Eastcotts Children’s Centre

Eastcotts Children’s Centre 2007: what we have achieved so far…

“At Eastcotts, the staff are a welcome fountain of knowledge, and always reassuring if there is something we are unsure about. It’s useful to talk to other parents, too, as there is always “I have never been anywhere quite like someone with a piece of helpful Eastcotts. It is exactly what I needed, advice, and we really welcome when I needed it, a great place for that feedback.” families, and for us.” Lee Francis Amanda Badhan In this report you can meet some of our parents and children, and hear about their Foreword: Challenges and Achievements journeys through the Centre’s services and programmes…and see clearly what type of impact it has had on their lives and how they have benefited!’

Best possible start in life Every Child Matters Construction and Centre opening Foreword: Five main achievements of We aim to help every child in Eastcotts to achieve We are also working closely – through our Core Clare Jolly, Manager, the best possible start in life through supporting their Offer – to the Government’s five Every Child Matters Eastcotts Children’s Centre education, health and family activities. We also Themes (developed in consultation with children), Clare Jolly takes us through what she Eastcotts Children’s Centre aim to involve families fully in planning and which are: reviewing our activities. sees as Eastcotts Children’s Centre’s five • being healthy main achievements. Popular activities and services • staying safe 1) The development and building of the Children’s Centre • enjoying and achieving Activities we have run recently include the very itself. For a long time it looked as if Eastcotts would not get • making a positive contribution popular Cooking with Catherine classes, the ‘How • achieving economic well-being. a building, or the services it had been lacking. But it did! To Get The Best Out Of Family Life’ parenting puzzle programme, and the Once Upon a Time early 2) We were the first mini SureStart programme to achieve Thank you language group. Children’s Centre designation, a fact which was Finally, as Manager of Eastcotts Children’s Centre, recognised in a visit by the SureStart National Director, Play Together and all our baby groups remain I would like to take this opportunity to thank all staff, Naomi Eisenstadt. firm favourites. And, as usual, parents and babies partners and parents/carers for their hard work, 3) Our relationship with the families. Many times parents attending our baby massage groups have been dedication and commitment to the objective of ‘mega – chilled’ by the end of their sessions. delivering high quality services to our families…and have said that they feel as if the staff are friends, as well as practitioners… and that their children adore coming to the thank you to the families who have used our services Naomi Eisenstadt on right One-off events include mural painting, trips out to for letting us be a part of your lives. Centre. There can be no greater satisfaction than hearing theme parks and exploring our new local woodland. this, and often when a parent and child come back to visit Clare Jolly, Manager, Eastcotts Children’s Centre We have also been busy at all the local fetes and us having moved on to work and school respectively, we fun days. all have a tear in our eyes.

Welcome to our celebration Parent training 4) Our events. Often staff and volunteers work many hours document, which highlights of overtime to pull off exciting days, and on a shoestring Parents have enjoyed the Getting Started in Childcare budget. One example was our recent ‘Eastcotts by the the achievements of children, course, and some are embarking on further training Sea’ day where we brought all the fun of the seaside and careers. The new counselling service has also here to the Centre with paddling, sandcastles and even carers and staff here at Eastcotts been extremely well received, with parents often feeling fish and chips! Children’s Centre. Since our that the burden of years of pressure is finally lifting for them, as they learn to tackle problems head on! 5) The scale of the project. With only the equivalent of designation as a Children’s Centre three full-time staff members, we manage to provide in November 2005, we have gone Outreach families with a very full programme of events and support Opened by Councillor Rita Drinkwater and four year from strength to strength…and Our outreach programme is expanding and we throughout the year… including groups, events and old Harry Jarvis with Bob Thompson from Bedfordshire have been able to meet and get to know many more outreach support visits for families who require one-to-one County Council on 2nd Nov 2006. Harry was the first are now an integral part of the families in the community, and support them until they support over a prescribed length of time. Eastcotts by the sea 2 SureStart Shortstown baby. Clare Jolly (on far right). local community. feel confident enough to venture further afield. 3 Being Healthy

During 2005-2007, Eastcotts Children’s Learning about a different way of life Children’s Centre was very useful, and when we Centre developed a range of integrated Eastcotts Children’s Centre move back I can take a lot of what I have learned Part of the reason for getting involved in Sure Start services that deliver to the ‘Every Child with me. Each system has its merits, and I think it will was Shelene’s desire to make friends for herself and Matters’ Theme of Being Healthy, has helped Shelene’s family be helpful to be able to combine the best of the two.” her children, and to learn more about the British including the following… society which was still relatively new to her. “I wanted to settle in England – and An extended family • Baby Massage to meet other mums, and for Ebony to get to know • Free toothbrushes, head lice combs and related introduced her to some the children she would later be going to school with,” Being a member of Eastcotts Children’s Centre has activities for families e.g. Dino the Dinosaur comes to explains Shelene. “I feel that if you are going to live provided Shelene with a replacement for the family visit the pre-school to talk about caring for your teeth strange British food! in a completely different culture, it’s important to she has left behind in Jamaica. “It really is like a • Healthy eating courses for parents (and Eastcotts embrace that way of life, and meeting people at the family there,” she says. “I feel welcome whenever I Children’s Centre recently won a Healthy Eating Award) Getting to know a new area Children’s Centre has really helped us to learn about go and I am so grateful for the opportunity to meet • Baby Club. the way people live in Britain.” new people and to find out about the area and what Shelene has lived in the UK for five years, having • Support for specific conditions e.g. menu is going on. Ebony has made some good friends, moved with her husband from her native Jamaica planning for diabetes. Discovering British cuisine too, and she has gained a great deal of confidence; because of the better job opportunities. With no she used to be quite shy, but now she gets excited One thing which Shelene has particularly enjoyed family or friends in the area, she was tempted by when it’s time to go to toddler group and play with was a cookery course she took at Eastcotts, and a Sure Start advertisement to find out more about her chums. I miss our Jamaican sunshine, but Eastcotts which introduced her to British food. “I am quite Focus on pregnancy Eastcotts Children’s Centre, where she heard that they Children’s Centre has helped to make up for it!” arranged family outings. “Because I work nights, I strict about healthy eating, but was used to Jamaican and baby support was at home all the day with the children and I liked cuisine, and to Nigerian food, as that is where Samuel is from. Some of the food in the shops was Baby Club is for parents of children aged 0-12months and the idea of being able to have somewhere to take gives them a chance to meet other parents in an informal them occasionally,” she remembers. “I didn’t know the new to me, and as I didn’t know how to prepare it, setting. Different toys are available each week while mum, area at all, so an organised excursion seemed like a the cookery lessons were really interesting, and now I dad or granny gets a cup of tea and a biscuit. On hand to good idea.” try to make a balance in the meals I give the children, give advice and support are the Children’s Centre team, so that they get used to eating different foods. Ebony who will also weigh babies and give one to one advice A real welcome in particular, who used to be a bit of a fussy eater, is sessions as required. Some weeks include guest speakers, now happy to try things like cheese and milk because talking on related subjects including language development Having enjoyed her introduction to Sure Start, her friends at Eastcotts are doing it. It’s been a really or how to play with your baby. Shelene decided to take Ebony to the toddler group useful exercise.” at Eastcotts where she was pleasantly surprised at Running along side baby club is our Ante-Natal and the reception she was given. “As one of the few Pregnancy Drop-in where the midwife is available for The chance to retrain antenatal checks and parentcraft, including blood pressure black families in the area, I was unsure about how we would be accepted. I needn’t have worried, as Shelene has also taken an eight-week Getting Started and blood tests, breastfeeding advice, Guthrie tests (heel in Childcare course, as she would like to continue prick test to screen for certain disorders) and cord checks. we were immediately welcomed and made to feel the career she had in teaching in Jamaica. “The Essentially, any questions regarding pregnancy and the at home, and I have thoroughly enjoyed being part early post-natal period can be answered. Participants also of the Centre for the last eighteen months since we British education system is very different to that in get a chance to meet the Baby Club parents and staff. Shelene and her husband Samuel live in Bedford with their two children. started going.” Jamaica, and even though Samuel and I are both Daniel is five and Ebony, two. Samuel is a teacher at a local school, and qualified teachers, we needed to retrain to work in 4 Baby Massage Shelene works three nights a week in a hospital as a health care assistant. this country,” she says. “The course I did at Eastcotts 5 Staying Safe

During 2005-2007, Eastcotts Children’s coddle me, which is something I really appreciate, but speak to. I had some concerns about Kess’s weight, Centre developed a range of integrated Eastcotts Children’s Centre if I do ask, they can’t do enough for me.” and they helped me to monitor her over a few weeks services that deliver to the Every Child so that I had some backed-up evidence to present Matters Theme of Staying Safe, including has given Keiley the chance Reassurance to my GP. They also gave me good advice about the following… disability benefits and although I don’t currently claim Keiley takes Kess to the Mother and Toddler Group, to help her daughter live an these, I know someone is there to help me through the and to the Baby College, which they both thoroughly • First Aid and Home Safety courses. minefield if it should come to it.” • Parenting Classes. active life enjoy, but Keiley feels that one of the best things about the Centre is that it gives her the chance to • Centre Counsellor. Eastcotts is the perfect environment talk to other parents and share advice in a pleasant • Outreach Visiting. Somewhere for Kess to run around and play environment. “Apart from the children creating noisy For someone like Keiley, who takes pride in retaining • Give out equipment and food parcels. As far as Keiley is concerned, Eastcotts Children’s havoc, it’s such a calm and peaceful place!” she her independence as much as possible, Eastcotts • Contact visits for children in care and children of Centre has saved her sanity: “I really feel that without says. “It has been very useful for me to meet other Children’s Centre offers exactly the environment parents in prison. having somewhere like the Centre to go I’d have parents who have experienced the worries we all she values. “I don’t want to be treated differently to • Doctors soon to offer clinics from the Centre. gone mad,” she says. “I was always a very energetic, have about our children, and it’s made me realise able-bodied people, just given the chance to take • Midwife Drop-ins at Centre. physical person, and now that I can’t do all the things that even though I can’t do some things with Kess that my daughter somewhere to let off steam, and have a I used to, I need another outlet… something which other mums do, it doesn’t make me a bad mother, just general whinge over coffee, just like anyone else! I I can cope with - as well as providing a stimulating different, and that is very reassuring.” don’t know what I’d do without Eastcotts.” environment for Kess.” Positive attitude Focus on safety Because Keiley is not able to run around with Kess or Getting someone else’s perspective on things is Parenting Puzzle is a ten week course for parents who take her to a playground on her own, she recognises always valuable, and Keiley has herself been able need strategies to deal with common problems including the value of the facilities at Eastcotts. “Kess absolutely to help the Centre in an unexpected way: “Although toddler tantrums, sleep and feeding routines, and generally loves it there, either playing with the toys and games, Eastcotts is geared up for people with disabilities, how to ‘survive parenthood and stay sane’. doing arts and crafts, or just rushing around with the they had never before had baby-changing facilities others like a lunatic, something she can’t do with me The Centre runs occasional courses in First Aid – for for a wheelchair-user. Because of my situation at home. The outdoor equipment is awesome, and it’s example ‘saving the life of a child’ which reassures they made the necessary arrangements, and were brilliant that I can take her there to play knowing that parents that they can cope with most accidents that may kind enough to make me realise that I was doing there is someone to help her if I can’t get to her fast occur at home such as choking and scalds, etc. them a favour by bringing it to their attention. They enough.” consistently reassess their facilities like this, and their The Children’s Centre has a qualified counsellor who attitude is very positive.” can see parents in complete confidence for any worries or Independence concerns such as debt, bereavement, family issues or any concerns they may have. Physically, Keiley has good and bad days, but even Practical support when she is confined to her wheelchair she believes in It is the willingness of the staff to help in whatever being as independent as possible. “I like the fact that way they can which Keiley finds so reassuring. “I help is there if I need it, but the staff aren’t interfering have gone to them for all sorts of things, whether Keiley Ryan and her husband, Gary, live in Shortstown with their two-year-old daughter, Kess. or obtrusive,” she explains. “I prefer to do things for health-related or on practical matters, and on every Keiley suffered a serious spinal injury five years ago, and is no longer able to take part in active outdoor sports. myself whenever possible and they understand that. occasion someone knows where to go or who to 6 No-one is ever patronising and they don’t molly- 7 Enjoying and Achieving

During 2005-2007, Eastcotts Children’s Positive reaction she becomes sociable at an early age, to learn about Centre developed a range of integrated Lee believes he is giving his boundaries and limits, and to be confident in different Alison became interested in the concept of Baby services that deliver to the Every Child situations and with different people around her. I have Massage, for which she enrolled, whilst Lee was Matters Theme of Enjoying and Achieving, daughter the best possible no doubt that this is what she is getting at Eastcotts.” particularly interested in the Baby College sessions. including the following… “Being fortunate enough to be able to work partly start in life by taking her to Fountain of knowledge • Stay and Play group – activities linked to from home, I was able to go along with Alison quite early learning goals. Eastcotts Children’s Centre frequently,” he says. “We both thoroughly enjoyed the Apart from the pleasure he gets from taking Eleanor • Outings to places of interest including parks, seaside etc. classes, and it was fascinating to see how positively to Baby College sessions, Lee also greatly appreciates Eleanor reacted to what was going on around her. the wealth of support he and Alison have received • In-Betweenies group, Baby Club. An early start with Sure Start For such a young baby she seemed to take in so from both staff and the other parents who regularly • Musical Minis Lee’s association with Eastcotts Children’s Centre much, and she obviously liked it, so we made sure we attend the Centre. “When Eleanor was first born • Baby College (a fun and valuable way of optimising Visit to Gulliver’s Land’ goes back an unusually long way, nearly three years went as much as possible.” we seemed to get a lot of conflicting advice from your baby’s potential whilst learning how to before he even became a father: “The first time I communicate and play with your child). various different sources, and as new parents, it was had any contact with what was then Sure Start was A very special time all a bit confusing,” he says. “At Eastcotts, the staff when I installed a new computer system in their first are a welcome fountain of knowledge, and always Although Lee spends a great deal of time with his premises,” he recalls. “Being at the time what you reassuring if there is something we are unsure about. daughter at home, he has found that their time might call a bit broody, I started chatting to the staff to It’s useful to talk to other parents, too, as there is together at Baby College is particularly special. find out what Sure Start was all about. I knew that it always someone with a piece of helpful advice, and Focus on encouraging parents “We sing songs and act out stories with the babies, was aimed at families with young children, and as we we really welcome that feedback.” stimulating them physically and mentally, and they to get involved in child’s were keen to have a baby I was interested to find out really respond well. We also do gentle exercises with anything I could about what support facilities were A fantastic resource them, encouraging balance and spatial awareness, learning and development available locally.” and then we have a period of quiet time to settle and As a professional himself, Lee thoroughly appreciates We have five groups: calm them down. After all the excitement and activity, the value of a facility like Eastcotts Children’s Centre. Making the most of it Eleanor seems to love this, and I find it very moving “It is a fantastic resource for this area,” he says. “I • 2up Play Together • In-Betweenies Musical Minis making a big noise! Co-incidentally, when the new Eastcotts Children’s to have her cuddle up to me, peacefully and happily, do believe that the earlier you start your child on the • Baby Club • Baby Massage Centre premises were built, Lee was again on site to • Once Upon a Time… just listening to the music. I take her to the sessions right road, the better they will develop in every way. supervise the new IT system. “I was immediately struck because I know she likes them, but I get a huge My daughter has had the benefit of what Eastcotts …aimed at helping parents to be part of their child’s by the brightness and cleanliness of the Centre,” amount out of it, too.” has to offer and will continue to do so, as will any learning and development in a fun and achievable way. he says. “It’s a lovely, purpose-built place with a other children we may have. For the time being, I love For example, in ‘Once Upon a Time’, parents and children welcoming atmosphere, and I took home a load of The best start in life to see Eleanor smile when she knows it’s playtime at learn stories and songs together. In ‘2up Play Together’ and information on what was going on there. As soon as Eastcotts, and that is worth a lot to me.” Watching his daughter respond more and more each ‘In-Betweenies’ parents and children also make craft items Eleanor was born, Alison and I decided to go along time to the stimulus she gets at the Children’s Centre together using ideas that can be followed through at home. and make the most of it.” ‘Baby College’ and ‘Musical Minis’ also contain practical has convinced Lee that it is an excellent environment learning about child development and interactions between for her. “I want Eleanor to have the best possible children and their carers. Lee Francis is married to Alison and they have a baby daughter, start in life, and it’s good to know that I am helping Eleanor Daisy, who was born in July. The family live in Shortstown, her development by giving her the opportunity to We have also discovered some budding authors among Once Upon a Time story from where Lee works part of each week at home. experience new things. I also think it’s important that 8 our parents who took part in our last creative writing course. and rhyme session’ 9 Making a Positive Contribution

During 2005-2007, Eastcotts Children’s Always something different Centre developed a range of integrated Eastcotts Children’s Valerie found that there was more than enough to services that deliver to the Every Child keep the girls happy and occupied and now can Matters Theme of Making a Positive Centre has helped Valerie quite easily spend several hours a week at Story Contribution, including the following… to play a big part in her Time, Musical Minis and art and craft sessions. “It • Parents on our board are involved in evaluation and depends what’s on the days I have the girls,” she design of services, including parents undertaking grandchildren’s lives says. “There’s always something, and even if they just participatory appraisal training. We also consult play outside it’s good for them to spend time with the children where possible for their input, even the tiniest other children, just having some fresh air and fun.” children were encouraged to describe what they enjoy Getting to know the area doing with the help of pictures and activities. Although she is more than happy to spend a large New people, new friends • An in-depth consultation was carried out with families part of her time living with her grandchildren, As well as giving the girls something different to do, to ensure that, where possible, the new Centre had the Valerie’s only problem is that she is not very familiar Valerie has found that going to Eastcotts has helped facilities best suited to their needs with the area and initially found it difficult to come her to meet people in the area, which makes her feel • A range of courses have been offered, both in-house up with ways of entertaining them. “It’s not quite the more a part of the community. “Although I have my and by outside providers, which have helped to improve same as being in your own home, or somewhere you own home in Stevenage, I spend a lot of my time family life, nurture the senses and aid parents to look to know well,” she says. “Obviously, I wanted to take the future with confidence. here with the girls, so it’s nice to get to know people the girls out sometimes, but it’s not always easy to around here. Both girls have made friends at the come up with ideas, particularly if you don’t want to Centre, and it’s helpful for me to meet them and their drive a long way.” Focus on parent mums and provide continuity for Beth and Maddy.” Friendly and welcoming contribution and benefits No competition Parents and carers from the Children’s Centre have gone Beth and Maddy’s mum used to take them to activities Even though she finds that activities for children are on to training and work, often in related areas such as at Eastcotts Children’s Centre, as did Andrew when fairly limited locally, Valerie doesn’t look on Eastcotts childcare. They also contribute to the development of the he was not at work, and because the girls enjoyed it as being second best. “On the contrary, it would Centre by highlighting their views and taking part in regular so much, Valerie decided she would go along with evaluation processes. be difficult to find anything to compete with the them. “I felt rather awkward at first,” she remembers. Centre,” she believes. “For entertainment, learning Children who have attended the Centre flourish at preschool “Most of the others were young parents and I thought opportunities and socialising it’s perfect. It’s certainly and school, having had a head start in learning the routines I’d be out of place as a grandmother, but I needn’t and activities in an enjoyable setting. Also, courses such as helped me with the children and going on a regular have worried; everyone was very friendly and our Cookery Class, helps parents balance the need for basis has increased their network of friends. Both girls welcoming and I soon felt at home.” healthy meals with catering on a budget. are confident and outgoing, and I’m sure that their Transformations experiences at Eastcotts have contributed to that.” Attending the Centre has helped to improve many parents self esteem and confidence. Staff have witnessed some remarkable transformations in parents who had become Valerie Lavers is grandmother to Elizabeth, four, and Madeline, two, who live in Bedford with their father, worn down by their personal circumstances. The Centre Andrew. Valerie lives in Stevenage, but spends part of each week at her son’s house to take care of Elizabeth provides a caring and nurturing environment which can and Madeline whilst Andrew is at work. 10 help enormously in turning lives around. 11 Achieving Economic Wellbeing

During 2005-2007, Eastcotts Children’s Never a dull moment A new career through chance Centre developed a range of integrated How Eastcotts Children’s On Mondays it was Mother and Toddler group, The other thing which has changed Clare’s life is the services that deliver to the Every Child Tuesdays was cooking, Wednesday she did Musical course she took in Childcare, and she is now heading Matters Theme of Achieving Economic Centre helped Clare Minis, Thursday Baby College and Friday was for a new career because of it. “I enjoyed being at Wellbeing, including the following… solve her daughter’s Getting Started in Childcare, for which she took the Centre so much that the Getting Started course • ‘Getting Started’ course (see case study below for advantage of the crèche. “It was brilliant to have was just something to do on a Friday!” she says. example of how a mum got a new job!) sleep problems with baby something on every day, things for me and for “It was easy because I could use the crèche, and I • Job Centre Plus sessions. the children,” says Clare. “The cookery course became so interested and so keen I went on to take • Experience as a parent volunteer can widen a massage and helped was excellent, and it gave me the confidence to an NVQ2. I have now been offered a job at an after- parent’s perceptions and expectations and lead experiment with different foods and recipes, rather school club, and I can’t wait!” to training and work. diagnose dairy intolerance… than just teaching us to make certain meals. Baby • Help with developing an effective CV. and also helped Clare College I liked very much; it was fascinating to find Clare had always intended to go back to work and • Adult numeracy and literacy classes. out that babies are alert and responsive from a very had wanted to train as a midwife. “It never occurred early age, and I enjoyed learning ways to stimulate to me to do childcare, but having started on the train to get a new job! and entertain Lucy.” course and loved it so much, it seemed to me that it was a better option than spending four years in A happy co-incidence Backing up a mum’s instincts training in midwifery. I am more glad than I can say that I happened on the Childcare course, as it has Focus on supporting parents However, there are two particular things for which Clare’s first introduction to Eastcotts Children’s proved to be a much more practical course of action Clare has cause to be grateful to Eastcotts. “Apart in training and in getting jobs Centre came as the result of a happy co-incidence. for me.” A representative from the Centre visited Katy’s school from the problems we had getting Lucy to sleep at Through attending the Centre many parents gain in to explain that Eastcotts’ catchment area had been night, she was also suffering from terrible colic and confidence and skills, both from relationships formed A member of the Board extended and that Cotton End was now included. “I rashes, and was generally unwell and unhappy,” says at the Children’s Centre or from formal training here Clare. “As a mum, I knew that something was wrong, Clare has recently been asked to join the Eastcotts including the ‘Getting Started in Childcare’ course, and hadn’t even heard of Eastcotts Children’s Centre, let the NICAL Computer Course. Parents have also gained alone what facilities they offered,” remembers Clare. and I virtually door-stepped my GP to try to find out Board, and was very pleased to accept. “It was for GSCE equivalents in maths and English…enhancing their “What I did pick up on, though, was the fact that one what it was. It was only because the staff at Eastcotts various reasons,” she believes. “I’m a regular member prospects and increasing their employability. of their services was a baby massage course, and knew Lucy so well, better than my doctor, that I had of the Centre, and have obviously benefited greatly because of some difficulties I was having with my the confidence to insist on further tests for Lucy, and from their services. I am also, I think, very honest, and eventually she was diagnosed with dairy intolerance. am in a position to represent not only the Centre but Parents have also benefited by volunteering to help youngest daughter I decided to give it a try.” lead projects at the Centre and by taking part in our If it hadn’t been for the Children’s Centre I think I other parents, too. I feel very strongly that Eastcotts management board and parent forums. They are able to Clare had always had problems with getting Lucy would have broken down with the worry of it all.” has family welfare at heart, and also that parents add this experience to their CV, and Centre staff are on settled and into a night-time routine, and because should get the help they need, and I am glad to have hand to help make sure that their CV is presented in the this had never been an issue with the two other girls, the chance to promote both sides of the coin.” best possible way. Through Job Centre Plus we also have she thought it would be a good idea to try something practice interview selection tests, and can take parents different. “It was my health visitor who suggested The day that Eastcotts extended its remit to the through mock interviews. baby massage, and it was at that time I heard it was village of Cotton End was a good one for Clare. Clare Catchpole and her husband Robert live in Cotton End. available at the Centre. I tried it, and it certainly “Eastcotts has been there for me, and for Lucy, Their three children are Katy, six, Becky, four and Lucy, who is one year old. helped, and from that time I started going to Eastcotts every step of the way.” 12 every day. 13 How partners have benefited through working with Eastcotts Children’s Centre

Learning to love language at Changing society Building confidence How Eastcotts Children’s Advice where it is needed … and personal benefits Other factors may be forward-facing pushchairs The introduction of books to children at a very Lisa believes that accessibility is the key to this It’s not only the financial implications of working Eastcotts Children’s Centre which mean that babies lack face to face contact early age is very important, Lisa believes. “Even Centre helps parents back issue, which is why she enjoys working through the which are important, Lisa believes. “Parents want with their parent or carer. “Basically, our society is very small babies enjoy looking at pictures, and an Children’s Centre. “Because I’m there on a regular to be role models for their children; they want the changing, and we are starting to realise that children early familiarity with books will help them to gain to work basis people know who I am and feel comfortable increased self-esteem of providing for their families are adversely affected by a lack of person-to-person confidence in reading later on,” she says. “Children in asking for advice,” she says. “The informal and and they want to feel that they are contributing,” she contact,” says Lisa. “Even some of the toys they play who experience and learn to make sense of books relaxed environment is ideal, and I often find myself says. “My job is to steer them in the right direction with are so sophisticated that they require little use of with pictures, stories and rhymes will develop a answering questions which people might not have with advice and encouragement, and mostly, that’s all the child’s imagination, which in turn can impact on wider vocabulary and have confidence in their use of made the effort to ask if it meant going specially to it takes.” their range of vocabulary.” language.” one of our offices. If you don’t get into town very often, and if you have young children with you, The right jobs for the right people Risk of under-achievement at school Training making an appointment to see an advisor can be Lisa maintains close links with local industry difficult, so Eastcotts is a good place to take our Lisa explains why it is so important that steps are Another of Lisa’s roles is in training nursery and and businesses to ensure that job opportunities services.” taken to correct or avoid what is called impoverished early years staff in the implementation of speech and are promoted to the right people. “If someone language: “Children who find it hard to communicate language development. “Continuity is important, expresses an interest in a particular field of work, I’ll Encouragement and new confidence properly will find things difficult when they reach and having staff that have a good knowledge of investigate possible openings for them. Basically, I school, and this in turn means their education will children’s speech and language abilities will help The service which Lisa brings to Eastcotts she act as intermediary between employer and potential Lisa Mitchell is a Speech and Language Therapist suffer. If we can only identify those at risk, there are to ensure that children with difficulties within these describes as preparation for work. “There are all sorts employee, helping people to find out what’s available with Bedfordshire Primary Care Trust. Working ways of helping to increase language skills and thus settings are targeted. That is the reason why I feel that of things we can do, from putting people in touch with and the best way to go about getting the job they with Children’s Centres throughout the county, educational achievement.” the Children’s Centre is an ideal place from which to Lisa McIntosh is the Childcare Partnership Manager potential employers, helping with a CV, suggesting really want.” she specialises in preventative work with children work.” with Job Centre Plus. Working through Children’s training courses, explaining benefits and tax credits, Centres throughout the County, Lisa’s role is to help under five, helping to ensure their successful Learning through play or just giving encouragement,” she explains. Making life easier transfer to primary school. people back to work and to ensure they get the Working together to achieve the “Sometimes, all people need is the confidence to Lisa uses a number of ways to help children enjoy advice and training opportunities they need to do so. Working within the Children’s Centre environment fits best outcome get started, finding out how to improve their IT or using and experimenting with language, including She spends an average of two hours each month at in well with Lisa’s philosophy of wanting to ensure Lack of conversation can mean language skills so that they are in a better position to singing and playing. “The value of play is sometimes Lisa works closely with the Eastcotts staff, and if a Eastcotts Children’s Centre. that families get the help they need to improve their delayed speech development find work.” underestimated,” she says. “Children learn most particular child appears to have difficulty with their circumstances. “We work well as a team; we all Research has shown that in recent years, the by doing something they enjoy, and we encourage speech or language they will refer them to Lisa, who have the welfare of families at heart and if one of the A daunting prospect Financial advantages … communication skills of children under five are less parents to play with them, interacting on a one-to-one may arrange for further specialist therapy. “It’s a staff identifies a parent as someone who may need well-established than previously, and Lisa says that basis. Stories and songs with actions help children two-way process, with everyone working together to Many people find the prospect of returning to Another invaluable service which Lisa offers is the my advice, they will let me know. I’m not here to be there are a variety of reasons why this should be to make sense of what they are hearing, and we identify potential problems and address them in the work after a period of non-employment somewhat ‘Better Off Calculation’. “People claiming benefits intrusive or to push people into work, but to listen to the case. “A large proportion of young children are make song bags, which are filled with toys and other most appropriate way. I am sure that we are doing daunting, and this is particularly true in the case of such as income support may feel that going back to and advise. The point of the Children’s Centre is to watching more television than before, often alone in objects to help staff to illustrate the songs. All of this everything we can to turn the tide in terms of poor parents who have taken time out to bring up their work might not be financially viable because of the make life easier for parents and families, so if it’s not their rooms, and therefore missing out on conversation develops concentration and listening skills, and it also language development amongst our children.” children. “Someone who has been out of work for loss of help with housing costs or other subsidies. easy for people to come to us, I’m happy to come to with their parents and siblings,” she believes. “In gives parents ideas on how to share stories and sing several years may be unfamiliar with the current The system can be difficult to understand but many them.” addition, families are less inclined to sit down for songs with their children.” employment market and unsure how to go about people are surprised when they realise that in the vast meals together, meaning that there are now less finding themselves a job,” explains Lisa. “They might majority of cases, they are better off in work.” opportunities for children to expand their vocabulary also feel unprepared in terms of qualifications or self- 14 and learn the art of conversation.” confidence, and unsure of where to go for advice.” 15 Partners and Board Members

Shortstown Lower School: Head Teacher; Alison Bray Shortstown Pre-School: Pre-school Manager; Helen Vale Cotton End Lower School: Head; Lyn Fairweather Cotton End Baptist Church: Minister; Richard Poole Bedfordshire Primary Care Trust: Annette Richards Bedfordshire County Council: Development Officer; Sarah Smith Bedfordshire County Council: Commissioning Manager Prevention and Parenting; Katie Theodore National Childminding Association Bedford Job Centre Plus Bedford Bedfordshire Police

Eastcotts Children’s Centre Eastcotts Children’s Centre Canberra Road Shortstown Bedford MK42 0UZ 01234 743731 16 [email protected]