Children who take part in groups at Midsomer Norton Children’s
Centre today enjoyed a surprise visit from Father Christmas at
their Christmas party.
The under fives who along with their mums and dads all attend
“Norton Nippers” or the Young Parents Post-Natal group, took part
in Christmas crafts, singing time and party games before the
surprise visit from Santa, who gave out gifts to all the
children.
Councillor Chris Watt (Conservative, Midsomer Norton Redfield),
Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said:
“This fun event shows what an excellent learning environment
Bath and North East Somerset Council’s Children’s Centres offer for
local children and their families. This is supported by the results
of a recent survey which found that 90% of parents who use of the
Children's Centre rate them highly.
"The centres really help to bring communities together and help
give children the best possible chances in life.”
Judith Parr, Children’s Centre Co-ordinator (Health & Social
Information Outreach) for the Council said:
“It’s been a real pleasure and privilege to work with and
support this group of families over the past year and it has been
nice to give the children a special start to their Christmas.”
The event put on for those who attend the Young Parents
Post-Natal Group, which is for parents under 21 with babies aged at
1 year or less, and the Norton Nipper group, which is for parents
under 25 with toddler / pre-school aged children. Both groups are
run in partnership by Children's Centre Staff and BANES PCT Health
Visiting Team.
Father Christmas was kindly provided by Midsomer Norton Lions
Club.
Norton Radstock Children’s Centre Services run “Stay and Play”
groups all year round and provide various other forms of support to
families with children under the age of 11. If you would like more
information about what is on offer at your local children’s centre
please contact 01225 396660.
Ends
Notes to editors
- Results of a recent survey of almost 400 parents who use the
children’s centres which provide a wide range of services for
parents of children under five years old were very positive with
90% of respondents rating the standard of their children’s centre
highly. Importantly 57% of parents also felt that the centres
made them feel part of the community.
- The Council supports eight children’s centres across the area
and recently pledged to invest almost £3million of Government
funding in 2009/10 to develop the services available.
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