FLYING START UPDATE
Health & Social Care Team
The Flying Start Multi Agency Team includes Health Visitors, Family Support Workers, Midwives, Speech and Language Therapists and Technician, Nursery Nurses and a Community Psychiatric Nurse overseen by Fran Dale Multi Agency Team Leader and supported by Debbie Griffiths, dedicated Clerical worker. Some Team members continue to deliver Sure Start Services in existing Sure Start areas outside the Flying Start Areas.
A range of services are on offer to families, including an enhanced health visiting and midwifery service, baby massage, Language and Play and Number and Play Programs delivered in groups and drop-ins, structured parenting programs, Portage and one to one support programs in the home.
The Nursery Nurses are providing support and teaching in some of the Drop-ins, Baby Groups and Clinics. This includes talks on healthy eating, home safety, dental health etc. The Speech and Language Therapists within the Team are working closely with the Childcare Settings offering support, advice and training.
In addition, the team encourages and supports parents to attend Families Learning Coffee mornings in the areas where it is in operation and organize outings to various venues which have proved very popular with families.
Childcare
There are currently eleven Flying Start childcare settings in Wrexham offering free childcare for eligible 2 year olds. There continues to be oversubscription in Caia, particularly at Gwenfro, The Venture and Bodhyfrd. In an effort to ensure that these children can be accommodated where possible, the Venture will increase their childcare places by 4 after Easter. Children can also be transported to the two Family Centres who have some spare spaces. There is also a possibility that Bodhyfryd could increase their capacity by increasing the number of sessions they provide.
Basic Skills
A selection of books with supporting material is being provided to children attending childcare for them to take home has been developed. A leaflet for parents to support sharing books with 2 year olds is also sent home with the children. A further leaflet for professionals has been developed so that they are able to explain the initiative to parents. The support teachers are also visiting all the childcare settings each week to offer support to staff.
For more information please contact:-
Fran Dale, Multi Agency Team Leader Tel: 01978 265395/82371
Rebecca Heywood Jones – Development Officer Tel: 01978 317678