Page 19 - link magazine

swindonlink.com • April 2008 19
Farewell to Children’s Information Service
A trailblazing charity which has kept parents in touch with pre-school and children’s matters since late VACANCIES

1999 has closed down after losing its funding, with some of the services being taken over by Swindon WEST SWINDON
Direct, the council’s one stop shop information centre managed by Capita. CHILDREN’S CENTRE
At a farewell party on 12 March Jan Aylward of Homestart said base of knowledge and information is looking for
CIS manager Annette Palmer said vulnerable parents will be reluc- which is going to be lost after it is
she was sad an independent infor- tant to visit the council offices for folded into a much larger general Two enthusiastic,
mation centre is being lost. “We information. “The CIS shop was council run information service.” well motivated
were set up to provide information warm and friendly, close to the town Swindon Direct is open at Watt Play Workers
on childcare but the service evolved centre; parents felt welcomed.” Tyler House on the Civic Offices
to cover a much wider age range. Gerry Gardner, director of Trio site, off Beckhampton Street, from to join our friendly team
We took on the requirements of Childcare which initially managed 8am to 6pm in the week, until 8pm 16 hours per week term time
the Childcare Act 2006 to provide the CIS, was critical of the closure. on Thursday, and 9am to 1pm on 12 hours per week
information for 0 to 19 year olds “The council think taking over Saturday. during school holidays
two years early; it only comes into children’s information will be more The telephone contact line is Ideally you will have an NVQ Level 3
force on 1 April. efficient but it won’t be in a family open from 8am to 8pm weekdays or equivalent child care qualification.
“We also developed a range of friendly environment; I’m not sure on 445500. Minimum requirement is Level 2
community based children’s proj- there will be the intuitive under- with willingness to train to Level 3
ects and some have been passed standing of parents’ needs. Sound knowledge of the needs
onto other organisations.” “The CIS has built up a huge data- of children is essential
Cutting a farewell cake, from left, Annette Palmer, Ben Biddiscombe, Sandra Child Care Manager
Stephens, Linda Malcolm-Stewart, Deb Reeves, Ravi Panesar, Lisa Webber
Minimum Level 3/4 child care
qualification
Minimum 3 years supervisory
experience
25 hours per week
Sound knowledge of the needs
of children is essential
We are an equal opportunities employer
Closing date for all positions: 11 April
Please contact: Julie Batson
Tel: 01793 871303
or e-mail: [email protected]

LittLe Foxes ChiLdCare

& eduCation
For children and their parents
Established 1986
Close to M4 junction 16, the common, Brinkworth, Wilts
just a short drive from West Swindon tel: 01666 510356
Just a 15 minute drive from West Swindon & Priory Vale on B4042
For children 3 months to five years
l An independent family run nursery offering quality care and education
Open all year from 8am to 6pm within a safe, secure, stimulating environment for all babies and children
Extensive outdoor play and garden from 0-5 and an out of school club for children aged 5-11 years
l Open: Monday to Friday, 7.30am-6.30pm, 51 weeks of the year
Grant places available l Full, part time and term time places. Government funding for 3-5 year olds
For information telephone: 01793 851495 l High staff to child ratios with qualified and experienced teaching staff and
nursery nurses
www.thedaynursery.com
l Nutritious 3 course meals, hydro pool, multi sensory room, school hall with
Brinkworth Road, Wootton Bassett, Swindon SN4 8DS gym apparatus, secure gardens, mini bus for trips out and about

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