Wakefield & District Down’s Syndrome Support Group
March 2007 Newsletter
Saturday Club
Our next Saturday Club will be the Easter party. We are having a change this year! The party will be held at the Walnut Tree pub on Barnsley Road. A party has been booked for 20 children and will include a play session, a meal and party bags. It will take place on 7th April at 1pm. To book places for your child/ren contact Sue on 01924 223185.
the Sports Club
The next date for the sports club is 17th March. The club takes place 10.30-11.30am at AckworthSchool. The sessions must now be booked and paid for 5 weeks in advance and the cost is £2 per child per session. To book a place contact Alicia on 01977 646868.
CHEEKY MONKEYS
Wakefield Support Group forAutismhave arranged a session at Cheeky Monkeys for children with special needs. This will be held on Wednesday March 28th, 5.30pm to 7.00pm at Cheeky Monkeys, Unit 4, Grantley Street, WakefieldWF1 4LA.
A chance to sit back and relax while the children enjoy themselves for a whole hour and a half! Tea, coffee, soft drinks and snacks will be available to buy, plus hot food until 6.30pm. The normal height restrictions don't apply for this private event, but parents do remain responsible for the children they bring.
Cost:£1 per child. Please pay Ailsa Dinn at the venue.
JO JINGLES
Jo Jingles is the leading provider of Music and Movement to children aged 6 months - 5 years in the UK, with weekly classes running in over 300 locations. Over 7,000 children attend Jo Jingles classes every week nation-wide.
Children have fun singing, moving and playing instruments. Classes are held in Wakefield Pontefract, Glasshoughton and Altofts. For more information contact Paula on 01977 650455 or
SPECIAL DAY AT PUGNEYS
Wakefield Council is running a day for people with special needs at PugneysCountryPark.
It will run from 11am to 3pm on Saturday 21st April and is free to people with special needs.
Children will be able to try a range of water sports, but booking is essential. Ring Pugneys on 01924 302360.
VICTORIA AND DAVID BECKHAM CHARITABLE TRUST
The trust funds individual families and groups for items and equipment.
All applications are passed to David and Victoria for decisions to be made. The only stipulation made by the Beckham Charitable Trust is that all applications must be for the benefit of children.
Please apply in writing to:
The Victoria and David Beckham Charitable Trust
Charles Bradbrook Professional Advisor
Deloitte and Touche
Hill House, 1 Little New Street
London
EC4A 3TR
LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD
Wakefield Council is currently carrying out a consultation process in respect of their Special Education Needs Inclusion Strategy.
As part of this process they are sending out a questionnaire to the parent/carers of those children with Statements of SEN.
When you receive your copy, please find the time to return it as it is essential that we take this opportunity to make our voices heard.
It is our intention as a group to be further involved in this process so your support would be much appreciated.
Geoff
SENSORY ROOM DROP-IN
The Sunbeam Children’s Centre, where we have our Saturday club, offers the sensory room on a drop in basis. Just turn up and use the room for free! For more information, contact Gill Dargan on 01924 302338.
SWIMMING AT MINSTHORPE
Alicia has organised some swimming sessions at Minsthorpe Swimming Pool. These are play sessions and adults must go into the water with their children.
They are free for everyone and we have a get together in the room upstairs afterwards.
The sessions will take place on the following dates:
Sunday 15th April, Sunday 3rd June, Sunday 5th August 11.30am to 12.30pm in the pool and 12.30pm to 1.15 upstaires.
Then Wednesday 22nd August 11am to 12pm.
DSA FAMILY TRAINING DAY
The conference will take palce on 21st April in York. It is geared towards parents of school aged children with Down’s syndrome.
The day will feature two workshops; the first on puberty and relationship skills; and the second on issues that may arise for families with regard to siblings.
It costs £10 per parent and £40 per professional. For more information contact Lesley Alabaf on 0845 230 0372
BEADELICIOUS
Beadelicious is a company run by 2 sisters. They offer children’s parties where they can design and make their own jewellery.
They cater for 8 to 12 children, age 6+, for parties lasting up to 2 ½ hours. They play games, teach the children how to make their own jewellery and provide snacks and a party bag.
The staff are all trained to work with children with special needs and one of the organisers can sign using BSL and MAKATON.
Prices start from £12 per child. Contact them on 01924 458502 or
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Sat 17th March Sports Club
Wed 28th March Cheeky Monkeys
Saturday 7th April Easter Party
Saturday 21st April DSA Family Day & Pugneys Water Sports Day
Contact me on 07956 869952 or