FAVERSHAM CHILDREN’S CENTRES

Bysing Wood & St Mary’s Children’s Centres

JULY NEWSLETTER

Dates in July
6-12 July - ‘Twins, Triplets and More’ Week
17 July-7 September - School Summer Holidays
24 July - Samaritans Awareness Day
News about local jobs! We now have a list of local vacancies on our noticeboards at St Mary’s and Bysing Wood. These have
been taken from the JobCentre Plus website (www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk) and will be updated weekly.

NEWSLETTER RESULTS

We would like to say a big thank you to all of you who returned our feedback questionnaire. It was great to hear that 87%
of you who responded read all of the newsletter, and 100% find it useful and easy to read. Not surprisingly, the ‘What’s On’
section was the most valued, but our ‘Items for Sale’ section and details of new events and groups also proved popular. You
told us that you would like to see more photos, pictures and colour in general on the newsletter.

We are always striving to improve the services and facilities that are on offer, and it was interesting to hear your
suggestions for more parenting skills information, a single parents group, and more music based activities. All your ideas
will be reviewed by the staff team at both centres, and will be given consideration when we are planning for the future.

Once again, thank you for your time, and happy spending to our three lucky winners! (Of course, the names for the prize
draw were pulled out by three happy visitors to the centres!)
If you are a winner please call either centre to arrange for the collection of your giftcards.

WINNERS!!

£25 Carla Irving

£15 Justine Corke
£10 Natasha Robinson

‘The Big Toddle’ Parents’ Forum

'The Big Toddle' is a sponsored walk for under 5s being held
across the country to raise money for Barnados.
St Mary's and Bysing Wood Children's Centres will be
holding their 'Big Toddle' in conjunction with their HealthWalk
on Friday 7 August. Along with the chance to stretch those
legs, we hope to be holding special 'Toddle' activities,
including a picnic in the park and themed music groups.
To get your sponsor form and get involved, please pop into
or call either centre! You can also donate online at
www.fundraiseforbarnardos.org.uk/personalPage.aspxregistrationID=278132
All toddlers that take part will receive certificates and medals
too!
Bysing Wood CC held it's second Parents' Forum on 18 June.
Thank you to those that attended! Some excellent suggestions
were made, including ideas for the summer holidays, what
outdoor play equipment to purchase, more information about
activities outside of the centres and much more. Watch this
space for these ideas coming to life!
The next Parents' Forum at Bysing Wood CC is on
16 July 1pm-2.30pm
The next Parents’ Forums at St Mary’s are on
30 June 10am-12noon
14 July 10am-11am

Crèche facilities and refreshments will be available.

Please come along or to find out more contact either centre.

Car parking—IMPORTANT NOTICE at Bysing Wood Children’s Centre

During the summer holidays, new vehicle and pedestrian electronic gates are to be fitted at Bysing Wood School.
The car park will be available for deliveries and official visitors’ cars only. We would be grateful if you could
continue to park in Lower Road at the front of the school when you visit the Children’s Centre.
Thank you in advance for your co-operation.
 What’s on at Bysing Wood in July?
9am-12noon Faversham QTs - Registered childminders and those in their care get together to make
Mondays the most of the CC’s fantastic facilities.
9:15am-12noon Ante Natal Clinic - If you would like ante natal care at Bysing Wood Children’s Centre
please contact your midwife or the centre.
6 July 10am-12noon Do potties drive you potty? - Pop into the Children’s Centre for an informal chat
and advice about toilet training, bed wetting etc.
13 July 1pm-2pm Baby Massage - This will be a top up session for anyone who has taken part in
previous courses. To book your place please contact the centre.
The next baby massage course at Bysing Wood Children’s Centre will begin in September. For more
information or to book your place, please call the centre.
9.30am-11.30am Messy Hands - Facilitated by Family Action, this is an art and craft focused group
Tuesdays that runs on a termly basis, for families with children aged 1-5. To book please call Family Action on
01795 539910.
9.30am-11.15am Parent & Toddler Group - A drop in group, for more information please contact the
Wednesdays centre. Please note that this is a first come, first served group, so please arrive promptly to ensure
you do not get turned away.
Rockabye Music - Music and rhyme at Teynham Community Hall, Station Road, Teynham. Due to the
popularity of the group, we are running two sessions! 10am-10.45 music for under 2s, 10.45am-
11.15am arts and crafts and free play for all, and 11.15am-12noon music for over 2s. If parents
have children of both age groups, they may choose which session they come to. This is a drop in group;
for more information please contact the centre.
1.15pm-2.45pm Musical Caterpillars - Children aged 0-4 and their parents can enjoy making music,
story telling, singing and much more. This is a drop in group; for more info please contact the centre.
9am-11am Health Trainers - Tracey Smith drops in to offer parents support on a range of health
Thursdays issues. Drop in or to book an appointment call 0800 489 4000.
9am-12noon Come & Play - Make the most of our toys and resources, have fun and play!!
10am-12noon Child Health Clinic - Drop in to chat to health visitors about your child’s health and
have them weighed.
Thursday 16 July 1pm-2.30pm Parents’ Forum A free crèche and refreshments will be provided.
9.30am-11.30am HealthWalk - 1st Friday of the month (3 July). Meeting and starting from
Fridays St Mary’s Children’s Centre, exploring more of Faversham! Please arrive at 9.30am promptly. For more
information please contact either of the centres.
10am-12noon Twins Group - Every other Friday (3 July, 19 July, 31 July). A chance for families with
twins, triplets and so on to play, get support and make friends!
18 July Soccer Tots - 3rd Saturday of each month. For dads/male carers and their children. Breakfast
Saturdays from 9.30am. 10am-10.30am for toddlers to 3 year olds. 10.30am-11.15am for ages 3-6. To book a
place please contact the centre.

Summer Holidays Accredited Paediatric First Aid Training

Both Bysing Wood and St Mary's CCs will be running special At Bysing Wood Children’s Centre
summer activities during August; these will cater for
families with children under 5, and older siblings too. 3 Day Course
Friday 4 September 10am-2pm
Look out in the next newsletter for further details of when Friday 11 September 10am-2pm
and where! In the mean time if you have any suggestions Friday 18 September 10am-2pm
for summer activities please let us know!
Free crèche
Lunch provided
Clothes Swap! Certificates valid for 3 years
To book your place call Bysing Wood on 01795 531555
St Mary’s CC hopes to organise a clothes swap or St Mary’s on 01795 591101.
starting in August. This will be run as a drop-
in session. We haven’t yet decided whether It will be just
adults or children’s clothing – Apologies
What do you think? The June Newsletter missed out the location of Rockabye
We are unsure if we will be able to hold it in the centre Music. This group is held at Teynham Community Hall,
due to issues around storage. Do you know of any venue Station Road, Teynham. We apologise for this error and for
that would have the space to hold something like this? any inconvenience caused.
Please give Ruth a call with any ideas on 01795 591131.
Can you help please?
Helpful links We need an assortment of nearly new clothes for both boys
Parentline Plus 0808 800 2222 or www.parentlineplus.org.uk and girls aged 0-5. If you can help please bring along to
www.dads-space.com either centre. Thank you!
 What’s on at St Mary’s in July?
10am-12noon Bumps and Babies - For all parents and carers with bumps, babies and toddlers for fun,
Mondays friendship and refreshments.
9.30am-12.30pm Ante Natal Clinic
Tuesdays 6 July 12noon-2pm Do potties drive you potty? - Pop into the Children’s Centre for an informal chat
and advice about toilet training, bed wetting etc.
14 July 10am-11am User Group Forum - Any person who facilitates a group or session at the centre
is welcome to attend. For more information please contact Ruth.
12.30pm-2.30pm Pips+ - A toddler group for families with children 0-5 who have additional needs.
1pm-3pm Post Natal Support - Please see your health visitor for an invitation.
3pm-4.30pm Emotional Wellbeing & Behaviour - Are you concerned about your child’s emotions
or behaviour? Please phone or call in to book an appointment.
9am-12noon Faversham QTs - Registered childminders and those in their care get together to make
Wednesdays the most of St Mary’s fantastic facilities!
1pm-3pm Child Health Clinic - Drop in to chat to health visitors about your child’s health and have
them weighed.
1pm-2.30pm Health Trainers - Tracey Smith drops in to offer parents support on a range of health
issues. Drop in or to book an appointment call 0800 489 4000.
9am-12.30pm Ante Natal Clinic
Thursdays 10am–11.30am Messy Monets - Come along and have fun with paint, glitter and much more!
10am-11.30am Little Voices — A Bilingual group; for more information please see below.
1pm-3pm The Breast Friends Group - A midwife and health visitor will be available to chat about
breastfeeding. 2 July 12noon—1pm Breastfeeding workshop (first Thursday of each month).
9am-12noon Faversham QTs
Fridays 9.30am-11.30am HealthWalks - 1st Friday of the month (3 July). Meeting and starting from
St Mary’s Children’s Centre, more of Faversham! Please arrive at 9.30am promptly. For more
information please contact either of the centres.
12noon-1pm Teenage Ante Natal Clinic
12noon-2pm Baby Club - A group for young parents (under 21s) and their babies to make friends, gain
support and play! All young parents are welcome.
1.45pm-2.30pm Caterpillar Music - Children aged 0-4 and their parents can enjoy making music,
story telling and much more!
2pm-3.30pm Baby Massage - The July course is fully booked. All those who have been accepted will
be written to shortly. If you would like to find out more or are interested in future classes, please
contact either centre to put your name down. We are also hoping to start a ‘dad and baby’ massage
course. Please contact St Mary’s CC for further details.
11 July 10am-12pm Dads’ and Children’s Group - Facilitated by Family Action. For dads and their
Saturdays children to spend quality time together. Every 2nd Saturday of the month. For more details please
phone Family Action on 01795 539910.

Bilingual Group Veggie Samosas

Is English your second language?
We have a new group starting
every Thursday between 10am and 12 noon.
Little Voices hopes to support local families who may have moved into
Faversham from around the world.
Do you have concerns around your own or your child's speech and language?
Are you finding it hard to meet new people?
Would you like to meet other families who know how that feels?
Come along and join in the conversation.
This recipe was found in another
Children’s Centre newsletter.
We are sharing their recipe as it
looks and sounds delicious!
Pop into either Children’s Centre to pick up
your copy.

Dads’ and Children’s Group SWALE asd SUPPORT GROUP

10am-12pm
2nd Saturday of every month Drop-ins for grandparents and extended family
at St Mary’s CC Wed 15 July, Wed 16 September and Wed 21 October
11 July 9.30am-12.30pm
A group facilitated by Family Action. at
12 Stephens Close
Dads and Children’s Group is a morning of play for Faversham ME13 7SS
dads and their children aged 0 to 11 years. SWALE Autistic Spectrum Disorder SUPPORT GROUP
Would you like to chat with other Dads? Nicola Crosier 01795 534208, Toni Barney 01795 539117,
Ian Burrows 01795 877831
For more info please call Family Action on 01795 539910.
 Want to find out more?
Faversham Children’s Centres

The Faversham Children’s Centres at St Mary’s and Bysing Wood work together to deliver
a range of services in Faversham for children under 5 and their families covering childcare,
health, family and support services in a supportive, understanding and positive environment.

Children’s Centres are being developed across Kent and Swale

as part of the government’s commitment for:

• The best start in life for every child

• Better opportunities for parents
• Affordable quality childcare
• Stronger and safer communities

The centres are open all year round and do not close during school holidays.

Bysing Wood Children’s Centre

Bysing Wood Primary School
Lower Road
Faversham
Kent
ME13 7NU

Tel: 01795 531555

Email: bwcc01@kent.gov.uk

Hannah Croucher—Community Involvement

Worker
07827 361226/hannah.croucher@kent.gov.uk

The bus stop is 200m from the school and the bus number is 3a, going from Canterbury to
Faversham.

St Mary’s Children’s Centre

St Mary of Charity Primary School
Orchard Place
Faversham
Kent
ME13 8AP

Tel: 01795 591101

Email: stmcc01@kent.gov.uk

Ruth Roach—Community Involvement Worker

07827 361222/ruth.roach@kent.gov.uk

The bus stop is outside Tesco, just a stroll from the centre. Bus routes: 3 - from Canterbury to Faversham.
333 - Oare to Maidstone (stopping at Faversham Town Centre).

REMINDER
If any of your details change, such as your address or
your surname please contact one of the centres to
ensure that we have the correct details to continue