MPS Children's Centre News Blog

January 2012 News

2011-12-15T00:01:00.000-08:00

January 2012

Dear Families,

January Programme

Happy New Year and Welcome back to all our families who have been using the Children’s Centre. If you have not yet attended, make this your New Year’s Resolution. Melcombe Childrens Centre is open for all parents who live in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham who have a child aged 0-5 years. 2012 will be a great year! Please see our January 2012 Programme for full details of services on offer.

Strengthening Families, Strengthening Communities

This is an exciting community based Parenting Programme, which we are pleased to announce that we will be running in the New Year. It will be run by Hemma our Family Mentor. The programme lasts for 13 weeks and is made up of 3-hour sessions. It will be looking at:

· Building positive parent-child relationships

· Encouraging strong ethnic and cultural roots in your children

· Providing your child with a range of life skills, self esteem and self discipline

· Supporting you to become an active member of your community.

Self Evaluation

We continually monitor and evaluate our Service Provision. As parents/carers you are important partners in letting us know how you feel services are being run. We have specific services that we need to provide to meet the targets in our Service Level Agreement, but we always ask for your feedback and this helps decide which services will be running in the future. Please keep your suggestions coming through:

· Your comments in the Comments Book.

· Your evaluations at the end of each block of sessions.

· Your contributions during Parents Forums, which are then displayed on the Notice Board.

· Your comments after receiving Outreach support.

· Talking to members of staff.

Your comments have all fed into our Self Evaluation Form, which is shared with the Local Authority and Ofsted and it outlines what we are doing and how well we are doing it.

The most recent copy is displayed on the Notice Board and further copies will be available during the next Parents Forum. Please feel free to read it and if you would like to make any further comments, please see a member of staff.

December 2011 News

2011-11-24T23:25:00.001-08:00

December 2011

Dear Families,

December Programme

Please see the attached November Programme for full details of the sessions and services being run at the Children’s Centre. As you will see we are open for the first week of the school Christmas Holidays, so do come and join us if you are able. We would love to see you! At the end of each block of sessions we always ask you to evaluate your experiences with us. Please keep continuing to provide us with your comments as your comments help to shape what services we could run in the future.

New members of staff

We are pleased to announce that two new members of staff have taken up post in the Childrens Centre. Hemma Leckraz is our new Family Mentor and Ann Pascall is our new Administrative Assistant who will be working in our office each afternoon. They are here to help you, so please contact them if you need any help.

ESOL

We will shortly be running ESOL sessions at the Childrens Centre. If you would like to find out more and are interested in joining a group, please come and have a chat with Hemma.

Getting Ready for Work

We will also shortly be running sessions to support parents/carers to get into work. If you would like to find out more and are interested in joining a group, again please come and have a chat with Hemma.

Citizens Advice Bureau

7^th December

Parents Coffee Mornings, 9.00-11.00am

It’s that time of the year when you might be celebrating Christmas, you want to buy presents for your family and friends, but you do not have enough money. Have you been tempted to borrow money from somewhere other than a bank? The danger is, this could result in you falling into great debt. Citizens Advice Bureau will be running a series of information and advice sessions on money matters during our weekly Parents Coffee Mornings. Their first session will be on 7^th December, when Martha Lawton will be looking at borrowing money from ‘dodgy sources’. Come along and listen or ask questions. You have nothing to lose but lots to gain.

November 2011 News

2011-10-20T05:50:00.000-07:00

Dear Families,

November Programme

There is a wide selection of sessions and services being run at the Children’s Centre, so please click here to view the full details of the November Programme. We are glad that you are continuing to enjoy and benefit from the services on offer from the Childrens Centre. If you would like to bring a friend with you please feel free, as long as they live in the borough of Hammersmith and Fulham and have a child aged 0-5 years.

Take One Day- Wednesday 9^th November

Are you bringing up your children and thinking about your future? Do you want to get back to work? Do you need some time and space to think things through? We are running a Take One Day programme and this could be just what you are looking for and it’s fun! You will have the chance to think about what you would like to do with your life and plan the next step. The programme is free and there are experts at hand to help. Lunch and refreshments are provided and crèche facilities are available if pre-booked. If you think that you might be interested, please talk to a member of staff.

Positive Parenting Programme

Do you have difficulties coping with your child’s behaviour? You are not alone! Adrienne will be running her popular programme again this term (please see programme for details), so if you would like to sign up for the sessions please contact the Children’s Centre. Parents who have attended in the past have commented on how helpful they have found this course. Limited crèche places are available, so please book early to avoid disappointment.

Baby Boost

The Boost sessions this term will be for expectant mothers and parents/carers with children aged 0-2 years. Why not join this relaxed group, have fun and find out about healthy eating and fun activities to play with your child.

Baby Resuscitation Course

The London Ambulance Service is running a Baby Resuscitation Course on Thursday 24^th November, 2.00-3.00pm. This is a popular course with restricted numbers, so if you are interested please book early to avoid disappointment. There is no crèche available for this course.

October 2011 News

2011-09-30T05:30:00.000-07:00

Dear Families,

we are glad that you are continuing to enjoy and benefit from the services on offer from the Childrens Centre. If you would like to bring a friend with you please feel free, as long as they live in the borough of Hammersmith and Fulham and have a child aged 0-5 years.

A BIG THANK YOU

We consider ourselves extremely fortunate in having such amazing families attending the centre. Our recent appeal for unwanted toys and clothes was met with a truly generous response. We would like to say a big thank you to all who contributed! We now have extra storage space, so if you have any good quality toys or clothes (babies, children’s and adults). Please feel free to bring them in so that we can pass them on to a family in need.

October Programme

There is a wide selection of sessions and services being run at the Children’s Centre please click on link to view October Programme for full details.

Volunteers

Our volunteers are very much enjoying their experience with us. If you are considering a career in childcare, volunteering in an early years setting such as the children’s centre could be a valuable first step for you. Why not pop into Melcombe Children’s Centre for further details.

Fatoom’s Kitchen and ESOL

If you would like to develop your English speaking skills and would like to join Fatoom in this popular group we would love to see you. The crèche places are limited. If you would like to book a place for your child you must do so a week before as we need to hire crèche workers.

Parent’s Active

Are you a parent with a child with special needs? Then you are not alone Parent’s Active is a support group, set up by parents, for parents. They will be running a weekly session at Melcombe Childrens Centre starting very soon. Watch out for further details. Through this support network, parents will be able to gain and share information and make new friends.

September 2011 News

2011-08-30T02:14:00.000-07:00

Dear Families,

Welcome back after the Summer Holidays. We hope you had a lovely time whether you went away or stayed at home.

September Programme

There is a wide selection of sessions and services being run at the Children’s Centre (click here for our programme for full details). We are particularly pleased to be introducing Fatoom’s Kitchen sessions, which will be lots of fun.

Family Social Group

Do you have a child with Special Educational Needs? Would you be interested in joining a social group that could support you whilst your child and their brothers and sisters are in a crèche? Please let us know if you would be interested.

Volunteering

A number of parents have now gained their CRB Clearance and are starting as Volunteers in the Centre. This might be of interest to you as the first step in gaining experience in childcare before enrolling in a course. If you think that you would be interested and that it might suit you pop into the Childrens Centre to find out more.

Garden Building Works

During the Summer Holidays, work started on extending the Children’s Centre outside play area. This will create a stimulating and safe place for the children to play and learn in. Due to the bad weather and the overdue production of the equipment, the works have been delayed, so please excuse our appearance! Safety notices have been displayed but do take particular care when supervise your children during this time. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated and this will help minimise the risk of accidents happening.

Parents Forum

We will continue to hold the Parents Forum on the last Wednesday morning of each month. If you are registered at the centre do come along and contribute. Your feedback on our services is not only greatly appreciated, but also helps us shape future provision to match local need.

August News

2011-07-22T06:59:00.000-07:00

August Programme

The Children’s Centre will be open for four of the six weeks of the School Summer Holidays. Please see our August Programme for further details of all services/sessions run throughout the Summer Holidays. Do take this opportunity of joining us. The centre will also be continuing to offer Outreach services, so if you need the Family Mentor to visit you in your home contact the centre to make an appointment:

· In person at:

Melcombe Primary School and Childrens Centre

Fulham Palace Road

London W6 9ER

· By telephone on:

020 8748 2939

· By email at:

Aellery.205@lgflmail.org

The programme as you will see takes us up to the beginning of the new school year in September. Our September programme will be available at the end of August.

Volunteering

A number of parents have enquired about becoming volunteers at the centre. If you are interested in starting in September, you will need to collect a form for a CRB check this week, as it takes several weeks to process.

Garden Building Works

During the Summer Holidays, works are due to be carried out to extend the Children’s Centre outside area. This will create a stimulating and safe place for the children to play and learn in. Safety notices and tape will be put up, but please supervise your children particularly carefully during this time. This will minimise the risk of accidents happening.

July 2011 News

2011-06-28T01:53:00.000-07:00

Dear Families,

July Programme

We will be starting our July Programme on Monday 4th July (please click here for further details of all services/sessions run throughout July). The programme as you will see takes us into the school Summer Holidays. We will still be open; so do take the opportunity of joining us. We will also have an August Programme.

Children’s Centre Stall 11th July

We will be running a stall at Melcombe Primary School during Parents Open Evening. There will be a range of printed information available for you as well as members of staff to talk with. Adrienne Ellery our Family Support Worker will be available if you would like to discuss anything or to make an appointment.

2^nd Birthday Party 14^th July 2.00-4.00pm

Yes we are two years old! The children’s Centre building has been open for two years now and it is lovely seeing the children growing up. Babies who originally attended are now toddlers; some are coming along with little brothers or sisters. We are having a fancy dress party to celebrate and the theme is Favourite Story book characters. Do come along dressed for this great celebration. We would also like you to bring a dish of food that reflects your cultural background that you would like to share. If you have any particular favourite party music, bring that along as well.

Dentist Screening Day

The Dental Screening Day on the 27^th June was a great success with 52 families seen. We will be repeating the service at regular intervals throughout the year and the White City Dental Team will be visiting us again in the Autumn Term.

Volunteering

Are you interested in developing a career in Early Years Education and Childcare? If you are, volunteering at the Childrens Centre is an invaluable means of gaining work experience. It is a requirement to have CRB clearance for working with young children and vulnerable adults.

Some parents have already shown an interest and have collected their forms from the school office. If you are interested, pop into the Childrens Centre and speak to a member of staff.

June News

2011-05-25T02:45:00.000-07:00

Dear Families,

Summer Programmes

A number of parents/carers have commented that they like the new style of Programmes. They felt that the information was clearly laid out and easy to understand. If you have not already shared your thoughts with us please do. We have been informed that there has been some difficulty recently in attaching our programmes. We now hope that the problem has been rectified. Please click here for our June Programme. You will find further details of all services/sessions run. If you encounter any difficulty accessing it, please contact the centre directly. Our contact details are

Telephone: 020 8748 2939

Email: childrenscentre@melcombe.lbhf.sch.uk

In person: Melcombe Primary School and Childrens Centre, Fulham Palace Road, W6 9ER

New Families

It has been lovely to see lots of new families joining us recently. We are sure that you will now be regulars! If you have not already joined us please do, especially if you have recently had a new addition to your family.

Open Next Week

Next week schools are closed for the half term holidays. Apart from the Bank Holiday Monday we are open, so do come along, join in the fun and make new friends.

Monday 27^th June - Dentist Screening Service

For one day only the White City Dental Team will be holding a dental screening service in the Childrens Centre for children up to the age of five years. This a great opportunity to get your child’s teeth checked out. They will also advise you about any treatment that your child might need and where you can register for a Dentist, if you have not already done so. The service is by appointment only. The centre staff will be offering invitations after the half term holidays. If you are interested, you can also pop into the centre to make an appointment, or speak to a member of staff in the playground before school.

Safety Notice Reminder

For the safety of the children, please ensure that you close all gates behind you. Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated.

May News

2011-04-27T04:51:00.000-07:00

Dear Families,

Summer Programmes

We are producing our May and June programmes in a different way. We would like to know what you think. Please let us know if you find the presentation easy to follow. Following our parent/carer consultations, we will continue to run some of our popular sessions and we will also be introducing some new ones. Please see the May programme for further details.

After School sessions

We are now running four term time only After School sessions, so if your child attends the Nursery or Reception classes come and join us after school and have lots of fun.

Mondays 3.15-4.15pm - Tots, Tales and Rhymes

Wednesdays 3.15-4.15pm - Stay and Play

Thursdays 3.15-4.15pm - Celebrate your Language

Fridays 3.00-4.00pm - Music Therapy

Places are restricted, so come early to avoid disappointment. See the attached programme for further details.

Early Learning and Child Development

Early Learning, Child Development and getting ready for school is an important part of our provision at the Childrens Centre. We do this in partnership with the parents/carers. We are now extending this by keeping Development Profiles for our regular attendees. If you would like to take part, please let a member of the children’s centre staff know.

Safety Notices

Mobile Phones and Cameras - Can we remind all parents/carers that personal use of Mobile Phones and Cameras is not allowed in the Childrens Centre under any circumstance. Parents/carers may use the Centre cameras to capture the play experiences of their children.

Gates - In the interest of the safety of all the children, please remember to close all gates behind you. This is particularly important now that the warm weather is here, as the children will be playing in the outside yard area. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.

Click here for the May Programme

April News

2011-04-04T08:31:00.000-07:00

Dear Families,

Easter Holidays

Melcombe Childrens Centre is open the first week of the school Easter Holidays (11^th-15^th April). If your child is aged 0-5 years come along and join us and have some fun.

Nursery Closure

Why not join us when the Nursery is closed. We will be open and if the weather is lovely we will be able to play outside. This could be a good time to come if you have not before. You and your child could make new friends, find out a range of information or get advice and support. If you have been before, you will be able to catch up with friends and see what’s new.

Summer Programmes

Unlike our previous term length programmes, we are designing our services for the Summer Term in a completely differently way. They will be designed monthly, as staffing contracts are extended. The attached sheet shows the sessions, which will be running to complete the month of April and there will be separate sheets for May and June. Family Outreach Support will continue throughout the Summer Term, so please let us know if there is anything that we can do for you.

After school clubs

As part of our programme we are running clubs that run from 3.15-4.15pm. They are designed for children aged 1- 5 years and each club is different. If your child attends the Nursery or Reception Classes why not come and join in with all the fun after school. You can come along to one club or all of them! Places are restricted, so come early to avoid disappointment.

Dental Screening

Next term we will be running a dental screening programme. The dentists based at the White City Clinic will be attending the Childrens Centre as part of their Child Oral Health Preventive Programme. The examination takes no longer than one minute. It is simple and non-invasive. They will also be able to apply a fluoride varnish to prevent decay if you would like to take up this offer. If you are interested you will need to sign a Parents Consent Form first. We will let you know the exact date next term.

Click here for the April Timetable

We hope you all have a lovely Easter Holiday.

March News

2011-03-04T07:31:00.000-08:00

Dear Families,

Census Returns - 27^th March 2011

This year the National Census will be taking place on Sunday 27^th March. Questionnaires will go out to all householders and will arrive between 7^th March-25^th March. If you do not receive a questionnaire, or have lost one, you will be able to call the census helpline on 0300 020 1101 and ask for a new one to be sent to you.

You must complete and return your questionnaire before, on, or as soon as possible after 27^th March. Just make sure that your answers refer to that date.

Everyone should be included in the Census - all those who live in the household as well as overnight visitors. It is used to help plan and fund services for your community - services such as transport, education and health.

Taking part in the Census is very important and it is also compulsory. Your personal information is protected by law. Census material is kept confidential for 100 years. So help shape tomorrow and be part of the 2011 Census.

Help with completing your Census Form

Help is available:

· Online at www.census.gov.uk (you can also complete your Census online).

· Helpline telephone (in over 50 languages) 0300 020 1101

· Text Relay (for people with hearing impairment) 1 8001 03000201 160

· H&F Census Help Centres: see www.lbhf.gov.uk/censushelp

Once you have received your questionnaire, if you would like a member of staff to advise you or, if you have any questions, pop into the children’s Centre to book an appointment.

February News

2011-02-01T23:54:00.000-08:00

Dear Families,

It has been lovely to see so many new families joining us this term. If you have not yet had the opportunity to do so, why not pop in.

Parents Consultation

As you will be aware by now the council are consulting with the families in the borough to find out their views on the proposed plans for the Childrens Centres within Hammersmith and Fulham. If you have not already completed a questionnaire you can do so by

· Visiting the boroughs web site. The link is www.lbhf.gov.uk/childrenscentres

· Sending an e-mail to earlyyearsservicemail@lbhf.gov.uk

· Or filling in a Questionnaire form

A member of staff will be available in the Children’s Centre, School playground and Parents Room at the start of each day to answer any questions that you might have or to assist you in completing the forms.

Parenting support

Parenting does not come with a manual and support and re-assurance is at hand

A free local Triple P group for parents of children 0-11 years will be starting on February 28^th 2011, 6-8pm, at The Masbro Centre, Masbro Road, W14 0LR and will run for six weeks. Call Ellie Suggate on 020 7605 0191 for details, or to book a place.

Or, if you would like 1:1 support in your own home, call Adrienne Ellery on 020 8748 2939 to book an appointment.

Parents Consultations on Hammersmith and Fulham Future Plans for Childrens Centres

2011-01-24T00:19:00.000-08:00

The borough will be carrying out a four week consultation to gain the views of families regarding the proposed plans for Childrens Centres.

It is expected that the consultation will begin on Saturday 22nd January and run until Monday 28th February.

If you are a resident of the borough we are sure that you would like to take part. You can do this in a number of ways.

The document will be available on the borough's website, see www.lbhf.gov.uk/childrenscentres

Hard copies of information will be distributed from the Childrens Centre as soon as they are available.

Lap tops will be made available if you do not have computer access at home.

There will also be opportunities to respond by e-mail to earlyyearsservicemail@lbhf.gov.uk

Staff will be available at the centre if you would like any assistance.

January 2011 News

2011-01-06T09:18:00.000-08:00

Dear Families,

Happy New Year

We would like to take this opportunity welcome you to Melcombe Childrens Centre if you have not already visited us. Why not make it your New Year Resolution. We would also like to welcome back all of our familiar families. It has been our pleasure working with you and watching your children grow.

Spring 2011 Programme

The builders are completing some essential works and we should be up and running on Monday 10th January. Please read the attached Spring 2011 Programme. As you will see there are lots of things that will be of interest to you and your family if you have a child aged 0-5 years and are a resident of Hammersmith and Fulham.

Click here for the Spring 2011 Programme

Are you a Dad?

The Fathers Development Service want to know your ‘Top tips’ to help produce a booklet for fathers across Hammersmith and Fulham. Please tell a member of staff about anything you think other dad’s would benefit from knowing. It might be places that you like to visit with your child or, what the best thing about being a father is. We would love to hear your ideas and we can pass these on for you.

Free Swimming Sessions

If you are a father, your child is aged 0-5 years and you have registered at the children’s Centre you may be eligible for free swimming sessions. The Fathers Development service, GLL leisure and Virgin active are working in partnership to provide free swim session for fathers and their children. This project will operate from January 2011 until 31^st March 2011. If you have not yet registered at the children’s Centre yet, this would be a great time to.

Christmas 2010 Programme

2010-12-07T09:54:00.000-08:00

Dear Families,

please see the attachment which outlines our Christmas 2010 Programme.

If you would like further information or would like to use our Outreach Services, please call the centre on 020 8748 2939.

Best wishes,

The Childrens Centre Team

December News

2010-11-30T01:23:00.000-08:00

December 2010

Hit the Ground Crawling

Are you an expectant father?

Then this new programme could be just for you and it is absolutely FREE!

Hit the Ground Crawling gives groups of dads-to-be the opportunity to learn childcare skills from new dads and their babies. Places are limited so book early to avoid disappointment.

Dates/Times: 8th and 9th December (9-30am-4.30pm)

Venue: Masbro Centre

Smoking Cessation Programme

Do you smoke? Would you like to give up? If there is sufficient parental interest we can set up a programme when you can receive expert support tailored to meet your needs. If you would like to enrol, pop into the Children’s Centre for further information or speak to a member of staff.

Parent Trainers

A number of parents have now taken part in the Parents as Interviewers training. You may see them around asking for your opinions on the centre’s services and what you would like provided in the future. So do please feel free to discuss things with them.

Christmas Holidays

When school breaks up for the Christmas Holidays the Children’s Centre will be open from Monday 20^th- Thursday 24^th December. We will be sending out the Christmas Programme very soon.

Please note that the Health Visitor Team will not be running their clinic or session on Friday 25^th December.

Amendment to November 2010 News

2010-11-03T03:52:00.000-07:00

Dear Parents/Carers,

Re: Training for Parents as an Interviewer

due to unforeseen circumstances one of the dates for the training has had to be changed.

The training offered at Old Oak Children's Centre has been moved and will no longer be on Wednesday 17th November. Instead it will now be running on

Friday 19th November, 10.00am-2.00pm

Don't forget that by taking part, you will be able to collect your free vouchers!

Training offer

2010-11-02T06:55:00.000-07:00

November 2010

Help us to help you and get FREE gift vouchers!

Training for Parents

We are very keen to hear from as many parents as possible about the impact of Children’s Centre services on their children and families. To do this, we are going to train and support local parents to undertake market research with local families. We hope that you might be one of them.

A specialist consulting company, Cordis Bright, will offer free training to all interested parents in community surveying from 10am-12pm on

Wednesday 17th November at the Old Oak Community Children’s Centre

And

Tuesday 30th November at the Masbro Children’s Centre

A free crèche is provided. Cordis Bright will also provide participants with completion certificates and gift vouchers for those undertaking interviews with other local parents. Each interview will last about ten minutes and will take place throughout the period ending 21 December 2010

If you undertake more than 20 interviews, Cordis Bright will also be happy to write references for you, which you could use for job applications. If you decide to do the interviews, our Children’s Centre workers and Cordis Bright will also be able to provide you with ongoing support up to 21 December.

If you are interested, please let a member of the Children’s Centre Staff know. You can contact us by

· Calling into the centre

· Telephoning 020 8748 2939

· Emailing childrenscentre@melcombe.lbhf.sch.uk

If you cannot make the training but would like to still participate please contact Katie at Cordis Bright on 020 7330 9170 who can provide some telephone support to you so that you can also undertake interviews with other parents.

October News

2010-10-04T06:48:00.000-07:00

October 2010

Dear Mums, Dads and Carers,

Parents Forum

“When Parents and practitioners work together in early years settings, the results have a positive impact on children’s development and learning.”

(EYFS Principle 2.2: Positive Relationships- Parents as Partners).

We noted with interest the many comments that were made during last month’s Parents Forum. We would like to explore the issues raised further. Why not have a chat with a member of staff in order to help us achieve this. Two parents showed an interest in being elected as a Spokesperson for the group. Next month we will be discussing this further, so if you are interested in nominating yourself or another parent (with their consent) please come along to the next meeting on

Wednesday 27^th October.

Calling All Dads

We now have a number of Dads who regularly attend the Children’s Centre, so if you are a Dad or male carer why not come along and make a few new friends whilst participating with your child. You can also find out about the Fathers Development Service through contacting the Family Information Service on 0845 313 3933, or email fis@lbhf.gov.uk or check out the website at www.lbhf.gov.uk/fisd

Lost Property

Some items of clothing, personal effects and toys have been left. If you think that these may be yours please see a member of staff who will be able to help you.

Family Photos

Would you like a photograph taken of you and your family by a professional photographer? Some families have said that they would like this opportunity. If there is enough interest, we can arrange for a photography session. Please see a member of staff for further details and to place your name on the interest list.

Financial worries?

Moneymadeclear is a new impartial service from FSA in partnership with Government that can help with your money matters. It provides information and guidance about a wide range of money issues including: Budgeting for the long and short term; benefits and tax; bank accounts; insurance and protection; saving and borrowing. The service is available over the telephone on 0300 500 5000, online at www.mmoneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk or face-to-face.

Half Term Holidays 25^th- 29^th October

The sessions at the Children’s Centre will be running throughout the school half term holiday. This means that if your child attends the Nursery or Reception classes during term time, they will be able to come along and join us.

We look forward to seeing you very soon.

Entrance Arrangements

2010-09-13T00:15:00.000-07:00

Dear Parents/Carers,

as you have already seen the new entrance arrangements are not quite finished.

As all Parents/Carers are accessing the site via the Fulham Palace Road entrance, please ensure that you press the correct button on the intercom system.

Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

September News

2010-09-06T04:35:00.000-07:00

September 2010

Dear Mums, Dads and Carers,

The Summer Holidays may be over but there are still lots of exciting activities and valuable services on offer in the Children’s Centre. We are open to all families who live in the borough with children aged 0-5 years. Please see our Autumn 2010 Programme for further details. The services and sessions that we provide are continually evolving and reflect the needs and interests of local families. If you have any suggestions for future services why not voice them at our Parents Forum, which meets during the Coffee Morning on the last Wednesday of each month.

You can also bring along a friend and they can register too, as long as they live in Hammersmith and Fulham. There is always a member of staff available to answer your questions or queries and we are often in the playground at the beginning or end of a school day, so do please feel free to stop for a chat.

You may also like to know that there is a new web site for Grandparents, which provides all sorts of interesting information and advice. Look up BeGrand.net

Fencing and Entry System

As you will see there has been building work carried out during the Summer Holidays and a gated fencing system has been installed. This is in order to keep all of the children at Melcombe as safe as possible. Parents/Carers and their children attending the Children’s Centre need to access the building from the Fulham Palace Road entrance. If you wish to access the school building you will need to use the Colwith Road entrance.

Have you any great art ideas. We will be asking for help to put up displays along our new railings to brighten up its appearance and make it look friendlier for the children. The more suggestions we have, the better!

Are you a Dad? Then these sessions may be of particular interest to you.

Yoga Bugs Tuesdays 9-15-10.00am

Active Play Fridays 9.15-10.00am

Interested in an After School Club? Then why not try out

Tots Tales and Rhymes Tuesdays 3.15-4.15pm

Click here for the Autumn Programme

July News

2010-07-06T05:15:00.000-07:00

Dear Mums, Dads and Carers,

Yes, we are one year old! This year has really gone quickly. If you attended our Birthday Party We hope you enjoyed yourselves. If you could not make it we hope to see you in the centre very soon.

Melcombe Children’s Centre is open to all families with children aged 0-5 years who live in the borough, so you can also bring along a friend as long as they live in Hammersmith and Fulham.

Our special Summer Holiday Programme will be running during July-August and is now available, so please see below for further details.

Click here for our Summer Holiday Programme

Click here for Melcombe Summer Descriptions

Parents Forum

The Parents Forum is continuing to meet during Parents Coffee Morning on the last Wednesday morning of each month. Why not come along and discuss with other parents/carers what interests you? We still need to nominate a Chairperson. So if you are interested you can nominate yourself. Or you can nominate a friend (with their consent).

News items

Parents Evenings 13^th and 14^th July

We will be running a stall during both Parent’s Evenings, so why not come along for information and advice. Members of staff will be available for your questions or queries. The services and sessions that we provide are continually evolving and reflect the needs and interests of local families, so use this as an opportunity to have your say.

Interested in a Free Laptop and Internet?

Consult the following web site www.homeaccess.gov.uk

There may be details of interest to you there.

Interested in gardening or growing vegetables in pots on a windowsill?

Hammersmith Community Garden Association is a non-profit run association who are running a number of projects and activities as part of the ‘Get Growing’ 3 year Lottery Funded Programme. To find out more look at www.hcga.org.uk

Interested in returning to studying?

If you would like to but childcare or other issues are putting you off, Birbeck College may have the solution for you. Consult http://www.bbk.ac.uk/study/ce/highereducationintroductorystudies/awards/UEHINTSTU.html

June News

2010-05-27T07:50:00.000-07:00

Dear Mums, Dads and Carers,

We hope you are enjoying the sessions and services on offer in Our Summer Programme especially now that the weather seems to be improving and we are able to use our outside area. If you have a friend or neighbour who has young children, invite them to come along. The centre is open to all families with children aged 0-5 years who live in the borough.

Next half term we are continuing with our

Active Play

Fridays 9.15-11.00pm.

Melcombe Primary School Bottom Hall

Come along and see for yourself if you have not already tried them. They are great fun and are all FREE.

Here are some important dates for you.

1^st-4^th June

National Family Week. Although the school will be closed for the half term holidays we will still be open so do come along and have some fun.

21^st-27^th June

Child Safety Week. During each of our sessions there will be information on how you can keep your children and youself safe. Come along and find out more.

Parents Forum

The Parents Forum is continuing to meet during Parents Coffee Morning on the last Wednesday morning of each month. Why not come along and discuss with other parents/carers what interests you? This is your children's centre and making your voice heard is important and will shape how we operate. Who would like to be the Chairperson? If you are interested you can nominate yourself. Or you can nominate a friend (with their consent).

We look forward to seeing you very soon.

May News

2010-05-04T01:51:00.000-07:00

Dear Families,

we hope that you are enjoying the Spring weather.

If you have a child who is under 5, you may be interested in joining the

Music and Movement sessions on Wednesday afternoons, or the

Fun Fitness sessions on Friday mornings.

They are lots of fun and all FREE.

Parents Forum

Our Parents Forum had its first meeting at the end of last month. The views and ideas expressed will help us in carrying out wider parent consultations, which in turn will help us in designing future programmes.

The Parents Forum will now regularly meet on the last Wednesday morning of each month, so why not come along and discuss with other parents/carers what interests you. To help us insure it’s success, the Parents Forum needs to nominate a Chairperson. So if you would like to nominate yourself or a friend (with their consent), please come along next time.

Hammersmith Community Garden Association Annual Plant Sale

Hammersmith Community Garden Association has started work in the Children’s Centre. They will be working with the Lunch Bunch group to grow salad vegetables that the children and their parents/carers can grow and eat. They are holding their Annual Plant Sale on Saturday 8^th May in the Glass Houses at Ravenscourt Park. Why not go along and buy a plant to take home, you can even grow your own tomatoes on a windowsill!

Summer Half Term Holidays 1^st-4^th June

Although the school will be closed for the half term holidays we will still be open so do come along and join us.

April News

2010-03-26T02:56:00.000-07:00

Dear Families,

We hope that you have been enjoying coming to the centre for sessions, clinics or workshops. Or, you may have been accessing our Outreach Services.

If you have not already come along and you are a parent-to-be or have a child aged 0-5 and live locally, now is your chance. So don't wait any longer!

Easter Closure Dates

The Children's Centre will be closed for Easter, 2nd April-9th April (dates inclusive) and will reopen on Monday 12th April. If your child would normally be attending a Nursery or Reception Class they will be off from school, so bring them along too.

Summer Programme 2010

Our Summer Programme will run from Monday 19th April-Friday 23rd July. Please see the attached details. There is something for everyone!

Parent Information Online Services

We provide many services for parents within the centre and through our Family Support worker and in addition to that DCSF also provides online and telephone support, so please read attached information. It may be helpful to you or a friend.

We hope you have a lovely Easter and that the sun shines!

Best wishes

Melcombe Children's Centre

March News

2010-03-10T00:25:00.000-08:00

Dear Families,

In last months Blog we were happy to announce that we had three winners from our Official Opening Balloon Launch. All three balloons landed in Kent. This month we are delighted to inform you that we have had a postcard, signed by Mickey Mouse and sent from Disneyland, Paris. Imagine that!

We would like to remind you that during the school Easter Holidays, the Children's Centre will be open during the week beginning 12th April. That means that if you are registered and have children who would be attending Nursery and Reception Classes, they can come along and have lots of fun too.

Next term we will be starting up our Parent's Forum Meetings (details to follow next month). All parents registered with Melcombe Children's Centre are encouraged to attend. This is an opportunity for parents to share their ideas and help shape the future of our Children's Centre. We welcome and value everybody's contribution.

All of us at the Children's Centre look forward to seeing you soon.

Children's Centre Update

2010-02-10T08:40:00.000-08:00

Dear Families,

we have hopefully rectified our IT problems here and can update you with lots of information.

Please see our Spring 2010 Programme to find out details about the services that are currently being provided at Melcombe and our February Newsletter.

If you are celebrating the Chinese New Year on Sunday, we hope that you have a great time.

Best wishes from all the staff.

Click here for the Newsletter and Programme

Newsletter

Programme

News Update

2009-12-18T02:11:00.001-08:00

Dear Families,

if you managed to come to our Official Opening Party on 3rd December we hope you enjoyed it. Wasn't it an amazing turn out. You may also have seen the article about the event in the local press, complete with a photograph of our Balloon Launch.

So far, we have two reports of balloons which have been found in Kent! We will await the New Year before announcing the winner of the balloon that has travelled the greatest distance.

The Children's Centre will be closed the week beginning 21st December and for the Christmas and New Year Bank Holidays. We will be operating a short Christmas Holiday Programme during the week beginning 28th December (please see our Newsletter section for details).

Our new Spring 2010 Programme will start on Monday 4th January (please see our Newsletter section for full details or pop into the centre for a printed copy) and there are lots of new additions as well as some familiar favourite sessions planned for.

The staff at the centre would like to take this opportunity to wish you all

A very Merry Christmas

and a Happy New Year

and we look forward to seeing you in 2010!

Opening Party

2009-12-16T02:28:00.000-08:00

Dear Families,

we had a great time at our official launch party on the 3rd December and we hope that you were there to join in with all the fun. An article of the event was featured in the local Press, you may already have read it. A display of photographs taken to commemorate the occasion will soon be on display in the centre, so why not come along and take a look.

We are awaiting the results of our balloon launch and so far the furthest ones that we have been notified of have landed in Kent! The winner will be notified at the beginning of January 2010.

We are running a short programme of events during the Christmas Holiday and our new Spring 2010 Programme will be running from the 4th January. For full details please see our Newsletter section.

Staff at the Melcombe Children's Centre wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and we look forward to seeing you in 2010.

Melcombe Childrens' Centre Official Opening Thursday 3rd December 3.00-5.00 PM

2009-11-06T02:44:00.000-08:00

Dear Families,

we would like to warmly invite you to our Official Opening on

Thursday 3rd December 2009 3.00-5.00 PM

We are having an amazing programme of events including

Information Stalls
Football and fitness activities
Circus Skills demonstration
Badge making
Hair braiding
Henna and Body Paint Hand Painting
Face Painting
Balloon Sculpturing
Bulb Planting
Badge making
Tasty food

Come and join in with all the fun!

Children's Centre Information

2009-10-20T02:30:00.000-07:00

Dear Families,

Did you know that the Children's Centre will be open during the School Half-Term (26th-30th October) Holidays?

Our sessions will still be running for you and your children aged 0-5 years of age, so do come along and join us.

Thank you for letting us know about the sessions that you would like to see running here in the Spring Term. If you have not already done so but would like to share your thoughts, please pop into the Children's Centre and speak to a member of staff.

Regards,

Joan

Parent Consultation October 2009

2009-10-06T02:31:00.000-07:00

Dear Families,

we are running a fantastic programme this Autumn and we hope you and your child/children are benefiting from it and enjoying it as much as we are! If you have not taken part in a session or activity to date do come come along. Once you and your child/children have visited us, and you are aware of what is on offer, we are sure that you will want to come on a regular basis. We consistently monitor our service provision to ensure that we are meeting your needs and interests.

I am in the process of designing the Spring Term Programme this month and am asking our users to put forward their ideas and suggestions. For example:

Would you like training courses for yourself with creche facilities provided for your child?

Has your child got a particular need or interest that you would like to develop?

Have you a particular interest/need that you would like us to support?

If so do get in touch by calling us on 020 8748 2939 or emailing childrenscentre@melcombe.lbhf.sch.uk

We look forward to hearing from you,

Joan Murphy

Children's Centre Manager

Open Day

2009-09-14T02:32:00.000-07:00

Dear Families,

as part of the

National Children's Centre Week

we are having an

Open Day

Wednesday 16th September 10.00 AM- 3.00 PM.

This is an opportunity for you to come along and find out more about the Children's Centre and what we could offer you if your child is under the age of 5 years. The children can have their faces painted whilst you talk to the staff or pick up an Autumn Programme.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Autumn Programme 2009

2009-09-08T02:33:00.000-07:00

Read about our exciting sessions, there is something for everyone. If you are a registered user of the Children's Centre and have ideas about sessions that would particularly interest you or feel that they would address a particular need, please let a member of staff know. This will help us in our future planning.

We hope to see you soon!

Monday

Stay and Play 9.15-11.15 AM

(For Children 1-5years)

7^th September-14^th December

Stay and Play sessions are opportunities for parents/carers to play and learn with their child in a stimulating environment. Each session includes free play, singing and dancing and a story time. A healthy snack and drink is provided for the children and tea and coffee is available for the adults.

Baby Massage 1.30-2.30 PM

(For babies 2 weeks -10 months)

7^th September-19^th October

These massaging sessions within a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere are designed to promote your baby’s movement and flexibility. The babies benefit emotionally from positive touch and interaction with their parents/carers. These massages also aid sleeping and are particularly helpful for babies who suffer from Colic.

Parenting Time 1.00-3.00 PM

26^th October-14^th December

This is an 8 week course concentrating on helping parents to establish a more positive relationship with their children and provides advice on helpful strategies for managing more challenging behaviour. Come and meet people with similar issues in a non-judgemental environment. Crèche facilities are available by pre-booking.

Tuesday

Baby Messy Play 9.15-11.15 AM

(For babies 6-18 months)

15^th September-29^th September

Babies need plenty of opportunities to explore the world around them. Come to this fun group and find out how messy play is helping your baby’s development.

Make and Take1.00-3.00 PM

(For children 18 months-4 years)

15^th September-27^th October

Explore your creative side whilst finding out how you can practically support your toddlers language development

Busy Babies 9.15-10.15 AM

(For babies 6-18 months)

3^rd November-15^th December

Come and learn how different types of play and exploration help to develop your baby’s foundation skills for language.

Toe Tapping Talkers 1.00-2.00 PM

(For children 18 months-4 years)

3^rd November-15^th December

Learn strategies to support your toddler’s language skills through music and play based activities.

Parent Workshops 9.15-11.15 AM

These sessions are run by the Speech and Language Therapy Service to promote and support the development of young children’s communication and language skills. Come and find out more about how you can support your child or seek advice from the Speech and Language Therapists. Crèche facilities are available by pre-booking.

Top Tips for Talking 6^th October

Learn about the stages of language development in this interactive workshop. Take home strategies to support your child’s language development during everyday activities and routines.

Learning to Listen 13^th October

Listening skills are an important part of communication and are essential for your child to develop language skills. Find out how to develop your child’s listening skills at home through fun games and songs.

Learning more than one Language 20^th October

This workshop looks at strategies to support children who are learning more than one language and provides ideas to help prepare children to learn English at school.

Wednesday

Parent’s Coffee Mornings 9.15-11.15 AM

9^th September-16^th December

These are informal coffee mornings when parents/carers can meet and discuss a range of issues (housing, financial, domestic etc) which may concern them with our Family Support Worker. When appropriate crèche facilities will be available by pre-booking.

Music and Movement Sessions

Newborn-1year 2.00-2.25 PM

Enjoy taking part in gentle singing and movement activities with your baby.

Toddlers 1-3 year olds 2.30-3.00

Take part in lots of singing, dancing and exploration of musical instrument activities.

Getting Ready Matters 1.00-3.00 PM

4^th November-16^th December

These sessions are designed for those children whose third birthday falls between 1^st September 2009-28^th February 2010, in order to prepare them for starting Nursery Classes in January 2010. Each week an area of the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum is explored with planned activities for the children and information sheets for the parents/carers. A healthy snack and drink is provided for the children and tea and coffee for the adults.

Thursday

Childminder Network Drop-in sessions 9.15-11.15 AM

10^th September-17^th December

These sessions are for locally registered Childminders to meet with other Childminders and their Network Coordinator. Support and training are available as appropriate and outings organised.

Sleep Group 11.30-12.30 AM

3^rd-17^th September

For parents who need support with children aged between 6 months (who have been weaned) and 5 years, who do not sleep well at night and who have tried other methods of sleep behaviour programmes without success. Attendance at this group is by referral from the Health Visitor Service only.

Healthy Budding Babies 1.00-2.30 PM

10^th September-17^th December

This is a Post-natal drop-in group for parents and babies up to 1 year. Come and share your experiences of Parenthood with others and find out up to date health information.

Friday

Health Visitors Clinic 9.30-11.00 AM

This is a Well Baby Clinic for children 0-5 years. Come and have your baby/child weighed whilst having the opportunity to see a Health Visitor.

Learning Through Play 1.00-3.00 PM

(18 months-5 years)

11^th September-18^th December

Come and spend time with your child and find out how children explore and make sense of the world around them as they learn through different styles of play.

Welcome to the Children's Centre News Blog

2009-07-20T03:23:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our News Blog Site

Welcome!!

2009-07-20T02:33:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Melcombe Primary School Children's Centre News Blog.

We hope that you will find the information both useful and informative.