Questions
Q: Do you run activities through the summer holidays?
A: Yes, we run different activities to our normal schedule such as Sports Days and Music & Dance sessions, which are also open to school-age children. We advertise the summer holiday programme in both our Centres, local shops and clinics. Please telephone for details.
Q: How much does it cost to come to an activity?
A: All our activities are FREE, as we want to encourage all families with pre-school children to come along.
Q: What should I wear?
A: It’s best to wear clothes that you feel comfortable in and are not worried about getting the odd splash of paint on.
Q: Do I have to bring anything with me?
A: No. Just come along and enjoy the activities with your child and other families.
Q: Where abouts is First Steps Children’s Centre?
A: To see our contact details please go to the contacts page. We have two centres; one in Digmoor at the end of Digmoor Parade. The other is at Tanhouse on Eavesdale in the old St. Mark’s School.
Q: Do you run activities over school holidays?
A: Yes, we do run activities for pre-school and primary age children, accompanied by their parents/carers in school holidays. Please check with the Centre for details.
Q: Can I only bring one child with me?
A: You are welcome to bring all your children. But if it is difficult for you to manage, please let us know in advance so we can offer support.
Q: What else happens in the centre apart from the sessions listed on the timetable?
A: We are here to try and help every child get the best start in life. Sometimes this will mean staff work in a family’s home to help with the child’s development, or support parents who have worries about themselves or their child. We also have links with Job Centre Plus and training colleges, and you can access the Internet via our interactive kiosk. Full day care is provided by Bright Beginnings at our Tanhouse Centre. Parents with children aged 3 and over who are eligible for nursery education vouchers may use the vouchers at Bright Beginnings.
Q: What is each session like?
A: Click on activities to see live video clips of some of our sessions. We also have a free DVD about First Steps. Please call in or telephone for your copy.
Q: What is a learning journey? Are they free?
A: A Learning journey tells a child’s story as they grow and develop. The story is a record of pictures, comments by parents and staff and examples of a child’s work, such as paintings or drawings. The Learning Journey is put together by parents/carers and staff in Early Years settings such as Children’s Centres and day nurseries.
Q: What is Every Child Matters [ECM]?
A: Every Child Matters is an agenda for change brought in by the government in 2003. It sets targets for children such as Be Healthy, Stay Safe and Enjoy & Achieve. Children’s Centres’ activities are planned with these targets in mind, so for example we have healthy snacks and activity sessions aimed at helping children Be Healthy.
Q: What is the Early Years Foundation Stage [EYFS]?
A: The Early Years Foundation Stage [EYFS] provides a set of standards for the learning, development and care of children from birth to five which all registered childcare providers have to work to.