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This newsletter is printed locally by Jenwood Printers 01795 663861

Working together to give children and families the best opportunities in life

Seashells, Rose St, Sheerness, Kent, ME12 1AW Open 8.30-5.30pm

Telephone: 01795 889233 Email: info@children-families.org

Children and Families aims to make life better for children, families and communities by bringing together all these services under one roof:

o Seashells Sure Start Children’s Centre o Seashells Nursery o Crechecare o Midwifery, Ante-natal, Post Natal and Health Visiting o Children & Young People’s Mental Health Service o The Family Foodbank

This newsletter is issued every two months for the carers and parents of children aged 0-5 years old and the professionals who work with us to improve outcomes for the children and families in the local community. If you have a child under 5 years old or are pregnant and have not registered with Kent Children’s Centres please ask at reception or call 01795 889233 to find out more about the services we offer.

Newsletter

December 2017

& January 2018

For Wiggles & Giggles healthy snack recipes go to https://www.nhs.uk/change4life-beta/recipes#0QxiGlEQsu2gHPib.97

Seashells has been shortlisted for:

Please vote in Tesco stores during November &

December to help us secure a Tesco

#BagsofHelp grant.

THANK YOU!

NEWNEW

Sensory Sensory RoomRoom

See page 8See page 8

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Welcome to the December / January edition

Welcome to our December/January newsletter, Christmas is coming and we have so much for you to get involved with and enjoy. Don’t miss our Family Event ‘Beary Christmas’ - see front cover. Father Christmas will be visiting us and it’s sure to be a lot of fun. Our opening times over the festive period are below and groups will return on the 8th January.

Thank you to everyone who took part in our annual Satisfaction Survey, the results are in and we are so pleased that 97% of you are satisfied with our services. There were some lovely comments and suggestions, and we will be sharing these and giving more of an update next time. TSB Sheerness have been working hard to support us as their charity of the year and raised £440 with a cake sale and a donation from the Community Pride Scheme, so thank you to anyone who bought a cake or donated. Coming up in the new year we have; Antental courses (see page 10), Parenting courses (page 10 - Understanding your child), Family Maths (page 5 - brush up on your basic maths skills to help your child) and sessions about Weaning and introducing your baby to solid foods (page 11). And the big news... from January we will have a new permanent Sensory Room, find out all about it and how to book on page 8. Finally join the Team in a New Year Resolution for Dry January or another healthy lifestyle change. (see below and page 9). Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Healthy New Year. Pat Bacon Children’s Centre Manager

Seashells Christmas Opening Times Fri 22nd Dec - Open as usual Mon 25th Dec Bank Holiday - closed Tue 26th Dec Bank Holiday - closed Wed 27th Dec - Open 9.00am - 5.00 pm for staff and clinics only Thurs 28th Dec - Open 9.00am - 5.00 pm for staff and clinics only Fri 29th Dec - Open 9.00am - 5.00 pm for staff and clinics only Mon 1st Jan Bank Holiday - closed Tues 2nd Jan - Open as usual

Thank you TSB

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Are you thinking about feeding your baby solid foods and the next stage in feeding?

Please come along to an introducing solid foods session to find out more. Questions about when to start introducing foods and what to give your baby will be explored within the session.

Sessions: Milton Court Children's Centre, Brewery Road Milton Sittingbourne ME10 2EE. Telephone number: 03000420899 Thursday 30th November 2017 between 1 - 2pm

Seashells Children's Centre Rose Street Sheerness Sheppey Kent ME12 1AW.

Telephone number: 01795 889233 Monday 11th December 2017 between 10-11am St Marys Children's Centre Orchard Place Faversham ME13 8AP. Telephone number: 03000 411033. Thursday 11th January 2018 between 10-11am.

BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL

Please contact the children's centre that you wish to attend to book your place.

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Starting Tuesday 23rd January for 6 weeks 12-2pm

At Seashells Children and Families Centre

Understanding Your Child Starting Wednesday 17th January for 10 weeks 9.30am - 11.30am

Parenthood can be extremely rewarding and enjoyable. It can also be demanding, frustrating and exhausting. Parents have an important role in raising the next generation, yet most people begin their careers as parents with little preparation and through trial and error. The challenge as a parent is to raise happy and healthy children in a safe and predictable environment. Join us if you would like to learn more about sensitive and effective parenting. Our programme runs for 10 weeks covering subjects such as:

How your child develops Understanding how your child is feeling Tuning into what your child needs Different styles of parenting Self-regulation and anger Communication and Language

And much more! Our aim is to help you and your child be happy and healthy! Booking is essential - Call 667070

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Did you know…

◊ Over 4,000 chemicals are pumped into your baby’s blood stream every time you

smoke a cigarette.

◊ Each time you smoke ONE Cigarette your baby will struggle to get Oxygen for 40 minutes.

Ready to cut down or quit?

We’d loved to help.

Call: 01795 667070 or pop in and ask for Natalie.

Would you like to encourage your baby’s early communication

skills through sign?

Learn signs and rhymes at

10:30 every Tuesday during the Healthy Child Clinic

Other activities each week

First week of the month - Sensory Play

Second week of the month

- Treasure Baskets

Third week of the month - Hand and Footprints

Forth week of the month

- Baby Massage

Every Tuesday 9am - 11.30am

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Seashells Book Stall Monthly Book Review

Silent Night by Julie Warnes, £2.50

“Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright. All the animals gather together, silent, harmonious, happy forever. “

The much-loved Christmas carol "Silent Night" comes alive in this beautiful and enchantingly illustrated story. This is a touching picture book to share aloud with your little ones.

Available at Seashells Bookstall Open Every Tuesday 9am - 3pm &

Friday 10.30am - 12.30pm

Brand New Books Brand New Books

From £1 From £1 -- £3£3

Sing a Christmas song with your child

Dashing through the snow In a one horse open sleigh

O'er the fields we go Laughing all the way Bells on bob tails ring Making spirits bright

What fun it is to laugh and sing A sleighing song tonight

Oh, jingle bells, jingle bells

Jingle all the way Oh, what fun it is to ride

In a one horse open sleigh Jingle bells, jingle bells

Jingle all the way Oh, what fun it is to ride

In a one horse open sleigh

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Christmas Holiday’s 15 hours government funding: Finish - Wednesday 20th December 2017, back Friday 5th January 2018 Stretch funding: Finish - Friday 22nd December 2017, back Friday 5th January 2018 Non funded children: Finish Friday 22nd December 2017, back Tuesday 2nd December

Spaces Available We provide free entitlement childcare for 3 & 4 year

olds and qualifying 2 years olds and we’re open 7:30am to 6pm every week-day throughout the year. Our staff are experienced and highly qualified childcare and early education specialists so you can be sure that your child will receive the best care available. 30 Hours FREE Childcare Did you know that from September 2017

many 3 and 4 year olds will benefit from free early education and childcare being extended from 15 to 30 hours per week? For 3 and 4 year olds to be eligible both parents (or the sole parent in a single parent family) will need to be working to be eligible. All 3 and 4 year olds will continue to receive 15 hours free. you can check your eligibility now following the link provided: https://www.gov.uk/childcare-calculator

telephone

01795 663311 www.seashells-nursery.org

What is Dry January?

Dry January is Alcohol Concern's flagship campaign which has been changing the conversation about alcohol over the past 5 years. Taking part in our campaign is a chance to ditch the hangover, reduce the waistline, and save some serious £££ by giving up alcohol for 31 days. Find out more at https://www.alcoholconcern.org.uk/dry-january

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SensorySensory

RoomRoom

An interactive, An interactive,

stimulating and stimulating and

relaxing experience for relaxing experience for

you and your childrenyou and your children

NEWNEW for Januaryfor January

Opening Monday 15th JanuaryOpening Monday 15th January

Monday - Friday 9am - 3pm Except Wednesday 9am - 5.30pm

Booking Essential. 1 hour Slots available Call 667070Booking Essential. 1 hour Slots available Call 667070

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Seashells Children’s Centre

Monday 8th January - Monday 26th March 2018

12:30 - 14.30

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TUESDAYTUESDAY WEDNESDAYWEDNESDAY THURSDAYTHURSDAY FRIDAYFRIDAY

Bubba Club & Bubba Club & Healthy Child ClinicHealthy Child Clinic

9am - 11.30am (doors close at 11.20)

Play sessions for under 1’s. Baby Sing & Sign at 10.30

Dec 5th*, 12th* & 19th

Jan 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th

BookstallBookstall 9am - 3pm

New books at discounted prices. Prices range from £1 - £3

Dec 5th & 12th Jan 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th

Wacky Wednesdays Wacky Wednesdays At Community Church Sheppey

1pm-2.30pm

Learning through play

Dec 6th & 13th Jan 10th, 17th, 24th & 31st

Sensory RoomSensory Room 9.30am - 3pm

An interactive, stimulating and relaxing

experience for you and your child. Book your 20-30 min slot on 889233

Dec 7th & 14th

Jan - NEW Sensory Room opening Monday 15th!!

Fun Time Friday Fun Time Friday 9.30am - 11am

A fun and social group run by parents

for parents and their preschool children

Dec 1st, 8th & 15th

Jan 12th, 19th & 26th

AquatotsAquatots At Sheerness

Swimming Pool 9.30 –10.30am & 10.30 - 11.30am

Get your swimming discount card by

contacting Gaynor on 889233

Dec 5th & 12th Jan 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th

5th & 12th - Keyrings & Magnets

ready for collection

Breastfeeding Support Breastfeeding Support GroupGroup

9.45am-11.15am

Specialist clinical help from a trained breastfeeding counsellor. Meet other

breastfeeding mums and our peer supporters

Dec 5th, 12th & 19th

Jan 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th

Play and GigglesPlay and Giggles 1pm-2.30pm

Learning & exploring through play for babies and toddlers up to 24 months

Dec 7th & 14th Jan 11th, 18th & 25th

Baby Massage CourseBaby Massage Course 10.30am - 11.30am

A completely relaxing and

pleasurable experience, it helps boost baby’s immune system, enhances your bond and helps promote longer deeper sleep.

Jan 12th, 19th & 26th

Health Clinics based at Health Clinics based at

your Children’s Centre:your Children’s Centre:

Midwives & Antenatal Every day by appointment only.

Newborn Hearing Clinic Fortnightly by appointment only.

Duty Health Visitor

Telephone 0300 1234 014 to

speak to a duty health visitor Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm.

Health Trainer

Wednesdays at Seashells or call 0300 123 1220 for more

information

Faversham Counselling

Service Refer yourself 01795 591019

Wiggles & GigglesWiggles & Giggles At Community Church

Sheppey 1pm - 2.30pm

Cooking, Parachute fun & Crafts

Dec 5th & 12th Jan 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th

PilatesPilates 5.15pm - 6.15pm

Pilates is a safe and effective form of exercise for the mind and body that will enable you to look and feel your

very best. £4 per person

Dec 5th, 12th & 19th Jan 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th

COURSES COMING UP...COURSES COMING UP... Solihull Parenting Programme ~ Solihull Antenatal ~ Baby Massage ~ Family Maths . For more information ask at Reception or call 01795 667070

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TUESDAYTUESDAY WEDNESDAYWEDNESDAY THURSDAYTHURSDAY FRIDAYFRIDAY

Bubba Club & Bubba Club & Healthy Child ClinicHealthy Child Clinic

9am - 11.30am (doors close at 11.20)

Play sessions for under 1’s. Baby Sing & Sign at 10.30

Dec 5th*, 12th* & 19th

Jan 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th

BookstallBookstall 9am - 3pm

New books at discounted prices. Prices range from £1 - £3

Dec 5th & 12th Jan 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th

Wacky Wednesdays Wacky Wednesdays At Community Church Sheppey

1pm-2.30pm

Learning through play

Dec 6th & 13th Jan 10th, 17th, 24th & 31st

Sensory RoomSensory Room 9.30am - 3pm

An interactive, stimulating and relaxing

experience for you and your child. Book your 20-30 min slot on 889233

Dec 7th & 14th

Jan - NEW Sensory Room opening Monday 15th!!

Fun Time Friday Fun Time Friday 9.30am - 11am

A fun and social group run by parents

for parents and their preschool children

Dec 1st, 8th & 15th

Jan 12th, 19th & 26th

AquatotsAquatots At Sheerness

Swimming Pool 9.30 –10.30am & 10.30 - 11.30am

Get your swimming discount card by

contacting Gaynor on 889233

Dec 5th & 12th Jan 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th

5th & 12th - Keyrings & Magnets

ready for collection

Breastfeeding Support Breastfeeding Support GroupGroup

9.45am-11.15am

Specialist clinical help from a trained breastfeeding counsellor. Meet other

breastfeeding mums and our peer supporters

Dec 5th, 12th & 19th

Jan 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th

Play and GigglesPlay and Giggles 1pm-2.30pm

Learning & exploring through play for babies and toddlers up to 24 months

Dec 7th & 14th Jan 11th, 18th & 25th

Baby Massage CourseBaby Massage Course 10.30am - 11.30am

A completely relaxing and

pleasurable experience, it helps boost baby’s immune system, enhances your bond and helps promote longer deeper sleep.

Jan 12th, 19th & 26th

Health Clinics based at Health Clinics based at

your Children’s Centre:your Children’s Centre:

Midwives & Antenatal Every day by appointment only.

Newborn Hearing Clinic Fortnightly by appointment only.

Duty Health Visitor

Telephone 0300 1234 014 to

speak to a duty health visitor Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm.

Health Trainer

Wednesdays at Seashells or call 0300 123 1220 for more

information

Faversham Counselling

Service Refer yourself 01795 591019

Wiggles & GigglesWiggles & Giggles At Community Church

Sheppey 1pm - 2.30pm

Cooking, Parachute fun & Crafts

Dec 5th & 12th Jan 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th

PilatesPilates 5.15pm - 6.15pm

Pilates is a safe and effective form of exercise for the mind and body that will enable you to look and feel your

very best. £4 per person

Dec 5th, 12th & 19th Jan 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th

COURSES COMING UP...COURSES COMING UP... Solihull Parenting Programme ~ Solihull Antenatal ~ Baby Massage ~ Family Maths . For more information ask at Reception or call 01795 667070

PLEASE NOTE All groups and activities are

NO PHONE ZONES

Groups are for children 0-5 years Siblings are welcome to attend in the holiday events.

Groups run during Term Time Only