Page 19 - link magazine

swindonlink.com • February 2011 19

New year, new toys for toddler group
A parent and toddler group reopens on Thursday 3 February at Freshbrook Community Centre, with new
toys, equipment and more activities such as craft, cooking, singing and storytime.
Playmates, which will also have those who attend will be asked for
a new name, ran for 25 years. Even suggestions for a new name. The
when the centre closed it continued group is also looking for donations
to meet in the school - but it closed of toys in good condition.
in January. Centre chair Stephanie
Bird explained, “the group had been Children’s Project AGM
running since the centre opened – Advance notice
and some of the toys were as old. The Lower Shaw Farm
We needed to think about changes Children’s Project
and buy new equipment.” Annual General Meeting
The sessions will take place on New organisers, left, Rachel Aplin with Wednesday 9 March, 1.30pm,
Thursdays 9.30am to 11.45am. The Izzy Simpkins and Stacey Penny and at the farm in Old Shaw Lane.
meeting on 3 February is free, and Elliott McKegney Call 771080 or see
www.lowershawfarm.co.uk
Parents of disabled children
have a say in service provision

As we launch headlong into 2011, many will be concerned about local
authority services after the government’s public spending review. Parent
Doug Morris, chair of the Swindon Parents’ and Carers’ Advisory Group,
says parents and carers of disabled children and young people are even
more worried, but have a support mechanism in place. Close to M4 junction 16, just a short drive from West Swindon
The Swindon Parents’ and Carers’ Advisory Group aims to ensure that For children 3 months to five years
the voice of parents and carers is heard during what is likely to be a
very difficult period for all concerned. Open all year from 8am to 6pm
The group was established in have happened unless the parent Extensive outdoor play & gardens
January 2008 following Swindon’s participation forum had been set
involvement in the development of up and recognised by the council Easy access and safe parking
the South West Regional Standards and Primary Care Trust. For information call: 01793 851495
in Participation which outlined the 2011 will be a challenging year, but
need to involve parents and carers the group is well placed to ensure www.thedaynursery.com
of disabled children in the planning the voice of parents and carers is Brinkworth Road, Wootton Bassett, Swindon SN4 8DS
and development of services. At heard. Working in partnership with
the same time the previous govern- parents, the local authority and the
ment introduced the Aiming High PCT, the group is invited to attend
programme which also proposed many council boards and projects
that a parent participation forum where subjects affecting those that
was necessary. they care for are discussed.

A high quality day nursery situated in
West Swindon at Windmill Hill Business Park,
close to the M4 Junction 16, offering a
happy, sociable environment where
Since then parents and carers One specific board is the Chil- every child is treated as an individual.
of disabled children have started, dren’s Trust Board which addresses
and continue today, to get involved strategic issues affecting Social
and are consulted about services Services, Education and Health to
provided to those that they care name but a few.
for. These range from consultation As a group we are recognised as
about short breaks, wheelchair the first port of call by services and
services, the transition protocol, the professionals if feedback or consul- • For children aged 6 weeks to For more information
introduction of special equipment tation is required and we feel sure 5 years please contact us:
in play parks, the introduction of that our continued involvement • Open from 8.00am to Windmill Hill Day Nursery
special needs toilets in Swindon, will ensure that disabled children 6.00pm, 52 weeks per year Whitehill Way
the new Hop Skip and Jump project and young people will get the best (except public holidays) Swindon
being planned at Lydiard Park and services possible in these difficult • Full time and part time places Wiltshire
others besides. economic times. SN5 6NX
More recently parents have been • The group meets every month at • Large garden for all ages
consulted on the new Children’s the Saltway Centre in Middleleaze • Fully inclusive, including all Tel: 01793 877646
Services Disability Equality Scheme with all parents and carers welcome. meals, baby milk Email: [email protected]
and there is currently in progress For details contact Doug Mor- and nappies www.childbase.com
a consultation regarding school ris: [email protected] or call: • CCTV throughout
transport for pupils with special 329264. the nursery
educational needs. We can be www.swindonparentsandcarers.
certain that all of this would not org.uk

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