Family and Early Years

Little Vines Fun With the Under 5s Wednesday 9.30-11.30 during term time Little Vines is a parent/carer and toddler group with weekly themes delivered on a 4-week rotation: Week 1 Heuristic Play (children play with touchy feely natural and synthetic materials such as fir cones, hair rollers, wool etc). This is fascinating for both older babies and toddlers Week 2 Physical Play (children play with large play items such as cardboard boxes, slides, rocking horses etc) Week 3 Small World or Construction (children play with duplo, interstar, stickle bricks etc or cars, trains, dolls house) Week 4 Sensory Play (children play with play dough, paint, glue, shaving foam etc) At each session healthy snacks and drinks are provided. On a bi-weekly basis there is a Maracca Jacks session where a representative leads the group in music, singing, instruments. On other weeks the group sings together before going outside (weather permitting) to the play area, which is fully equipped with outdoor toys and activities. Price 50p per session or £1 on Maracca Jack weeks.

Young Mums For expectant/new mums (under 21 yrs). Bumps and aged 0-9 months. This is a new Free group offering support and advice if required. Come along for a cup of tea and a chat in an informal and relaxed atmosphere. Tuesdays 12.30 - 2.30
Stay and Play Fridays 9.30-11.30 during term time A parent/carer and toddler group with a selection of toys and activities. At each session healthy snacks and drinks are provided for the children. After snack children enjoy a singing session then - weather permitting - outside play
Bumps and Babes Baby and expectant mums (and dads) group (for babies up to 9 months old) Thursday 9.30 - 11.30 during term time. Bumps and Babes is an opportunity to sit down and relax with your baby (or bump) and other mums and dads. It is a great chance to make friends with other mothers. Fathers also welcome too! There is the chance to speak to a breastfeeding counsellor and health visitor. On a bi-monthly basis there is a Maracca Jacks session where a representative leads the group in music, singing, and playing instruments to help babies language development. We also have baby weaning sessions. The group also offers second-hand equipment and clothing for sale. More info below. Price 50p per session or £1 on Maracca Jack weeks A friendly, Ofsted registered creche is available for older siblings under 5 years. The cost is £1.25 per child for the 2 hour session. Places are limited so please ask Kim, the creche manager, for more information, as a waiting list is currently in operation. Booking is essential
Crawlers and Explorers Tuesday 9.30 - 11.30pm during term time (runs first four weeks of each month during term time) Sensory Play (children play with play dough, paint, glue, shaving foam etc), Making shakers or sensory bottles, Singing and Musical Instruments and Physical play Treasure Baskets - a basket of everyday objects to explore Heuristic play (children play with touchy feely natural and synthetic materials such as fur cones, hair rollers, wool etc). This group is for babies and toddlers 9 months up to 20 months Snack provided and please dress for mess. No Fee
Mini Move & Groove - run by Surestart Tuesdays 1.30- 2.15pm during term time Fitness course for children with music! Come and help your child be fit and healthy! Also includes snack and singing and free child's T shirt No need to book Fitness and Fun - run by Surestart Thursdays 12.45 -1.15pm (6 week course) Term time only Fitness class for adults including Boxercise and Aerobics. Free creche available. Places limited, and creche waiting list applies. Please contact Surestart office for more information.
Toy Library - run by Community Playlink Wednesdays 9.30pm - 10.30pm term time only Come along and choose some toys. You can keep these for 1-2 weeks, and then change them.