Page 15 - link magazine

swindonlink.com • November 2008 15
New purpose for former Salt Way Primary

The former primary school in Middleleaze, which closed in 2006, has been transformed into a new special-
ist centre for children and young people with a disability and their families, writes site manager Mark Green.
The building now called the Salt peripatetic teachers, social work- to be completed, but we hope to for-
Way Centre has been adapted to ers and early years’ workers. Also, mally launch the service in January
create new clinical treatment and other specialists, who are not based 2009, when all interested in learning Professional, yet affordable
office accommodation for therapy, at the centre, will use the facilities more about the services provided evening babysitters
medical and other specialist staff that it provides. will be invited to meet the profes- ELF sitters is a family run
based in one location, as opposed to Although some of our work sionals now at the centre. business, specialising in evening
being scattered across the town. will be carried out from the Salt Although the new Salt Way is childcare in your own home
This new service provides a ‘One Way Centre a lot of the services nearly complete, the building and For more information please call
Stop Shop’ that is easily accessible will continue to be delivered in its grounds have been used by Emma 0117 230 9053
to children and young people and children’s centres, schools, health the children’s centre run by the
their families, where their needs centres and in family homes across Children’s Society for over a year [email protected]
can be sensitively and holistically the borough. (see below). www.elfsitters.co.uk
assessed by a range of relevant Parents and carers of children Koalas Opportunity Group for For your peace of mind all our sitters
professionals to deliver services in and young people with a disability children with additional needs and hold an enhanced CRB disclosure
a co-ordinated and timely way. have told us that they want clear the Swindon Portage Service have
The specialists based in the centre information about the services we also been here as long, providing
include occupational therapists, provide and how they can access services for 0 to 5 year olds and
physiotherapists, speech and lan- them. We see this as a unique op- their families. Panicking
guage therapists, specialist learn- portunity to work with them in To learn more about the Salt Way about
ing disability community nurses, developing a service that responds Centre, call Mark Green, Integrated
a consultant child psychiatrist, to their needs. Service Manager on (01793) 464061, maths?
clinical psychologists, specialist There are still some adaptations [email protected].
Study in your own home
Gardening know-how needed at Salt Way with a fully qualified
secondary maths teacher
Intel volunteers have put in the spade work to prepare planting beds at Salt Way; now the Children’s Maths and accounts taught
Centre is seeking gardeners to help germinate interest among parents. at GCSE, AS and A2
Five members of the Corporate Centre manager Kay Kane project underway. “This might suit
Services Team from Intel, helped praised the volunteers’ efforts and someone without a garden who Coursework guidance
by children’s centre staff, spent said the work couldn’t have been could help develop our patch,” said Limited places available
a day building three large raised done without their expertise. “At Kay. “We’d be grateful to hear from Competitive prices
beds where parents and children present we don’t have a clue about anyone who could spare some time Call West Swindon
can grow produce. what to plant, but we’re looking to to get things going.” Home Tutors
Team leader Shirley Hanson, the parents or members of the com- Gardeners should call 465364 on 870 495
said, “Intel staff around the world munity to adopt the beds.” with offers of help.
are committed to working in their Youngsters have already planted
communities and it’s great to be winter vegetables but more exper-
able to help local projects.” tise is needed to get the gardening

The Blackthorn School of Photography
Evening, day and weekend courses in our
specialist teaching centre near Cricklade

Shirley Hanson, with her grandchildren and the workers from Intel Corporate A course voucher makes a great Christmas present
Services and Dalkia facilities management, and Kay Kane, centre
Centre celebrates first year in use Evening, day and weekend courses:
Youngsters helped decorate a cake for Salt Way Children’s Centre’s • Digital photography and Photoshop
first birthday on 20 October and took part in traditional party and
fete games. • Digital printing and colour management
Looking back over the first year, centre manager Kay Kane said it had • Portraiture and landscape
been a very enjoyable whirlwind of activity. “It’s great to see the centre
being used by groups and see the start of our one-to-one family support Courses for beginner, intermediate and
which is just as important. One parent told me that coming here feels advanced photographers
like being at home and that has stuck with me; it’s how we want people
to feel about the centre. New Year courses now booking
“Family support is also available at home with outreach workers
visiting families to offer help and advice.”
Kay is awaiting results of a survey to find out what else families would www.photography-courses.com
like to see at the centre. “We are here to work with all the other agencies Tel: 07920 116492 or 01454 416937
to support children and families. This is their children’s centre and we
will deliver what they want.”

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