Page 19 - link magazine

Family News

Fostering proves a dream role
for North Swindon family

Committed to fostering, the Campbell family LittLe Foxes ChiLdCare
A campaign has been launched in Becky and Megan are also & eduCation
Swindon to encourage people to benefiting from the experience – in FOR CHILDREN AND THEIR PARENTS
consider becoming foster carers and fact fostering was partly their idea. Established 1986
discover how fulfilling it can be. Sam added: “Bob and I had talked The Common, Brinkworth, Wilts
The appeal asks potential carers about fostering ages ago. We were Tel: 01666 510356
whether there is something missing watching a TV programme about Just a 15 minute drive from West Swindon & Priory Vale on B4042
in their life and if this vital role it with the girls and they said l An independent family run nursery offering quality care and education within a safe,
could hold the key. we should do it. They are more secure, stimulating environment for all babies and children from 0-5 and an out of
That was certainly the case independent now and through this school club for children aged 5-11 years
for Bob Campbell and his wife are learning how to understand and l Open: Monday to Friday, 7.30am-6.30pm, 51 weeks of the year
Sam, who started fostering early relate to people more.” l Full, part time and term time places. Government funding for
last year. The couple from North Bob, a car production worker, 3-5 year olds
l High staff to child ratios with qualified and experienced teaching
Swindon have two teenage went part-time and Sam has kept staff and nursery nurses
daughters and decided the time was her full-time role. l Nutritious 3 course meals, hydro pool, multi sensory room,
right to take other less fortunate The council aims to recruit 40 school hall with gym apparatus, secure gardens, mini bus for trips out and about
children under their wing. foster carers in 2016 to support its
Sam, aged 45, a call centre priority to ‘always protect our most
manager, said: “It was something vulnerable children and adults’ to
we had wanted to do for a long meet its pledge to ‘increase the
time and it has turned out even number of foster carers in Swindon
better than we expected. Although so that every ‘child is looked after’
it’s demanding, we wouldn’t change who should be, is placed in their
it for the world – the only bit I’m home borough.’
dreading is them going.” Foster carers of all ages are
Besides having Becky and Megan needed for children of all ages, with
in their house, it’s now also home placements lasting anything from
to a teenage film buff and 10 year a few days to many years. Carers
old football fan so family life is must have a spare room and they Please call us at
busier than ever. receive payment and allowances to Windmill Hill to
Sam said: “We want to make sure help cover their time and expenses, arrange a nursery
they grow up fit and healthy so we as well as free ongoing training. tour just for
all go out for walks together and try Help is also available 24/7 so you and we will
to have a balanced diet. They are carers feel supported at every step. look forward to
also starting to open up and share For details call the fostering
things about their past. Sometimes team on: 01793 464329 or email: welcoming you to
you have to watch out for the signs fosteringrecruitment@swindon. our Outstanding
because it’s not always obvious that gov.uk Nursery
they need to talk.” www.swindon.gov.uk/fostering
Play day for any age

Swindon Music Co-operative are organising the
annual Learn to Play Day on Saturday 12 March,
11am to 2pm, where children, young people and
adults can drop in and have a go at playing a musical
instrument free of charge.
The not-for-profit organisation provides instrumental and vocal tuition in
over 70 schools in the Swindon area as well as individual and group classes
in the evening and at weekends.
Learn To Play Day takes place at Dorcan Academy. Children must be
accompanied by an adult.
See more at: www.swindonmusiccoop.co.uk
swindonlink.com n March 2016 19