www.rushmoorschoolsplus.org

e-Newsletter – February 2012

Welcome to the 24th Rushmoor Schools Plus e-Newsletter with contributions from many different schools and organisations working to support our children, young people and families. As ever, we suggest you select the bits of information that are relevant to your own organisation, and disseminate these to the people you work with.

The next Rushmoor Schools Plus e-Newsletter will be available in the week beginning 19th March 2012. If you want anything included, please send information by 16th March to Richard Mann [email protected]

Tony McGovern (Rushmoor Schools Plus Partnership Manager) [email protected]

RUSHMOOR SCHOOLS PLUS UPDATE

Official Opening of The PIER

January saw the official opening of the PIER, Rushmoor’s new nurture provision for children, by Rushmoor’s Mayor, Cllr. Alex Crawford. The PIER (Provision for Intervention in Emotional Resilience), at the Blenheim Building (formerly the site of Samuel Cody School), will support KS1 and KS2 pupils who can benefit from small group sessions away from their normal school environment. It has been funded mainly by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation, Rushmoor Schools Plus and Hampshire County Council, and additionally by the Red Hill Trust and Autodesk Ltd.

Eleven children are now regularly attending the facility, from several Rushmoor schools. The PIER’s teacher is Jen Hill, supported by Sharon Leney.

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Rushmoor Schools Plus Website and facebook Page

The Rushmoor Schools Plus website is available at www.rushmoorschoolsplus.org. The site signposts to local and national information for children and families, points to local news and what’s on stories, and contains a photo gallery and a database of local out of school hours activities providers. It also has a Practitioner Resource Area. If you would like anything added to the website, for example an event, please email [email protected]. We would be particularly interested to receive “good news” stories and photographs for the Latest News section on the home page. Rushmoor Schools Plus also has a facebook page to complement its existing website. ******************************

1 Rushmoor Directory – Facilities and Services for Families

The Rushmoor Directory of Facilities and Services for Families, produced by Rushmoor Schools Plus, is still available. Copies are available for your school or organisation by contacting Tony McGovern, [email protected]. It can also be accessed through the home page of the Rushmoor Schools Plus website. ******************************

WHAT’S ON!

United Rushmoor Presents “Best of Both”

Saturday 4th February from 12.00 noon to 5.00pm at The King's Centre, High Street, Aldershot GU11 1DJ. Website www.unitedrushmoor.com. Email [email protected]

The best music, food, dance and crafts from the UK and Nepal. The entertainment is in 2 two hour programmes from 12.15pm – 2.15pm and 2.30pm – 4.30pm. There will also be a raffle with prizes donated by local businesses, a bouncy castle, a skittle alley and a tombola. United Rushmoor are a new community group who are keen to make positive steps to build a single community for all the residents of Rushmoor. If you would like to have a stall or donate a raffle prize, please email Sam Phillips. ******************************

Princes Hall

Princes Way, Aldershot GU11 1NX. Box office 01252 329155. www.princeshall.com

Monday 13th February. 2.00pm and 5.00pm. The Chuckle Brothers. £14.00. Family of 4 £52.00. Tuesday 14th February. 10.00am – 4.00pm. Craft workshop for 4 – 7 year olds. Wear messy clothes and bring a packed lunch. £15.00. Wednesday 15th February. 10.00am – 4.00pm. Play in a day drama workshop for 7 – 11 year olds. £14.00. Saturday 18th February. 11.00am. Saturday AM Cinema. Dolphin Tale (U). Running time 113 minutes. Children under the age of 7 must be accompanied by an adult. £6.00. Friends and Screen Pass £5.00. With every child ticket purchased you will receive a free adult ticket and a free ice cream. Sunday 26th February. 1.00pm and 3.30pm. Fireman Sam. £13.00. Child £11.00. Family of 4 £44.00. Friday 9th March. 7.30pm. The Mayor of Rushmoor’s Community Concert. £10.00.

SNAP. Top DJs and chart acts for 11 – 16 year olds. Fridays 24th February and 23rd March. Tickets must be purchased in advance. £6.00 (£5.00 if purchased at least one week in advance). ******************************

West End Centre

Queen’s Road, Aldershot GU11 3JD. Box office 01252 330040. www.westendcentre.co.uk WEC concessionary prices apply to the children of those in full-time education and those in receipt of any state benefit – excluding child benefit. Proof of entitlement may be asked for.

Saturday 4th February. 10.30am - 1.30pm. Blokes Can Sew Too! A practical men only workshop to learn how to use a sewing machine. Bring in the family machine or borrow one of the Centre’s. Learn some useful repair skills like sewing on buttons and taking up trousers. All materials provided. £20.00 / WEC concessions £16.00 / HL £10.00.

Forever Young Family Saturdays. 10.30am – 12.30pm. £4.00 per adult and £4.00 per child, (concessionary price £3.00 per adult and £3.00 per child). An opportunity for families to work together and create something amazing to take home. Materials provided. All children must be accompanied by a paying adult. Dress for mess! Saturday 11th February. Valentine mosaic tiles. Saturday 17th March. Egg-cellent Easter pots.

2 Children’s Festival Monday 13th – Saturday 18th February

Monday 13th. PAG Family Festival. See below for details. Tuesday 14th. Music in the morning for pre-school children and their families. Free 40 minute sessions from 10.30am and 11.30am. Please pre-book. Tuesday 14th. Amazing art afternoon. Free 45 minute sessions from 1.30pm, 2.30pm, 3.30pm and 4.30pm. Ideal for children under 12. Children must be accompanied by a participating adult. Wednesday 15th. Art explosion for 2-5 year olds. Free 40 minute sessions from 10.30am and 11.30am. Finger painting, collage and general messiness. Children must be accompanied by a participating adult. Please pre-book. Wednesday 15th. African drumming. 10.30am – 12.30pm for 3-7 year olds. All children must be accompanied by an adult. 1.30pm – 3.30pm for 8-11 year olds. Paying adults welcome. Children may attend this session unaccompanied. £5.00 per person per session. Wednesday 15th. The Mermaid and the Selkie - eco drama/art workshop. 11.00am – 1.00pm. For 5 years plus accompanied by an adult. Create your own creatures for the Magical Illuminarium. £4.00 per child. Wednesday 15th. The Magical Illuminarium present The Mermaid and the Selkie. 2.30pm. For children over 5 and their families. A multisensory, theatrical experience. £6.00 per person. Thursday 16th. Painting with felt. 10.30am – 12.30pm. 3 years plus accompanied by an adult. £4.00 per adult and £4.00 per child. Thursday 16th. Grrrreat fun with clay! 10.30am – 12.30pm. 3 years plus accompanied by an adult. £5.00 per person. Create a teddy bear mug. Thursday 16th. Willow weaving. Free 40 minute sessions at 2.00pm, 3.00pm or 4.00pm. Please book in advance. Friday 17th. Mask making. 10.30am – 12.30pm. £4.00 per adult and £4.00 per child. Friday 17th. Teddy bears picnic. Free. 12.30pm – 2.00pm. Friday 17th. Clydebuilt Puppet Theatre present 3 Bears. 2.30pm. For children 3-7 years. £6.00 per person. Saturday 18th. Luck of the draw! Learn the techniques and skills from a pro. Suitable for all budding artists at any level. 8-12 year olds. 10.30am – 1.00pm and 1.30pm – 4.00pm. £9.00 per person. ******************************

Farnborough Grange Holiday Playscheme

Farnborough Grange Nursery and Infant Community School, Moor Road, Farnborough GU14 8HW.

Monday 13th to Friday 17th February. 8.30am to 5.30pm. £15.00 all day or £2.00 per hour. To book please call 01252 541879 between 9.00am and 3.00pm or 07592 310246. ******************************

Wavell Community Playscheme

In the Blenheim Building at Wavell School, Lynchford Road, Farnborough GU14 6BH .

Monday 13th to Friday 17th February. Sessions run from 8.30am to 4.30pm (£15.00) or to 5.30pm (£16.00).

Arts, crafts, music, reading and jungle gym. This Rushmoor Council run playscheme is for 4 – 11 year olds and was rated ‘good’ by Ofsted in its recent inspection. The playscheme runs every school holiday, except Christmas.

To book, call 01252 341256 (ext. 161) Monday – Friday 10.00am – 6.00pm or 01252 317603 Monday – Sunday. ******************************

SCL Holiday Activities

SCL offers children aged 4-12 years a choice of two activity programmes which will be running from Monday 13th to Friday 17th February. The Standard Day is from 10.00am – 4.00pm and the Extended Day from 8.30am – 5.30pm.

Club Energy – an Ofsted registered childcare provision where children can choose from sports, adventure games, party games, arts and crafts, dance, face paints, cookery and more. Soccer Camps – FA qualified coaches teach children of all abilities through fun games, structured sessions and matches.

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Where: Velmead Junior School, Velmead Road, Fleet GU52 7LG; St. Augustine’s School, Tomlinscote Way, Frimley GU16 8PY; Frensham Heights School, Rowledge, Farnham GU10 4EA.

Call 0845 644 5747 or email [email protected]. Visit the website www.scl-online.co.uk for more details or to book online. ******************************

Aldershot Town Centre Events

Saturday 11th February. Children’s Farm. 11.00am to 4.00pm in Union Street, Aldershot. Free. Saturday 18th February. Children’s Circus Skills. 11.00am to 2.00pm. Aldershot town centre. Free. Saturday 17th March. Italian Market. Aldershot town centre.

For more information contact Carla Dale at the Princes Hall. Email [email protected]. Telephone 01252 327671. ******************************

Farnborough Leisure Centre - Junior Activities Holiday Programme

Westmead, Farnborough GU14 7EH. Telephone 01252 370411 for more information on all the following activities. www.dcleisurecentres.co.uk

Splash times for children in the main swimming pool run throughout half term between 11.00am – 12.00 noon and 2.00pm – 3.00pm.

Half Term Day Camp for 5 – 12 year olds 13th – 17th February. 8.30am – 5.30pm. Activities include swimming, bowling, soft play, arts and crafts, trampolining, team games and mixed sports. Full day pass £20.00. Full sibling day pass £16.00. A hot or cold lunch is included in the price. To book pop into Farnborough Leisure Centre or call 01252 370411. Full payment is required at the time of booking.

Book and Play Casual Sessions for 5 – 12 year olds

Tuesday 14th February. Trampolining Fun! Suitable for all abilities. Session 1 – 10.00am – 11.00am. Session 2 – 11.00am – 12.00 noon. £4.00 per child. £2.00 sibling discount. Only 1 sibling per full paying child. Wednesday 15th February. Feb-tastic Fun! 10.00am – 12.00 noon. A mixed session of bouncy castle, arts and crafts, and games. £4.00 per child. £2.00 sibling discount. Only 1 sibling per full paying child.

Jungle Soft Play Adventure play for children under 12 years. Open 10.00am – 6.00pm daily. The facility includes an over 5’s area with fun wavy slides, ball ponds, twisty swings and rope climbs and an under 5’s area with mini ball pond, wavy slide and soft toy fun. Parents area – relax with food and drink from the café.

Farnborough Bowl February half term deals at Farnborough Bowl. Call 01252 554046 for more information. ******************************

RHL Street Dance Classes for 11 – 16 Year Olds

A mixture of body popping, hip hop and jazz, RHL’s Street Dance classes are open to everyone aged 11 - 16. RHL have classes at Wavell School, Farnborough on Mondays from 6.00pm – 7.00pm and at Connaught School, Aldershot on Tuesdays from 5.15pm – 6.15pm. Prices start from just £3.00 and the first class is free. For more information visit www.rhl.org.uk or call RHL on 01252 362660 to book your place. ****************************** Events at Aldershot and Farnborough Libraries

4 Our libraries are regularly worth a visit for free internet access, DVDs, PlayStation games and books. Well equipped rooms are available to hire during and outside of opening hours at both Farnborough and Aldershot Library and Learning Centres. For Farnborough Library contact 01252 516458 and for Aldershot Library 01252 322560.

Events at Farnborough Library and in the Learning and Community Zone Prior booking for all courses and workshops is essential. Date/time Enquiry and booking line for events at Farnborough Library: 01252 516458. http://www3.hants.gov.uk/farnborough-library/farnborough-library-whatson.htm Every Tuesday Storytime. Stories, songs and rhymes for children aged 2-5 years accompanied by an adult. 10.30 – 11.00am Every Thursday Baby Rhymetime. Songs and rhymes for you and babies aged 0-2 years. 2.15 – 2.45pm Saturday 18th Tabla Drumming. Suitable for anyone aged over 5. Four sessions during the day. £2.00 per February person. Prior booking essential. Monday 20th Mini Movers. A dance class for children aged 20 months to 4 years including bubbles, shakers, February parachutes and stickers. A 5 week course. £20.00 per child. Prior booking essential. 9.45am – 10.30am Monday 20th Mini Movers. A dance class for children aged 20 months to 4 years including bubbles, shakers, February parachutes and stickers. A 5 week course. £20.00 per child. Prior booking essential. 10.45am – 11.30am Events at Aldershot Library and Learning Centre Prior booking for all courses and workshops essential. Concessions available on selected courses. Date/time Enquiry and booking line for events at Aldershot Library: 01252 322560. http://www3.hants.gov.uk/aldershot-library/aldershot-library-whatson.htm Every Thursday Toddlertime. Fun, free session of music, songs and stories for ages 2-5 and their 10.30am parents/carers. Every Friday Baby Rhymetime. Songs and rhymes with your baby. 11.15am – 11.45am Saturday 11th February Grand Book Sale. Tea and coffee available. 9.30am – 3.00pm Saturday 18th February Children’s Writing Workshop. For 7 – 14 year olds. Various writing activities including 10.00am – 12.00 noon storyboarding. Write a short story of a maximum of 500 words or a poem and enter the competition. Entries must be handed into the library by 11th February. The results will be announced at the workshop. £1.00. Prior booking essential. Wednesday 29th Mini Movers. A dance class for children aged 20 months to 4 years including bubbles, February shakers, parachutes and stickers. A 5 week course on Wednesdays until 28th March. 9.45am – 10.30am £18.50. Prior booking essential. Wednesday 29th Movement With Mummy. Songs and movement for mums and babies aged 6 weeks to February walking. A 4 week course on Wednesdays until 21st March. £14.00. Prior booking 10.45am – 11.30am essential. Saturday 10th March Tabla Drumming. Learn how to produce some of the many different sounds of the tabla Various 1 hour sessions through playing and chanting. Suitable for adults and children aged 5 years and over. £2.00 per person per session. Prior booking essential. Saturday 31st March Bugs ‘N’ Slugs. A family event combining a plant sale, nature trail and Microscopic 1.00pm – 3.00pm Marvels activity.

The 2012 brochure for Aldershot Library and Learning Centre contains a great range of courses and regular events such as employment preparation, computers, leisure, craft and exercise. In addition, a range of course discounts is now available. All employment preparation courses are free regardless of circumstances. Those in receipt of a means tested benefit get a 50% reduction for most other courses. People who are over 60 get a 25% discount on course fees. For further information on courses, phone Aldershot Library on 01252 322560 or see the library website: http://www3.hants.gov.uk/library/aldershot-library.htm ******************************

Hawley Lane Youth Activity Centre

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99 Hawley Lane, Farnborough GU14 8JG.

The Centre runs taster sessions throughout the year in both Air Rifle Shooting and in Archery. Both events are run indoors under the control of a NSRA or GNAS Instructor. These events are for all the family. All equipment and insurance is included in the fee. Archery. Friday 24th February. 7.00pm to 8.00pm. £4.50 per person (minimum age 10 years). Air Rifle Shooting. Thursday 22nd March. 7.00pm to 8.00pm. £4.00 per person (minimum age 10 years). Places must be booked in advance. Contact John on 01252 512281 or email [email protected]

The Centre is also available to hire for children’s parties. The shooting range and instructor can be booked by groups or by private parties. ******************************

PAG’s Music Arts Dance Drama (MADD) Club and Family Festival

PAG’s MADD Club is for 5-18 year olds who have special needs. Siblings within the age band can also be included. At each session experienced tutors lead with the support of volunteers and a representative from PAG visits the club regularly. All have been CRB checked. The cost for each child is £8.00 per half term. PAG want to make sure the experience is the best it can be for your son/daughter and places are limited, so please ring before going along. Parents/carers are required to stay. To arrange to give it a try or for other queries contact Ann on 01252 837112.

Singing and music group. West End Centre, Aldershot. Mondays 5.30pm – 6.30pm. 20th February – 26th March.

MADD drama. Princes Hall, Aldershot. Tuesdays 5.30pm – 6.30pm. 21st February – 27th March.

MADD dance. West End Centre, Aldershot. Thursdays 5.30pm – 6.15pm and 6.15pm – 7.00pm. 23rd February – 29th March.

Monday 13th February. PAG’s Family Festival. Families who have children and young people with special needs can come and play together, taking part in singing, music and craft workshops throughout the day, and culminating in a procession and performance at 3.00p.m. The theme this year is Science Fiction. 10.00am – 3.30pm. West End Centre, Queen’s Road, Aldershot GU11 3JD. £3.00 per head. Please bring drinks and a picnic lunch. Booking in advance is essential – please phone the West End Centre Box Office on 01252 330040. For more information contact Ann Evans on 01252 837112. ******************************

Marcadamy Activity and Sports Camp

Monday 13th – Friday 17th February. At North Farnborough Infant School, Rectory Road, Farnborough GU14 8AJ. A variety of activities including football, tag rugby, uni hoc, dodgeball, individual and group challenges and arts and crafts. Open to all children between classes reception to year 4. Your child will need to bring a packed lunch, a snack and a change of clothes according to the weather.

The weekly rate for a standard day (9.00am – 3.00pm) is £55. The weekly rate for an extended day (8.00am – 5.30pm) is £70. The standard daily rate is £14 and the extended daily rate £18. For more information and to book contact Marc Kleboe on 07525 329385 or email [email protected] ******************************

Wendy Lawson Autism Talk

Wendy Lawson, the author of “The Passionate Mind: how people with autism learn” is giving a talk at Heatherside Junior School, Reading Road South, Fleet GU52 7TH on Thursday 22nd March from 7.30pm – 9.30pm (doors open at 7.15pm). The evening is aimed at parents, child carers and teachers. Tickets cost £5.00 and payment must be made in advance. For tickets or information contact Lorna Owen on 07899 947 713 or [email protected] ****************************** Safeguarding Training for Sports Club Coaches

6 This training will be held on Tuesday 6th March in the Members room at the Rushmoor Borough Council offices, from 6.30pm – 9.30pm. Please contact Debbie Wall at Rushmoor on 01252 398745 for more information. ******************************

The Source Young People’s Charity

237 High Street, Aldershot GU11 1TJ. Email [email protected]. Telephone 01252 333330. Mobile 07794 188 700.

Half term activities for young people aged 11 – 16. For further information please contact Andy on 01252 333330 or 07881 781 152.

Monday 13th February. 3.00pm – 5.30pm. Movie and popcorn session. Tuesday 14th February. 12.00 noon – 3.00pm. Bake and create your own pizza. Wednesday 15th February. 1.00pm – 4.00pm. Bowling at Aldershot Bowl. Places are limited and a consent form and £2.00 refundable deposit is required by Wednesday 8th February.

Regular activities

Mondays. 3.30pm – 5.30pm. Ketchup After School Club for school year 7 – 10. Drop in, play pool, eat well and chill out .

Tuesdays. 7.00pm – 9.00pm. Activity Night for school year 10 – 13. Something different each week. Film night, pizza making, quiz and mocktails night, challenge night, art and craft, and games night. There is no entry once the activity has started so please arrive on time.

Thursdays. 7.00pm – 9.00pm. Drop In Night for school year 11 and ages 16 – 21. Drop in, play pool and table tennis, eat well and chill out.

Charity Fundraising Dinner. Tuesday 6th March at 7.00pm at the Golden Triangle in Fleet. Authentic Indian cuisine with a twist. £20.00 per ticket. 3 course buffet meal. Drinks are not included in the ticket price. The guest speaker is Tracy Marlow, the Managing Director of the Community Matters Partnership. Prizes for the raffle and items for the auction would be appreciated. Please call or email for more information.

The Source’s Every Pound Matters fundraising campaign has now reached the half mile point. The aim is to raise the equivalent of a mile of one pound coins. To donate please visit www.justgiving.com/everypoundmatters. Thank you to everyone who has supported them so far. ******************************

Butterflies and Dragonflies Children’s Centre

C/o Manor Infant School, Fernhill Road, Farnborough GU14 9DX. Website www.hants.gov.uk/butterflies- dragonflies-cc. Telephone 01252 511556. Email [email protected]

The Centre is open Monday to Friday, 8.30am – 5.00pm.

These activities run in term time only. At the Centre unless otherwise stated. Please call 01252 511556 to book.

Monday mornings. Jobcentre Plus advisor booked appointments. Contact the Centre. Tuesdays at 11.30am and 1.00pm. Ante natal booked appointments. Tuesdays 2.00pm – 4.00pm. Ante/post natal drop-in with the local midwife. No appointment necessary. Wednesdays. Health Visiting Team booked appointments. Not weighing clinic. Contact the Centre. Wednesdays 9.15am-11.00am. Stay and play for 18 months plus. £1.00 per family. Wednesdays 1.00pm-2.30pm. Baby PEEP for 0-12 months at Farnborough Rugby Club, Tile Barn Close. Free. Thursdays 9.30am-11.30am. Hearing impaired stay and play. 1st week of the month. Thursdays 10.00am-11.30am. Twins club. 2nd Thursday of the month. Thursdays 9.30am-11.30am. Childminders stay and play. 3rd week of the month. Thursdays 9.30am-11.30am. Young parents stay and play. 4th Thursday of the month.

7 Thursdays 1.30pm-3.00pm. Stay and play for 0 to 4 years at Tower Hill School. £1.00 per family. Fridays 9.30am-11.15am. Stay and play for 0 to 18 months. £1.00 per family. Fridays 1.00pm-3.00pm. Young Parents Group. Run by local midwives and the Centre. An opportunity for young people to get advice and support in pregnancy and on becoming a parent. Antenatal and with babies up to 1 year. Fridays. Rushmoor Healthy Living advisor appointments. Contact the Centre. Fridays. Health Visiting Team booked appointments. Not weighing clinic. Contact the Centre. ******************************

Maple Vue Children's Centre

Belle Vue Road, Aldershot GU12 4RZ. Telephone 01252 316963. Email [email protected]. Website www.hants.gov.uk/maple-vue-cc

The Centre runs a variety of regular activities and courses such as Working with Children Level 1; Childcare Level 2 and 3; RHL adult health trainer sessions; child health clinics; speech and language; Job Centre Plus; first aid for parents; ante natal and child development checks; maths; quit smoking clinics; counselling; baby massage; ESOL; and music and dance. Call or check the website for the timetable. Activities are run from their base in Belle Vue Road, their flat in Pegasus Avenue and from the North Town Community Base on North Lane.

Maple Vue Nursery is a full day-care nursery which is based in the Children's Centre. It is open Monday – Friday from 8.00am to 6.00pm. Children at the nursery have direct access to outdoor play from each room and can engage in a range of activities through free flow play, including painting, singing, climbing and much more. The standard hourly rates are 0-2 years: £4.40 per hour; 2-3 years: £4.30 per hour; 3 years+: £4.20 per hour. For more details please call 01252 316963 or on the direct line 01252 343772.

All regular groups at the Centre will continue through the half term holiday.

Mondays 1.00pm - 3.00pm. Advice on gas, electricity, water and general everyday living costs and making your home more energy efficient. A free, confidential service with Rushmoor Healthy Living. Book an appointment with reception. Tuesdays 9.00am-10.00am. Child health clinic weekly. Weigh your child and speak to the health visitor. Tuesdays 9.30am-11.00am. Chatterbox. Weekly in term time only. By referral only. A session to support children’s language development in partnership with a language therapist. Tuesdays 1.30pm-3.00pm. Active Play for Bumps and Babies. For pregnant mums and parents and their babies from 0 to walking. (1st Tuesday of each month Sensory Play. 4th Tuesday Baby Singing and Signing). Tuesdays 3.30pm-5.00pm. Quit smoking clinic weekly. At the North Town Community Base. Wednesdays 9.00am-12.00 noon. Job Centre Plus Family Advisor. Wednesdays 9.30am-12.00 noon. Ante natal checks. Fortnightly by appointment only. Wednesdays 10.30am-12.00 noon. Peep Boogie Mites Minis. For parents and their children aged 12 – 24 months. Music making and craft activities. Term time only. Booking essential. Thursdays 9.30am-11.30am. Term time only. The National Childminding Association hold support sessions. Thursdays 1.00pm-3.00pm. Active Play for Tots. For toddlers who can walk up to the age of 5. Free. Craft, painting, sand and water play, free access to all the toys and the new outside natural wooded area. Fridays 9.00am-12.00 noon. Speech and language clinic. Various dates by appointment only. Term time only. Fridays 12.30pm-2.00pm. Ante natal Peep. Term time only. Are you expecting a baby or have recently given birth? Free drop in session. Advice and support on breastfeeding, weaning and play opportunities for you and your baby. Fridays 11.45am-12.30pm. MAD music and dance. Weekly for children aged 2 – 4 years old. £2.50 per child per week to be paid at the time of booking. Term time only. Booking essential. Fridays 1.00pm-2.00pm. Footy Monsters. Weekly for children aged 2 – 4 years old. £2.00 per child per week to be paid at the time of booking. Term time only. Booking essential. Saturdays 10.00am-12.00 noon. Saturday Club for dads, grandads and family members. Bacon butties, construction activities, football, craft and outside activities. 25th February, 31st March and 28th April.

Half Term. Wednesday 15th February. Ceramics - decorate a cup and coaster. £5.00 per child. 10.00am-11.00am 0 – 24 months. 11.30am-12.30pm 2 – 5 years. Contact the Centre to book.

8 Peep Forest School. Thursdays for 8 weeks from 23rd February – 26th April. 1.00pm – 3.00pm. For parents, carers and their children who are aged between 2 ½ and 3 ½ years to experience the outdoors together. For more information please contact the Centre.

Behaviour Management. A 5 week course on Wednesdays from 29th February – 28th March. 9.30am – 11.30am. Creche facilities available. Booking is essential as spaces are limited.

Childcare Level 2. A 30 week course on Wednesdays in term time only starting on 29th February. 12.30pm – 3.00pm. Includes a 5 hour placement for the duration of the course. ******************************

Owls Children’s Centre

Mayfield Road (on the site of Cherrywood Primary School), Farnborough GU14 8LH. Telephone 01252 519920. E-mail [email protected]. Website www.hants.gov.uk/owls-cc

The Mayfield Centre, 14 Totland Close, Farnborough GU14 8TX. Farnborough Grange Nursery and Infants School, Moor Road, Farnborough GU14 8HW.

Adult and family learning opportunities are available throughout the year and a new timetable is produced each term. If you want to find out more about a course or put your name down for one their Family Learning Advisor, Jennie, is available on Mondays between 2.00pm and 3.00pm or just call or drop-in to the office and talk to their reception staff. If there is a course you would like to do which would help you get back to work, please tell the staff.

Family support sessions – all sessions are at Owls unless stated

Mondays 9.30am-11.30am. Stay and Play for babies 0-1 years. Mondays 10.00am-11.30am. Owls Drop-in at the Mayfield Centre (Homestart building). Mixed age group. Mondays 1.00pm-3.00pm. Language group. Referral only. Mondays 1.00pm-4.00pm. Breast feeding clinic drop-in with an advisor from Frimley Park. Tuesdays 9.30am-11.30am. Childminders professional support group. Tuesdays 9.30am-12.30pm. Counselling. By appointment. Tuesdays 1.00pm-3.00pm. Stay and Play for toddlers approx. 1-2 years. Owls Library is open during Stay and Play. Wednesdays 9.00am-12.00 noon and 1.00pm-4.00pm. Job Centre Plus family advisor. Wednesdays 9.30am-11.30am. Stay and Play for toddlers plus. 2 years and over. Owls Library is open. Wednesdays 9.30am-11.30am. Stay and Play for toddlers plus. 2 years and over. At Farnborough Grange Nursery and Infants School. Thursdays 9.00am-12.00 noon and 1.00pm-4.00pm. Job Centre Plus family advisor. Thursdays 9.30am-11.30am. Child health clinic drop-in with Health Visitors. Thursdays 9.30am-11.30am. Bumps and babes plus drop-in. Thursdays 9.30am-11.30am. Rushmoor Healthy Living debt and energy advisor drop-in. Thursdays 1.00pm-4.00pm. Breast feeding clinic drop-in with an advisor from Frimley Park. Fridays 9.00am-10.30am and 1.00pm-4.00pm. Job Centre Plus family advisor. Fridays 9.30am-11.30am. Stay and Play with your 3+ year old. Owls Library is open during Stay and Play. Fridays 1.00pm-3.00pm. Friday chill out drop-in. Meet other parents and staff while your children are looked after. Saturdays 10.00am-12.00 noon. Dads Stay and Play. For 0-5 years and siblings. Once a month on 4th February, 10th March and 14th April. Owls Library is open during Dads Stay and Play.

Adult learning – for families with children under 5. Each course has a free crèche on site but places must be booked in advance. Play and Language 3 Years +. Wednesdays 22nd February – 28th March. 6 week course. 1.00pm – 3.00pm. At The Mayfield Centre. Triple P Positive Parenting. Thursdays 23rd February – 19th April. 9 week course. 1.00pm – 3.00pm. Confidence Building. Fridays 24th February – 30th March. 5 week course. 9.30am – 11.30am. First Aid Workshop. Thursday 8th March. 9.30am – 12.30pm. ******************************

9 Park Children’s Centre

Gloucester Road, Aldershot GU11 3SL. Telephone 01252 338607. Email [email protected].

The Centre runs a range of courses throughout the year such as baby massage, baby sensory, cooking for baby, first aid, cookery and adult literacy and numeracy. Please contact the Centre to put your name down for the next course. They also have the MAD Academy (Music and Dance for walkers to 4 years old) and Stretch and Grow (exercise to music). Contact the Centre for more details. ******************************

Sunflowers Children's Centre

Gloucester Road, Aldershot GU11 3SL. Telephone 07525 104015. Email [email protected]. Website http://www3.hants.gov.uk/childrens-services/sunflowers-cc.htm

Sunflower’s Children’s Centre has moved offices into Park Children’s Centre, Gloucester Road, Aldershot but they are still operating their groups and sessions in Aldershot town centre as before.

Mondays 10.30am-11.10am. Baby sensory for babies to 13 months. At the West End Centre, Queen’s Road, Aldershot GU11 3JD. Please book. Mondays 1.30pm-2.30pm. Baby massage. At the Roberts Centre, 3rd Floor, First Wessex Building, Gordon Road, Aldershot GU11 1LD. Please book. Tuesdays 10.00am-11.30am. Inbetweeners for walkers to 2 years. At Aldershot Library, 109 High Street, Aldershot GU11 1DQ. Just turn up. Tuesdays 1.00pm-2.30pm. Baby clinic. At Aldershot Library. Just turn up. Wednesdays 10.00am-11.30am. Bumps and babes for babies to 1 year. At Aldershot Library. Just turn up. Thursdays 10.00am-11.30am. Stay and play for 2 years to 4 years. At Aldershot Baptist Church, Upper Elms Road, Aldershot GU11 3ES. Just turn up. Fridays 1.00pm-3.00pm. Peep for babies up to 8 months. Every Friday until 30th March. At the West End Centre. Please book. ******************************

NEWS FROM SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

St. Mark's CE Primary School

The 2011 SIAS (Statutory Inspection of Anglican Schools) report for St Mark's in North Camp rated it as an outstanding church school. The report said that it has made significant progress since the previous inspection (which was also outstanding) in developing its Christian ethos. In particular the school has developed a clearer interpretation of spirituality as an integral aspect of the life of the school and has also identified core Christian values that lie at the heart of the ethos. This is making a significant impact on the personal development of the pupils and contributes to the overall quality of their learning experiences.

The report said that pupils make very good progress in religious education across the school. Standards by the time they leave in Year 6 are well above national expectations and accurate assessment of attainment indicates that achievement is significantly higher than that expected at their age. Because pupils are valued and their wellbeing is at the heart of the school, they have very positive attitudes towards the school and say that they make good friendships and trust their teachers to look after them and help them. This has created an environment in which pupils want to behave well because it is the natural thing to do, rather than having to be told to do so.

Fiona Hodgson, the Headteacher, said "I am very pleased with this report and feel it puts into words some of the qualities of our school that are not always measurable but are felt and commented on by visitors who have spent time with us." ******************************

Farnborough 6th Form College

10 At the College there are always lots of charity events and fund raising opportunities happening. On the lunchtime of 15th December the College’s Prospect Theatre was packed out for the annual Christmas Singalong with College students, pupils from St Bernadette’s Catholic Primary School, and representatives from the Royal British Legion, Step By Step, the Army and the Police. They came to get in the festive spirit by singing carols and Christmas songs and to see the presentation to various charities of money raised by the students this year.

The student body led by the Student Association raised an incredible £13,980 in just one term during Autumn 2011, smashing the record for funds raised in the whole of the last academic year. The highlight of the Singalong was the presentation of a cheque for £8,000 to Step By Step to support their work with homeless young people in the area. Each tutor group in College sponsored one of their tutor reps to sleep out for a night in November on the College site. The Royal British Legion were also there to accept a cheque for £1,000 which was raised by selling poppies at the College's attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the world's largest human poppy in November. This collaborative event saw 2,163 students, staff and army personnel gathered on the College sports field to pay their respects to the armed forces in a spectacular manner. Other charities benefitting from the students' generosity were Jeans for Genes, the Breast Cancer Campaign, Children In Need and Great Ormond Street Hospital. The Student Association have now set their sights on raising much more for good causes in 2012. ******************************

The Mayor of Rushmoor

School students in Aldershot and Farnborough have so far contributed nearly £1,000 to the Mayor’s charities as a result of their fundraising efforts in the past 5 months. ******************************

South Farnborough Infant School

At South Farnborough Infant School pupils’ learning revolves entirely around Care of Ourselves, Care of Each Other and Care of our World. Some of their recent Eco achievements include a weekly Roots’n’Shoots Intergenerational Gardening Club, acceptance onto the Eco Schools Solar Panel Programme, installation of sun tubes and a very successful Energy Monitor Loan Scheme for pupils in each class. They have recently raised funds to support three local schools to increase awareness of sustainability in their own communities. Schools involved in the project, entitled LESS CO2 (Lower Energy Sustainable Schools), have each been given an Energy Monitor to connect to the school electricity supply to learn how much energy they use over each day, week and month. This will be an invaluable tool to learn how easy it is to reduce consumption.

Ann-Marie Hopkins, Teacher in Charge of Sustainability, who is leading the project is delighted that Cove Infant School, St Peter’s Church of England Junior School and Southwood Infant School are all very keen to take part. All three schools are expected to gather a team of Green Ambassadors made up of children from across all year groups to tackle environmental issues. They will not only be tackling energy reduction by monitoring their electricity consumption but will also be supported to initiate an Energy Survey for their school, integrate sustainability into the curriculum and set up an Energy Awareness project for families of pupils in their schools.

If you are looking for some help to make your school more sustainable please contact Ann-Marie Hopkins on 01252 543727. ******************************

COURSES AND WORKSHOPS

Build Your Own Bird Nest Box

February 14th marks the beginning of National Nest Box Week. The natural nest sites on which many of the bird species depend, such as holes in trees and buildings, are fast disappearing as gardens and woods are ‘tidied’ and old houses are repaired. If you want to get involved and do something to help the birds in your local area, spend a couple of hours on Saturday 18th February with Bernard Baverstock from the Blackwater Valley Countryside Trust and build your own nest box. All the materials will be supplied along with guidance on what you need to do. The workshop takes place at the Ash Centre, Ash Hill Road (the B3411), Ash, GU12 5DP from 10.30am to 1.00pm. There

11 is only a limited number of boxes available so please phone Christine Reeves on 01252 331353 to book a place. Each nest box kit will cost £5.00 and includes an information sheet on siting and maintenance from the British Trust for Ornithology. If possible please bring a hammer with you.

For more information on National Nest Box Week visit www.bto.org/nnbw/index.htm. The Blackwater Valley website is www.blackwater-valley.org.uk ******************************

The Leadership in Running Fitness (LiRF) course

Would you love to get more of your friends running? Perhaps you already take a running group for a club and want to help them improve? Maybe a few of you at work run at lunchtime but you would like to make your training more enjoyable and purposeful. The LiRF course is designed for people just like you. Once qualified, you will have the skills and insurance needed to deliver fun and safe sessions to groups of runners with different abilities, including new runners and those who already run but want to progress. You will also be able to register your running group, whatever form it takes, as an Official Run England Group.

As part of the funding Sport Hampshire and IOW (SHIOW) has recently received from Sport England for beginners running, SHIOW is in a position to support individuals who want to be actively involved in the programme. Funding to attend the LiRF leader training is available to a limited number of people. You will be required to sign a commitment to deliver or assist with at least one beginners’ 10 week course. If you fail to complete the training or don't deliver the required course you will be liable for the total cost of the training.

The next course is scheduled for Saturday 18th February at Winchester Stadium. England Athletics need a minimum number of 12 attendees to run the course. If you are interested please contact Sharon Robertson for more details. Email [email protected]. Telephone 01962 845021. Website www.activehampshireiow.co.uk ******************************

Rushmoor Voluntary Services – Training and Information Courses

Wednesday 22nd February. 10.00am – 1.00pm. Farnborough Community Centre, Meudon Avenue, Farnborough GU14 7LE. Free. Attracting Volunteers – a short course on the basics of good volunteer recruitment. Please email [email protected] for more information and a booking form.

Friday 24th February. 9.45am – 12.30pm. Rushmoor Borough Council Offices, Farnborough Road, Farnborough GU14 7JU. Free. The Rushmoor Funding Forum – an introduction to tendering, contracts and PQQs. Please email [email protected] for more information and a booking form.

Wednesday 29th February. 9.00am – 4.00pm. Farnborough Community Centre, Meudon Avenue, Farnborough GU14 7LE. £40.00. Accredited First Aid. “Emergency First Aider at work” is regulated by HSE and effectively replaces the Appointed Person Course. Please email [email protected] for more information and a booking form. ******************************

Understanding Anger for Parents Course

Saturday 10th March from 9.30am to 5.30pm at Pucks Oak Barn, Compton, near Guildford GU3 1EG. £71.00 for 1 parent or £112.00 for 2 parents.

This workshop is for parents and teachers who observe anger in their children and wish to learn how to deal with it. Further details are on the website http://www.beatingangerguildford.co.uk/.

To book your place please email [email protected] or call 0845 505 4250. ******************************

NEWS FROM PARTNER ORGANISATIONS AND GROUPS

12 Free Job Clubs

Want to get into work? Do you need help with a CV or with interview skills? The free Job Clubs run by MBL offer free internet use for job searching; job hunting guidance and help with applications; help with letter writing and selling yourself as a job candidate; and a friendly place to meet others who can support you.

Heron Wood - every other Wednesday at the Heron Wood Community Base, Andover Way, from 10.00am - 1.00pm. Mayfield - every other Tuesday at the Mayfield Community Centre, Totland Close, from 10.00am - 1.00pm. North Town - every other Thursday at the North Town Community Base, North Lane, from 10.00am - 1.00pm. Sandy Hill - every other Thursday at the Sandy Hill Community Bungalow, Upper Hale Road, from 2.30pm - 4.30pm.

For more information please call Gill White on 07765 283087. The Job Clubs are funded by First Wessex as part of the Journeys Project. ******************************

The Childcare Element of Working Tax Credit

The following information has been supplied by Hampshire’s Childcare and Family Information Team (CFiT). 8 out of 10 working families are not claiming the childcare element of working tax credit because they do not think they qualify. If your family income is less than £41,000, you work at least 16 hours a week and you have a child aged under 16 it could be worth phoning the helpline.

If you pay for a before or after school club, holiday playscheme, nursery, pre-school, childminder or nanny (home child carer) you may be able to claim up to 70% of your childcare fees back through the Childcare Element of Working Tax Credit. This could mean a maximum of £140 per week for one child and £240 per week for two or more children can be claimed.

How you can claim

Use childcare and after school clubs that are Ofsted registered or approved. You can search for places using www.fid.hants.gov.uk or phone 0845 603 5620 for help with childcare options. Go to www.ofsted.gov.uk or phone 08456 40 40 40 to check for valid registrations.

What will you qualify for?

It’s wise to check your family’s entitlement as what help you get depends on your childcare costs, the number of children using childcare and your income. This means two different families with equal incomes may get different entitlements.

To find out more phone the HMRC Tax Credit helpline on 0845 300 3900 or visit www.hmrc.gov.uk/taxcredits/. You could also use www.moneysavingexpert.com/family/childcare-costs to see how much help you could get. ******************************

Teenage Dating Relationships

Many teenage dating relationships become controlling, abusive or violent and it can be difficult for young people to recognise how the relationship has been deteriorating, until it gets to a stage where they feel frightened or uncomfortable. A lot of young people are unsure about who they can turn to, or about whether in fact there is a problem with their relationship or if it is 'normal'. The following are warning signs that your teenager may be experiencing abuse in their dating relationships:-

 Isolation - no longer spending time with a usual circle of friends  Constantly checking a mobile phone and getting upset when asked to turn it off  Being withdrawn or quieter than usual  Being angry or irritable when asked how things are  Changing their appearance, clothes, make up or style

13  Making excuses for a boyfriend or girlfriend  Physical signs of injury, such as unexplained scratches or bruises  Truancy or failing grades  Self harm

For information for parents about how you can approach this subject with your teenagers, and for details of the support available, visit www.direct.gov.uk/spotteenabuse. Information which is aimed at the teenagers themselves can be found at www.direct.gov.uk/thisisabuse. ******************************

Disabled-Go Website

Disabled-Go is a service that provides online access information to disabled people. This includes information about access to hotels, restaurants, colleges, tourist attractions, libraries, hospitals, community buildings and so on in different towns and cities. The website is www.disabledgo.com

Rushmoor Borough Council are supporting Disabled-Go’s plan to produce a local guide and are working closely with the Rushmoor Access Group. Every venue in the guide will be surveyed on site, in person, by Disabled-Go surveyors or fully trained local disabled people and the information will then be published on the Disabled-Go website. It is planned to include 500 venues in Rushmoor. This project will encourage disabled people of all ages, their carers and those with walking difficulties, to access venues in the local area with confidence.

For more information call Tom Felton at Disabled-Go on 01438 842710 or email [email protected] ******************************

Netbuddy

The Netbuddy website www.netbuddy.org.uk now has five dedicated ‘site experts’ providing advice to families and professional carers on all aspects of supporting people with learning disabilities. The site experts are online 24/7 answering questions related to their individual specialisms, which are Learning Disability Occupational Therapy; Speech and Language Therapy; Parenting Siblings; Assistive Technology; and Audiology. You can talk to them via http://www.netbuddy.org.uk/forums/ask-expert/ ******************************

Parent Voice

Parent Voice have now appointed their new Participation Workers. They now have a dedicated worker, with personal experience of many of the issues faced by parents of children with disabilities/additional needs, in every district in Hampshire. The contact details of the participation workers covering each district are on the Parent Voice website http://www.parentvoice.info/en/Who_To_Contact. If you would like your local worker to attend a group you belong to, please get in touch. ******************************

Farnborough Fins Swimming Club

Farnborough Fins is a club that is committed to providing lifesaving skills and swimming lessons for the community. Their focus is to promote water safety and reduce childhood drowning. Schools are invited to discuss their school swimming programme with the club. School swimming packages are tailor-made for each individual school to meet budgets and heighten the learning opportunity for all pupils. For example, South Farnborough Junior School have benefitted from free pool time which has allowed them to spend their budget on swimming teachers and assistants, thus allowing their class sizes to be reduced by 50% and enhancing the swimming experience for all pupils.

Children’s centres are offered a free adult and child class for children 4 years and under. This free half an hour lesson introduces essential water safety techniques to parents and young children (6 months to 4 years) and gives ideas on how to enjoy water safely, both in and out of the home.

14 For more information on either the school or children’s centres programme, please call 07944 165604 or email [email protected]. The website is http://www.farnboroughfins.org/ ******************************

The National Citizen Service (NCS)

First Partnership will be working with schools across Hampshire to deliver the NCS. This government initiative provides young people, currently in Year 11 and from all backgrounds, with the opportunity to take on new challenges, learn new skills and make a difference by getting involved with their local community. It includes a residential week at an outdoor activity centre and a self-designed social action project which will run during the summer for two weeks in total, full time, plus an additional 30 hours to be completed in the participants’ own time within their communities.

First Partnership are currently contacting all schools to arrange to go in and talk to their Year 11 about this opportunity. Places cost £50 per student. The value of the complete programme, including the residential, is approximately £1,200. For more information, email First Partnership [email protected] or check online https://nationalcitizenservice.direct.gov.uk/ ******************************

Hampshire Adult Learning Website

Hampshire Learning provide a wide range of learning opportunities for adults, working in partnership with schools, children's centres, and community and voluntary organisations. Freephone 0800 028 0888. Their website is www.hampshireadultlearning.co.uk. ******************************

Family Learning in Rushmoor

Family learning provides an opportunity for family members to learn together. The programmes aim to develop the skills or knowledge of the adult and the child, and to help adults to be more active and confident in supporting their children’s learning and development and to understand why that is important.

Family learning is used to engage families by providing a positive shared learning experience and is used as the opportunity to initially engage parents with low literacy or numeracy skills. Programmes can focus on a particular theme or activity such as arts and crafts, family games, healthy eating or understanding behaviour. These may initially be a short workshop leading onto a longer 10 hour programme with the ultimate aim of progressing adults onto longer literacy and numeracy based courses that improve their ability to help their children. Hampshire Learning’s tutor team can deliver courses that are free to families and fully funded.

How does it work for schools?  You contact our team  We produce the programme with your school based on your knowledge of the target group, availability and identification of a room and timings  We identify an adult tutor to fit the programme  You identify a member of staff to work and plan with the adult tutor  You target and recruit the parents/families who would benefit from this activity with our support  Childcare for younger siblings may be paid for if required.

If you are interested in finding out more about family learning please contact Julia Gahagan. Email [email protected]. Telephone 01962 847121 or 07718 146 256. ******************************

Rushmoor Borough Council Websites

The council has re-designed its main website www.rushmoor.gov.uk and its Princes Hall website www.princeshall.com. The improvements are aimed at making it easier to get information and to use the council’s

15 online services. Among the features of the new-look council site is an ‘In my area’ section where residents can put in their address and get information tailor-made to their home, such as their next rubbish and recycling collection dates and details of where their nearest facilities, such as parks and play areas, are. The home page includes a prominent ‘Do it online’ feature to make it easy for people to report something or to apply or pay for a service. It also has a feature inviting people to get involved and have their say in the council and the local area. In addition, the site now offers new areas for photos and video so the council can highlight services and promote local activities and events to local people. The new Princes Hall site offers the ability to choose your seats when booking online. ******************************

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

A Guide to Writing Effective Funding Applications

A basic guide from the Guardian Voluntary Sector Network is available on their website http://www.guardian.co.uk/voluntary-sector-network/2012/jan/10/funding-application-guide ******************************

Many thanks to all the organisations who contribute information to this newsletter

Rushmoor Schools Plus

www.rushmoorschoolsplus.org

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