Oh, we do like to be beside the seaside
Charnwood Children's Centre celebrated National Family Week in style. On Friday 4th June the Children's Centre was transformed into a seaside spectacular.
National Family Week provides the perfect excuse to celebrate how important family life is and encourages families of all shapes and sizes to spend more quality time together.
There are over 3,500 centres in England, providing access to services for over 2.4 million children under five and their families.
The majority of centres provide access to the following services:
• Child and family health services, from health visitors to breastfeeding support;
• High quality childcare and early learning;
• Advice on parenting and local childcare options;
• Access to specialist services for families, like speech therapy, healthy eating advice or help with managing money;
• Help to find work or training opportunities, using links to local Jobcentre Plus offices and training providers.
Many centres also provide a range of additional services, such as stay and play groups, baby massage, rhyme time sessions and dad's groups. The seaside theme was decided upon to enable local families to have the chance to enjoy a fun filled day without the cost.
Activities included:
• Underwater collage art;
• Face painting;
• Painting flip flops;
• Making shell jewellery;
• Making windmills;
• Mega sand pit;
• Bouncy castle;
• Paddling pool;
• Bowling.
The day was a great success with over 300 people coming along and the event was blessed with sunshine, as well as cheerful, smiling children and happy parents.
Many parents enthused about the day:
"What a fantastic event; the children loved the fact they could do anything they wanted."
"My two children really enjoyed themselves, especially the free ice cream."
"There was something for everyone, it was so well organised and really welcoming."
"The children loved the mega sand pit."
" It was just like a real day at the seaside, lovely day, well run, catered for all ages and lots of community spirit too."
For more information on the breadth of services that the North Lichfield Children's centres offer, parents can call in and find out more at Charnwood Children's Centre on Purcell Avenue, or Willows Children's Centre on Angelsey Road. Alternatively, call 01543 512024 and leave a message.
