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Thank you to all our volunteers!

We'd like to say a big thank you to all our volunteers who have contributed so much in the last 12 months.

The first week in June is Volunteer Week 2023, so be sure to keep a look out on our socials for more information about our incredible volunteers and how to get involved - you can find our pages all linked at the bottom of the newsletter.

All of our volunteers undertake training which prepares you for the role, while providing an opportunity to meet other people and learn new skills.

Have you thought about volunteering with your Children’s Centre Service?

If you'd like to find out more about our volunteer course, or to see if volunteering is for you, visit the link below.

Latest news

Baby Buddy - the free pregnancy and parenting app

Baby Buddy 2.0 is a free pregnancy and parenting app from charity Best Beginnings. The app gives parents and caregivers the skills and confidence to take care of themselves while giving their child the best start in life. Download the app for personalised daily information, over 300 videos featuring stories from parents, advice from healthcare experts, and tools to help you manage pregnancy and beyond.

In need of support and advice about your child's behaviour? 

There's no doubt about it, parenting can be one of the most rewarding jobs - but sometimes we need a little guidance.  Every family is different so what 'fits' one family doesn’t always 'fit' another. That's why we offer a variety of services to help you and explore what works best for your family, including one-off appointments, family support or a parenting programme. Don't forget we're open throughout the school holidays, so feel free to pop into your nearest Children's Centre or visit the website below for more information.

It's time to celebrate our smiles!

Did you know that children should be taken to the dentist as soon as their first or milk teeth appear? National Smile Month takes place from 15 May to 15 June 2023, and is a month-long charity campaign all about the benefits of having good oral health and promoting the value of a healthy smile. Here are some of the things you can do with the kids to get them celebrating their smiles: Send a letter to the tooth fairy Take selfies showing your smile Practice brushing a doll or teddies teeth For more ideas on how to get involved with National Smile  Month and find your nearest dentist, visit the links below.

Co-sleeping safely with your baby

We know that many parents find themselves co-sleeping whether they mean to or not. To reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), the safest place for a baby to sleep is in their own clear, flat separate sleep space such as a cot or Moses basket. Wherever you’re planning for your baby to sleep, make your bed a safer place for your baby in the warmer nights ahead by following Lullaby Trust's advice.

Changes to help parents with childcare costs

Funding available to parents to support with childcare costs will be increasing. Starting from September 2024, 15 hours of free childcare will be extended to all children from the age of nine months. By September 2025, working parents of children under the age of five will be entitled to 30 hours free childcare per week. To stay up to date about current childcare support and the upcoming changes, please visit the link below. If you would like to speak to an advisor please telephone our advice line on 0300 500 80 80.

What's on

Top tips to prepare for the school holidays

The school holidays are fast approaching and it's time to make preparations for a stress-free break with the kids!

Here are our top tips to help you prepare:

• Check online for free events at local parks and museums
• Take photos, encourage the kids to draw pictures and create memories to go into a scrapbook 
• Libraries are perfect for a rainy day and cost-free fun! Make sure your kids have library cards and you know the opening times of your local library
• Remember to include some 'down time' for relaxation

Visit the links below for more ideas and to find your nearest library.

Understanding your children's needs with the Solihull Approach

Are you struggling to understand your growing children’s development needs?

If so, the Solihull Approach could be a suitable programme for you.

The Solihull approach to parenting explores having fun with your children, communication, development needs, parenting styles, behaviour difficulties and sleep.

Sian, a parent who has completed the programme said: “It was a real eye opener and I learnt so much from the course”.

To find out more about the Solihull Approach, and see if it is the right programme for you and your child, visit the link below for more information.

Get in touch - we're always happy to help!

Are you interested in any of the services mentioned in this newsletter?

Do you need someone to talk to or just want to discuss what support we can offer?

If so, please visit our website for more information and how to get in touch.

Find out more here.

If you have any suggestions for our future newsletters in 2023, we would love to hear from you! Email us at NewsLetter.Children'sCentreService@nottscc.gov.uk 

Best wishes,

Children’s Centre Service team.

P.S.

Why not follow your local centre on Facebook? Find each one linked below:

Ashfield | Bassetlaw | Broxtowe | Gedling | Mansfield | Newark and Sherwood | Rushcliffe