“It really has been a lifeline for us, a happy, friendly and welcoming place, family- orientated and with a family atmosphere. Paul feels comfortable there, and my brother, who has Downs Syndrome is always welcomed, too. It’s a place for everyone, and I have recommended it to so many people because I feel so strongly that it should be used and enjoyed.”

Emma and Paul Burt-Reed have one daughter, Hannah, aged two.

“I have a friend whose partner is expecting a child and I’m keen to let him know what an asset the Centre can be. I’ve explained that being a full-time dad is hard work but very rewarding, especially when you know that help is out there when you need it.”

Twenty-three year old Ben Winder and his daughter, 15 month old Chloe, live in , where they are regular visitors to a Bexley Sure Start Children’s Centre.

Bexley Sure Start what we have Childrens Centres: achieved so far

Listening to you, working for you www.bexley.gov.uk Forewords: Challenges and Achievements

Foreword: Cllr June Slaughter, Best possible start in life Thank you to our families! Cabinet Member for The Borough of Bexley wants to offer all Lastly I would like to say an extra big thank you to the Top five Achievements Fruit and Veg Stall: A result Children’s Services its children the best possible start in life. Children’s children and families who have allowed us to share of a partnership started by Centres are at the very heart of Bexley’s approach to their experiences. It really makes our job worthwhile  Bexley now has 13 Children’s Centres (with more delivering the five Every Child Matters outcomes: to hear about the difference Children’s Centres are 1. the Children’s Centre team on the way). Children’s Centres are a new concept One Stop Shop: being healthy making to children’s lives. so we have written this booklet to describe some our Children’s Centre timetables are full of activities and events throughout the year. From Cllr June Slaughter of our achievements to date. We have also asked staying safe Totnastics to Baby Yoga to ‘Making Maths Count’, there is something for everyone with a child Cabinet Member for Children’s Services our families and staff to tell you what Children’s enjoying and achieving aged under five. Centres mean to them. Happy Reading! making a positive contribution 2. achieving economic well-being. Baby Cafe: Helping parents the first Baby Café (to support breastfeeding) in Bexley, with a Health Visitor and Children’s Our Children’s Centres have reached over 38% of Centre Manager working together to make this happen. children under five years in Bexley. They are helping

parents and carers to access health services, Job 3. Centre Plus, the Family Information Service, toy Health Partnership Working: co-location of a number of health professionals on Children’s Centre sites, this includes Health libraries, family and parenting support... and a wide Visitors, Oral Health, Midwives, Counselling and Speech and Language Professionals. range of other activities. If you want to know more about your local Children’s Centre, please go to www. 4. bexley.gov.uk/service/children/fis or telephone the ‘I CAN Accreditation at the Supportive Communication Level’: Family Information Service on 0208 856 5398. two of the Children’s Centre full day care nurseries, gained ‘I CAN Accreditation at the Partnership working Supportive Communication Level’ – showing good language development work with all children Our partnership working with children and their in their settings. This work was led by the Children’s Centre Speech and Language Therapy families brings together many professionals from a team. wide range of agencies, and volunteers whose time and commitment is crucial to our work. 5. Fruit and Veg Stall: Exciting times to support delivery to the ECM Themes of ‘healthy eating’ and ‘economic well being’, a fruit Helping 4891 children in Bexley! There are exciting times ahead for us all. Soon we and vegetable stall started on a school site Children’s Centre. The stall was the result of a will have a Children’s Centre in every community and partnership started by the Children’s Centre team (led by the Children’s Centre Manager) Bexley Sure Start Children’s Centres are helping this will require a great deal of work and dedication. together with Greenwich Community Food Co-op and with volunteers who can gain 38.2% of children aged five and under, across the We appreciate all the hard work that has taken place accreditation. whole of Bexley. so far and thank you in advance for your future That is an amazing 4891 children! contributions. 2 3 Children’s Centres in the Bexley District: what they have achieved so far The first five Children’s Centres Greenmead Children’s Centre, Normandy Children’s Centre, Greenmead Children’s Centre Normandy Primary School have full time daycare. Lime Row, (off Yarnton Way) Fairford Avenue Sure Start Children’s Centres in Bexley DA18 4HW Barnehurst DA7 6QP West Street Children’s Centre, Erith Centre Project Manager: Carmel White For more information or to book activities: 174 Chandlers Drive Erith DA8 1LW For more information or to book activities: Tel: 01322 359 475 For more information or to book activities: Tel: 020 8320 1618 Manager: Gillian Todd Sure Start Children’s Centres Centre Administrator: Vanessa O’Callaghan Tel: 01322 446 725 For information on nursery places linked to this Centre: Manager: Cecile Nicholson-Hall Yarnton Way Nursery,Daycare Centre Manager:- Viv Viney Children’s Centre, North Heath will be developed in three A brand new Children’s Centre (including a full day care nursery For information on nursery places in this Centre: Tel: 020 8320 7872 for 0-5s) is being built in the grounds of Northumberland Heath Children’s Centre, North Cray phases to cover every ward in West Street Neighbourhood Nursery Primary School - this will be completed in January 2010. North Cray Neighbourhood Centre 1 Maxim Road In the meantime Children’s Centre activities are being run at 1 Davis Way Bexley. The first phases have Erith DA8 1FA Northumberland Heath Baptist Church Tel: 01322 446 845 Northumberland Heath Baptist Church Manager: Paula Shone DA14 5JQ seen the development of 13 Belmont Rd For more information or to book activities: Northend Children’s Centre, Erith DA8 1LB Children’s Centres. 4a Lincoln Close Tel: 020 8308 3881 Manager: Teresa Blackman Manager: Stella Cagneux Slade Green DA8 2EB For more information or to book activities: For information on nursery places in this Centre: For more information or to book activities: Tel: 07977560492 Mapalim 1. Greenmead Centre - Thamesmead Tel: 01322 332559 Wrotham Road Children’s Centre, St Michaels Manager: Beverly Mills Incorporated within North Cray Neighbourhood Centre 2. St. Augustines CC - Belvedere 1, Davis Way, DA14 5JQ Wrotham Road Clinic. For information on nursery places in this Centre: Wrotham Road, 3. West St. CC - Erith Tel: 020 7284 3215 Janis or Jade. North End Pre-School Learning Alliance Nursery , Kent, DA16 1LS Danson Children’s Centre, 4. North End CC - Slade Green Tel: 01322 331168 Children’s Centre, Welling (covering both Brampton & Danson) 5. North Cray CC - Cray Meadows Manager: Josie Lait or Deputy Manager: Marie Johnson Falconwood Community Centre St Augustine’s Children’s Centre, Belvedere Danson Youth Centre Falconwood Parade 6. Barnes Cray CC - Co-located first floor Brampton Road The Green (Off Hook Lane) 7. Normandy CC - Colyers St Augustine of Canterbury C of E Primary School Bexleyheath DA7 4EZ Welling St Augustine’s Road For more information or to book activities: Kent DA16 2PG 8. Wrotham Rd CC - St. Michaels Belvedere DA17 5HP Tel: 020 8303 6052 Barnes Cray Children’s Centre 9. Danson CC - Danson & Brampton For more information or to book activities: Email: [email protected] Barnes Cray Primary School 10. Northumberland Heath CC - Northumberland Heath Tel: 020 8320 6617 Sidcup Children’s Centre, Sidcup Iron Mill Lane Manager: Janice Ward-Wilson Manager: Claire Jenkins Crayford 11. Falconwood CC - Falconwood & Welling Kent DA1 4RS For information on nursery places in this Centre: [email protected] 12. Sidcup CC - Sidcup For more information or to book activities: Daycare Centre Manager: Cheryl Butler For more information or to book activities: 13. Bedonwell CC - Tel: 020 8311 2956 Tel: 0208 302 2677 Tel: 01322 520080 Email: [email protected] For information on the sensory room facility: Full Day Care/sessional care available on site at:- New Foundations Day Nursery Please contact Jo Richards Behind The Adult Education College for Bexley Tel: 020 8320 6617 Alma Road Sidcup Kent DA14 4ED 4 5 Children’s Centres in the Bexley District: what they have achieved so far Since the launch of Bexley Children’s Centres, 40% of children under age five years have been reached. Approx 1,700 of these attended one of our five Children’s Centres with daycare in the most Being Healthy disadvantaged wards. Source: Children’s Centre and nursery databases.

Bexley Sure Start Children’s Mini Chefs: Emma and her daughter have huge welcome for people like me who wanted a child- being so expensive it would have been impossible for Centres have developed a range a fun and healthy play and cooking experience for found affordable entertainment, friendly place to meet people and socialise.” us, but through the Centre Hannah has been able to learn for a fraction of the cost. I feel very strongly that parent and child. Appropriate for 18m-4 year olds. Affordable pleasures of integrated services that deliver new friends and a genuine Hannah should have a happy childhood and as many to the ‘Every Child Matters’ Theme Fruit and Veg Stall: welcome at a Bexley Sure Start Emma considers herself and her husband fortunate in opportunities as possible, and it’s only through the of Being Healthy, including the a Children’s Centre launched fruit and vegetable Children’s Centre that, although there is not a great deal of spare money Centre that we’ve been able to achieve as much as stall, in partnership with Greenwich Community to throw around, it is possible for her to take time off following (not all services are at all Friends of her own age we have.” Food Co-op on 27th February 2009. It opens work whilst Hannah is still young. “I am very conscious Centres)… Something for all the family Fridays from 12.00—4.00pm term-time only. Emma started taking Hannah to the North Cray Sure that, all too soon, Hannah will be going to school and Baby Group (0 – 9 months): There is class one produce at reasonable prices. Start Children’s Centre when Hannah was about a both Paul and I felt it was important that I should be Both mother and daughter have thoroughly parent and baby drop-in group supported by Health Parents are also encouraged to be volunteer sales year old, having heard about it from a friend. As an with her until then. The wonderful thing about the appreciated the new circle of friends that they have older first-time mum, Emma was anxious to make sure Visiting staff, with a variety of activities. Baby scales assistants. Children’s Centre is that it gave me the chance to do made through North Cray Children’s Centre, people available. that Hannah had the opportunity to mix with other so many lovely things with Hannah without having to they would not otherwise have met. “It really has Dental Advice: children her own age, since Emma’s own friends’ spend a small fortune.” been a lifeline for us, a happy, friendly and welcoming Breastfeeding Support: regular dentist visits and dental advice. children were generally much older. place, family-orientated and with a family atmosphere. run by a very experienced NCT Counsellor, who can Sing and sign “Pretty well all of my friends had had their children Paul feels comfortable there, and my brother, who answer all parent questions to prepare them, and Young Parents Antenatal Group: As a Primary School Teacher of children with special earlier than me, or not had children at all, and so I has Downs Syndrome is always welcomed, too. It’s a guide them, through their breastfeeding experience. a relaxed group in an informal setting where young needs, Emma was aware of the value of sign language faced the prospect of Hannah spending most of her place for everyone, and I have recommended it to so people can prepare for parenthood and share and had started to introduce it to Hannah at home. Ante and Post Natal Clinics: time with older people, which is not what I wanted for many people because I feel so strongly that it should concerns. When she found out that the Children’s Centre was Midwife help and support for mums to be and mums her,” explains Emma. “In addition, Paul and I no longer be used and enjoyed.” running a Makaton Sing and Sign Course, she was Rainbow Therapy (adults): have active parents so there was little family support. A life-changing experience with newborns. keen to enrol. “It was perfect for us as it reinforced monthly session by Reflexology Therapist, offering Finding the Children’s Centre has been an absolute what I’d been teaching Hannah at home and it has For parents who want to give their children the best Midwifery Drop-In Clinic: a variety of relaxing treatments for hands/feet. 30- lifeline for us in many ways and for that reason I am been extremely useful,” she says. “Learning signing is start in life, Emma believes that they could not do additional to regular Ante and Post Natal clinics. No minute session. one of its biggest ever supporters.” appointment necessary to see a Midwife at your excellent for a small child as it means that, even before better than North Cray Children’s Centre. “It has Not what she expected convenience. Mentally & Emotionally Healthy: they are able to express themselves in words, they changed our lives, and enriched Hannah’s early one-to-one as well as ‘beyondblue’ group Having decided to take Hannah to the weekly Drop- can let you know what they want, which helps to avoid childhood, and you can’t ask for more than that.” Birth Baby and You: counselling (run by Health Visitors and Midwifery In, Emma soon discovered there was much more to frustration and tantrums.” ante natal classes with activities such as breathing colleagues and Counsellors) for peri-natal North Cray Children’s Centre than she had expected. So much for so little and relaxation exercises to help mums prepare for depression is run through Children’s Centre sites... “I admit that I had some preconceptions about what Emma and Hannah, not to mention Paul, who has the birth. it was all about, and assumed it was just aimed at as well as CCBT (Computerised Cognitive Behaviour also attended sessions when work allows, regularly go people who needed special family support, but I soon Lips, Nose, Ears and Toes: therapy) run by a partnership with MIND for adults to activities such as baby gymnastics, toddler soccer realised that I was completely mistaken,” she says. a learning class for parents to study the art of sense- with mild depression or anxiety. and singing groups, and of particular value to Emma, Emma and Paul Burt-Reed have one “Whilst there is indeed a superb level of expertise and focused play. Learn to use a child’s sense of touch, swimming lessons. “With private swimming lessons daughter, Hannah, aged two. professional help on hand if needed, there is also a smell, sight and hearing to aid their development 6 7 Children’s Centres in the Bexley District: what they have achieved so far Helped contribute to the reduction of emergency hospital admissions caused by unintentional and deliberate injuries to children and young people. It is down from 97.7 per 10,000 people in 2006, to Staying Safe 92.1 per 10,000 people in 2007. Source: Bexley Care Trust.

Bexley Sure Start Children’s With this in mind, families worked in partnership In addition, when the families had a talk with the Gemma was struggling as a children and something different to do was a huge given me ideas on how to deal with difficult behaviour, Centres have developed a range with Northend Children’s Centre, Neighbourhood Fire Officer, they found out they were able to have single mum until she found bonus, and as soon as they began going to Tots and reassuring me that I’m doing OK. She’s also going Services, Slade Green Safer Neighbourhoods free smoke alarms fitted and how to report arson. to Toddlers she realised that she’d made a good to try and get a nursery place for him so that I can of integrated services that deliver the support she needed from decision. “Johnny loves it and it helps him use up have a bit of a break with some time to myself, which to the Every Child Matters Theme Policing Team, and Health Services in planning a This has led to a CCTV camera being put up in a Bexley Sure Start Children’s community safety event called Child Safety Week, Orchard House where there has been over 100 fires some of his energy. Because the Centre is so friendly is something I never have.” of Staying Safe, including the Centre and welcoming we started going to as many other in June 2008. Its aim was that families would deliberately set. Thankfully these fires have now Someone to listen activities as we could - Ready, Steady, Go, Play, Stay following (not all services are at all understand the real risks to children and the simple stopped and Borrow, Mini Chefs - anything that was going on. Because she has no contact with Johnny’s father Centres)… changes they can make to reduce those risks - so Twenty-one year old Gemma (names Women’s Aid course: It was lovely for me to have some adult company or and little with her family, Gemma feels strongly the that children and young people can enjoy safer, have been changed) is a single mum First Aid Course: sessions are run at some Children’s Centres for just someone to talk to, and because Johnny was so weight of responsibility she alone has for her son. healthier, more active lives. and her son, Johnny, is nearly two. a four week course with crèche helping the parent women who have experienced domestic violence. happy to be there I felt I was doing the right thing for She has also been distressed by her parents’ recent understand basic first aid techniques. Gemma has accessed many of the us both.” divorce and the death of her grandmother, so she has decided to take up the offer of counselling through Baby and Toddler Swimming: services offered at Northend Sure Start A place of safety Children’s Centre, including the support the Children’s Centre. “There have been so many helping baby and toddler to learn to swim and stay Another reason why Gemma was so grateful to have things in my life which have really got me down, and of a Children’s Centre social worker who safe in the water. As an example there is a five-week the Centre close by was because of the reassurance sometimes it’s hard to know which way to turn. Having course at Erith Leisure Centre on Tuesday mornings, has helped her deal with some of the it gave her in terms of her safety. She had been someone to talk things through with will help, I’m sure, to introduce baby/toddler to swimming. Six diffferent difficulties she has encountered as a threatened by an acquaintance in her own home but and because everyone at the Centre has been so kind time slots are available. single parent. was able to escape with her son and run to the Centre and welcoming, even now I’m starting to feel better in Scallywags Toddler Gym (0-5 years): for help. “I was so glad there was somewhere I could myself.” get to quickly and where I knew I could get help. They soft play and climbing equipment. Helps balance Trapped at home alone Enormous support were amazingly kind and helpful and I was able to and co-ordination. Session includes games with Gemma decided to take Johnny to activities at ring the police from there and stay until things calmed Gemma believes that Northend Children’s Centre has parachute, hoops, bean-bags and balls, music and Northend Sure Start Children’s Centre when he down. Now I spend a lot of time there as I like to have been of enormous support for her as a single parent, movement. was about 18 months old, finding that she needed people around and know that it’s a safe haven for me and that she can continue to rely on that support as somewhere to go to get her out of her flat and where and Johnny.” long as she needs it. “I know they want to help and she could meet other people. “Just being at home on my life would have been more difficult without them,” Safety days: Reassurance my own with Johnny was driving me a bit mad!” she she says. “I can always expect a friendly welcome and promoting and hosting activities about health, says. “It’s not always easy to find places to go with a Gemma sometimes finds Johnny’s behaviour someone to talk to when I need it, and I’m happy to well-being and community safety. Bexley small child, especially something they’ll enjoy, and the challenging and she has appreciated the immense know there is someone there for me and Johnny.” Children’s Centres believe that involving parents in Children’s Centre seemed like a good place to start.” amount of support she has had from the Children’s the planning and delivery of services is one of the Fun and friends for Johnny Centre social worker to whom she was introduced most effective ways of ensuring engagement with at the Children’s Centre. “He can be difficult at times families... and encouraging the take up of services. As Gemma has little support from family, she found and I find it hard work coping,” she explains. “My that giving Johnny the chance to play with other Children’s Centre social worker has helped a lot and 8 9 Children’s Centres in the Bexley District: what they have achieved so far Children’s Centre have helped the most disadvantaged young children catch up with their peers in the Enjoying and Achieving Early Years Foundation Stage. Last year we saw a 3% improvement in the rate of progress.

Bexley Sure Start Children’s Separation and divorce badly “One of my main worries was Maisie, who of the two Using personal experience to help others children had been most affected by the separation,” Centres have developed a range of Saturdads for Dad’s and Grandad’s of affected her children, but Anna Anna was also offered the support of a Home Start explains Anna. “She started bed-wetting, and her Northend and Slade Green: volunteer and although she felt she had moved integrated services that deliver to has found the support she behaviour at school was so bad I was often called in held every Saturday of the month at St beyond the need for the service, she decided that it the Every Child Matters Theme of needed at a Bexley Sure Start by her teachers. I began to dread picking her up in was something which she was in a position to offer Enjoying and Achieving, including Augustine’s Church Hall, Slade Green Children’s Centre case something else had happened that day.” Road. 10am – 12pm. Saturdads must be to others. “Once I started to get back on my feet and the following (not all services are at Positive Steps used to my new situation I felt that I could use my life accompanied by at least one child aged up all Centres)… experiences to help other people,” she says. “If I can Anna (names have been changed) is the Having confided in her Health Visitor, Anna was to five years; older children are welcome to use what I have been through to relate to someone Baby Massage (2-8 months): divorced mother of two children, Maisie, referred to the Positive Steps programme and accompany their younger sibling too. else then I’d like to do it, and I’m about to start training five week course. Loving communication through five, and three-year-old Gary. Anna through this was able to apply strategies to help to be a Volunteer.” positive touch. Soothing and relaxing. Calms A Dad says: “As a dad myself, I appreciate occasionally took the children to North Maisie through her behavioural issues. “Each session emotions and stress. Develops muscle tone and how difficult bringing up kids can be. Children’s End Sure Start Children’s Centre when concentrated on a different aspect of behaviour, such You only have to ask … co-ordination... and gives relief from colic and as sleeping, attitude, eating or interaction with other Centres offer great activities and support for all they were very small, but became more Until she found herself in the position of needing its constipation. children, and Maisie actively looked forward to them. the family but it’s nice to offer something just support, Anna was unaware of how much North End closely involved with the Centre following Quite soon I noticed a real improvement and so did Dad’s Club (dads or male carers, with children for dads. This club offers a place for dads to Children’s Centre had to offer. “There is certainly more the breakdown of her marriage. her school; one day her teacher said to me ‘I don’t aged 0-8 years): than I realised and you don’t know until you ask,” spend some special time with their children”. know what you’ve done but it’s worked – she’s a chance for dads to get together with other dads and Petwise Mobile Zoo: she says. “Even if there is something they don’t know completely different child!’” Centre staff... share concerns, make friends and visiting Children’s Centres to increase children’s Much more than I realised or can’t do, they will find out what else is available have fun with their children! understanding of the natural world. Genuine concern and help you to access what you need. I have been “There were a lot of reasons why I was grateful for Play Dance (2-4 years): surprised and very grateful for all their help and the Children’s Centre when I separated from my What Anna valued was the genuine concern she fun dancing with props and music. French Club: reassurance.” felt that the Children’s Centre staff had for her and a fun way of learning basic French with your children. husband,” says Anna. “To begin with, it was nice to Play, Stay and Borrow: have somewhere I could go and meet people and to her children, and even though she was not always No need to suffer in silence free play session and an opportunity to join the toy Pre-Nursery Group: in a position to take advantage of all the support start to socialise again, but as time went on I found Once Gary starts school in September Anna will library to borrow items for a small fee. playgroup for children aged two and a half and services on offer, she was reassured to know that that there was much more to it than that, and it really be able to return to work, but until then is happy Tots to Toddlers (9 months – 24 months): over. Play based learning in a relaxed and friendly the provision was available. “I had gone to my GP for has been a great deal of help to me during the last that she can make good use of her time by helping drop-in group for children aged between nine environment. counselling but I had no-one to leave the children with. year or so.” others. “Divorce is particularly hard when children are months and two years. Provides play opportunities Positive Parenting for Teenagers: Then I was offered counselling through the Centre Behaviour problems involved; I’ve been there and I know. Sometimes it’s to allow children to explore the world around them a weekly course run by Bexley SNAP offering advice which also provided a crèche facility, and that made difficult to confide in other people but no-one should whilst developing and practising new skills. and emotional support for parents and carers of Anna has been able to access a wide variety of life much easier.” suffer in silence, and I’m going to do my best to make teenagers with additional needs. support services through the Children’s Centre, Socatots: sure people know they don’t have to.” a very popular football based programme for six Family Learning Course: including counselling, behavioural therapy and months to four year old children to develop their helping parents to improve numeracy skills as childcare, all of which have improved her confidence co-ordination, discipline and self-esteem. well as learning how to support their child in this and her ability to succeed as a newly-single parent. 18 week course. 10 11 Children’s Centres in the Bexley District: what they have achieved so far Children’s Centres make a big effort to reach every member of the community. They have increased their reach to Black and Ethnic Minority groups from 7% to 18% over the last 2 years. In addition we are Making a Positive Contribution seeing more Dads and families with disabled children attending.

Bexley Sure Start Children’s Struggling as a young, single and healthcare professionals and to help to mediate and showed me where to look for potential dangers Centres have developed a range A Childminder’s Contribution parent, Ben found support, between me and Chloe’s mother. I was determined to and gave me some basic cooking advice. She did so retain the right for Chloe to live with me and thankfully, much to help me provide a proper home for Chloe and of integrated services that deliver to Children’s Centres kindness and understanding at with the huge support I’ve had from the Children’s took the guesswork out of parenthood for me, and I’ll to the Every Child Matters Theme Sara Jones, Registered Childminder in Bexley, a Bexley Sure Start Children’s Centre, that is what has happened.” be eternally grateful for that support.” of Making a Positive Contribution, Centre says: CAFCASS Hard work, but worth every minute including the following (not all Irreplaceable value services are at all Centres)…… In spite of this determination, Ben has no wish to Ben takes Chloe to the Children’s Centre several times Northend Children’s Centre has, according to Ben, sever the links between mother and daughter and each week, either to Toddler Groups or when he is Children’s Centre Parents Forums: I have made a positive contribution to North been of irreplaceable value in his experience of single makes every effort for contact to be maintained under attending a course and Chloe can play happily in the parent opportunities to shape the development of End Children’s Centre, by organising a monthly parenthood. Ben’s ex-partner, Chloe’s mother, who supervised circumstances; nevertheless, things can crèche. From a personal point of view, Ben values local Children’s Centres. Children’s Centres have an Childminder Forum with the help of the was only 18 when their daughter was born, found often be difficult and, at times, acrimonious. It is for the chance it gives him to socialise with other adults advisory board, this includes local representatives Children’s Centre. family life too challenging to deal with and she and this reason he is so grateful for the help, support and is keen to help with a proposed Dad’s Group. Ben subsequently separated. Although Ben is now from a variety of backgrounds, including colleagues The Forum is an informal gathering of Bexley and advice he has had from the staff at Northend “It would be nice to see a few more men using the Chloe’s legal designated guardian, on-going Court and Children’s Centre. “When I started taking Chloe there Centre with their children,” he believes. “I have a friend from voluntary organisations, childminders and local Childminders, who bring their under five year custody hearings have taken up a great deal of Ben’s for the CAFCASS meetings I really appreciated how whose partner is expecting a child and I’m keen to parents...together with other providers of services for old children to enjoy the playroom facilities. time and energy. friendly and kind everyone was to me. They got me let him know what an asset the Centre can be. I’ve under 5s, and one Centre has a GP on their board. Meanwhile Childminders can network and The most important thing in life involved in various groups and courses and were explained that being a full-time dad is hard work but Greenwich Park Day Trip: discuss childminding matters in a confidential always happy to sit and talk to me or do whatever very rewarding, especially when you know that help is parents help out and attend day trips. An example setting. Childminders and their children can “When Chloe’s mum asked me to decide between they could to help if I needed it. I really believe that out there when you need it.” give their views about the services provided at her and Chloe, there was absolutely no contest,” if it wasn’t for everything they did for me, I wouldn’t is Greenwich Park Day Trip. Parents met at Slade Giving something back Green train station at 10.15am, and travelled the Centre. begins Ben. “There was no way I was going to give be in the position I’m in now, happy living with my my daughter up, and I have no time at all for men who daughter.” In the spirit of wishing to help others as he himself together to Greenwich Park for Easter activities... The forum provides an opportunity for us to father children without a second thought and then has received help, Ben has assisted in the support including a nature walk and ball games. Taking the guesswork out of parenting seek advice from other professionals. Equally, abandon them. As soon as I saw Chloe I fell in love of other parents who use the Centre, delivering items Fruit and Vegetable Stall at St Augustine’s Children’s Centre professionals can get to know with her and now she and her welfare are the most As any single parent knows, bringing up a child alone of furniture and being a willing listener to people who Children’s Centre: more about the services we offer and can seek important things in my life.” is not an easy thing to do, but for a twenty-three year have also been through difficult times. “Staff members advice from us where appropriate. relies heavily on the support of local people and Huge support old man there are even more difficulties in store. “I at Northend Children’s Centre have put their heads on volunteers. I believe that Childminders and Children’s knew next to nothing about caring for a baby, just that the line for me and being able to give something back It was Ben’s Health Visitor who, having discovered I had to do it,” Ben explains. “The Centre arranged for seems like a natural thing to do. At one time I didn’t Centres should work in partnership to provide Homestart: the problems Ben and his ex-partner were having, me to take courses to help me learn about things like know if I was coming or going but with their kindness the highest standard of care, education works with Children’s Centres to help and support Twenty-three year old Ben Winder and his suggested a CAFCASS meeting should be arranged parenting skills, nutrition and home safety; they helped and help Chloe and I are now doing fine, and able to families in crisis. Over 30 volunteers are working with and support to young children and their daughter, Chloe, live in Bexley, where they at Northend Children’s Centre. “The idea was to get me sort out my finances and with Court appearances get on with our lives.” families who have children aged under five years. families. are regular visitors to Northend Children’s together all the people involved in Chloe’s case, such and they even helped when I ran out of nappies at the Centre. Chloe is 15 months old. as Social Workers, Health Visitors, legal advisors wrong time! One of the Workers came to my house 12 13 Children’s Centres in the Bexley District: what they have achieved so far In the wards of the five original Children’s Centres, we saw a Achieving Economic Wellbeing 1.6% drop in poverty from Apr 06 DWP data to Apr 07 DWP data. f

Bexley Sure Start Children’s How Bexley Children’s Centres help Hope to spend more time with Jacob Treated like a slave in her own Desperation occasions, so at least I had the chance to represent my case and to try and turn my life around at last.” Centres have developed a range parents claim the correct benefits If I am successful in my claim and am awarded some financial home, Jaswinder found the It was only when the family settled in the Bexley area recompense it will potentially allow me to drop my working of integrated services that deliver Helen Webb says: hours (I presently work full time) to spend more time with my courage to break away with the that Jaswinder found the opportunity to visit the St New confidence to make a new life son, as at the moment his childcare is shared between both Augustine’s Sure Start Children’s Centre, and it has to the Every Child Matters Theme My four year old son has a suspected Autistic support of a Bexley Sure Start It’s not only the practical help which has been Spectrum Disorder and since he started the nursery sets of grandparents - stressful for him as he has difficulty with been the best decision she has ever made. “I was of Achieving Economic Wellbeing, transitions and sometimes hard for the ageing grandparents as Children’s Centre invaluable for Jaswinder but also the chance she linked to Upton Primary School in September 2008 I really desperate and I had no idea what to do or where including the following (not all have been gently pushed by various different people Jacob is anything but easy to look after. had had to make friends and to make a new life for to go. The Children’s Centre proved to be exactly services are at all Centres)… (the school SENCO, my son’s PACTS tutors, the ASD advisor I can’t begin to stress how grateful I am to Janice and to Thirty-year-old Jaswinder (names have herself. As well as taking Raj to play sessions at the what I needed in so many ways, and since then it has and the Educational Psychologist) to apply for Disability Living Kate for their above and beyond help. been changed) lives in Bexley with her four Centre and on the coach outings which are organised Intro to Childcare Course: Allowance on his behalf. played an extremely important part in my life.” an introduction to working in childcare, advice on year old son, Raj. Jaswinder is separated from time to time, Jaswinder has taken a number of No time to fill out the form qualifications, wage, opportunities etc. from her husband and is currently Working together to access the right support courses on various subjects. “I have so enjoyed having I duly applied for a claim form at the beginning of October the chance to learn again, and things like Practical undergoing divorce proceedings as well as Staff at the Centre arranged for a CAFCASS report to Food Hygiene Course: 2008 and for the next three months deliberated over filling it Parenting were so useful. It reassured me that I was out - partly because of the time factor, and partly because of fighting a custody and access case. be prepared, enabling Jaswinder to get the support can lead to employment in the food industry, and doing a good job with my son and that I wasn’t an my personal emotional struggle to come to terms with my son’s she needed from the various agencies and services also makes for good practice at home in the kitchen. ‘disability’; if I didn’t fill the form out then maybe he wouldn’t be unfit mother, as my husband used to tell me, and it which needed to be involved. “At first I was scared autistic after all! gave me the confidence to move on.” No-one to listen to a cry for help about telling people about my situation in case they Thamesmead Law Centre didn’t believe me, or thought I was a bad mother, Hope for a better future Although well-educated and intelligent, when she I work for Trust Thamesmead; a Community Development but in fact everyone has been wonderful. Raj had charity based in Thamesmead, South London, as PA to the moved to the UK with her new husband Jaswinder Jaswinder still has a long way to go in sorting out obviously been affected by what he had seen at Chief Executive and have also recently been appointed as found that she had no weapons with which to protect the problems in her life, but she is confident that St Company Secretary. In my new role I met with one of our home, but with huge support from the Centre he is so herself within a relationship which soon became Augustine’s Children’s Centre will be there for her Board members, Janice Ward-Wilson who is the St Augustine’s much better and happier now. Because everyone is Children’s Centre Manager. During our meeting Janice asked abusive and frightening. “I had no family in this every step of the way. She has been able to find out working together and knows all of what is going on, I Proud mum after my son and I explained the dilemma that faced me - joking country, and because my husband kept moving us about opportunities for training and is in her final year completes her that Jacob would probably be an adult by the time I tackled have been able to access so much help and support around I didn’t have the chance to make friends or of an Accountancy Course, which she will be able to Healthy Eating the DLA claim form. Janice told me that if I wished she could without which I couldn’t have coped.” Cookery Course give me contact details of Kate Grubb at the Thamesmead Law put down roots, or to find out what help there might use to support her son and herself in the future. “St Working Tax Credit: Centre who was very adept at filling in DLA claim forms and in LATEST NEWS: Success! be for me here,” she remembers. “For nearly seven Funding for emergency childcare Augustine’s Children’s Centre has been like a family to Children’s Centre staff have worked with the Family fact had filled out many forms for parents with autistic children. I had a letter on Monday evening from the Department from years I was treated like a slave and abused both me, and a real Godsend,” she says sincerely. “Now I Work and Pensions to say that they have awarded Jacob One thing which was particularly valuable was the Information Service to actively promote Working Tax Help to complete form emotionally and physically, but because my husband know that there is hope for me, and for people like me the highest rate of Disability Living Allowance. Don't need funding she was allocated in order to provide childcare Credit and CAP (Childcare Affordability Programme), who have nowhere else to turn. When other people I met Kate...and the form has now been returned to the to tell you what this means to us, not only from a financial was respected and is a very plausible man, no-one for Raj. “I had to spend a great deal of time with as well as promoting the new £190 Maternity Grant. Department of Work and Pensions with a backdated point of view, but also the fact that someone has finally seemed prepared to listen to me.” turned their backs on me, the Children’s Centre acknowledged and recognised the day to day struggles lawyers and my Safety Officer as well as in court, and Thamesmead Law Centre date stamp on it which will enable me welcomed me with open arms and I will always be Play, Stay and Borrow: to claim any backdated benefit that I am awarded. our little 'family of two' go through. I had nowhere to leave Raj. The Children’s Centre allows people to borrow and let their child try out incredibly grateful for that.” THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU funding meant I could use a childminder for those toys instead of having to buy new expensive toys all THANK YOU! of the time. 14 15 Children’s Centres in the Bexley District: what they have achieved so far How partners have benefited through working with Bexley Sure Start Children’s Centres

From conception to birth, Aldyth Safety Always in touch Karen is supporting parents Positive impact agency support. Whatever the issue, our role is to identify the problem and assess the best way to find a “What we are aiming to do is to put the normality back Continuity of care is at the heart of what Aldyth and her Most parents experience behavioural problems in is helping women to enjoy their of young children with difficult positive outcome.” pregnancy and giving them all the into pregnancy, making it more of a natural process than a colleagues believe in, and wherever possible they will behaviour across Bexley Sure their children from time to time, but occasionally these medical one,” she says. “While there will always be women stay in close touch with each woman throughout her problems threaten to get out of hand, leaving parents A high rate of success care they need in the safe and who need a higher level of medical intervention for various pregnancy, including the birth itself. “We all ensure that Start Children’s Centres. feeling vulnerable and unable to cope alone. In the Karen believes that the high success rate the relaxing setting of a Bexley Sure reasons, generally speaking a normal pregnancy can be each of our women can reach one of the Midwifery Group eighteen months that Karen Laffar has been running programme achieves is largely because of the holistic monitored and managed perfectly safely without the need Practice Midwives at all times and that we are there at the Positive Steps throughout the Bexley Children’s Start Children’s Centre approach taken to address all aspects of the situation. for regular hospital visits.” birth if at all possible,” she explains. “Having someone who Centres, she has found the programme to have had “We work very closely with other agencies, in particular Birth, Baby & You parentcraft session delivered by a midwifery colleague you know and trust with you at that very special moment is a hugely positive impact for the families who have Enjoying a stress-free pregnancy Early Years, Social Services, and mental health reassuring and can help a woman to relax, which can help participated: Aldyth and her colleagues provide Drop-In Clinics where to bring about a safe and stress-free delivery.” practitioners. Our evaluation shows that the service women can go to have check-ups and to receive any Early intervention has excellent outcomes and positive user feedback A matter of choice and continues to develop further as the Children’s information or advice they might want, without having to “Every family is different and so it is important to Centre and parenting agenda evolves.” make an appointment “Our involvement starts as early as Aldyth is a great believer in choices in childbirth and is assess each one as an individual situation. What might possible and we promote the service to women who have also keen to promote birth at home for women who are work for one family would be the wrong approach for Addressing need in the most efficient way not yet conceived but are considering doing so, thus giving considered ‘low-risk’. “All expectant women are given another and it’s important that we establish the right Co-ordination of the Programme through the Children’s a child the best possible start in life. We can give advice on options, depending upon the level of care they might need. method of support in each case. The programme Centres is, Karen feels, one its main strengths, pulling nutrition and exercise during pregnancy, information and Whenever appropriate, I would always advocate a home aims to help parents to understand how to address the family and all the relevant agencies together and help with drug, alcohol and nicotine use and screening for birth as the woman is in her own comforting and familiar challenging behaviour and the reasons behind it, and ensuring that everyone is aware of what is going abnormality, as well as offering referral for physiotherapy or environment but with the support of professionals. We also from that to then move on to a better relationship with on. ‘When parents come to us for help, they do so complementary therapies such as aromatherapy. Basically, offer a dedicated Birth Centre, which has a ‘home-from- their child. The key issue is that of early intervention, because they are in real need and we want to make we address every issue which may concern a pregnant home’ like setting and may be more reassuring for first- so that difficult behaviour in the early years does not sure everything is in place for them. They can be Aldyth Walker is a Midwifery Practice Leader employed woman, and helping her enjoy her pregnancy without time mothers who prefer to give birth in a hospital setting. escalate to cause worse problems later on in life.” by the new South London Healthcare Trust. Since worry.” Whatever their wishes, we do our best to make sure they confident that, through the Children’s Centre, we can have the birthing experience they prefer.” The parent/child relationship provide the support they need.” October last year, Aldyth and the colleague with whom All-round care and advice she shares her role have been leading a Midwifery A great step forward in care during pregnancy The Positive Steps Programme involves a 6 – 8 week A valuable service for parents and children Group Practice, delivering maternity care out of three Another advantage of working with Children’s Centres is series of contacts, held either at the family home or Bringing all-round maternity care into the Children’s Karen’s belief in the programme is borne out by the of the Bexley Sure Start Children’s Centres. Aldyth is that women who visit the Midwife Drop-In are brought into the Children’s Centre, focusing on the parent and contact with the many other benefits offered there, such Centres is, Aldyth believes, a great step forward in feedback she has had from both parents and children based at Northend Children’s Centre. child relationship and agreed behaviour management as Parenting Classes, Breastfeeding Support, Childcare maternity and obstetrics. It takes pressure off GPs, who have taken part, and who have appreciated strategies. “Initially, we concentrate on listening to the Continuity and accessibility options and play facilities for the children. There are also bringing a wide range of pre- and post-natal services within both the methods used and the results achieved. “I parent and finding out why they are having difficulty in representatives from agencies such as Social Services on easy reach of parents and providing a calm, safe and really feel that we are providing a much-needed and One of the new Government initiatives, ‘Maternity Matters’, dealing with the child’s behaviour,” explains Karen. “It hand for advice and help. “Whilst pregnancy is a perfectly relaxing environment for women to access the provision Karen Laffar is the Lead Health Visitor for successful facility for families, and that the Children’s is designed to support women throughout pregnancy, may be that they themselves have not grown up with normal process, it can cause or highlight, for example, they need. “Pregnancy isn’t an illness and shouldn’t be Parent Support for Bexley Sure Start Children’s Centre is the best place to run the programme from. from pre-conception to after the birth, and to provide them a positive parenting role model, or that they are finding problems with finances, housing or relationships, and we treated as such, but care and advice are needed to ensure Centres and is based at the North End Children’s I believe strongly in the Children’s Centre principle with increased choice in the type of care they can access. the relationship with their child very difficult. There is try to ensure that issues like this are also addressed if that everything goes as smoothly as possible. That’s why I Centre. Karen leads the Positive Steps Parenting and am glad to be able to make a contribution to Aldyth believes that offering the service through Children’s also the possibility that the child has additional needs necessary.” so much enjoy working at the Children’s Centres, because Programme with a multi agency team, the aim being the service it offers to parents and children in the Centres is extremely effective, giving pregnant women requiring medical or psychological intervention, or the I’m helping to provide women with exactly what they need, to help parents deal with their child’s challenging community.” continuity of care in a reassuring and easily accessible parents’ needs such as family breakdown need wider environment. when they need it.” behaviour. 16 r 17 Children’s Centres in the Bexley District: what they have achieved so far Best Practice

BEST PRACTICE: Speech need to attend more sessions, have a break and go BEST PRACTICE: Senses BEST PRACTICE: Family back on the waiting list or be discharged as they no 1 and Language Therapy 2 support for children Children learn through their senses and with 3 and Playwork Manager longer need the group. You, as parents and carers with additional needs hands on exploration they gain new experiences, Toddler Talk are always fully involved in this decision. Karen Hall takes you through what The Wednesday Welcome Group which lead them to expressing their likes and the role of Family and Playwork Toddler Talk is a specific language group aimed at Talking Together dislikes, communicating and interacting. Manager entails: children living in the North Bexley Children’s Centres This group is for children under five years who are Talking Together is a parent group that runs My role is the Family Playwork area who have delayed language and communication on the Autistic Spectrum or undergoing diagnosis Sensory Room alongside the Toddler Talk group. Every week it Manager and I manage various skills. The children are aged between two and a for ASD and their parents and carers. focuses on an activity to help your child develop The Sensory room here at St Augustine’s services across four Children’s Centres including half, and four years old. There are a maximum of six The idea behind the group came from a parent language and communication skills. These activities Children’s Centre has equipment such as fibre the crèches, Toy Library and Stay and Play children in the group and there are three adults who who felt she was unable to feel relaxed at toddler can be done at home with some of the materials optic lights, bubble tubes and tactile toys for drop-in groups for various age ranges and 1 Amy Pattenden run and support the group. groups as her child did not want to do the same provided children with additional needs to experience specific sessions, as well as home visiting service The group is run jointly by a Speech and Language as her peers. stimulating activities and relaxation time. ‘PlayMatters’. There can be as many as 30 North Bexley Children’s Centres say groups running across the Children’s Centres in a Therapist and a team of Speech and Language Offering opportunities Most sessions are about 30 - 60 minutes long Therapy Assistants. ‘I CAN’ communicate week. Four examples of best practice are: The aim of the group is to offer opportunities depending on individual children’s needs and a Early Years Foundation Stage: we follow the What skills are developed in the group? North Bexley Children’s Centres are pleased to for children to play and learn in a friendly, safe trained member of staff will be on hand to help principles of the Early Years Foundation Stage announce that St. Augustine’s Day Care Centre and welcoming environment and to provide you get the most of your visit. The group looks at developing skills in listening, (EYFS) in all of our groups as much as is and West Street Neighbourhood Nursery have information, advice and emotional support attention, understanding language, socialising, practically possible. The EYFS has improved achieved ‘I CAN Supportive Level Accreditation’ to parents and carer’s. The group is held speaking and play. the quality of our drop in provisions. status. The staff have been through ‘Early Talk’ every Wednesday afternoon from 1 – 3 pm at Creches: the groups we run are crèches, and What happens in the group? training, been observed by Speech and Language Greenmead Children’s Centre, Lime Row ( Off Therapists and educational experts and completed a are there to support parents training and using 2 Each week, the group is based around a different Yarnton way) Erith. Joanne Richards portfolio demonstrating their work in helping children Children’s Centre services. theme. Some of the themes include ‘animals’, Each week we keep to the same structure and communicate more effectively. Stimulating Environment: we recognise ‘transport’ and ‘food’. The children enjoy both free use visual cues to encourage children to learn play is vital for children’s development and play time and structured time around the table. There ‘I CAN’ is a registered charity aiming to support and understand routines and to prepare children therefore provide a fun, safe and stimulating is a snack time where the children are given a choice children who have communication difficulties as for changes during the session. environment. The child is at the centre of all well as working to improve the language skills of of fruit or bread sticks and water or milk. The group Sensory Room y that we do. ends with a story and song time, where parents and all children throughout and Wales. Their Good Play Practice: staff model good play We use our senses to make our world clearer carers may join their children and there is a chance to ‘Early Talk’ programme is designed to give staff practice and in turn work with parents to and enable us to: get feedback from the Speech and Language team. working in Early Years the opportunity to develop improve parenting skills by encouraging them their skills and practice in the area of communication How long does the group run for? communicate with people to get involved in what their child is doing, and language learning. understand the environment j giving them ideas to take away with Every child is offered six weekly sessions and during them and asking parents and children 3 Karen Hall understanding ourselves week five a decision is made about whether they what activities they want provided.. 18 19 Children’s Centres in the Bexley District: what they have achieved so far Bexley Sure Start Children’s Centres Partners

BEXLEY COUNCIL Voluntary Organisations Services Team (Early Years, Childcare, Greenwich Community Food Co-operative Family Information Service) MIND Children’s Social Care Teams Women’s Aid Family Learning Young Foundations (Thamesmead) Organisational Development Cross Street Law Centre Libraries and Bookstart Homestart Neighbourhood Services Bexley SNAP Portage Others a HEALTH Leisure Centres in Bexley Bexley Primary Care Trust Charlton Football Community Team Health Visitors & Health promotion, Gilham School of Performing Arts Teenage Pregnancy A number of medical centres in Bexley Speech and Language Therapy  CAMHS: Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service Community Police Queen Mary’s Sidcup (QMS) Community Midwives A number of churches. Darenth Valley Hospital Community Midwifes A number of housing associations Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Midwifery Counselling through QMS and MIND Volunteers and Childminders NHS Greenwich and Greenwich Community We have a number of volunteers and childminders Health Services– Oral Health Team & Dentist who we sincerely thank for their support in helping us in many different ways: EDUCATION & TRAINING running sessions for 0-5s The Adult Education College for Bexley being part of our Advisory Groups Resources Plus (Local labour market scheme) working on the fruit and vegetable stall etc. JobCentre Plus. A number of Bexley schools (including secondary schools and providing work placements for young people).

Listening to you, working for you www.bexley.gov.uk