Page 17 - link magazine

Confusion over children’s centres status
Funding cutbacks to the 14 specialist facilities for young families across the
town by Swindon Council has caused uncertainty amongst some parents
as to whether they can attend support sessions.
The broad outcome of a £380,000 children’s centres, at Croft and Eldene,
reduction to the council’s children’s are to close. The centre at Robert
centre budget over two years, follow- le Kyng Primary School in Even
ing a consultation earlier in the year, Swindon and the Salt Way Centre
is that 80 per cent of funding must be in Middleleaze will close in early
spent on supporting disadvantaged December for the reorganisation but
children with 20 per cent available for will reopen in January. Classes held at:
Esprit Centre,
activities that can involve any family. From January 2014 West Swin- Headlands Grove, Swindon
Over many years children’s cen- don Family Centre and Salt Way Contact us now: 07980 918192
tres have been a lifeline for young Children’s Centre will be working [email protected]
families, offering a range of services, more closely together to support the www.tkfda.co.uk
from attending stay and play sessions most vulnerable families in the area *Subject to terms and conditions available on request
which bring parents with under 5s but will continue to run their own
together, to receiving advice from separate activities. Salt Way Children’s Centre
health visitors, doctors and dentists, Between January and April But- Pearl Road, Middleleaze
or information on returning to work. terflies Children’s Centre in Abbey Swindon SN5 5TD
Lisa Carswell at West Swindon Meads will take on some of the work Tel: 01793 465364
Family Centre said it is not closing of Greenmeadow Children’s Centre www.childrenssociety.org.uk/saltwaycc
as some people think. As an inde- which is closing. Wishing everybody a
pendent charity, the centre continues For details of up to date activities
to operate as before, providing free information: Merry Christmas and
services and support for families The West Swindon Family Centre: a Happy New Year
with children from birth to 11 years www.westswindonfamilycentre.com
old, including one to one support, Salt Way Centre: www.childrens Please keep an eye out for our January
group activities, parenting courses, society.org.uk/saltwaycc timetable which will have details of new
family support and volunteering op- Butterflies, Abbey Meads: taster/trial sessions, as we move into
portunities. www.abbeymeads.swindon.sch.uk/ the next phase of Children’s Centres.
Two of the four Children’s Society butterflies

Time for a New Year’s resolution - sign up for MEND: where families
MEND (Mind, Exercise, Nutrition, Do It!) for free

Christmas will be with us soon, but do you and your children want to get get fit and healthy for free
fitter, healthier and happier in the new year?
MEND is offering a free, fun 10 week healthy lifestyle programme for 5 to
16-year-olds who are above a healthy weight, and their parents or carers.
Participants learn about healthy eating, nutrition and exercise.
There are three MEND Programmes starting in January:
MEND 5-7 from Wednesday 22 January, 3.45pm to 5.30pm at the Oasis;
MEND 7-13 meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from Tuesday 21 January, 5pm
to 7pm, at Link Centre;
MEND Teens for 13-16s meets Mondays and Wednesdays from Monday 20
January, 4pm to 6pm, at Stratton Community Leisure Centre.
To find out more contact Emma Sperring via the advert right.

LittLe Foxes ChiLdCare
& eduCation
FOR CHILDREN AND THEIR PARENTS
Established 1986 MEND is a fun, free 10-week programme for
The Common, Brinkworth, Wilts children aged 5-16 years and their parents
Tel: 01666 510356
Just a 15 minute drive from West Swindon & Priory Vale on B4042
l An independent family run nursery offering quality care and education within a safe, If you think your child is over a healthy weight and would like
secure, stimulating environment for all babies and children from 0-5 and an out of further information about MEND
school club for children aged 5-11 years please call Emma Sperring on 01793 465412
l Open: Monday to Friday, 7.30am-6.30pm, 51 weeks of the year or email [email protected]
l Full, part time and term time places. Government funding for or visit www.leisureinswindon.co.uk
3-5 year olds
l High staff to child ratios with qualified and experienced teaching
staff and nursery nurses
l Nutritious 3 course meals, hydro pool, multi sensory room,
school hall with gym apparatus, secure gardens, mini bus for trips out and about
swindonlink.com • December 2013 17

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