Page 17 - link magazine

swindonlink.com • June 2012 17
Respite care centre hops, skips and
jumps through first inspection

Hop Skip & Jump,which provides respite care for children with special
educational needs and disabilities, received its first Ofsted inspection
in March, nine months after opening its Swindon centre at Upper
Shaw Farm last July.
The inspection found that the children develop skills for future
charity provides a good quality en- learning, and enjoy exercise and
vironment and good use of facilities physical challenges that are appro-
and resources to include all children priate to their abilities. The children
fully, focussing on their individual are also involved in devising menus
needs and on what they can achieve. which contributes to their aware-
The report recognises that equal- ness of healthy eating and a positive
ity is at the heart of the setting, and attitude towards food.
that the centre’s carers are dedicated Overall the centre obtained a
to supporting and working in part- satisfactory result, with the rec-
nership with parents. ommendation that some improve-
It says children settle well in the ments are made in the updating of
centre, enjoying the soft play areas regulatory documentation, and in
and sensory garden, and making the ability of staff to identify and LittLe Foxes ChiLdCare
friends. Staff demonstrate how address development priorities.
& eduCation
Michael Lowe with HSJ staff and volunteers from left, Christina Blackmore,
Caroline Shepherd, Katie Cavanagh, Michael Lowe and Kelly Givens FOR CHILDREN AND THEIR PARENTS
Established 1986
The Common, Brinkworth, Wilts
Tel: 01666 510356
Just a 15 minute drive from West Swindon & Priory Vale on B4042
JOIN US FOR OUR OPEN DAY
on Saturday 16 June, 10am to 12noon
l An independent family run nursery offering quality care and education
within a safe, secure, stimulating environment for all babies and
children 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
l Full, part time and term time places. Government funding for 3-5 year olds

Nutkins open throughout the year
Nutkins Parent/Carer & Toddler Group is open all year round including
school holidays when older siblings are welcome.
The group meets on Wednesdays and Fridays 9.30am to 11.30am in
the Shaw Ridge Primary School community rooms. To find out more call
Zoe John on 07919 484786 or mail: [email protected]

Help available for families in difficulty A high quality day nursery situated in West Swindon
at Windmill Hill Business Park, close to the M4
Former Parent Support Advisor for Swindon Borough Council Colleen Junction 16, offering a happy, sociable environment
Smith is now offering family support services freelance, having been where every child is treated as an individual.
made redundant by the council, but still perceiving a huge need for
the services she can offer. Come and OPEN DAYS see us!
Colleen assists fami- do specific work in their Tuesday 5 June, 10am - 4pm
lies with issues such own homes.” Saturday 14 July, 10am - 2pm
as separation, custody, Prior to becoming
benefits claims, be- self-employed, Colleen Wednesday 22 August
reavement, young car- spent three years as a 2.30pm - 7.30pm
ers, homelessness and school-based parent
disability, as well as coordinator, and before • For children aged 6 weeks to For more information
offering parents cop- that was pursuing a 5 years please contact us:
ing strategies for their career in education. • Open from 7.30am to Windmill Hill Day Nursery
children’s behavioural But when her role 6.00pm, 52 weeks per year Whitehill Way
problems. was cut she decided to (except public holidays) Swindon
Describing the way continue in the same • Full time and part time places Wiltshire
she works Colleen said: “I can work line. She said: “I couldn’t bear SN5 6NX
one-to-one with parents, which to know that there would be no • Large garden for all ages Tel: 01793 877646
is most effective, or in groups. support for parents in times of dif- • Fully inclusive, including all
Schools can bring me in to conduct ficulty. The early intervention we meals, baby milk Email: [email protected]
an intervention of anything from provided has disappeared, and so and nappies www.childbase.com
two hours up to a whole day, as a has a lifeline for many families.” • CCTV throughout
one-off, or over a prolonged period. Contact Colleen on 07859 414376 the nursery
Often I am able to put parents in or mail: colleensmithfamilysup-
touch with other groups, or I can port.co.uk

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