Bracknell Forest Council Children’s Centres “Making a difference every day”

About us

The Children’s Centres operate a ‘No Mobile Phone Policy’

Refreshments are provided at most of our sessions. However, if your child requires a snack whilst in the centre, please provide a healthy one.

Most of the sessions are fully funded by the Children’s Centres. However, donations are gratefully received and help us to cover refreshments and/or materials costs.

The Children’s Centres opening times: 8.30am - 4.30pm Monday to Thursday 8.30am - 4pm on Friday (closed bank holidays)

Children’s Centres Contact Information

The Alders and Chestnuts

Branksome Hill RoadSandhurstBerkshireGU47 0QET: 01344 354200

Email: aldersandchestnuts.childrenscentre@bracknell-forest.gov.uk

Website: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/childrenscentres

Please use the carpark at the front of the building. Use the left hand gate (2) and press the buzzer for the Alders.

Covering: Sandhurst, Owlsmoor, College Town, Crowthorne, Little Sandhurst and New Scotland Hill.

The Oaks and Hollies

WordsworthBracknellBerkshireRG12 8QNT: 01344 317020

Mobile: 07767 440920

Email: oaksandhollies.childrenscentre@bracknell-forest.gov.uk

Website: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/childrenscentres

Please use the car park at the end of Wordsworth, as this centre has no onsite parking facilities.

Covering: Amen Corner, Binfield, Farley Wood, Great Hollands, Wooden Hill, Jennett’s Park, Birch Hill, Hanworth.

Children’s Centres Contact Information

The Rowans and Sycamores

Pond Moor RoadEasthampsteadBracknell BerkshireRG12 7JZ T: 01344 312800

Email: rowansandsycamores.childrenscentre@bracknell-forest.gov.uk

Website: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/childrenscentres

There is a small car park at the front of the building.

Covering: Wildridings, Easthampstead, Crown Wood, Harmans Water, The Parks, Forest Park and Martins Heron.

The Willows and Maples

Priestwood Court RoadPriestwoodBracknell BerkshireRG42 1TU T: 01344 354450

Email: willowsandmaples.childrenscentre@bracknell-forest.gov.uk

Website: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/childrenscentres

Please use the carpark at the front of the building.

Covering: Winkfield, Warfield, Cranbourne, North Ascot, Town Centre, Bullbrook, Garth, Priestwood.

Employment

Looking for work?Careers Advice?Further training?Help with a CV or interview skills?Being made redundant and not sure what to do?Don’t know what benefits you’re entitled to and how going back to work may affect these?

Open Learning Centre – 01344 457427Rectory LaneBracknellRG12 7GRwww.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/adultandcommunityeducation

National Careers Service – 0800 100 900www.nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk

Grow Our Own – 01344 354220At the Open Learning Centrewww.growourown.co.uk

Job Centre Plus – 0845 604 3719www.direct.gov.uk/en/employment/jobseekers

Bracknell Forest Homes – 01344 382833Employment Project: danielle.lane@bracknellforesthomes.org.uk

CAP Job Club - 01344 828805At the Kerith Community Churchhttp://www.kerith.co.uk/social-justice/cap-job-club.php

Children’s CentresPlease call your local Children’s Centre and ask for information in regards to the lists of current jobs from Job Centre Plus.

Volunteers

Interested in becoming a Children’s Centre Volunteer?

Have the opportunity to:• Be part of a friendly team• Gain new skills and confidence• Meet new people• Make a difference • Enhance your CV

Call your local Children’s Centre, for more information

Like us on Facebook and be kept up to date with the latest information, top tips, ask questions and make comments. We are always keen to hear what you have to say. If you have any suggestions or ideas please let us know.

‘I’ve become a volunteer…I’m more confident meeting new people and being in groups’

Your Questions Answered

??What can I expect when I first come to the centre?A member of the team will there to meet you and to welcome you in. Please leave all push chair / buggies in the store first and then come and sign in.

What if I don’t know anyone in the group?The centre is a very friendly and welcoming place. Coming to new groups can be a little daunting but staff and volunteers are always there to make sure you settle in well and have someone to talk to.

What if my child / baby cries?All babies cry. Please don’t worry if your child is upset or is having a ‘tantrum’, this is a normal and natural response for a child. Staff are on hand to help if you need it.

What if my child won’t sit still or does not want to do theactivity?They may stay at an activity for a long time or move around a lot. Every child is different so don’t worry. Staff are on hand to help if you need it.

What if my baby needs feeding or my child is thirsty or hungry?Breastfeeding is supported throughout the centre. Please let a member of the team know if you need any support. Snacks are provided within most sessions and we would ask you not to bring in your own food and drinks. If your child is hungry or thirsty please just ask a member of the team who would be happy to help you.

What do I do if I would like to make a compliment or a complaint?We hope that your experience of the Children’s Centre has been a good one. We welcome feedback about services and members of staff. If you are unhappy with any of the services you receive through the Children’s Centres you have every right to complain. For the full guidance on the complaints procedure please see the section called ‘Compliments and Complaints Policy’ in your Parent Policy booklet.

Dump your Dummy

All the Children’s Centres are, Dummy Free Zones

We ask you not to use a dummy in the centre, unless your baby is upset or needs to sleep.

We will also help you dump your toddler’s dummy to help and encourage them to develop their talking.

Did you know:

When your baby is between eight to twenty months they should be able to use 20 single words.

By the time they are two years they should use 50 words.

For further information or support on dumping your childs dummy, please ask a member of staff.

Speech and Language Therapy

Bracknell drop in clinic. First come - first serve (for children from birth to reception class.) First Wednesday of the month9:00 to 11:30 amSkimped Hill Health Centre, Skimped Hill Lane, Bracknell RG12 1LH Second, Third and Fourth Wednesday of the month9:00 to 11:30 amThe Willows Children’s Centre, Priestwood Court Rd, Priestwood,Bracknell, RG42 1TU First Thursday of the month:9:00 to 11:30 amThe Rowans Children’s Centre, Pondmoor Road, Easthampstead,Bracknell, RG12 1LH Second Thursday of the month:9:00 to 11:30 amThe Oaks Children’s Centre, Great Hollands School, Wordsworth, Bracknell, RG12 8QN Third Thursday of the month:9:00 to 11:30 amThe Alders Children’s Centre, Branksome Hill Road, Sandhurst, Bracknell, GU47 0QE Fourth Thursday of the month:9:00 to 11:30 amThe Sycamores, c/o Crown Wood School, Opladen Way, Crown Wood, Bracknell, RG12 OPE You may be asked to wait if the Drop in clinic is busy. In the unlikely event that we will not be able to see you, we will invite you to attend an alternative Drop in Clinic.

What Parents Say...

‘Lovely welcome, thank you!’Lisa, The Oaks & Hollies‘Just wanted to say thank you for all your help and support. I honestly don’t know where I would be without you all.’Sarah, The Rowans &

Sycamores

‘It’s helpful to be able to receive such useful information from the Children Centres.’Daniel, The Alders & Chestnuts

‘Good singing at the end, Messy Play is well planned, everyone is very friendly and helpful.’Jo, The Willows & Maples

‘Since working with the Children Centre I have achieved some great personal

achievements during a really difficult time.’ Sophie, The Alders & Chestnuts

‘Having an outreach worker has had a big impact in our lives by helping with so many different things.’ Katarzyna, The Rowans &

Sycamores

‘Everyone at the centre is

friendly.’ Vickie, The Willows & Maples

‘Very useful. It’s good to get daddies together and share experiences.’Omar, The Oaks & Hollies

Bracknell ForestFamily Information Service

Delivering information to families in Bracknell Forest.

A free service for parents, carers, young people, employers and childcare providers.

www.bracknellforest.gov.uk/familyinformation

How to contact usVisit our website and fill in an online enquiry form:www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/familyinformation

Email us:fis@bracknell-forest.gov.uk

Call us:Public enquiries: 01344 352000Professional enquiries: 01344 353133

Write to us:Family Information ServiceThe Rowans Children’s CentrePondmoor RoadBracknellRG12 7JZ

Meet us:FIS staff are available at various venues across Bracknell Forest. Contact us for details.

Breast Feeding Support

Are you new to breastfeeding?

Would you like information and support?

Come along to one of the Children’s Centres & chat to a registered Breastfeeding Supporter from the Breastfeeding Network

Monday*1:00pm – 2:30pmThe Sycamores Children’s CentreCrown Wood Hall,Opladen Way, Crown WoodBracknell. RG12 0PETel: 01344 312800*Closed 1st Monday of month & Bank Hols

Tuesday9:30am – 11:30amThe Willows Children’s CentrePriestwood Youth Centre,Priestwood Court Road, PriestwoodRG42 1UDTel: 01344 354450

Wednesday*10:00am – 12:00noonThe Oaks Children’s CentreWordsworth, Great HollandsBracknell. RG12 8QNTel: 01344 317020*Closed 3rd Wednesday of month

Wednesday*1:00pm – 2:30pmThe Alders Children’s CentreBranksome Hill Road, College TownSandhurst. GU47 0QFTel: 01344 354200*Term time only

Thursday*9:30am – 11:00amThe Rowans Children’s CentrePondmoor Road, EasthampsteadBracknell. RG12 7JZTel: 01344 312800*Closed 1st Thursday of month

Friday1:30pm – 2:30pmThe Alders Children’s CentreBranksome Hill Road, College TownSandhurst. GU47 0QFTel: 01344 354200

Bracknell Forest Children’s Centreswww.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/childrenscen-tres

BfN Supporterline: 0300 100 0210www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.ukBreastfeeding Helpline: 0300 100 0212

Family Outreach Workers

We all have times in our lives when we need help and support.

Children’s Centre Family Outreach Workers offer one to one support for families with children under five.

Support can be adapted to meet individual needs, including:

• Behaviour management• Emotional support• Isolation• Stress• Benefits• Information and advice Contact your local Children’s Centre via phone or email and speak with a Family Support Outreach Worker.

Please don’t feel alone, help is at hand!

Free childcare and early learning For eligible two year olds Are you eligible?

Is your child two or going to be two in the next school year?

Do any of the following apply to you?

• You get one of the following benefits (job seekers allowance, income support, employment and support allowance)

• You have a household income of less than about £16,000 per year• Your two year old has a special educational need or disability If so you may qualify for free childcare for two year old. To find out more contact:

Email: early.education@bracknell-forest.gov.ukWebsite: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/freeentitlementtoearlyeducation

Do you know what’s happening at the Children’s Centres?Family Play Together Sessions

All centres deliver a range of Family Play Together sessions every week, for different age groups offering a variety of activities. Please contact your local Children’s Centre for more information.

Health Services

Midwifery appointments and drop in sessions, Health Visitor led well baby clinics and breastfeeding support. Speech and language drop ins are held on a weekly basis across the Children’s Centres. Support is available to stop smoking, eat healthily and lose weight.

Parenting Programmes

All Centres offer support and advice including workshops and courses to help you become a more confident parent. Learn and share ideas with other parents, increase your awareness of child development and help understand your child’s behaviour. For more information please contact Maria James on 01344 312800

Courses and Learning

You will find Baby Massage, First Aid and a range of other courses available at your local Children’s Centre. Some of the courses will help you get back to work, whilst others will help build self esteem and confidence.Job folders are located in the centres for the latest vacancies and you can get support with your CV.

Domestic Abuse Awareness CoursesRecognise the signs and tactics of Domestic Abuse and realise the effects that this may have on a family. Meet others who have had and moved on from similar experiences.For more information please contact Maria James: 01344 312800

Useful Contacts

Bracknell Forest Council: 01344 352000(8.30 am to 5.00 pm Monday to Friday)Out of Hours Emergency Number: 01344 786515

Duty Health Visiting Query Line: 07899876568

NHS Direct: 111www.nhs.uk

Family Information Service: 01344 353133www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/familyinformation

Talking Therapies: 0300 3652000www.talkingtherapies.berkshire.nhs.uk

Breastfeeding Network: 0300 100 0210www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk

Shelter: 0808 8004444www.shelter.org.uk

Police: Emergency: 999Non emergency: 101 Parent Line: 0808 8002222www.familylives.org.uk

Berkshire Women’s Aid: 0118 950 4003www.womensaid.org.uk

Citizens Advice Bureau:0844 4994107www.adviceguide.org.uk Samaritans: 0845 7909090www.samaritans.org

CAP (Christians Against Poverty) debt help: 01344 828805http://www.kerith.co.uk/social-justice/debt-and-money-advice-CAP.php