Children's Centre Timetables  

Autumn Timetable - Monday 5 September to Friday 15 December 2022

East Area Timetable - Chiswick, Brentford and Isleworth

West Area Timetable - Feltham, Bedfont, Hanworth

Central Area Timetable - Heston, Cranford, Hounslow and Beavers

These timetables include activities from Monday 5 September to Friday 15 December 2022. We do sometimes have to make changes to our timetables, so it's always a good idea to check our most up to date copies. These can be found in the 'What's on' section of the Children's Centre pages, on the Family Services Directory. 

Looking for a healthy cooking class for you and your child?

We have a few different courses, taking place across the borough:

• Chiswick Children's Centre - 4 week Healthy Cooking Course (for children aged 2 years +) beginning 4 Nov 2022. Bookings open 17 October 
• South Isleworth Children's Centre - 4 week Healthy Cooking Course (for children aged 2 years +) beginning 16 Sep 2022. Bookings open 5 September 
• Alf King Children's Centre (Feltham) - 4 Week 'Grub Club' course (for children aged 2-5 years), beginning 14 Sep 2022. Bookings can be made at any time and close on Fri 9 Sep. 

Please see the timetables for further information. 

Antenatal Breastfeeding Classes @ South Isleworth Children's Centre 

Preparing for feeding, caring and understanding your new baby before birth really helps the transition into parenthood.

West Mid are running Face to face Antenatal Breastfeeding Workshops, at South Isleworth Children’s Centre. These workshops run for 2 hours. Families who are booked to have their baby at West Middlesex or Chelsea and Westminster hospital can use the following link to secure a space: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/breastfeeding-workshop-tickets-351492933827

Follow our Facebook page ‘Chelwest Infant Feeding’ where we share the latest updates, guidance and information. Our 2 hour face to face ‘Early days’ Antenatal workshop are coming soon, in the meantime this can be accessed via video on our Chelwest Infant Feeding Padlet - this can be accessed via the Facebook page or the following link: Feeding and Nurturing your Baby (padlet.com)

Special Events, Celebrations and Themes in September

• 19 - 25 Sep - Recycle week 
• 21 Sep - National fitness day 
• 21 Sep - World gratitude day
• 25 -27 Sep - Rosh Hashana (Jewish New Year)
• 26 Sep - 4 Oct - Navratri (Hindu Holiday)

You Said We Did...

Thank you to all families that gave us feedback on our services, last month. This helps us to know what we are doing well and what we could be doing better.

Here is some feedback we have received:

Lampton children centre baby group sessions held at Osterley and Heston parks:

'The sessions held at Osterley and Heston park... it was amazing sessions all the children loved it very much and really enjoyed it ,throughout the sessions the staff was very warm and welcoming appreciated the efforts and hard-work of the staff'. 

'Thank you so much for the entertaining day....Staffs given us full enjoyment'

'The reading and singing session . My son likes the open and shut song , he smiles whenever I sing to him at home ...is an opportunity for me to learn the signs also during the reading and singing session... I noticed my son has gained more self- confidence' .

'I’ll recommend more activities for park days' - Thank you for your suggestions. We have some new activities planned on our latest timetable.

Have you attended any of our sessions? Do you have any suggestions or ideas on our future services? If yes, please complete our online feedback form.

Follow us on Facebook 

The London Borough of Hounslow has got a Children and Families Information Facebook Page! 

We post videos of different activities including song time, story time and activities for you to try at home.

If you would like to follow this page, search 'London Borough of Hounslow - Children and Families Information'.

Monthly Mindfulness Activity

With 'World Gratitude Day' coming up this month, we thought it would be a perfect opportunity to do a fun, gratitude activity.

Painting Gratitude Stones

Painting gratitude stones is a fun way to get crafty by doing something for others. You can encourage children to pass out these gratitude stones to people they are grateful for in their lives.

Recipe of the Month

Savoury Muffins

300g flour

1tsp baking powder

100g grated cheddar cheese

75g canned sweetcorn, drained

2 spring onions

50g butter

150g Plain yogurt

175ml milk

1 egg

1. Preheat  the  oven to 200C/gas mark 6
2. In a bowl mix all of the  dry ingredients together (flour, baking powder, cheese, spring onions and sweetcorn).
3. Melt the butter in a microwave and add it to a jug, alongside the wet ingredients (yogurt, milk and egg).
4. Add the  wet ingredients into your bowl of dry ingredients and mix altogether to combine.
5. Line a muffin tin and place the  batter into the muffin tins.
6. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until golden.

Do you have a favourite or special recipe you would like to share? Please email it to Minal.Shah@hounslow.gov.uk for it be featured as the 'Recipe of the Month'.

Thinking about childcare this September?

Childminders, nursery and pre-school staff are able to provide a safe and happy environment where children can learn and develop. These early years settings are wonderful places for children to learn and have fun with friends.

Early education supports children’s development and their overall wellbeing and helps to give them a routine. Children learn faster between 0 and 5 years old than at any other time in life which is why it is so important that children do not miss out on time in an early years setting.  It really helps children get ready for school.  Children who go to early years settings do better at school than those who don’t.

Did you know that some 2 year olds can get up to 15 hours a week free or funded childcare and early learning at an Ofsted registered private day nursery, pre-school or with a childminder? Check here to see if you qualify www.hounslow.gov.uk/free2 or call Hounslow’s Family Information Service 020 8583 3470.

All 3 and 4 year olds, regardless of the parents’ immigration status, can get up to 15 hours free and funded education each week for 38 weeks from the term after their third birthday. For more information please go to www.hounslow.gov.uk/free15

Working parents of 3 and 4 year olds may be entitled to an additional 15 hours of free and funded childcare each week (1,140 hours per year).  You may be able to get free and funded childcare for 51 weeks if you use fewer than 30 hours per week. Check with your childcare provider to find out if this is something they offer.  To find out more visit: www.hounslow.gov.uk/30hours

If you need any help to find a childcare place, please contact the Family Information Service on 020 8583 3470. Alternatively, you can email them at fis@hounslow.gov.uk

Chiswick Book Festival

The 14th Chiswick Book Festival, from September 7 to 14 2022.  It includes an exciting programme of events presented by children’s authors – some of which are completely free.  You can find out more details here: 2022 Festival for Children - (chiswickbookfestival.net)

Kew Gardens

Fancy exploring the beautiful grounds of Kew gardens this summer?

For families on universal credits, tickets cost only £1! For further details, please visit their website: Kew Gardens | Kew