For Everyone
These sessions are open to everyone who cares for a child 0 - 5 years to attend
Breastfeeding Group
What is it?
This is a relaxed session run by mams who are Breastfeeding Peer Supporters. Come along and meet other mams who are breastfeeding, chat about anything and everything and most of all get the support and information you need to help give your child the best start in life.
Who’s it for?
Mams who are breastfeeding and any pregnant mams who are interested in breastfeeding their baby. There is a crèche facility available for older children (up to 5 years) on a first come first served basis (please check in advance about spaces with the Peer Supporters) but they’re welcome to join the group too.
How do I attend?
This is a drop in session so come along at any time during the session. You can pop in for a quick chat or stay for the whole session. If you need to talk to anyone outside the group times, please call the Peer Supporters mobile on:
Consett area: 0750 618 3074
Stanley area: 0750 618 3077
Children’s Centre Parent’s Forums & Advisory Groups
What is it?
We would like to invite you to have a say in what Sure Start do and how we do it!
Who is it for?
We always need new mams, dads, grandparents, family members, carers and members of the local
community to come along and keep us up to date with exactly what is needed. We have meetings for each of our Children’s Centres … If you have some spare time, then come along and find out a little more about what is involved and tell us your views?! Crèche can be arranged so you don’t have to worry about bringing the little ones!
How do I attend?
Contact Rachel Parkinson on 01207 590 930 if you’d like to attend the Catchgate, Leadgate, Benfieldside, Delves Lane or Moorside groups and Jacqui English on 01207 232 048 for Burnhope, Craghead and Stanley.
We look forward to your ideas.
French for Babies & Toddlers
What is it?
The best time for your child to start learning another language is during the critical early years when it’s completely natural to them. Classes are interactive and fun, designed to expose you and your child to French in a friendly and relaxed environment
Who is it for?
It’s for children 6 months to 4 years who must be accompanied by a parent or carer at all times, and don’t worry, no previous knowledge of French is required; you only speak if you want to.
How do I attend?
Telephone your local Children’s Centre to find out where and when the next session is happening and book a place.
Song & Rhyme
What is it?
This is a music and movement session providing opportunities for chanting, singing, rythm and experimenting with simple instruments. Music is a natural part of life for children. They might sing to their stuffed animals, tap their feet to the rhythm of nursery rhymes, and enjoy the sound of their parents singing to them — even if mum and dad can't quite carry a tune.
Of course there's another reason to introduce music into your toddler's world: It's enjoyable for both of you. That will come as no surprise to parents who sing songs with their child, sway and twirl together to favourite CDs, or listen to lullabies as they rock their child to sleep.
Who is it for?
For all children under 5 years old and their parents/carers … the children will love it and so will you!
How do I attend?
Just come along to the start of the session
Storytelling / Story-time
What is it?
Our story sessions are fun, creative sessions for you and your child. At the sessions we read a story, sing songs and rhymes, have a healthy snack and make a fun, and sometimes messy, craft.
To show reading is fun. To encourage a love of books. Encourages children to participate in the story and how the book works, turning the pages, exploring pictures. You don’t have to read all the words to enjoy a story. Reading helps children’s language and listening skills. Reading is good in helping imaginative play.
Who is it for?
For all children under 5 years old and their parents/carers.
How do I attend?
Just drop into the session.
Toddler Groups
What is it?
Toddler Group’s are for you and your little ones to come and have fun and meet people. You can attend a toddler group with a new born baby, a baby who has just learnt to sit, a toddler and a pre-schooler, or a combination of the above.
A Toddler Group offers the children group activities when the children all sit together (great social skills), crafts, an opportunity for messy play, an opportunity to dress up, stories and singing as a group or even music and movement sessions, puzzles, simple games, books to share, an area for the babies with activity frames, cushions and baby toys and, of course, friendship and support to carers and parents.
Who is it for?
For all children under 5 years old and their parents/carers
How do I attend?
Some Toddler Groups are run independently and may incur a very small cost per session and may also run term-time only.
Toy & Book Library
What is it?
The toy and book library is a loan service of toys and books for parents and carers to share with their children. Books are great for sharing and they help develop children’s imagination (even young babies like to chew them!)
Also, lots of toys for your child to choose from that can be changed regularly so you don’t get bored! Sharing and enjoying books and toys with children helps them to learn about themselves, about the world and to learn many new words and concepts. Toys can also be matched to developmental stages.
We ask you try to return books and toys in a satisfactory condition, but we do understand that sometimes books get chewed or torn, and toys get broken or bits get lost so don’t worry.
Who is it for?
Every Sure Start Children’s Centre offers toys, books, videos and cassettes for any under 5 year old to borrow.
How do I attend?
If you’d like to join our library then membership is completely free, please pop into your nearest centre.
Weigh & Stay
What is it?
Weigh & Stay is an open session for parents/carers to come with their babies, toddlers and
pre-school children to:
Have children weighed (if required)
Talk with the Health Visitor or Nursery Nurse/Family Support Worker
Join in and play with our playgroup volunteers
Relax, meet up and chat with other parents
Who is it for?
All mams, dads and carers with children 0 - 5 years old are welcome to pop along.
How do I attend?
Just come along. If you find going to sessions daunting, please be assured that this is a very relaxed environment and we will do everything possible to make you feel at ease and able to access the help, advice and support available.
Well Baby Drop In & Clinics
What is it?
The Well Baby Drop In sessions are there to support you and your family as your baby develops and grows. The sessions are very friendly and are run by health visitors who are fully equipped to answer all of your questions.
You can have baby weighed and checked and information and advice are available on health issues, immunisation, problems with feeding or sleeping or you can just have a chat.
Who is it for?
All mams, dads and carers with children 0 - 5 years old are welcome to pop along.
How do I attend?
You don’t need an appointment, you can just “drop in”, which means you can come along at any point during the session and leave when you want to.
Wriggle & Giggle
What is it?
Wriggle & Giggle is one of our most popular sessions, it’s a fun singing and movement session where your child will learn to develop through actions and singing and it also helps with confidence, co-ordination, social skills and language development.
Children are accompanied by their parents/carers which means classes are a wonderful opportunity for you to have fun with your child! The ethos is a relaxed and fun time for the children and this will, we hope, rub off on you!
Who is it for?
For all children under 5 years old and their parents/carers.
How do I attend?
Just come along for the start of the session.