“In many ways it can be described as a lifeline as it can help you keep your sanity when you are at home with a baby. There is always someone available to talk to you: I had a time when I was feeling down, there were a lot of things going on in my life –and I had missed a couple of aqua-natal sessions. Then one day the Midwife rang up and said, ‘I’ve got half an hour free why don’t I come round for a coffee and a chat?’

“That really made me feel that I wasn’t just a number and that there was someone out there that actually cares – that is what is so special about the people who work at , they care.”

Sue works part-time and lives in with her husband Bill and their two year old daughter Hannah.

Marsh Farm Children’s Centre: what we have achieved so far… Forewords: Challenges and Achievements Forewords: Challenges and Achievements

Foreword: Denise Poore, Manager Marsh Farm Children’s Centre services Food Advisor Main achievements of Marsh Farm Children’s Centre Parent Foreword: Sue Jeans The Food Advisor runs the popular Cook & Eat of Marsh Farm Children’s Centre Midwives courses, as well as providing advice on a varied and Centre Manager, Denise Poore, takes us through the Centre’s five major achievements. The Marsh Farm Children’s Centre Sure Start staff balanced diet and helping with groups and events. Welcome to our celebration team includes two Midwives, who provide services in Multi-disciplinary staff team: the support of partners at a strategic level, booklet. We would like addition to the service received from the Community Outings and events to introduce you to our and the hard work and dedication of staff at the Centre, has enabled effective Midwives. They run an antenatal group and aqua-natal In addition to the regular groups and training integrated working. It is never easy to bring together staff from very different Children’s Centre through class, provide support for ante-natal depression and the achievements of our sessions one-off events and outings are held backgrounds, however staff have been willing to adapt their working practices can do home visits. throughout the year. Recently, parents and staff children, carers and staff. and take on new ideas to the benefit of all our families. Health Visitors and Health Team organised a very successful event for Black History Moved in on August 2005 Month, and a Christmas fun day. Outings throughout Three Health Visitors are based at the Centre, providing the year have included trips to farms, activity centres A wide range of supportive partners: we have been fortunate to have I go to the Centre with my two year old daughter The Centre moved to its the core health visiting service for the estate. In addition and the seaside. current site in August 2005, supportive partners, at both strategic and local levels. This has enabled us to at least twice a week. to the Health Visitors, the Health Team includes two achieve a successful transition from a Sure Start Local Programme to Children’s and since then has gone from strength to strength. Nursery Nurses and a Health Care Assistant. They Every Child Matters The vision of Marsh Farm Sure Start Children’s Centre, with an integrated Management Board and operational Partnership Group. Important run activities such as the Parents and Tots Groups, Marsh Farm Sure Start Children’s Centre is working, Centre is: ‘Making life better for children, carers and Bookstart, and Musical Mini’s. They make home visits As a mother I know how important it is for the communities’. through a closely integrated multidisciplinary team, community to have a ‘one-stop shop’ such as Marsh to offer support and advice on child development, to deliver the outcomes for children outlined in the Good relationships with families: staff have established good relationships including advice on breastfeeding, weaning, safety and with many of our families. Indeed, a recent independent evaluation noted that Farm Children’s Centre because it enables families Helping children get the best start in life! government’s Every Child Matters programme. The five to receive a great deal of the support that they need behavioural issues, hold weekly clinics… and run a themes (developed in consultation with children) are: staff were ‘friendly, approachable and responsive’, were ‘good at listening’ and We aim to help children in Marsh Farm achieve weekly drop-in advice service at the Centre. under one roof. Staff at the Centre also provide a wide the best possible start in life through supporting • Being Healthy took a personal interest in families. range of courses for parents and carers which for their education, health and family activities. We are Community Development Workers • Staying Safe many people opens up a wealth of opportunities that, not only help them with raising their family, but can fortunate to have the support of our many partners Two Community Development Workers encourage • Enjoying & Achieving  A unique position on the site of the : although the also help them back into work. to achieve this aim, and the valuable contributions of families to become involved in the Centre through • Making a Positive Contribution remit of the Children’s Centre is families with a child under five years of age, the parents and carers. • Achieving Economic Wellbeing. Family Voices, a Parents Forum and through the unique position of the Centre has enabled joint working and innovative projects Support emerging volunteer programme. They also organise Thank you with the High School – to the benefit of both! Based over two sites training; in partnership with other organisations the It is a place where people can get support for their The Marsh Farm Sure Start Children’s Centre is Centre provides accredited childcare training, in Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all children, where they can make friends and seek advice based over two sites: service training for Children’s Centre staff, health, staff, parents and carers for their hard work, dedication Purpose built facilities: the excellent facilities, and the flexibility of the two when they need to. hygiene and safety courses and parenting courses. and commitment to the objective of delivering high sites, has enabled the development of an extensive programme of high quality • Lea Manor site at Redgrave Gardens: home to quality services to our families. And thank you to the What I like most about the Centre Butterflies Nursery, run by the Pre-School Learning activities. The Centre was developed with joint funding from Luton Borough Drug & Alcohol Outreach Worker families who have used our services, expressed their What I like most about the Centre is the fact that Alliance, and the Sure Start team. Council and Marsh Farm Development Trust, (a New Deal for Communities appreciation, and allowed us to be part of their lives! it provides a friendly, supportive environment – The Drug & Alcohol Outreach Worker can offer programme). The Marsh Farm Development Trust has also supported activities • Leabank site: incorporates Gill Blowers Nursery support to families who have problems with addiction something we all need at sometime in our lives. School, Sessional Care for two to three year or problematic drug or alcohol use. This includes the and services at the Centre. olds, and a community activity space. A holiday offer of Auricular Acupuncture to help with 2 playscheme also runs from the Leabank site. stress and withdrawal symptoms. 3 Being Healthy Being Healthy

During 2005-2007, Marsh Farm How Jemma, a mother When Jessica was five months Now Jemma wants to Children’s Centre developed a old, Jemma went on a baby help other mums. of two young children, massage course. “After my illness I really felt that there should be some range of integrated services that “After we’d finished the course everyone – including me form of counselling at the Centre so I went to the – felt quite deflated. But then I was asked if I wanted parents’ group and voiced my opinion. As a result deliver to the ‘Every Child Matters’ started living her life again to learn how to teach baby massage. I’d really enjoyed Pauline and Denise agreed to run a SHE (Secured, doing the course and it had been so good for Jessica Healed and Empowered) group where mothers could Theme of Being Healthy, including after overcoming serious and myself so I didn’t hesitate. Now I teach baby really explore their feelings. After I’d attended the group, massage at the Centre with three other mums. I wouldn’t I was given the opportunity to take a short course in the following… have had the chance to go on such a course and then counselling. I know it’ll help me when I go on to work illness and depression actually teach if it hadn’t been for Sure Start.” with other mums doing my baby massage – that’s what I Bump2Babe: expectant parents six weeks course. really want to do.” 23 year old Jemma lives in Luton with her Jemma found it difficult Family Swimming: subsidised swimming sessions, two children, five year old Harry and two For Jemma, Sure Start has with free places for dad’s! becoming a first-time mum. year old Jessica. made a real difference to Aqua Fitness: fun in the water…for parents, “When Jessica was 12 weeks old I was diagnosed with “When I gave birth to Harry five years ago I lost a bit of her life. non swimmers and pregnant mums. a serious illness and spent six weeks in hospital. When I myself. When you become a mother you can lose your got home the health visitor from Marsh Farm Children’s identity – I felt that I wasn’t ‘Jemma’ anymore, I was “Sure Start gave me back my independence and made Infant Massage: promoting bonding, enjoyment Centre came to see how I was coping – I know she ‘Harry’s mum’. I lost contact with my friends too but now me realise that I’m quite a strong person and a really and achievement. was worried that I might be suffering from postnatal that’s all changed. Everyone here takes me for who I am good mum. I think every town in Britain should have a Exercise and Relaxation Classes: for parents, depression. She was the one who actually suggested and have helped me get back all that I’d lost, they’ve Sure Start Children’s Centre because the staff really care with crèche facilities. that I visit the Centre: I was really down and slightly helped me rebuild my self-esteem too and I’ve got a and they are the ones who help you through life both as reluctant at first but I’m glad that she encouraged me to whole new bunch of friends. At last I’ve got my life back a family and as an individual.” Infant Feeding Advisor: help with feeding young go along. It’s been brilliant for all of us as a family – I just and I’m ‘Jemma’ again.” children. wish that everyone could have a Sure Start centre where Last year when Jemma felt Child Health Clinic: Health Visitors provide health they lived.” seriously depressed she advice to all families through this drop-in service. When little Jessica – who has knew where she could turn Community Midwives: a weekly ante-natal clinic a hearing problem – needed to for help. and drop-in for pregnant women. help, staff at the Centre, were “I was unwell and put on antidepressants. It was a Midwives: providing services in addition to the service on hand. received from the Community Midwives. They run an very bad time for me so I went to the people that I antenatal group and aqua-natal class, provide sup- “We are trying to sort out Jessica’s hearing but it’s been knew I could really speak to and that was Shafy at the port for antenatal depression, pre-conception advice, very difficult to get hospital appointments. When I was at Children’s Centre. I went straight there – I knew that she would help me and she did.” contraception advice and can do home visits. the Centre, Linda, one of the nursery nurses, suggested that I put Jessica into nursery three times a week – she Mini Gym: weekly gym session for toddlers. said that it could help her hearing. Sure Start has funded those extra sessions in the nursery because they know how important it is for Jessica’s development.” 4 5 Staying Safe Staying Safe

During 2005-2007, Marsh Farm How single mum Frances You don’t always have to Frances often feels that people Children’s Centre developed a make an appointment to go judge her for being a single has found respite and Marsh Farm Children’s Centre parent of seven children but range of integrated services that – for Frances this is ideal. at Marsh Farm that is not the deliver to the Every Child Matters friendship at Marsh Farm “It’s so convenient as I can just drop-in and someone case. is always around. I go along for the baby’s check and if “They look at me as an individual and are very Theme of Staying Safe, including I’ve got any queries, I’ll talk to the health visitor. Two of nonjudgmental. The staff are there to supply a need but Children’s Centre my children have milk allergies and I’ve been given some they really care about what they do. You get the sense the following… good advice by the dietician about how best to make that, for them, it is more than just a job and that not only 30 year old Frances is a single mum who lives in allowances for this in their diet. I usually go the Centre at Luton with her seven children, ten year old Jordan, do they really enjoy their work but they also go out of Parenting Advice: parents can get advice from least twice a week and Francesca’s nursery is integrated their way to make all the children feel that they are loved. five year old Joshua, four year old Josiah, three with the Centre so it makes it really easy to go along.” Nursery Nurses on feeding, establishing a sleep year old twins Michael and David, two year old The whole organisation offers friendship too for parents: pattern in babies and young children, play ideas, toilet Francesca and William who is seven months old. The Children’s Centre has it can be very isolating being a mother but they help me training and how to handle challenging behaviour. feel that I’m not on my own – when those emotions of “After I’d separated from my husband, I moved to the made a dramatic difference life get too much, I know that there is always someone area but I didn’t know anyone and my family live over Parenting Course – learn strategies for behaviour that I can cry with and off load my troubles to.” 200 miles away. With seven children, I was desperate to Frances’ life – and that management. for some respite so I went along to the Marsh Farm of her family. Children’s Centre to see if they could help – and they did! Drug and Alcohol Advice and Support: pre and “When I went to the Centre for help, I was absolutely Having felt apprehensive and sad at first about being in exhausted, frustrated and run-down. It was awful but post-natal support and harm minimisation through a new place, I would now make a special request not to home visits. now I have a couple of hours a day to myself and the be relocated because I’m so near the Centre and really baby. It’s what’s good for all of us – sometimes in the appreciate all the support and help that they give me morning I feel so tired because of having to get up Holiday Playscheme – a drop-in playscheme at the with the children.” during the night with the little ones so when they go to Leabank site for children under five years. nursery at 12 it just gives me time to collect my thoughts Frances has found that Ana, and rest up a bit. It’s made such a change to our lives.” the Community Development Worker, has provided Frances’ children have become invaluable support. more confident and independent. “The children have really only been used to me bringing “I went through what my needs were with Ana to work them up. As a result, they’d become very clingy and out how best Sure Start could help me. My priority was wouldn’t trust anybody but since they’ve been going to respite and nursery places – as soon as I get any free nursery they’ve really come out of themselves, they trust time there is so much to catch up with at home. If I want more people and are far more sociable. My eldest son is more time to myself, I know that they would arrange for at school and I think he’s really noticed a difference in me baby William to go to nursery too, but I’m very maternal – he certainly sees that I’m happier and that I’m getting and I want to carry on mothering him. I’ll talk to Ana my life back.” again when we are ready.” 6 7 Enjoying and Achieving Enjoying and Achieving

met more of the people who work there and everyone Abai was proud to go to the During 2005-2007, Marsh Farm How SureStart Luton is – whether you are talking to the receptionist or the nursery staff – is very nice and extremely helpful.” Centre with all the family Children’s Centre developed a range before Christmas. helping Abai’s son, For Abai and Zai it is of integrated services that deliver “We all went along for the Christmas party – I even important to know that there dressed up as Santa Claus! It was great to see Ismail to the Every Child Matters Theme three year old Ismail, is help out there if they need it. with his friends from nursery and we met up with some of the other parents.” of Enjoying and Achieving, including make friends and gain “I know that we’d feel able to approach staff at the Centre if we had any worries about Ismail and needed As the proud father of the following… to access any of the other services that were available confidence while his – like the health visitor or dietician. That is important, Ismial, Abai welcomes the Baby Club: post-natal support group for parents and particularly if you are quite new to an area.” Centre’s caring and practical babies aged up to one year old. parents go out to work Having Marsh Farm Children’s approach to young children. Breasfeeding Support: one-to-one support at home Centre close to home is a big “I think that by going to the Centre, many children re breastfeeding, expressing milk etc…and tips for dads! Abai and his wife Zai live in Luton with their two – including my own son Ismial – really have the chance children, 13 year old Monah and three year old advantage for Abai and his to open up their minds and develop their imaginative Toy and Book Library: borrow books and toys for Ismail. skills. The staff are very attentive and seem to bring out children up to the age of four years. family. “We moved to the area from London and Ismail has the best in children. I also think that they are very good “The nursery is a nice size at the Centre and I think Ismail Cook and Share: learn how to cook healthy family meals, been going to the nursery at Marsh Farm since October. at teaching the little ones essential life skills such as really gets a chance to have some one-on-one time with meet new people, make new friends and have a chat. Both my wife and I work so he goes there for five days how to use the cloakroom or get a glass of water. These a week. Initially it took him a while to get used to it but the staff there. I drop him off before I go up to work in things are important to children and ultimately help them Creative Crafts: have fun making crafts. everyone has gone out of their way to help him settle in London and he’s always happy. It’s great that we have develop their independence so that they are equipped to the Centre so local to us at home – I’m not sure what Musical Minis: for children aged from birth to five years. and now he is very happy. I know the kids really need a cope with the next stage of their lives.” place like this: it gives them a chance to grow up in line we’d do otherwise. Also he’s socialising with other kids Childminder Drop-in: a chance for Childminders to and figure how to cope with other children and adults. from the area so when he goes to school he’ll already get together and use Centre services. It’s all good experience for them.” have made some friends.” Coffee and Cream: a parents and toddlers group. Seeing the Children’s Centre Abai likes to see his son Little Cooks: a group for parents and children together. and meeting the staff for learning and having fun. Book Start: parents are invited to a Bookstart ses- the first time left a good “At the nursery they do organised activities with the kids and when Ismail comes home he tells us what he’s been sion at various stages of their childs’ development and impression on Abai and Zai. receive free books. doing. They do things like basic number work, problem “When we first moved here we got some details from the solving as well as singing nursery rhymes – it’s all good Parents & Tots: a second weekly informal drop- in Council about nurseries in the area and we went around preparation for when he goes to school in September. session. and visited as many as we could before making up our He’s certainly doing more at the nursery than if he was A variety of holiday outings and events. mind. When we went along to the Children’s Centre, our at home – I know that we wouldn’t have time to do all first impression was that it was very good and we felt those lovely activities with him.” that it was the right place for our son. Since then we’ve 8 9 Making a Positive Contribution Making a Positive Contribution

made friends with some of the other mothers there – we remember dropping the little ones off and one member During 2005-2007, Marsh Farm Playing a part: how really shared a bond and would often exchange useful of staff came up to me and asked if I wanted a chat. It childcare tips. My husband came along to some of the was just what I needed and it helped me sort things out Children’s Centre developed a range sessions too and I think we all found it useful getting a in my head.” Shahra gets involved father’s perspective.” of integrated services that deliver If they can’t help out, says to the Every Child Matters Theme with Marsh Farm Shahra has joined two Shahra, they know someone volunteer groups at the of Making a Positive Contribution, who can… Children’s Centre – Centre. “One of the most important services offered by the including the following… “I go along to the Parents’ Voices group every fortnight Centre is that, on the rare occasion when they are both as a mum – a small group of us got together because we wanted unable to help, they put you in touch with people who Family Voices: a weekly parent group (crèche to have an input into the organised activities and help can. When I wanted to set up my own business painting available) that contributes towards the running of the and a volunteer out. We mainly look at how best our needs, as parents, murals for children’s bedrooms and nurseries, the staff Children’s Centre by organising events and helping can be accommodated at the Centre. One concern really encouraged and inspired me and put me in touch to develop new services. Last year the group were Shahra lives in Luton with her husband Rae and that I had, for instance, was that it can be hard to join a with the right people. Today, thanks to the staff here, I involved in the recruitment of the current Centre their two children, three year old Yusuf and two group such as the Baby Club if you are a first-time mum can still enjoy being with my kids but I’ve also been able Manager. year old Zayd. or quite shy. We talked it over within the group and we to turn my hobby into a career too.” now encourage mums to interact more to help those “I came here from Sri Lanka about five years ago and coming along for the first time, we’ve also suggested Volunteer Training Course: an accredited course for at first I was a bit lonely – I’d worked as a lawyer in the parents who wish to become volunteers. that there be more structure to the group. As a result, Supreme Court in Colombo and I’d had a very active new changes are to be introduced which I think will professional life so motherhood was very different. help some of the mums bond more with each other. Opportunity Group: a weekly play session for I’d taken on a great deal and had a lot of changes to I also recently joined the parents’ group for my son’s children with impairments. cope with, so it was great to discover somewhere that nursery. Here, we look at how the children are actually I could go with Yusuf. The Children’s Centre plays a being taught and how we can help with the fundraising very important role in the community here and I’m really activities.” pleased to be involved – both as a mother and a volunteer.” Staff at the Centre, says Shahra has been on a Shahra, are very perceptive wide range of courses that about a mother’s needs. include aqua-natal and “I drop into the Centre every day – Yusuf is in the nursery – and I obviously come in for the parents’ child behaviour. group meetings. I find it so welcoming and I know that “When I was pregnant with Zayd, I went along to the I wouldn’t come if it wasn’t like that. Everyone is very aqua-natal classes and the baby massage sessions with approachable and friendly: even if, as mothers, we don’t Yusuf. One of the best courses was the one on difficult raise a particular issue they seem to have a knack of child behaviour. It was incredibly helpful as we were knowing if you are a bit down. I went through a difficult able to look at a lot issues that concerned us all. I also stage adjusting to living in a new country and accepting 10 the changes of being a full-time stay at home mum. I 11 Achieving Economic Wellbeing Achieving Economic Wellbeing

During 2005-2007, Marsh Farm How a childcare course When Sue took Sienna to the Sue’s childcare course is run Children’s Centre developed a range health clinic, she found out at Marsh Farm Children’s at Marsh Farm Children’s about some of the courses Centre which makes life easy of integrated services that deliver that were on offer. for her and Sienna. Centre is helping Sue “After I went on the Sure Start baby massage course “It’s a 30 week course and is held every Tuesday at the to the Every Child Matters Theme at the Gill Blowers Centre, I enrolled on the seven week Centre – it’s so convenient because I always put my little of Achieving Economic Wellbeing, child behaviour course at Marsh Farm. It was good – we one into the crèche there while I’m studying. I’ve had plan ahead for a new looked at different ways of handling certain situations, a lot of support from the tutors on the course: when I including the following… but what I really liked about it was that it took both the needed to take time out because of personal problems career when her youngest adult’s and child’s view, so we did some role play to find at home, they were really understanding and suggested Financial Drop-ins: a chance to discuss budgeting out what it felt like to be a child being told what to do. that I go back and do that unit at a later date. I’ve really or other financial issues. The course is all about trying to make you more aware of appreciated – and needed – that kind of support.” daughter goes to school the fact that children can’t always express how they feel Having the opportunity Job Centre Plus: an opportunity to speak to the Job and how we, as adults, can deal with that. You learn as 44 year old Sue lives in Luton with three of her you go along which I found really helpful.” Centre Plus Advisor about work and careers. four children, 18 year old Savannah, 14 year old to learn again has been Ayesha and Sienna who is two years old. Thanks to Sure Start, Sue is important to Sue. Cache Level 2 Childcare Course: an accredited “As a more mature mother I found that I wasn’t getting beginning to plan ahead for “I left school when I was 16 but I had a few problems course run by the Pre-School Learning alliance for out much because where I live there isn’t much going growing up and missed out on quite a bit as the those who wish to pursue a career in childcare. on, so it’s been really great to go to the Children’s Centre when Sienna starts school. teachers didn’t really have time to help me catch up. If I and meet other people and do some of the activities “Going on the child behaviour course gave me a taste of hadn’t been given this chance at the Children’s Centre, Adult Training Opportunities: including Health & there. You also get to realise that your problems are in what it could be like to work with children and it got me I would have been depressed about not knowing what Safety and Food Hygiene for childcare workers and fact smaller than those of other people – it puts things thinking about what to do next with my life, so I made to do. I wanted to go on a course, learn more and better infant massage. in perspective. Going along to the Centre has also given enquiries about the CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Pre- myself which is exactly what I’m now able to do.” my youngest child Sienna a break from routine because school Practice. At the Centre they have a list of ongoing she gets to go in the crèche when I go on my childcare activities and luckily when I made enquires, I was told Sue is keen for Sienna to mix course – that way everyone benefits!” that I could apply for the next course. I started to get with children of her own age. some more information together and did some voluntary work in a nursery in preparation for my application and it “As Sienna is the baby of the family by quite a few years just took off from there. I was so pleased when I was told it’s been particularly important for her to have fun and that I’d got on the course.” mix with children the same age as her. She’s quite shy but she’s settled well at nursery and now goes twice a week. When I went along to the parents’ evening recently they said how pleased they were with Sienna’s progress and said that she has come out of her shell. That makes me so happy.”

12 13 How partners have benefited through How partners have benefited through working with Marsh Farm Children’s Centre working with Marsh Farm Children’s Centre

How Lyndsey helps How Lyndsey finds solutions Help is at hand: how new be taken into care. When she became pregnant again How Lyndsey is working How Sharon gives advice though we were able to really help: we taught her how childminders in the area. to childminding issues – mums find out about the to develop her parenting skills, cook for her baby, run a with Marsh Farm Children’s “Once a week we run a Childminder Practise and Play quickly and efficiently. and support to mums-to-be services. budget and we helped raise her self-esteem. She has session at the Centre which is like a drop-in group. “The Children’s Centre is a fantastic idea: having one “We see all the pregnant mothers in our postcode area now gone on to be a happier more successful mother as Centre, and in the community, This is a chance for me to see childminders who may place where all professional people work together, in the community – which can be 120 plus per year: one of our team a result – and we are still there for her if she needs us.” have questions or difficulties about their work. We in a sensible and coherent manner, to help families – a Nursery Nurse, Health Visitor, Outreach Worker, to support local childminders always encourage childminders to come along to these in the community is invaluable. It means that we can Health Care Assistant or myself – does a home visit to Giving information and sessions – it can be so useful for them and obviously it’s respond to an individual’s needs far quicker and more tell families about what’s happening here and we also advice to young people is a great place to come and have a chat and catch up on efficiently than if were all located separately. The other assess their holistic needs. We want mothers to know vital, says Sharon. things. Sometimes childminders need help and advice day, for instance, a health visitor, who was holding that we are there to help them, whatever their needs. It’s “Teenage pregnancy is a very real issue and we want to on very practical issues about their contracts or the a clinic at the Centre, wanted to answer a mother’s easy to feel isolated with a new baby and we want new be able to help these young mums where we can but hours that they work, for example, and if this is the case, query about going back to work and finding a mums to know that we are there to support them.” it is also important for us to talk to young people about I’ll be there to help them out. Alternatively, if someone childminder. She contacted me and I was immediately the impact of being a teenage parent, so I go to the local needs help with a child’s behaviour I’ll signpost them to able to look into childminder vacancies and pass on As well as seeing mums-to-be high school to talk with pupils. I also give them advice the appropriate training sessions that we offer.” the details to that parent there and then, rather than in their own home, Sharon about family planning and sexual health. Unfortunately her having to wait a week or so. The mother was then If you want to get encourages them to visit we have quite a high stillbirth rate in the area, so I work able to visit the childminder and sort everything out closely with pregnant mums to help them look after their advice about becoming well in advance of her returning to work.” the Centre. health and give up smoking and I also give them advice a childminder, Lyndsey is “Each week I hold an informal, drop-in session called Having all the services about what to look out for if things just don’t feel right.” there to help. ‘From Bump to Babe’. Expectant parents just drop in under one roof is ideal, Sharon Cafferty is Deputy Manager at and we chat about all sorts of things that may concern “Sometimes parents are referred to me because they Community spirit: says Lyndsey. Marsh Farm Children’s Centre and the new parents, whether it’s about breast feeding, pain how working as a team Lyndsey O’Callaghan has worked for the want to work and earn money but can’t really see Sure Start Midwife. relief during labour or feelings of isolation. It’s very National Childminding Association (NCMA) themselves being able to afford childcare. When this “Staff at the Children’s Centre are very welcoming relaxed and informal. I also run the aqua-natal classes benefits families. in Luton for three years. She is based at happens I ask them if they have ever considered being and very open. There is so much going on here that which give pregnant and postnatal mums the chance to “We are a multi-disciplinary team and we all work Marsh Farm Children’s Centre. a childminder and I talk to them about the benefits of even if families weren’t sure what they were looking “My role as a Midwife is to look at health promotion in get some exercise.” alongside each other to provide a comprehensive working as a childminder and how they can combine it, for they would probably be able to find exactly what the Marsh Farm area. I work alongside the Community service for families in the area. At the moment we are “I initially worked as a childminder and I now help to to their advantage, with their own family life. I am able they needed – whether they had to see a health visitor, Midwives who concentrate on antenatal care while I How Sharon helps mums-to-be looking at introducing a crèche facility, because parents run the network of childminders in the area which to provide them with all the necessary information and enrol on a training course, go to a drop-in session or look at the broader issues surrounding pregnancy. I’m when they need it most. have expressed a need for one so that they can access is a quality assurance scheme – it’s about ensuring I’ll talk them through the process and actually support just have a cup of coffee and a friendly chat. Having there to help mums-to-be with issues such as drug and other services. We’re also considering opening up a that families have access to good quality home- them in their ambition as well. We usually suggest all the services and facilities in one place makes sense alcohol abuse, depression and the enormous impact “Before I came to the Centre, I introduced a system in sexual health and family health clinic. We are constantly based childcare. I’m also a childminding development that they come along to the Childminder Practise for everyone and it brings maximum benefit to the that a new baby can have on the whole family. Here at the local hospital which ensured that teenage mothers evolving in order to cater for everyone’s ever-changing worker so I’m out in the community supporting and Play sessions so that they get known by the community and I would always recommend the Centre the Centre, we see ourselves as a ‘one-stop shop’ for were supported by the health team until their babies needs, by doing so we can help more people when they local childminders, helping them fill their places and other childminders in the area and, as a result, once to families.” families with children from 0 to five: this is where mums were 28 days old. Once in the Children’s Centre I need us most. “ sourcing appropriate training when they need it. I work they’re trained they are likely to fill their spaces quicker can come, whether they need to see a Health Visitor realised that this needed to be developed further. I with over a hundred childminders in the north and because people will be more prepared to recommend or any member of the team, get advice on stopping remember seeing a teenager whom I’d known through west of Luton.” them as someone that they already know.” smoking or just need to get out of the house and chat her first pregnancy. She’d had no support at all after the 28 days and unfortunately her child needed to 14 to someone.” 15 Focus on Childcare: Butterflies Nursery Focus on Childcare: Gill Blowers Nursery School

62 place nursery The Foundation Room (3 - 5yrs): registered for 40 Family Facilitator work closely with families, arranging 2-3s Unit Dawn Delaney, Manager of children this is our largest room and can be divided Sue Elliott, Assistant Headteacher home visits before nursery entry and, if parents wish, Butterflies Nursery, talks about Our 62 place nursery opened in September 2005 into two smaller areas. There is an IT area, a book of Gill Blowers Nursery School, during their child’s time with us. The Family Facilitator within the purpose built Children’s Centre on the corner, an area for messy play and a role play area. also runs activity groups and coffee mornings for parents what the nursery offers and Lea Manor High School campus, accessible via This room has its own child sized toilets and sinks, talks about what the nursery on the estate, an important resource in providing parents Redgrave Gardens and access to the changing areas with links to others in their community. We find this helps has achieved Outside play area offers and has achieved us to build a special bond with our families, allowing us Parent relationships to work in partnership for the benefit of the child. The newly refurbished outside play area includes: At Butterflies Nursery we pride ourselves on the Priorities • planting areas relationships built with parents. Priority for entry to the nursery is given to children living • sheltered seating area We have a parent forum known as ‘Moths: Mothers, in the high rise flats, of which the nursery is a part, and • grass mound with parachute Others, Toddler, Helper, Support’. • sensory patches to vulnerable children, such as those with Special Needs • slides We meet every other month, varying days and times and their families. in order to include as many parents as possible. We • a role play area The nursery is a ‘resourced nursery’, which means that meet over a cup of tea/coffee and biscuits, discuss • sandpit we have staff specifically trained to meet the needs of • balancing beams any concerns or issues and share ideas, which children with Special Needs, and ongoing relationships Of special importance is our facility for 2-3 year olds. • cycle track. parents can bring to the nursery. with the special needs professionals who are frequent Supported by Sure Start and the LA, this facility offers The outdoor area is covered by an all weather surface Latest achievements visitors to our setting. 16 part-time places to vulnerable children. The unit offers and the children have free access to it throughout the creative play areas, numeracy and literacy learning, • The Healthy Eating Award: an award which takes year. We also have a sheltered patio area which the The 3-4s unit nursery sensory stimuli, and a library/music area. There is also a seven years to achieve. Each year the setting is children can access, with a wide range of equipment. beautifully designed and interesting garden, with plenty set a target. When the target has been reached a The Pre-school Learning Alliance All weather jackets are provided for babies and Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ of space for outdoor activities. certificate is awarded. Butterflies Nursery has now children to enjoy the raindrops and puddles. The Pre-school Learning Alliance (PSLA) manages completed the full award. Gill Blowers Nursery School is a ‘split site’ nursery Latest achievements childcare facilities within the Children’s Centre at the school on two sites: Food • Parents Forum: launched in September 07 it gives Lea Manor Site. This consists of Butterflies Nursery • Ofsted: judged ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted. parents the opportunity to share experiences, • Mossdale in and a crèche. We deliver high quality care and Our cook provides home cooked, nutritious food, and the contribute to the life of the nursery and to discuss • Vulnerable children: provision for vulnerable education to children aged up to five years…and the nursery is taking part in the Healthy Eating Award scheme. • Leabank, off Wauluds Bank Drive. issues both related to the nursery and to their children and their families in our 2-3 years unit. nursery follows the Early Years Foundation Stage Rooms children. The Leabank site is part of the Marsh Farm Children’s curriculum. • Investors in Children: achieved Investors in Children Centre, and has achieved great success for its children, We have three base rooms; babies: 0-2 years, through our ongoing work in the Effective Early • Crèche: a fully resourced provision registered receiving a judgement of ‘Outstanding’ practice from Toddlers: 2-3 and Foundation: 3-5 years. Learning programme. and staffed by the Pre-school Learning Alliance, Ofsted in 2007. The Baby Room (0 - 2yrs): this is registered for up to supporting the activities of the Children’s Centre. • Family Support Worker: who links the home and school, six babies and has a nappy changing area and milk • EYFS: since September 2007 the nursery has Staff work closely with parents The nursery is a Local Authority maintained setting delivering offering sometimes vital support to families in need. kitchen. The Toddler Room (2 - 3yrs): with space for implemented the Early Years Foundation Stage The nursery is staffed by a diverse team, encompassing a high quality Early Years curriculum. There are places for • Staff: experienced, well-qualified and committed 16 children this adjoins the sleep room and has its (EYFS) which must be implemented by all settings Early Years Practitioners, Qualified Teachers, Nursery 40 part-time three-five year olds in the well-resourced and staff who look after and educate the community’s own changing area with child sized toilets and sinks. by September 2008. Nurses, and Family Support Workers. Staff and the spacious indoor and outdoor learning environment. children using a Keyworker system. 16 17 How Marsh Farm Children’s Centre helps parents How Marsh Farm Children’s Centre helps parents

Coleen sees how much it is a lifeline and is more than just an opportunity to have done. I’m really happy because they are having When Rita needed advice on How Marsh Farm Children’s have a chat and a coffee. It is a vital part of their lives How volunteering at Marsh fun and learning. A few years ago I started to get more the twins enjoy going – and that of their young family. I sometimes hear involved with what was going on at the Centre which her son’s behaviour, she Centre helps Coleen and to the Centre. mums say that their kids haven’t wanted to eat all day Farm Children’s Centre has actually gave me a sense of belonging. It has also knew where to go. “When we go to playgroup I get to talk to some of but when they come up here and see their friends, meant that I’ve been able to help other families in the “I get on very well with the staff – particularly Sarah. her grand-daughters to have the mums – it’s quite a social time really but I mainly they’re more than happy to join them for a snack. That given Rita, a mother of community.” She has been really great and when my eldest son way at least the mums know that their child has had go for the twins. They look forward to it so much and One of the activities that was about three, I was worried because he seemed fun and games together spend most of the week saying, ‘I’m going to show something to eat for that day. My twins want to join in three, a sense of belonging very hyperactive – he wouldn’t sit still at all and was this to Linda or tell Shafy that.’ They are so full of it too and they sit down to eat and have a glass of milk Rita helped with was the just jumping around everywhere. I talked to Sarah and after they’ve been and they come home singing all the with the others.” international families’ day she gave me advice about how to deal with it and I nursery rhymes that they’ve learnt that day! During half Coleen welcomes the also confided in the Health Visitor who suggested that term we all went on one of the planned activities which carnival. I give him more activities to do in the house and find was great and I helped out a bit too while the kids friendliness of the staff “I’ve been in the Parents’ Voices group for about four extra things for him to play with. He also went through mixed in with the others.” at the Centre. years. It’s run by parents for the families who come a stage of crying every morning when I went to get to the Centre. We get together and talk about the him up and they suggested that I needed to interact Even though the twins are “When my kids were small we didn’t have anything activities that we think people would like to do and and communicate with him more and get him more only three, Coleen realises like this – it’s really quite a blessing now. The staff are then we set our minds to the planning them. Last involved with things. I found out that when I did that excellent: from the moment you get to the door and summer we helped out with the international families’ and got down to his level, he calmed down a lot.” how important it is for them see the receptionist to when you leave. They get to day carnival – lots of people came and they all had a to meet and make friends know the kids’ names and what they like to do and great time. There was music, dance and Caribbean Rita knows what an impact who they like to be with. If it wasn’t that sort of friendly, with other children. food. It was a great way of getting the whole the Centre has made to the positive approach, I probably wouldn’t go to the community together and it gave us an opportunity to “I think that the social aspect is important for the Centre but I feel very comfortable going there with my tell more people about the Centre.” community. twins: they mix with children from all over the world, grand-daughters and I know how effective it is.” Colleen has lived in Luton for 40 years and, “Personally, I know how much the Centre has meant from Africa and Asia, everyplace really. Getting Rita is keen for other to me and my own family and I can see what a twice a week, she looks after Keisha and together with the other kids means that they come out Continuity is the key, Melissa, her three year old twin grand- mothers, like her, to know difference it has made to others who live round here. of themselves a bit which I know will help them when daughters. believes Coleen. The Centre really is a place where parents can seek they go to school – they will already be used to mixing about the Centre and what “Everyone is very approachable here and I know that help and make friends and relax. Some people have “I retired from my job as a midwife five years ago and freely and communicating with others.” 34 year old Rita lives in Luton with her husband I could contact anyone about any aspect of the twins’ it can do for them. dreadful problems at home but I want them to know I’ve been looking after the twins since they were just Ike and their children, five year old James, four that there is help out there – and that they can find it at development if I needed to. I also get a feeling of year old Benjamin and 11 month old Favour. “When I take my eldest son to school I come across six months old. Yes, I know it can be tiring and hard As both a mother and the Centre.” work at times but I love the fact that I can be at home continuity here; you see the same staff like the health Rita works part-time as a carer. lots of new mothers who don’t know anyone. I’ve grandmother, Coleen has visitors and family support workers most the time stopped them in the street and invited them along with them and be so much part of their lives. They’re “We have lived in Luton for seven years and I first great fun. We’ve been going to the playgroup sessions seen how the Children’s which is good. It’s not just a case of them seeing a to the Centre and told them about all the things that child and then that’s it, they disappear somewhere heard about the Children’s Centre when I started go on. I want them to know that they can take their at Marsh Farm Children’s Centre for quite a while now Centre has benefited families doing my childminding training there. I now go almost – we go every Wednesday. The girls love it and can’t else because, you know that you are going to see that children to the nursery there, that they can join in with in the community. member of staff again and again. I like that approach: every day – either to drop my children at the nursery all the activities that are run or that they could just pop wait to get there!” or to go there for a coffee and a chat to meet up with “When I talk to the mums at the playgroup – some of continuity is so important when it comes to childcare.” in for a coffee and a chat. I also want them to know friends. All my children have enjoyed going there: they whom I met when I was a midwife – they tell me how that if they need to talk to someone about any worries come home with lovely pictures and work that they they can’t wait to come up to the Centre. For many that they have, they can do that too.” 18 19 Board Members and Partners

Marsh Farm Children’s Penny Stubbs (Headteacher) Contact details Whitefields Infant School, Stockholm Way, Centre: Management Marsh Farm, Luton, LU3 3SS Marsh Farm Children’s Centre Board (June 2007) Patricia Griffin (Headteacher) Redgrave Gardens Christine Lenihan Waulud Primary School, Wauluds Bank Drive, Luton Head Teacher Lea Manor High School, Northwell Drive, Marsh Farm, Luton, LU3 3LZ LUS 3QN Luton, LU3 3TZ Sue Jeans Tel: 01582 556661 Graham Beckett (Chair of the Board) Marsh Farm Children’s Centre, Redgrave Gardens, Fax: 01582 515717 Finance & Operations Manager, Marsh Farm Development Luton, LUS 3QN E-mail: [email protected] Trust, Community Enterprise and Resource Centre, The Plus one other parent representative on a rotating basis Moakes, Marsh Farm Luton, Beds, LU3 3QB WHITEHORSE VALE Anwar Haque Partnership Group

Education Manager Marsh Farm Community Development Children’s Centre Manager NORTHWELL DRIVE Trust, Community Enterprise and Resource Centre, The Dawn Delaney, (Nursery Manager) LEA MANOR HIGH SCH GREAT WOOD Moakes, Marsh Farm Luton, Beds, LU3 3QB Butterflies Nursery, Marsh Farm Childrens Centre, LEA MANOR RECREATION CENTRE Helen Middleton Redgrave Gardens,Luton, LU3 3QN CERC Pre-School Learning Alliance County Manager Sue Elliott (Assistant Headteacher) Room 22, The Rufus Centre, Sleppingley Road, Flitwick, Gill Blowers Nursery School, Leabank, MK45 1AH PURLEY CENTRE Wauluds Bank Drive, LU3 3LW MARSH FARM SURE START CHILDRENʼS CENTRE David Bruce (Sure Start & Extended Schools Manager) WAULUDS BANK DR Anwar Haque (MFCDT) MARSH FARM LIBRARY Sure Start & Extended Schools Team, Wardown Park BRAMINGHAM ROAD WAY Offices, Luton LU2 7HA CERC, Northwell Drive, Luton, LU3 3RH LYGETON DRIVE Pam Brown (Chair EYDCP) John Salusbury (Deputy Head)

Marsh Farm Children’s Centre, Redgrave Gardens, Lea Manor High School, Northwell Drive, HIGH RISE FLATS Luton, LU3 3TZ SURE START GILL BLOWERS Luton, LUS 3QN CENTRE LEABANK Patricia Wren Sharon Cafferty Provider Services, Luton Teaching Primary Care Trust, Deputy Manager/Midwife 4th Flour Marsh Farm Sure Start Children’s Centre 33 – 35 Upper George Street, Luton, , Lyndsey O’Callaghan LU1 2RD 01582 556783, 07855 949280 NCMA Development Worker Debbie Harmon (Headteacher) Marsh Farm Sure Start Children’s Centre Gill Blowers Nursery School, Mossdale site, Jackie Wright (JobCentre Plus) 1 Mossdale court, Levendale, Hockwell Ring, Luton, LU4 9JL JobCentre Plus, Ground Floor, 55 Cheviot House, Leabank, Wauluds Bank Drive, Luton, LU3 3LW Guilford Street, Luton, LU1 2ER

20