About Our Sessions
Our programme is subject to change so to find out about the current activities on offer we
advise that you check with the Children’s Centre and/or our website
www.windhillchildrenscentres.org.uk regularly
This four session course is aimed at Mums with sons aged 0-5 years and will
About Boys Course
Book via Windhill & Little
Squirrels CC on 01279 696853
Activity Bus
Adult Education
Antenatal Breast Feeding
Workshop
give you an understanding of your son’s development and why boys behave
and react as they do; ways to provide him with boundaries and discipline;
confidence to support him through difficulties and periods of transition.
Bringing Children’s Centre activities to your community. The Activity Bus will
visit Early Years settings and toddler groups throughout Bishop’s Stortford,
Sawbridgeworth and surrounding villages. Please check website/facebook for
dates and venues.
Windhill Children’s Centre Network delivers a range of Adult Learning
opportunities in partnership with other Partners aimed at ‘work readiness’ and
getting back into education.
A ‘one off’ 2 hour workshop run by the Community Midwife Team. This is held
on the first Thursday of every month at Buttercups Children’s Centre
Book via Midwife
A 3 week course run by Children’s Centre Staff, Health Visitors & British Red
Cross for parents’ of babies 0-6 months old. Week One: will focus on ‘My
Book via Windhill & Little
Baby’s Brain’. Find out about your baby’s ‘Five to Thrive’ – the building blocks
Squirrels CC on 01279 696853
for a healthy brain. This will include a Discovery session focusing on the skills
your baby is rapidly developing, using all their senses to encourage movement
and play. Week Two: is run by the Health Visiting team who will discuss
childhood ailments. Week Three: a 2 hour Paediatric First Aid session run by
British Red Cross. Please note there is a charge for this session payable in
advance – speak to a member of staff for details.
Baby Play & Learn Session These sessions provide opportunities for all carers to ‘Play and Learn‘ together
while having fun. It is through play that children learn about the world around
(PALS)
Suitable for babies’ 0-12 months. them, so come along and experience this together. There will be a wide
variety of sensory toys, books and activities in a stimulating environment, all
It will not be possible to bring
aimed at supporting your baby’s learning. We will provide you with ideas for
older siblings to this group
things to do at home!
This six week course offers the opportunity for you and your child to prepare
Baking Beanes
and cook simple but healthy recipes together. The sessions will also include
Suitable for children from 2½-5
games, singing and stories which help to promote healthy eating. Please bring
years. It will not be possible to
a container to take the delicious food you have prepared and cooked home to
bring younger siblings to this
group. Book via Windhill & Little share with your family.
Baby & Me Group
Squirrels CC on 01279 696853
Bookstart
These weekly sessions are aimed
at children 0-4 years and are
held at Bishop’s Stortford Town
Library
8 March 2016
During these sessions a story will be read and then brought to life through fun
activities for you and your child to do together (including making your very
own story sacks to take away). You will also receive lots of bookstart resources
to make reading fun; we will finish the session with rhyme time.
CACHE Supporting
Teaching and Learning
Level 2 & 3
For more information contact
Hertford Regional College on
01992 411810
Certification in ‘An
Introduction to Early
Years Education &
Childcare
For more information contact
Hertford Regional College on
01992 411663
Child Health Clinics
Herts & Essex Hospital – Tuesday am
(To see a Health Visitor please book
an appointment Tel: 01279 827902)
Charis Centre inc. Breast Feeding
Support – Wednesday am
Thorley Community Centre –
Wednesday pm
Much Hadham Health Centre –
Thursday pm
2b The Square – Friday am
ESOL Classes
(English for Speakers of Other
Languages)
Families Feeling Safe
Programme
Book via Windhill & Little
Squirrels CC on 01279 696853
Family Toolkit
Book via Windhill & Little
Squirrels Children’s Centre on
01279 696853
Fussy Eaters Workshop
Book via Windhill & Little
Squirrels on 01279 696853
Happy and Healthy
Workshops
Book via Windhill & Little
Squirrels CC on 01279 696853
8 March 2016
A 16 week course for adult learners who are working or volunteering in a
school setting 8-10 hours per week. This course is to support learners to
achieve a level 2 & 3 qualification. Each learner will need to attend a series of
teaching sessions and will be allocated an assessor who will support and assess
them through their qualification. The qualification is assessed through a range
of methods such as observation in the setting, discussion and written tasks
which are linked to the teaching session content.
This is an introductory level 2 course aimed at preparing learners to work with
children between birth and five years, with knowledge of children up to seven
years through assessment within a placement. This qualification is made up of
14 mandatory units with optional units in addition. Units include topics such as
role of the practioner, physical care, play, health and safety. Each learner will
need to attend a series of teaching sessions and will be allocated an assessor
who will support and assess them through their qualification. The qualification
is assessed through a range of methods such as observation in the setting,
discussion and written tasks which are linked to the teaching session content.
Learners will need to be working in or have a voluntary position in an Early
Years setting for approximate 10 hours each week.
Drop in sessions run by the Health Visiting Team in Partnership with Stort
Valley & Villages Children’s Centre Group offering new mums the opportunity
to see their Health Visitor, have their baby weighed and receive breastfeeding
advice and support (Breast Feeding Support at Charis Centre AM sessions only)
if required. A member of the Children's Centre Team also attends these
sessions to offer additional support.
This course is suitable for people whose first language is not English. This
course will help you improve your English speaking, listening and writing skills.
This programme offers mums, dads and carers’ ideas and strategies to help
their family and children build confidence and self-esteem; deal with new
situations, change and transitions; cope with fears, anxiety and worries; stay
feeling in control and make safe choices; improve communication and know
ways to keep themselves feeling safe. We focus on what we can do and we
have fun!
This free four week course is designed to build on the skills parents already
have and enhance relationship and nurturing skills, build self-esteem and
confidence, encourage positive approaches to discipline and boundary setting,
build empathy and explore the power of praise,
Will give parents an understanding of the key issues around food and fussy
eating; what is the correct portion size for toddlers and recognising practical
and creative ways of encouraging children to eat.
A series of five free workshops focusing on health and emotional wellbeing for
parents/carers of children aged 0-18 years. There is a specific focus around
wellbeing, but the sessions will be fun, engaging and interactive giving you the
opportunity to learn and try new things, setting you on the way to making you
and your family’s lifestyle ‘Happy & Healthy’. Topics covered include:
emotional wellbeing; stress management, thinking, temperaments, relaxation
Infant Massage
This session is suitable for
children aged 10 weeks to
crawling
Infant Massage for Dads
This session is suitable for
children aged 10 weeks to
crawling
Introducing Solids
This session is suitable for babies
from 16 weeks
Book via Windhill & Little
Squirrels CC on 01279 696853
Keeping Kids Safe &
Protecting Young Minds
and mindfulness techniques and having fun!
Gentle strokes for tiny folks! A unique bonding experience for you and your
baby. These sessions are run by a qualified IAIM instructor (International
Association Infant Massage). You will learn techniques that will enable you to
respond to your baby appropriately.
In the early months how many dads can attend activity classes and spend
quality one to one time with their little one? The good news is that these baby
massage classes run by a qualified IAIM (International Association of Infant
Massage) instructor are a wonderful way for dads to get that special bonding
time with their baby. You and your baby can enjoy the baby massage while
giving Mummy a bit of ‘me time’ too.
This session offers advice and support from the Health Visiting Service on all
aspects of starting your baby on solid foods.
This workshop aims to give parent’s strategies to empower and street proof
our children so they can have fun but stay safe on-line
Book via Windhill & Little
Squirrels CC on 01279 696853
La Leche League Breast
Feeding Support Group
Drop In
Older siblings welcome
Learners Community
Library (LCL)
LEEP Course
(Local Education and
These monthly sessions aim to support mothers breast feed by offering
mother-to-mother support, giving encouragement and information in an
informal and welcoming setting, promoting a better understanding of how
breast feeding helps in the healthy development of both mother and baby.
These drop-in sessions are ideal for families who need advice and support with
concerns about their child’s communication skills, additional needs or
disability. Sessions take place at the Herts & Essex Hospital.
A free adult learning opportunity offering you an insight into potential careers
and supporting your first steps back into work.
Employment Partnership)
Book via Windhill & Little
Squirrels CC on 01279 696853
Managing Anger and
Conflict within the Family
Book via ASPECTS on 01279
696842
Me’n’Dad
This session is suitable for
children aged 0–8years and their
dads, grandads or uncles.
8 March 2016
This unique six week parent coaching programme for parents of children from
5-16 years is for anyone who struggles with their children’s anger and stress. It
focuses on managing and understanding anger generally and also how to help
children manage theirs. During the six sessions you will discover your family’s
personal early warning signs and what triggers anger and stress to enable you
to develop ideas and effective strategies to use yourself and to teach/model to
your family. Topics include: understanding and coping with anger in the family;
responding helpfully and calmly and developing tools for a calmer family life.
These Saturday morning sessions for dads and male carers are a chance to
enjoy play, fun and learning with your children. The session includes free play,
singing, dancing, craft activities and even an opportunity to relax and read the
newspaper whilst enjoying a cup of tea and a bacon butty! It is a session for
the male role models in your children’s life to come along and enjoy the fun,
whilst you take a break!
The Children’s Centre team support the Community Church in delivering these
sessions.
Meet & Greet Drop In
These informal monthly play sessions are for new parents and parents/carers
new to the area. This is an opportunity to meet Children’s Centre staff and
Parent Representatives who will be on hand to discuss Children’s Centre
activities and services.
Midwife Clinics
Community Midwives and Children’s Centre staff will be on hand to offer
support and advice at these clinics.
An opportunity for you and your baby/child to learn new rhymes that you can
also enjoy at home. Your baby/child will enjoy songs with you and as part of a
group and learn to hear the rhythm and rhyme of speech. Songs on CD and
musical instruments are introduced.
Book via midwives.
Musical Play & Learn
Sessions (PALS)
Just come along
My Baby’s Brain
Information is included in most
of our sessions and more in
depth in Baby & Me
Outdoor Play & Learn
Sessions (PALS)
Suitable for children from
walking to 4 years
Parent Craft Course:
Preparation For Labour,
Birth & Parenthood
Book via your midwife from 32
weeks
Parenting Courses
Parenting A Child with
Additional Needs
Book via Windhill & Little
Squirrels CC on 01279 696853
Parenting Puzzle Course
Book via Windhill & Little
8 March 2016
Your baby’s brain is amazing; before your baby is born he/she is already
getting to know your voices. Come along and find out how the things you do
every day can support your baby’s brain development. Find out about your
baby’s ‘Five to Thrive’, the building blocks for a healthy brain. Learn incredible
facts – for example, your baby’s brain can double in size within their first year
and that it takes 16 times longer than an adult brain to process information.
Outdoor PALS is an active session where we will be exploring the outside area
in all weathers. Sessions will include an element of messy play, physical
activity and discovery play.
Course of 3 free evening classes run by the Community Midwives which aim to
help Mums to Be and their partners prepare for labour, birth and life as
parents. Sessions are adapted to meet the needs of each group but typical
session contents include:
Wk 1: Normal labour and birth,
Wk 2: Interventions inc. Induction, Caesarean Sections, Pain Relief (inc.
epidurals)
Wk 3: What happens immediately after your baby is born, taking baby home,
normal new born behaviour, when to call the midwife and new born screening.
Children’s Centre staff will give a short introduction to My Baby’s Brain and
general information about the activities and services offered by Windhill
Children’s Centre Network.
Please look out for a range of parenting courses which include half-day ‘litebite’ workshops, 1 day workshops, short courses through to 10 week evidence
based programmes. These run throughout the year, often in Partnership with
Schools Partnership (ASPECTS). If you feel you would like support with any
aspect of parenting, please speak to a member of the Children’s Centre Group
Staff, your Health Visitor or Early Years Setting.
This free seven week course gives parents an opportunity to share feelings and
experiences in a safe non-judgemental environment with people who
understand. Discover solutions to problems based on what works rather than
what is meant to work. Topics include: home/school issues; understanding and
managing behaviour; recognising emotional needs and coping with our
feelings.
A free ten week programme designed to help us get the best out of family life
by improving relationships and emotional wellbeing within the family, building
Squirrels CC on 01279 696853
Play & Learn Sessions
(PALS)
These sessions are aimed at
children aged 0–4 years
Postnatal Breast Feeding
Support Group Drop In
For New Mums
Secrets To A Better
Behaved Child Workshop
Book via Children’s Centre on
01279 696853
Sow, Grow & Eat
These sessions are aimed at
children from walking – 4years
Small Talk
Book via Children’s Centre on
01279 696853
Super Saturdays
This session is suitable for
children aged 0 – 5 years
Triple R
For more information contact
Windhill & Little Squirrels CC on
01279 696853
8 March 2016
on skills that we as parents already have, giving suggestions to improve family
life and managing children’s behaviour.
These sessions will give you the opportunity to ‘Play and Learn’ together, in a
stimulating environment. We encourage you to use all toys and resources with
your little ones, all aimed at supporting your child’s development and learning
as well as picking up ideas of what you can do at home. Once everyone has
helped tidy up the session will end with singing and rhymes and the children
will be offered a healthy snack to take home with them.
These weekly drop in session on Wednesday afternoons run by the Midwifery
Team at Windhill & Little Squirrels Children’s Centre are designed to give new
mums practical help, advice and emotional support in the first 28 days after
the birth of your baby while you both get the hang of breastfeeding.
This free 2 hour workshop for parents and carers of children aged 5-11 years
will give you an understanding of how we can become more assertive in the
way we talk and our physical actions. Discover techniques to bring harmony to
the home and understand why our children misbehave.
A fantastic outdoor session in the Buttercups garden where you and your child
can learn about growing fruit and vegetables from scratch. You will be part of
the whole growing process and as the title says you will sow, water, watch it
grow, pick and eat our tasty produce at harvest time. The sessions will run
from February to October half term, come rain or shine!
These six weeks sessions suitable for parents of babies between 4-6 months
will focus on the importance of early communication and give strategies for
parents to deliver through play, singing and the use of sign and gesture.
Bring along the whole family for a light breakfast, the papers and a time to play
with your children? Then why not come along with the whole family (as long as
the children are under 6yrs) for an hour and a half of fun? There will be crafts,
books, activities, games and outside play. This will be your very own Saturday
Play & Learn session.
Triple R is a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) based domestic abuse
programme which has three aims: To enable victim/survivors to recognise the
abuse and its impacts on them and their children; To enable them to recover
from the abuse and support their children to do so; To develop resilience
building on their strengths, and address their challenges in order to build a
better sustainable safe future for themselves and their families