and Children and Family Centre

Newsletter – January 2015

South Grove, Petworth, GU28 0ED - 01798 871199 [email protected] Ashfield Road, Midhurst, GU29 9JX - 01730 716699 [email protected]

A New Addition –A Tumble Drier Drying clothes in the winter is such a problem and damp in your home, caused be drying washing, is not good. A new tumble drier has been installed at the Petworth Children and Family Centre for our families to use. You can book a drying slot by phoning the centre.

The Information Vehicle (Basil)

Basil is what we call the vehicle that enables us to come to you. The information service hosts a variety of services including the Toy Library, information about family support and the Community Shop with a selection of toothbrushes and cups. Do come on board and meet the team when we are in your area.

Day Date Location 13 January 2015 Common View, Stedham Stedham Primary School Tuesday 10 February 2015 Holmbush Estate

Cherry Close, Cocking 11 March 2015 Day Date Location Surgery 7 January 2015 Valentines Lea,

Wednesday 4 February 2015 Pipers Lane, Northchapel

4 March 2015 Kaleidoscope Pre-School, Hampers Green The time table for Basil is in the programme

Midhurst and Petworth Centre Partnership Group (CPG) This group meets four times a year to help us to make sure that the services offered by the Children and Family Centres meet the needs of families in the area. It would be good to see you at our next meeting, which is on Thursday 19 February 2015 from 12:30pm – 2:30pm at the Petworth Children and Family Centre or the following one on 21 May at the Methodist Church Hall, Midhurst. Do speak to a member of staff if you are interested in participating or want to find out more.

Did you know that over 1,100 two year olds Would you like to refer in West were able access 570 hours yourself to one of our of childcare free of charge last year? outreach workers? Research shows that attending good quality early They can provide help with; education and care can make a difference for young  Parenting support children. It can improve a child’s learning and development,  Child behaviour help equip children with the skills needed for when they go  Book start to school, and support them to do well in the longer term.  Support with 2 year funding applications for childcare Do you have a 2 year old?  Play ideas

Then you are eligible for funding if you claim one  Help with budgeting of the following benefits; and much more… Please drop in for more information or  Income support give us a call. We are here to help  State pension credit  Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance  Income-related Employment and Support Allowance Childminder Drop-ins  Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum BookAct 1999Start Midhurst Are Childyou claiming Tax Credit two (provided year Free that Entitlement? you are not also entitled Monday 26 January 2015 Are toyou Working a lone Taxparent? Credit) Monday 23 February 2015 Monday 23 March 2015 HowDid you do knowyou findyou couldout? get a free book start pack? Midhurst Methodist Church Hall Visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/freechildcare where there is Including: book, mark book, posters, DVD and a finger 9:30am – 11:00am information about other children who are eligible but not puppet based on income criteria Petworth

Thursday 8 January 2015 YouContact can accessyour health computers visitor, free early of charge years atsetting, the Petworth Thursday 12 February 2015 Clibraryhildren or and children Family and Centre, family where centre staff for are more available details. to Thursday 12 March 2015 support you with the process. Petworth Children and Family Centre 9:30am – 11:30am Parent Forum We are always looking at new ways to improve This is a valuable opportunity to meet communication so, during our next Parent Forum in other childminders and their children, February, we want to ask you for your views on using to share ideas, good practice and Facebook as a way of keeping in touch with you and experiences. keeping you updated with new information.

If you would like to be involved in future forums look out for the Parent Forum boards in the Petworth Centre or speak to a member of staff.

Do you have any skills or interests you would like to share with other parents? Do you have DIY skills, sew or knit? Perhaps gardening is your passion? Would you like to start an informal group in the Children and Family Centre? Come in and talk to us about it!

Have your personal details or circumstances changed? Please keep us up to date if your details change. You can contact us by dropping into the centre, sending us an email or give us a call.