Greenwich West Children’s Centres Newsletter

GREENWICH WEST CHILDREN’S CENTRES TEAM UP FOR BETTER SERVICES FOR FAMILIES

FEBRUARY 2015

Welcome to the 2nd edition of the GWCC newsletter. In here you can find out about upcoming events, activities, courses and more at the 5 Children’s Centres across Greenwich West, which include Invicta, Rachel McMillan, Robert Owen, Sherington and Quaggy. The 5 centres are now working in partnership to deliver services for you. We hope to get feedback from you so that we can develop the kinds of services that are needed for you and your community. If you would like to see what is happening using our online calendar then you can access it by clicking http://goo.gl/YK2TJk If you click on the agenda button on the top right hand section of the calendar you can see a list of each event for each day at each centre. This is the simplest view. Each

entry shows where the event or activity is being held. Then simply click on the event that interests you for more information. Alternatively contact information for each of the Children’s Centres is on the following page.

You can also ‘like’ us on facebook to get updates if you go to facebook.com/GWCCS or if you are reading this online click on the facebook image.

Parents, We Want You!

In order to ensure we are providing services that are needed in the community across Greenwich West, our Children’s Centres encourage parents to have a voice and get involved. We are currently developing Parent Forums for each centre where you can meet with other parents and provide feedback and support your local centre. This can often lead to opportunities for training and personal development. If you would like to find out more about how you can join a parent forum and get involved then contact your local centre on the following page and enquire.

GWCC Greenwich West Children’s Centres

GREENWICH WEST CHILDREN’S CENTRES NEWSLETTER | Issue 2 2

Like adults, children consume more salt than the maximum recommendation. Simple measures need to be taken to help reduce their salt intake and therefore reduce the number of people suffering from cardiovascular disease. Children are considered a vulnerable group in society often with little influence on or involvement in what they eat. Evidence suggests that dietary habits in childhood and adolescence also influence eating patterns in later life. Liking salt and salty foods is a learned taste preference and so it is vital that children do not develop a taste for salt in the first place. A high salt intake in children can influence blood pressure and may predispose a child to the development of a number of diseases including: high blood pressure, osteoporosis, respiratory illnesses such as asthma, stomach cancer and obesity. The Government recommends that we eat no more than 6g of salt a day, which is about a teaspoon. Currently, we are consuming 8.1g a day, which is about a third more than the maximum recommendation, so we still have some way to go.

Take it with a pinch of salt! The truth behind a few salty myths

Myth: I don’t add any salt to my food so I know I don’t eat too much Truth: About 75% of the salt we eat is already in everyday foods such as bread, cheese and sauces, so most of us are eating too much salt without even realising. Click here to see where salt it hidden

Myth: I don’t have high blood pressure so I don’t need to eat less salt Truth: The risk of disease starts within the healthy range of blood pressure, so most people will benefit from eating less salt. Also blood pressure increases with age, putting us at risk of disease, but with a low salt diet the rise in blood pressure doesn’t occur. Myth: I only use sea salt and that’s healthier than table salt Truth: Rock and sea salts are just as high in sodium chloride as table salt so are just as bad for our health, regardless of their healthy image. Click here to find out more Myth: You can tell when a food is salty because it tastes salty Truth: Some foods that are high in salt don't taste particularly salty. Breakfast cereals, bread, jarred sauces and biscuits & cakes can all contain hidden salt. Myth: Food with less salt tastes bland Truth: After 3 weeks of less salt your taste buds will become more sensitive so you get the same flavour from less salt. Stick with it! You can also use other flavours instead of salt, click here to see how

Myth: I need more salt because I exercise a lot and ‘sweat it out’ Truth: You only lose a small amount of salt in sweat, and as we all eat more than we need, most people won’t need to take on any extra. Remember to keep hydrated.

Look out for advice and activities at some of our Children’s Centres during the week 16th to 22nd March. This is Salt Awareness Week and there will be a focus on how to reduce salt intake and lead a healthier life.

CONTACT DETAILS OF CHILDREN’S

CENTRES

Quaggy Children’s Centre Orchard Hill Lewisham London SE13 7QZ Tel: 020 8465 9785 Rachel McMillan Children’s Centre McMillan Street Deptford London SE8 3EH Tel: 020 8692 4041 Robert Owen Children’s Centre 43 Commerell Street Greenwich London SE10 0EA Tel: 020 8858 0529 Invicta Children’s Centre Invicta Road Charlton London SE3 7HE Tel: 020 8293 5037 Sherington Children’s Centre Sherington Road Charlton London SE7 7JP Tel: 020 8305 3140

Healthy Focus - Salt Awareness

GREENWICH WEST CHILDREN’S CENTRES NEWSLETTER | Issue 2 3

Invicta Children’s Centre is going through a period of change at present. The Children’s Centre is federated with Quaggy Children’s Centre and both will be working in partnership across Invicta and Quaggy’s reach areas.

Invicta Primary School is being rebuilt and refurbished and the Children’s Centre will be part of the new build. This means that there will be some great new space once the work is completed. In the meantime we are aiming to provide a regular service and keep as much open as possible. However this means that some groups have been changed. We are hoping to resume a regular service as soon as possible.

We are also in the process of recruiting new staff and hope that we will be up and running with a full service soon.

Story Rhyme Time has moved to Mycenae House Community Centre. 90 Mycenae Rd, London SE3 7SE

This is a great session where you can help support your child’s social and emotional development and language skills. It is fun for you and your child, so why not come along and enjoy a session with us.

Forest School

We are proud of our Forest School Sessions. They will continue to run from Invicta School on Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s. An opportunity to

have fun learning in the outdoor environment, be prepared to get messy. Dress to stay warm.

Forest School takes place in a woodland or natural environment to support the development of a relationship between the learner and the natural world.

Forest School uses a range of learner-centred processes to create a community for being, development and learning.

Forest School aims to promote the holistic development of all those involved, fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners.

FS offers learners the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and to themselves.

FS is run by qualified Forest School practitioners who continuously maintain and develop their professional practice

Educational Psychologist Session We have scheduled an Educational Psychologist session from the Royal Borough of Greenwich to come to Mycenae House on Thursday 5th March 1pm to 3pm. If you have any concerns about your child’s development or how to manage behavior then book a slot to discuss any concerns you may have.

Changing Times

Invicta Children’s Centre

GREENWICH WEST CHILDREN’S CENTRES NEWSLETTER | Issue 2 4

It has been a busy time at Rachel McMillan Children’s Centre (as always!). The Stay and Play sessions and Baby Club groups have been growing in popularity and it is lovely to see so many new faces as well as so many families enjoying time together. Here’s a taste of some of our other events;

Lifestyle Group (Thursdays – 1.00pm – 3.00pm)

This is a new group that our families asked for. They wanted a place to try a variety of different activities and learn a new skill such as crafts or

singing or sewing. You can choose the skill you want to learn about or activity you want

to join in with. If there is a particular skill or hobby you have, you are welcome to share it at this group. Here are some of the group hard at work.

By recommendation……….Ten Top Tips for Parenting Families at other Children’s Centres have told us how useful they found these workshops. Run for us by CAMHs the workshops provide mums, dads and carers with tips and ideas to help you enjoy your child more and get the most from being a parent. Booking is essential so book your place on 0208 692 4041 (this is not just for Rachel McMillan families). Let the staff know if you wish to book a crèche place too. The Crèche

is FREE although you will need to pay a re-fundable deposit to guarantee your place. Friday 6th, 13 and 20th March – 1.00pm – 3.00pm (Afternoon Sessions)

Back by popular demand……. Dads Day

We are very pleased that after a small break, DADS DAYS ARE BACK! This is a Saturday morning slot when Dads, Granddads, Uncles and Brothers over 16 can bring their children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, brothers or sisters to come and play in the nursery and garden. You can make new friends or meet with old ones. It’s an inviting, stimulating place where you can spend some time with your children and meet other dads. Each Dads Day has a different theme: for example physical play or science. We sometimes have storytellers, and even visits from Santa! Next event - Saturday 21st March. 10.00 – 1200 noon. Rachel McMillan Children’s Centre McMillan Street Deptford London SE8 3EH Tel: 020 8692 4041

Rachel McMillan Children’s Centre Children’s Centre

GREENWICH WEST CHILDREN’S CENTRES NEWSLETTER | Issue 2 5

The Enchanted Coffee Pot

Our café is very busy at the moment and now serves cold lunches and delicious cakes. You can get children’s lunch boxes and delicious cakes and pastries.

Every Monday afternoon the parent forum will be holding an informal afternoon tea and an opportunity for you to come along and share your thoughts and ideas. There will be a parent forum board located in the café where you will be able to place your comments and suggestions about the whole centre.

Keep up to date with café activities through our Facebook page.

Search for Robert Owen Early Years Centre on facebook

Robert Owen Children’s Centre 43 Commerell Street Greenwich London SE10 0EA Tel: 020 8858 0529

Stay and Play

Our theme this term is songs and rhymes. The children all seem to enjoy their singing so we are going to support their learning by providing activities that will represent their favourite songs. If you have any requests please let me know. You can write your ideas including any comments and suggestions on post it notes and place them on the back of the door.

As some of you are aware we do use the nursery garden on a regular basis. We are happy to announce the launch of our brand new mud kitchen.

You are strongly advised not to bring your children wearing their best clothes.

To help celebrate the New Year we are inviting you to join in some fun activities home. All you need to do is collect a cardboard egg box and let your child decorate it. When you return the week after half term we will turn all our egg boxes into a big Chinese dragon.

Adult Learning Update

We are now in a position to offer Functional Skills from after half term. If you would like to improve your Maths, English and/or ICT then this could be for you. For more information please see Mandy.

Some of you were interested in Raising Boys we are now offering a family learning course called Boys talk. For more information and to register your interest please see Mandy or ask a member of staff.

If you are interested in any courses or would like to comment on anything, share ideas please contact adyton@robertowen.greenwich.sch.uk

Robert Owen Children’s Centre

GREENWICH WEST CHILDREN’S CENTRES NEWSLETTER | Issue 2 6

Dads and male carers ‘Get Active February’

Saturday Dads Group is on the second Saturday of every month. This month we’ve got ‘Get Active’ from Charlton Athletic Football Club dropping in to tell you all about what’s FREE in the Borough. So if your new year’s resolution was to start getting fitter and its dropped to one side then come along and see how we can support you. Our Dad’s Brunch will be running in March continuing the focus on getting active. At the session a ‘Healthy Breakfast’ is included.

All male carers with children under five from the Charlton area welcome.

Spend some quality time with your little one and meet other local dads.

Saturday 14th March 10am-11:30am

ALSO

EVERY Wednesday 9:30-11:30am its ‘Dads Stay and Play’

time.

Messy play, arts and craft, cars and bikes, planes and trains, baby corner, home corner let their imagination fly. Singing and/or story time at the end of the sessions.

Share your own tips with other dads/male carers, meet new friends, and share your experiences.

Parenting 4 Parenting Course

This is a fantastic course run over 8 weeks coming to Charlton Family Centre and is looking at ways to:

Enhance parenting skills

Model positive behaviour

Manage parent child

conflict

Increase understanding of

child development and

reflecting on your own

childhood experiences.

Prepare your child for a

successful future

Begins Tuesday 3rd March 12:30-3:00 Creche Available…..Limited Spaces

This is a really popular course so register your interest now!!

Need to brush up on your English and

Maths Skill?

Thinking of going to college or back to work?

Then Functional Skills, is the course for you.

Accredited course Level 1 and 2 Work at your own pace, supported

by a tutor Once a week for 2 hours. Contact

for more details.

Brain Baby Play Baby Love

Are you pregnant or do you have a baby 6months and under then this course is just right for you.

Brain, Love and Play the three ingredients to a Healthy

Development.

3 week course Week 1 - Baby Brain

The development of the baby brain

Week 2 - Baby Love

Attachment & Bonding

Week 3 - Baby Play Development & Play

1pm-3pm Crèche Available

Starting 17th February

For any information on the above or to book a place

please contact us.

Sherington Children’s Centre Sherington Road Charlton London SE7 7JP Tel: 020 8305 3140

Sherington Children’s Centre

GREENWICH WEST CHILDREN’S CENTRES NEWSLETTER | Issue 2 7

Cut your Bills! South East London Community Energy will be joining us in stay and play to show us how we can reduce our energy bills.

They will be able to identify tariffs that are right for you and give advice on how to reduce bills through switching tariff or supplier, and much more.

Pop along with your child to our stay and play, details below.

First Aid Course

This Level 3 qualification meets the requirements of OFSTED, EYFS, Pre-School Learning Alliance, National Child Minders Association, Sure Start and NVQ in Childcare and Education. It is designed for those people who work with or look after children under 8 years old, to enable them

to deal promptly and competently with emergency first aid situations that may arise when dealing with babies and children.

TOTAL COURSE COST:

£25.50

Course to be held at Quaggy

in the Holy Trinity Centre,

Bennett Grove, Lewisham

SE13 7RF

If you would like to book onto

this course please speak to a

member of the Quaggy team

or call 020 8465 9785. Spaces

are limited.

Become a Befriender Are you interested in volunteering in the community and providing support to parents who are going through a difficult time? We are starting an exciting new Befriending Project ‘Parents in Touch’. Our volunteers will provide ‘low level’ support to parents in the community. All training will be given and there are free crèche facilities available. If you think you could offer support and want to be involved in this project then contact us. For more information and to ask any questions about becoming a Befriender contact angela@quaggychildrenscentre.org.uk

Saturday Dad’s Group If you are a Dad or Male Carer then you are welcome to come to our Dad’s Brunch. It runs on the 3rd Saturday of every month from 10am to 12 noon. Breakfast is provided and there is always some great activities to do with your child under 8 for more information ring Tim on 07525 913 948 and you can be put on our text group list to receive updates about events and activities. . There will be loads of exciting activities and projects for you to enjoy with your child. Some of the things we will be doing in the future include Rambling in the countryside Residential Weekend Rocket Making Outdoor Cooking and lots more

For more info call Tim on 07525 913 948

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Quaggy Children’s Centre