned, and, the government's Ten Year Strategy for Childcare, necessitated the need for Poole to respond to changes with the appointment of a Policy Director for Children's Services; the extended schools project; the advent of Children's Centres in Poole: and so on and so forth!
Our local authority remained firm in their belief that there was an important role for a Partnership, to offer an easily accessible vehicle for all practitioners and parents to make their views and needs on childcare known. The launch of the new Poole Sure Start Forum takes place on the 20th April where the new Terms of Reference will hopefully be approved.
The Forum sees as its mission statement working in partnership with other Agencies, Forums and Partnerships within Children's Services in Poole and wider, all to meet the needs and interests of children, young people and their families in the Borough. Membership of the Forum is open to any parent, carer or childcare worker ensuring that we have the widest possible interest group for consultation.
The Forum has evolved following consultation with many, but it its success depends on all playing a part. Be part of your children's future and let your views be heard and join us at one of the sessions on the 20th April at Hamworthy Recreation Club.
John Pay - Chair, Poole Sure Start Forum.
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St John’s Church Pre-school Nursery in Ashley Road Parkstone is celebrating its recent accreditation by an ‘Investors in Children’ Quality Assurance Scheme. The Pre-school Learning Alliance rewarded the nursery for its high standards of care and education with young children, as well as their thoughtful approach to behaviour and communication.
Local MP Robert Syms presented the award to the Pre-school Nursery to Deborah van der Weele, and other nursery staff, at a special community Carol singing event organised by Cllr. Joyce Lavender. Nearly three hundred people enjoyed singing led by Poole Salvation Army bandsmen. Representatives of businesses in Ashley Road were also presented with prizes by the Mayor of Poole Cllr. Lou Knight, for the best Christmas display. Afterwards, mince pies and warm drinks were enjoyed while Father Christmas distributed small gifts of sweets.
Deborah van der Weele, St John’s Nursery Manager, said: “I am delighted by this award which is a tribute to the professionalism and commitment of our staff who work to the highest possible standards for the children attending the nursery. I am pleased to be part of such a dedicated and truly caring team and look forward to continuing to achieve such accreditations.”
Member of Parliament for Poole Robert Syms praised the Nursery’s excellent approach to curriculum planning and the staff’s commitment and hard work.
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Noah Drums up Fun at Half-Term
Children of all ages and childcare providers in the Borough were treated to an energetic session of drumming and traditional African story-telling at St Mary’s Church Hall in Poole. Noah adapted each session to the needs of the children present ensuring that all ages could fully participate and both children and adults found it a very memorable experience.
DPCMA AGM - Date for your diary
Our AGM this year will be held at the Crown Hotel, Blandford, on the 15th May 06 from 7.15pm. We have a great speaker booked plus time to meet old friends and support your association. Look out for your invite soon.
Successful play sessions: "Finding a Voice" - Skilful Communicator
Another successful Play Session was organised by DPCMA with funding from Poole Sure Start. With 33 adults and 68 children attending the morning it was busy and exciting for all involved. The session included some innovative crafts with links to the
Look out for more play sessions this coming year including another ‘Lets Play Outside’ event in the summer. Thanks to all who attended for their continued support.
\nDPCMA Website \n
We are up and running! The new website is growing every day and is ‘well worth a visit!’ according to recent feedback. The site includes information about local groups, so if any information has changed please let us know. Plans for the near future include, craft ideas and templates, useful links to Birth to Three and the Foundation Stage Curriculum, planning ideas and templates plus much more. We welcome your feedback and ideas, please let us know what you think.
DPCMA will be working with Poole Early Years Team to organise a Poole Childminding Conference in Autumn 2006. If you have any ideas about what you would like to see included in the conference and/or you can spare some time to be involved in the organisation of this prestigious event – we need you! Please contact us on 01202 849253 or email
info@dpcma-online.org.ukTeam Effort
Despondent at being unable to find a local “toddler group” who would welcome several childminders and their large group of children, four Network childminders, Shellie Stanbury, Monica Quinne, Julie Scott and Debi Donovan decided to take positive action and form their own group. With the help of funding from the Borough of Poole, for the hire of Alderney Community Centre hall, the group soon got off to a flying start. Other childminders soon began to attend and the Thursday morning group has now well and truly established itself.Since forming in March last year, outings have taken place to Farmer Palmer’s, Upton House for a picnic and most recently a Christmas party, in the hall, was held for over 20 children.
Debi Donovan said “The weekly session gives the children the chance to play and socialise with other children, from all different areas within the borough. It also provides an opportunity for the childminders to meet and discuss their daily working practices, experiences and thoughts.Many new firm friendships have been formed and it is a real team effort by all those who attend, we are delighted with the result”.
\n\n\nThis new qualification, launched at the beginning of the year by NCMA and CACHE has been developed for all home-based childcarers including childminders and nannies. The Diploma in Home-based Childcare is replacing the Level 3 qualification Certificate in Childminding Practice (CCP).
The new qualification will be seen as the quality award for all home based childcarers who are working with children aged 0-16 years.
What’s Involved?
The award is made up of 5 Units, with a flexible structure. Each unit is individually assessed with a separate certificate on completion. Units can be completed in any order, but all 5 units have to be completed in order to achieve the full Level 3 Diploma. The units are as follows:
Unit 1 – Introduction to Childcare Practice (home-based)
Unit 2 – Childcare and child development (0-16) in the home-based setting
Unit 3 – The childcare practitioner in the home-based setting
Unit 4 – Working in partnership with parents in the home-based setting
Unit 5 – Planning to meet children’s individual learning needsin the home based setting
Unit 1 of the Diploma in Home-based Childcare is similar to the old Introducing Childminding Practice course. It is an ideal stand alone training course for practitioners who are:
• New to home-based childcare
• Undertaking childminder registration; or
• Wishing to gain approved home-based childcarer status
Unit 1, has 12 guided learning hours, and units 2- 5 have 30 guided learning hours.
Please could we ask you all to check your notice boards to see if you are displaying a current copy of the Children’s Information Service poster. This highlights the important services available to both parents and providers and should you require a copy please contact the CIS on 01202 261999. Also we have two very useful packs that some of your parents may be interested in: ‘New to Area Pack’ and ‘New Parent Pack’ – both full of extremely helpful information and support groups. Finally, if you are aware of any new parent and toddler or support groups in the area please do ask them to contact Poole CIS as we will publicise their details on our website. The children and staff at Tops Day Nursery, Parkstone are celebrating the opening of their new sensory area. The area which is available for all the children to access is an amazing array of lights, textures and sounds.The area was officially opened by Sue Keenan, Pre-School Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator from Pupil Parent and Youth Services, Borough of Poole. Sue has been visiting Tops over the last three years working closely with Sarah Dennett (Tops Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator) giving Tops advice on how best to help and support children who have special educational needs. Sarah has been so inspired that she and the team decided to plan and put together this marvellous room for all the children to enjoy. Sue said “We usually associate sensory rooms with children who have special needs, how lovely for all the children to take advantage of this wonderful sensory experience”. Susannah Hallett, the new Early Years Adviser has now started at School Advice & Support Services and replaces Sara Coulter.Susannah has worked in Early Years for many years and most recently was an Advanced Skills Teacher for Early Years in Corfe Mullen. She also has her feet kept on the ground with her two year old son Finlay! She will be introduced to leaders at “Work in Poole” has been the subject of two films highlighting examples of good practice with Early Years. The first is a promotional DVD for the 2Move programme, a resource to promote physical activity amongst pre-school children and their parents. This features children and staff at Tiddlywinks working with Toni Foster the Physical Activity Co-ordinator for Poole Early Years. The 2Move programme was piloted in Poole and North Lincs. Ruth Angel, Health Promotion Lead for Poole Primary Care Trust, attended the preview of the DVD in London, where the writers of the programme met with those who had worked on the activities with children. She reported that the work in Poole had been well received, and the DVD will be distributed to ministers at the DfES to demonstrate ways in which the programme can be used. The second DVD called ‘It’s a Got To’ has been funded by Government Office South West and features films of 16 projects across the region which show good practice in achieving the 5 outcomes of Every Child Matters. The HEY! work (Healthy Early Years) was one of the projects which contributes to the Be Healthy outcome, and the film highlights work on Healthy Eating at Cuddles Day Nursery, Rossmore. The film of the work at Cuddles opened the official viewing of the DVD in Taunton, and was described as ‘an example of good practice which will inspire others’. 8,000 copies will be distributed to Local Authorities across the South West and copies will be sent to the other Government Offices and to Central Government. Both pieces of work have been developed through the HEY! programme, which is a partnership between the Primary Care Trust and the Borough of Poole to support healthy lifestyles in Early Years settings. A new website for parents looking for support and information about a range of conditions, disabilities or situations is now available. It provides support materials specifically developed for families with a disabled child and offers information about particular conditions or disabilities which have been identified or diagnosed. It also has helpful signposts to other useful sources of information. So please pass the details on to your parents and ask them to visit: www.earlysupport.org.uk Free funding advice for Community Groups If you are a member of a voluntary or community group in Poole you are eligible for free funding advice from Poole Council for Voluntary Service. The Funding Adviser, Lyn Pullen, can advise your group on where you might get funds and help you with the application processes if needed. She can be contacted on 01202 682046, or by email on fundingadviser@poolecvs.co.uk If you think your group could qualify for this, please contact Lyn Pullen, as above, and she will put you onto the local outreach worker for the fund, who can advise you in detail. For further details please contact Julie Borthwick (Toy Librarian) on 01202 261929 or Helen Jones (Poole Portage Service) on 01202 261905. \n
Where can I go to study the Diploma in Home-based Childcare?
If you wish to study locally, Bournemouth and Poole College will be offering the Diploma in Home-based Childcare. Contact Kathy Tovey at the college for further details Tel: 01202 205908.For a distance learning course contact the National Extension College, Contact John Saul for further details Tel: 01223 400 334.
Am I entitled to funding?
You may be able to apply for up to £600 towards the cost of the level 3 Diploma in Home based Childcare. To find out more contact the Training and Recruitment Team 01202 261999. \n
Children's Information Service update \n
Poole Early Years Calendar 2007
Yes that’s right 2007! We hope that you are finding the 2006 calendar useful and that it helps keep you up to date on local dates as well as national festivities that you can enjoy with the children. So, now we are looking towards 2007 and would ask you to start coaxing your budding artists to think about submitting their works of art for hopeful inclusion in next year’s calendar.
Tops Tickling the senses
Maria Thomas-Luker, Nursery Manager of Tops Parkstone, says “we are delighted to be able to have such a fantastic sensory area and know the children will gain so many new and exciting experiences from being able to spend time in the area. I’m very proud of my team who have worked extremely hard to create this room for all the children aged 3 months to 7 years.” \n
Welcome to Susannah Hallett \n
Healthy Early Years \n \n
Help is at hand \n
One of the local funds your group might be able to apply to is the Local Network Fund. This is government money which is allocated via a local panel, aimed at disadvantaged youngsters up to age 19. “Disadvantage” is measured in various ways: it might mean living in an impoverished area, or having health or disability problems, or lacking educational opportunities etc. The fund can give up to £7,000 for a wide range of needs.
Special Toy Library
Come and join us at the children’s library meeting room, at Poole Central Library, between 1 pm and 2.30 pm every third Tuesday of the month, term time only. We meet to play and have fun with lots of ‘special toys’ for the children (and adults) to explore. You can even take them away to play with again at home! A sensory or craft activity is also available. It is a lovely opportunity for parents of children with additional needs to get together and share their successes and concerns with each other. Members of the Portage and Pre-school SEN Team are also on hand to model new ways of using the toys as well as offering help and advice if needed. So pop in and meet us all – we are a happy, friendly bunch – and we can’t wait to see you!! The next sessions are planned for Tues 18 April, Tues 16 May, Tues 20 June, Tues 18 July 06.
The Child Accident Prevention Trust is again repeating its highly successful Child Safety Week in 2006 to deliver accident prevention messages in ways that are fun, engaging and interactive. With everyone living busy lives it is all too easy to overlook child safety until the worst happens. With lots of practical activity suggestions and a free Child Safety Week ideas booklet, the week aims to put child safety back on the priority list. To download a range of fact sheets, colour leaflets and booklets please visit www.capt.org.uk or telephone 020 7608 3828.
New Under 5’s Group at Turlin Moor Youth Club
A new group meeting on Wednesdays from 9.15am to 12.15 pm offers the opportunity for parents with children under 5 to meet and share ideas as well as providing activities and play sessions for the children. An antenatal clinic and baby clinic will offer expert support and advice to pregnant women and parents from the local area. The group beginning on 19 April will run all year round, except during the Christmas holidays. For further information please contact Becky Barnes on 07767 683212.
Have you visited your local Poole Library recently? \n
Introduce your baby to stories and rhymes early, by bringing them to a baby bounce and rhyme session. Each session lasts about 30 minutes and includes nursery rhymes, clapping, bouncing, counting and finger rhymes, action songs and songs using musical instruments. These are great sessions for under 2’s- there’s no need to book, so please come in. Toddler Time for the over 2’s is now being held at Canford Heath Library and Rossmore Library.
Introduce your toddler to books, rhymes and simple crafts in the Library. To find out more about these and other events, please pop into your local Library or visit our website at www.boroughofpoole.com/libraries.
Pre-school Learning Alliance
Poole branch meeting open to everyone, not just PLA members, on Wednesday 22 March, Parkstone Baptist Church, 10 Loch Rd, Poole, 7pm to 9pm - guests include Toni Foster Early Years Physical Co-ordinator for Poole Borough and The Network Community Fund. The PLA is seeking qualified NVQ childcare assessors and we can offer training to anyone who might be interested in becoming a NVQ level 2 & 3 assessor.
The Pre-school Learning Alliance National AGM will be held on Friday 23rd June Novatel, Hammersmith, London. If anyone would be interested in attending the day further information is available if they contact Sharon Weeks (Senior Pre-school Development Worker) via the Poole Early Years Team.
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