InTouch - Newport City Council

Newport’s Family Information Service
Issue 35, Spring 2015
InTouch
Information for Parents & Carers/Gwybodaeth i Rieni a Gofalwyr
0800 328 84 83 / www.newport.gov.uk/fis / family.information
service@newport.gov.uk
WELCOME...
to the Spring Edition
of the Newport Family
Information Service
In Touch Newsletter.
This edition features information on; Free
Library Story times, Playschemes, Playclubs
and the Newport Centre Crèche. Find out
how NAS support parents/carers of
children on the spectrum.
Remember to log on to
www.newport.gov.uk/fis
for details of all family events and activities
taking place during the school holidays.
Newport Libraries supporting
“Read On, Get On” Let's get every
child in the UK reading well
Read On. Get On. is a national campaign to get all our children reading well by
the age of 11. At the moment far too many kids are leaving primary school
without this key skill - including 40% of all our poorest children. “The Read On,
Get On” mission is to change this for good so that by 2025 all our children will
start secondary school as confident readers. Everyone can do something - just
ten minutes reading a day with a child makes a huge difference and helps them
fall in love with reading. It will take everyone, parents, grandparents, business,
volunteers, teachers, celebrities and politicians, to crack this problem once and
for all.
Newport Libraries Storyclub’s are held each week during term time for children,
aged 4 and under, and their carers, they can join in songs and rhymes, listen to
stories and enjoy a fun craft activity at these libraries across Newport
Carnegie Library
Monday 11am – 11:45am
Central Library
Thursday 11am – 11:45am
Rogerstone Library
Tuesday 2:00 -2:45pm
Malpas Library
Friday 11am – 11:45am
Caerleon Library
Wednesday 11am – 11:45am
Maindee Library
Wednesday 2:00 -2:45pm
There are events for children
during school holidays; ask at
your local library for dates and
times.
Newport Centre
Crèche
Newport crèche can look after your
children while you relax or exercise.
Available Monday, Wednesday and
Friday between 10am-11am and
11am-12pm at the Newport Centre.
The crèche can take babies from 6
weeks up until a child’s 5th birthday.
Children are cared for in a
stimulating environment and can
engage in a range of activities.
Parents will need to remain within
the leisure Centre while children are
in the crèche. There are limited
places which can be booked in
advance by the hour. Booking can be
done online or at Newport Centre
reception. Places are £2.60 per hour.
NAS Family Support
Group, Ist Tuesday of the
month (term time).
Coffee, Tea & biscuits,
and support in a friendly
relaxed atmosphere, for
parents and carers of
children/adults on the
spectrum with or
without an official
diagnosis.
Where – Salvation Army
Hall, Hill Street Newport
(just up the side road
next to New Look in the
town centre)
Time – 10.30am –
12.30pm. Call 01291
635638 for more info.
New Childminder!
I am a newly registered
Childminder in the Rhiwderin
area of Newport. My name is
Sharon and I live with my
husband, our little Spaniel and our
3 chickens. I have over 25 years’
experience as a mother and I am
a qualified teacher with over 20
years’ experience in educational
settings. We live in a large
detached house with ample
parking spaces and a safe,
secluded and fully enclosed rear
garden.
I have completed pre-registration
training through PACEY and am
registered with CSSIW to care for
up to 6 children under 8. I can also
care for children over 8 but the
care of the younger children must
take priority. My aim is to provide
quality care for boys and girls from
families of all faiths and
backgrounds. I may be able to
cater for children with additional
needs/ and or special dietary
requirements. (This would be
discussed at the initial meeting.)
I can offer full time, part time or
wrap around care with a pick up
or drop off service to and from
Pentrepoeth Primary School and
the Meithrin Nursery at Rhiwderin.
I am available during term time
and school holidays (excluding
bank holidays). My hours are
Monday to Friday between 8am
and 6pm, but these hours are
flexible, to suit your family’s needs.
A variety of activities will be
provided for your child, dependant
on the age and stage of your
child’s development and his/ her
likes and dislikes. Activities will
include singing, dancing, musical
instruments, cooking, gardening,
needlework, puppet making, mask
making, role play, sand and water
play, matching, sorting, threading,
construction, board games, ball
games, ride on toys, push along
toys, exploration, drawing, painting,
counting, writing, play-dough etc.
Activities will take place indoors
or outdoors and we will regularly
visit toddler groups, the park and
the library. Visits further afield will
be planned for during school
holiday times.
To discuss your
requirements and to arrange
a home visit please contact
me:
Tel: Sharon Harvey
01633 895389
Email:
sharonharvey74@googlemail.
com
Thank You!
In December, Monmouth House
Nursery held two Christmas
Jumper Days where everyone
contributed money for two local
causes, The Sparkle Appeal and
The Royal Gwent Special Care
Baby Unit. They raised a huge
£279.00! The owner of
Monmouth House Nursery,
Karen Pritchard topped this up
to make a lovely amount of
£500 to be split between the
two causes! We would like to
thank Karen and all our lovely
staff, parents and children for
their contributions!
Harry Potter
celebrations
Active Zone Holiday Club
The Active Zone Holiday Club provides childcare during the
school holidays for children aged 5-12 years.
Just £23.40 per day. Payment is also available through
Childcare Vouchers.
Available every weekend of the school holidays (excluding bank
holidays and Christmas) from 8.30am - 5.30pm at
Newport International Sports Village.
Children can take part in a range of fun activities including
swimming, arts and crafts, theme days, cooking, cycling, multi
sports, den building and loads more.
** We are now taking bookings for
February and Easter Half term**
To book and for more information go online
towww.newport.gov.uk/activenewport
or call 01633 656656
A magical time was had by all at the
Harry Potter Celebration at Rogerstone
Library on Thursday 6th February. Little,
and the not so little, witches and
wizards flocked to the library for a night
of fun, laughter and a little bit of magic.
The Sorting Ceremony opened the
night with each child being sorted into
one of the four Hogwarts houses.
Throughout the night the young witches,
wizards and muggles competed for
House Points starting with the fiendish
Harry Potter quiz. House Points were
also awarded to the best fancy dress
costume before the kids were set free to
explore the designated craft areas.
At Platform 9 3/4, Potion Making
proved to be a big hit, with ingredients
such as smelly poo, cat smell and slug
slime amongst the most popular. The
majority of the kids proved that they
were little Slytherins at heart, with one
notable Potion claiming to make people
‘hiccup so bad that they vanish’.
Over in Hogsmeade, the children had
the option to build a fantastic beast out
of rubbish, and House Points were
awarded to the makers of each Fantastic
Beast.
In addition to the craft activities, young
treasure seekers could participate in the
Great Golden Snitch Hunt by following a
series of clues hidden throughout the
library. The first seeker to find the snitch
was awarded a whopping 150 points for
his house, Griffindor.
The night was rounded off by the
awarding of the House Cup to Hufflepuff,
who walked away with a few goodies as
reward for their stellar performance
throughout the evening.
Mischief Managed!
Community Learning and Libraries have
more events coming up during the school
holidays with events celebrating the 150th
anniversary of Alice in Wonderland and
Pop up Table tennis during Half Term and
Secret Pop up cards for Easter.
Newport Play Development Team
Newport Play Development
Team organises Playscheme
during February, Easter, Summer
and October half terms. Play
Clubs and Playscheme are for all
5 to 12 years olds and are free
of charge.
We also support a range of
sessions like swimming, cycling, soft
play, football and multi sports that
are usually suitable for children up
to the age of 5 although this can be
extended for some programmes.
These sessions are designed for
parents and young children to take
part in together.
For more information visit Active
Newport website or copy the link
below into your web browser’s
address bar.
www.newport.gov.uk/active
Newport/index.cfm/activeTots/
Newport Play Development is a
family orientated service and we are
a member of Families First Newport
support network. We promote and
encourage the participation of all
those involved in the children’s lives
for their emotional, physical and
social wellbeing. We achieve this by
working with individual families and
providing family programmes that
support family play.
For more information on
Play or
employment/volunteering
opportunities please contact
Play Development Team
via Newport Contact Centre
01633 656656.
Column From Your Am: John Griffiths,
Labour Assembly Member For Newport East
Flying Start
Flying Start is the Welsh Government initiative which offers parents in some
of the most economically-deprived areas of Wales with free, quality childcare
for 2-3 year olds, parenting support, an enhanced health visitor service and help with their
children’s early language development. By the end of the current Welsh Assembly term, nearly
40,000 children in Wales will have benefitted from Flying Start – close to a quarter of all
children aged 0-3 in Wales.
Many readers of ‘In Touch’ magazine will already be aware of the good work of Flying Start in
Newport. Many families who have got in touch with me as their local AM have told me about the
valued support Flying Start has given them, and having met with several Flying Start teams in my
constituency, I can speak highly the excellent support they provide to parents.
To find out more about Flying Start in Newport, and whether your child could
benefit, ring the Family Information Service on 01633 840669/0800 3288483.
Newport Parent Network
I have regularly come across the good work of Newport Parent Network, who coordinate free support and
advice groups for families and carers across Newport. The Parent Network run a variety of sessions across
the City to help give parents and carers a forum to voice their views and opinions regarding services they
use in their everyday lives. Examples of specialised groups include:
· Newport Autism Support Group (for parents and carers whose children have autism)
· Smile (a friendship group of parents whose children have a disability of additional need)
· Your Voice (parent forum for children who attend the Serennu Centre in Newport)
· Maternity Services Liaison Committee (MSLC – a dedicated committee of local parent representatives and health professionals
which acts as a forum to discuss local experiences of maternity services)
· ADHD Parent Support Group (for parents and carers whose children have a ADHD)
· Grandparents Support Group (for grandparents raising their grandchildren).
I met with representatives from the Grandparents Support Group before Christmas. The group meet on a monthly basis at
Beechwood House, and provides an opportunity for local grandparents raising grandchildren to discuss shared experiences, and
receive advice and support in a relaxed, informal and confidential setting.
The Parent Network is growing, and hundreds of parents in Newport are finding it a valued source of support. The fundamental
message of all groups connected to the Newport Parent Network is to let parents, carers and families – including those in very
challenging circumstances – know that they are not alone.
If you are interested in learning more about the Newport Parent Network and its affiliated groups, contact Nicola Davies (Parent
Participation Officer, Families First Newport based at GAVO) on 01633 241578 or email NicolaJDavies@gavowales.org.uk
Register to vote
As UK General Election on May 7th draws ever closer, it’s never been more important for the voices of families to be clearly heard.
The right to vote is fundamental in a democracy. In Newport, our Chartist history reminds us of the fight that ordinary men and
women had to go through to get that right. It is the simplest way of holding our governments to account. Even if you choose not to
use your vote – though I hope you will and believe you should – being registered is the only way to make sure you have that right
and you have that choice. If you don’t vote, you won’t be counted on official statistics, giving a distorted picture of where people live
and the services we need. To register to vote go to www.gov.uk/register-to-vote or contact your council. The deadline to
register is April 20th. Don’t lose your voice, make sure you are registered today.
How to contact me
Always feel free to contact me if you have any concerns affecting you, your family or your neighbourhood.
My details are below:
· Email – john.griffiths@assembly.wales
· Telephone – 01633 222302
· Post – 7th Floor, Clarence House, Clarence Place, Newport NP19 7AA
Join Maggie Moo and friends for
moo-sical fun!
Having established classes in Caldicot and Chepstow; Moo Music has now launched at Stow
Park Church in Newport, providing fun-filled weekly music classes for 0-5 year olds.
Following our successful cheerleading classes for school age and pre-school children on a
Saturday morning we will now be running an independent gymnastics class for children in
their pre-school year (aged 3-4 years) at 12.30-1.15 and a parent and child gymnastics class
for 2-4 year olds at 1.30-2.15. Both classes are held at our great gymnastic venue – Trinity
Church Sports Hall, near High Cross, Newport.
Classes are led by part-time Primary school teacher and mum Cathy Geary who is thrilled
that Moo Music has taken off so quickly. “It’s wonderful to see everyone having such fun. Even
the quietest children have been singing and dancing after a week or two. Sharing music boosts
confidence and is a great way for children to learn.”
Moo Music features 100 original songs by children’s songwriter Craig McLeish and recorded
by professional musicians. The wonderful Moo characters are the work of renowned artist Alan
Rogers, whose other credits include Pigeon Street and Rub-A-Dub-Dub.
Each 40 minute class is cleverly designed to develop language, memory and coordination skills
while the little ones have a whale of a time. There are a wide range of themes and children
sing, dance, play games, learn actions and experiment with percussion instruments. Baby Moo
classes are also available with a special approach just for babies. We also provide birthday party
entertainment and sessions for nurseries/playgroups.
Classes are held on Fridays mornings at Stow Park Church, Newport and also on Tuesdays in
Caldicot and Chepstow with more sessions planned for the future. A class timetable, venue
information, songs and a short video can be found on our webpage: www.moomusic.co.uk/ccn. You may want to “follow us” on Facebook- Moo Music Caldicot, Chepstow
and Newport.
To book your place, please ring Cathy 01291 408159 or
email cathy@moo-music.co.uk. You may join at any time (providing there is
space) and your first session is FREE!
Parents First
Cardiff, Newport and Vale People First groups
work in partnership to provide peer support
for parents that have learning disabilities in
these 3 key areas.
Some of the parents have their children in their
care, some don’t. Some are bereaved and others
are prospective parents. Siblings and other family
members have also accessed the project as
support for their loved ones.
The project has enabled up to 25 parents and
their families over the 3 counties to access the
following:
Community Education, Parenting Classes, New
crèche facilities and playgroups, information on
welfare and benefits, love, dating and a new lively
social network, self advocacy, presentation skills
and travel.
The parents run their groups and encourage
other parents that are isolated and living in fear of accessing services in their community.
The service is free and welcome’s any parents with learning disabilities.
Please contact Zoe or Liz at Parents First on 02920 231555 for further information.
Cost effective
childcare
Tots Play
At a current total of 69 clubs in
Newport, out of school childcare
clubs can often be an extremely cost
effective form of childcare for
families. An out of school club can
run before or after school, or in the
school holidays. Some take place in
schools, others in community
centres, church halls or as an off
shoot of other forms of childcare
such as day nurseries.
Hello I’m Kaye and I run Tots Play
Baby and Toddler classes in
Newport and Cwmbran. Now in its
seventh year Tots Play continues to
inspire and empower parents with a
range of skills to keep their little
ones entertained while learning and
having fun. We include baby massage,
baby yoga, baby sign language, music
and movement and sensory play all in one class so you can give
everything a try and see what works for you and your baby.
For babies up to 6 months we have our lovely Baby Development
Course, a relaxed and friendly 6 week course that runs regularly
throughout the year, with gentle techniques to bond and play with your
little one. The course includes massage, yoga, calming techniques, tummy
time fun, music and movement and introduces baby signing and sensory
play.
Our classes then progress to “Discovery Tots” for babies from 3
months to crawling and then “Social Tots” for crawlers and toddlers,
offering a complete programme of learning from birth to pre-school.
Classes run on Monday mornings in Henllys and Wednesdays in
Rogerstone.
This is what Louise had to say after completing the Baby Development
Course recently: “Great group, with a well informed leader. Kaye is very
approachable, and very patient if you're late, or have a crying baby. The
tips given through the course have really helped when my daughter is
fractious. We're very much looking forward to Discovery tots”
If you want to find out more see our website
www.totsplay.co.uk or you can email me kaye@totsplay.co.uk
See you soon!
The next newsletter will be published in
Summer 2015
If you require a Welsh version of this newsletter, please contact
Newport Family Information Service. Your comments and
suggestions for topics you would like to see covered in future
editions of In Touch are very welcome.
Please send any comments or news and events for future inclusion
to:
InTouch
c/o Newport Family Information Service
Floor 4, Central Library, 4 John Frost Square, Newport, NP20 1PA
Freephone: 0800 328 8483
Email: family.informationservice@newport.gov.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/newportfis
Twitter: www.twitter.com/newportfis
In Touch is produced by Newport Family Information Service
Disclaimer
Information in this newsletter is believed to be accurate at the time of printing.
The views expressed are not necessarily shared by Newport City Council
2015_01_027
Registered cubs are regulated by Care
and Social Services Inspectorate Wales
and their staff are qualified and DBS
checked. Qualifications range from
Playwork, Childcare, Child Protection,
First Aid, Food Hygiene, Behaviour
Management and many more.
Children are able to play in a safe and
fun environment with access to a wide
range of resources and activities that they
might not have access to outside of the
club. They are able to make new friends
and develop their social skills. Parents are
able to go to work, training or have some
respite in the knowledge that their child
is safe and having fun. Working parents
may be eligible to access help with the
costs of using registered out of school
clubs through the childcare element of
Working Tax Credit, and many clubs also
accept childcare vouchers from parents
employers.
Out of school clubs in Newport are
supported by Clybiau Plant Cymru Kids’
Clubs, a Wales wide charity that
promotes, develops and supports quality,
affordable, accessible out of school
childcare clubs. The staff working in
Newport are very experienced and are
on hand to support clubs with any issues
they may have, as well as helping to
develop completely new clubs. For more
information, contact the Newport team
at Clybiau Plant Cymru Kids’ Clubs on
029 2074 1000.