1st August 2021

Back to School!

The Scottish weather has surprised all of us this Summer. We hope you have all enjoyed the scorching hot days and found fun ways to keep cool. With just over a week left of the Summer holidays, you may be gearing up for the first day back at school or nursery. This month our newsletter has lots of ideas for lunchbox fillers, anxiety busters and even the perfect nursery rhyme to sing on the school bus!

Even if they are too young for formal education, your babies and toddlers can join in with the learning too! Find out how to incorporate music and movement at home with our 'Balls and Balloons' segment. Get creative with recipes for 'gluck' and fake snow to liven up your messy play. And boost your child's language skills with the magic rule of three!

Happy Reading

The Family Nurture Support Team

Does your child have worries about school or nursery? Parent Club have great ideas for easing your child back into education, settling their first day worries and making the idea of school more positive for them. It includes a fab video from GP and mum Dr Punam Krishan with tips for getting organised, eating well, fitting in exercise and how to chill out. Find the full article and video on the Parent Club website.

Just spending five minutes a day on one of these activities will help to build a strong and secure attachment between you and your child. You are laying the foundation for your child's physical, cognitive, social and emotional development. 

Play Safe

Remember to make sure all objects are clean and safe for your child to play with. Stay with your child to make sure they are happy. Explore the activity together.

Read this Parent Club article for more tips on how to stay safe.

Are you ready to join a group? Five To Thrive Online is a FREE, fun and engaging session for parents and children aged 0-3 years. Try out new activities, meet other families and learn about the five building blocks of child development: PLAY, TALK, RELAX, CUDDLE & RESPOND. Email us: famnurtsupport@angus.gov.uk

Balls & Balloons

Have you ever used balls and balloons with music?

The use of balls and balloons during musical activities gives children a different way to explore moving and handling in their physical development. It also helps with the development of their personal and social skills, by providing a fantastic opportunity for self-expression.

Throw, catch, roll, wave or bounce to the music.

You can even try exploring the movement of balls and balloons on a blanket or large towel. Hold a blanket between you like a parachute and place the balls or balloons on top.

Wave the blanket fast, slow, high and low. Try to keep the rhythm of the music and describe the movements you are experiencing.

Find more ideas and even special songs to sing on the

Music in the Early Years website. 

Incredible Years groups are available online NOW! For parents and carers of children aged 3 – 6 years. Incredible Years helps you to manage your child’s behavior in a positive way. For more information: Email: famnurtsupport@angus.gov.uk Call: 01307 494 746  (open Tues & Thurs 2-4pm)

Saturday

Turn your Thumbs Green! Gardening can be a nice way to meditate, enjoy the outdoors and get some sunshine. It can be a great way to spend quality time with your family and it's suitable for all ages. Just grab a spade and get digging! In a few weeks time, you will quite literally be enjoying the fruits (and vegetables) of your labour! If you are short on space, you can still get involved. There are plenty of plants that are perfect for growing on a patio, balcony or even a windowsill. So why not check out these Top Ten Gardening Tips for Beginners to get you started!

Sunday

Explore your Local Farmer's Market Self-care doesn't always need to happen at home. Trying something new and exploring different places can be like a breath of fresh air for your mental health. Why not take advantage of seasonal produce and local vendors with a trip to a farmer’s market? It could be a great opportunity to try new foods and incorporate healthier options into your diet. Supporting small and local businesses is great for the environment too! The Angus Farmers' Market website has all the details you need.

Introducing the Forfar & Kirriemuir

Family Nurture Support Team

Claire Meenan Family Nurture Support Worker Forfar & Kirriemuir My favourite messy play activity is Playdough.

What's on in the Forfar & Kirrimuir area?

• Forfar Upcycling Project has launched a Clothes Bank, running on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays in the Strathmore Hall. For details and donations, contact angusupcycling@gmail.com

• Friday Fun with the Communities Team includes a Café, Short Walks, Walking Sports, and Digital Support every Friday morning at the Strathmore Cricket Club Community Café between 10-1pm. To find out more, message the Communities Team Facebook Page, or Strathmore Cricket Club or text Maureen on 07775009220
• A Walk in the Park is happening in Kirriemuir every Tuesday afternoon. Leaving from near the car park area, the walk lasts for between 30 and 45 minutes around Kirrie Hill. Enjoy the beautiful scenery and walk at your own pace. For more details or to sign up please email cldforfar@angus.gov.uk or call Eddie on 07771841042.

*NEW Learn, Laugh & Play Pram Walks* Would you like to get out about with your child? Have the chance to learn new things and share ideas? Join the new Forfar pram walks! Book a space,  Email: cldforfar@angus.gov.uk  or  Tel: Linette 07799 868288 Find the Communities Team Supporting Forfar and Kirriemuir on Facebook.

 What's on in Angus?

• Buggy Club North Angus is a group set up for the local area but is part of the wider Scottish Buggy Club which was created for parents struggling to socialise during the pandemic. Join the Facebook group to sign up for local walks.
• Breast Buddies Angus is a local breastfeeding group run by trained volunteers who have breastfed their own babies. The volunteers offer online support, ante-natal classes and face-to-face groups in Arbroath, Carnoustie, Montrose, Brechin & Forfar. Find them on Facebook or call 01307 466 113.
• Angus Food Bank can be contacted by phone 01307 466 841, by email info@angus.foodbank.org.uk or by text 07964 292349. Foodbanks are also available in Arbroath, Montrose and Forfar. You can find details here.  
• Angus primary schools also have Food Hubs. Please contact your child’s teacher for more information
• Angus Clothing Project is an adult clothes bank for people experiencing homelessness, low or no income, or those who currently have little or no possessions. You can self-refer at homelessnesssupport@angus.gov.uk

The 'Best Start' Grant The Best Start Early Learning Payment is a one-off payment of £250 for children between 2 and 3.5 years old. The payment is to help with the cost of nursery items. For older children, there is the the Best Start School Age Payment to help with the costs of preparing for school including educational toys and activities. For more information and to apply  visit the MyGov.Scot website or the Young Scot website for easy to read info.

Learn Laugh Play groups are now ONLINE! Are you pregnant or a parent of young children? Join your local Learn Laugh Play group to meet other parents and get great ideas for activities, cooking and more! Email: cldforfar@angus.gov.uk

Would you like to chat with other people in your local area or find out about community groups that are now running online? Contact the Angus Council's Communities Team by emailing: thomsonl1@angus.gov.uk

NEW Five to Thrive groups starting! A brand new block of Five to Thrive Online will be starting soon. If you have children under 3 years old, then please email us to find out more! Email: famnurtsupport@angus.gov.uk

Listen to this nursery rhyme on Mama Lisa's website.

Robyn loves gardening! Have you tried gardening with your children? What was the best part of your Summer holidays? Let us know!  famnurtsupport@angus.gov.uk

That's all folks! We would love to hear your feedback. Please send all newsletter related enquiries and feedback to famnurtsupport@angus.gov.uk