Page 21 - link magazine

swindonlink.com • September 2012 21
New timetable launched for Butterflies

Following a busy and successful year Tanya Parkinson of Butterflies AQUABABIES
Children’s Centre in Abbey Meads is looking forward to Autumn BABY & TODDLER PARENT & BABY
activities with a new timetable being published on 3 September.

SWIMMING AQUA FIT
We’re the original baby 30 minute exercise program
swimming teachers. for parents and babies to
Teaching for over to enjoy together
20 years

01249 661561

www.aquababieswest.co.uk
With pools all over Wiltshire and the West there’s bound to be a course near you

Mandarin Mums which meets at the Butterflies Children’s Centre in Abbey Meads
Primary School with staff members Cath Ferguson, left, and Zoe Williams, centre
It includes the extremely popular parents with low esteem, or who
and well-received Parenting group, find their children’s behaviour LittLe Foxes ChiLdCare
which runs for 8 weeks and offers challenging.
a crèche while mum and dad learn Commenting on the future direc- & eduCation
tips and strategies to help with tion of Butterflies Tanya said: “We FOR CHILDREN AND THEIR PARENTS
managing behaviour. are delighted that 98 per cent of Established 1986
The Single Parents’ group for feedback we receive describes our The Common, Brinkworth, Wilts
families with children aged 0 to service users as very satisfied with Tel: 01666 510356
11 years will also return, offering what we provide. Just a 15 minute drive from West Swindon & Priory Vale on B4042
a chance to chat over a cuppa and “Our focus following the spend- l An independent family run nursery offering quality care and education within a safe,
hear from organisations such as ing review is ensuring we are acces- secure, stimulating environment for all babies and children from 0-5 and an out of
Gingerbread and from benefits sible to all and offer specific support school club for children aged 5-11 years
advisors. to those families in greatest need.” 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
The Bumps to Babes group For details on the groups run by
will suit mums-to-be throughout Butterflies Centre at several venues 3-5 year olds
l High staff to child ratios with qualified and experienced teaching
their pregnancy until their baby is across North Swindon call 01793 staff and nursery nurses
moving independently, while Play 722984. l Nutritious 3 course meals, hydro pool, multi sensory room,
Together group provides support to http//:bit.ly/NSbutterflies school hall with gym apparatus, secure gardens, mini bus for trips out and about

Critical role for Koalas over 25 years
Koalas Opportunity Group based at the Salt Way Centre in Middleleaze
has celebrated 25 years providing much needed play and respite oppor-
tunities for children with special educational needs and their families.
Busy Bees at St Andrews Ridge

offers quality childcare
and has been recognised
as a Centre of Excellence

Stephanie Hathaway, far right, with Koalas’ children, parents and staff Receive FREE
registration
Children and staff who have attended or worked at Koalas dropped Come along and find out more about if you book a
in to meet manager Stephanie Hathaway and her staff. For some it was our fantastic initiatives including:- place at a
the first time they had visited since the group moved from a hut in the Stay & Play
grounds of Victoria Hospital in Old Town to Salt Way in 2009. Busy Babies, Our Imagination Station, session!
Andrea Baker who, with husband Keith, have attended Salt Way for Cooking with Me, Wake and Shake and Steps to Independence
eight years with their son Alex who has delayed development and Holly
who has a severe form of cerebral palsy. Andrea said: “Koalas have given Stay and Play every Monday, 9:30-11am
us so much help and support over the years. Alex and Holly’s needs are throughout September and October
very demanding, we would have struggled without Koalas. Stephanie
has known the children from an early age; she’s wonderful.” For more information call Niki on 01793 726 919
Although largely funded by Swindon Council, the group is managed Busy Bees Nursery, Highdown Way, St Andrew’s Ridge,
by a parents’ committee. Member Jo Gwinnett said: “It’s amazing that Swindon SN25 4FD
the group has survived as a charity for 25 years. The involvement of www.busybees.com
parents in decision making is so important.”

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