East Cowes Children's Centre
Location
Centre Manager: Sue Gleaves
The Children’s Society are commissioned by the Isle of Wight Council to manage and run five Children’s Centres in East Cowes, Ryde, Cowes, West Newport and West Wight.
Our history
The Centre opened in 2010 and aims to support families to give their children the very best start in life by improving health, education and quality of life. We work with families and/or carers and listen to their views and the views of the children. We have a wide range of support on offer to all families with children under five and expectant parents, providing services and advice on a wide range of topics from child development to Healthy Lifestyles.
What we do
We work closely with the local Health Visitors, early years practitioners, Family Information Zone (FIZ), Job Centre Plus and many other partner agencies so that children and their families can receive support and advice in matters relating to health, education, childcare and early years provision. We also provide Stay and Play sessions where families can play together and learn how to support their child’s development and learning at home.
Some families use one or two services, while others use the Centre more regularly, but all families are welcomed and catered for.
Some of the services we offer are:
- Stay and Play sessions
- Tens machine & breast pump loan
- Breastfeeding support
- Baby massage
- Under 24’s group
- Weaning advice
- Healthy Eating advice
- Contraception
- Parenting courses
- 1-1 parenting support
- Child development advice
- Sleep workshops
- Oral health advice
- Buggy walks
- Infant First Aid classes
- Parent volunteer scheme
- Basic skills Maths and English classes
- English classes for people who use English as a second language
- Job Centre Plus – appointments
- National Careers Service appointments
- Bookstart programme
We are very inclusive and try to ensure that all families are made to feel welcome. We regularly consult families so that they help steer service provision therefore meeting the needs of children and families in the local area.
We are committed to equality for all people irrespective of race, disability, culture, gender or sexuality.
Our services are provided by qualified staff and supported by a team of volunteers. Volunteers receive support and training to enable them to carry out their roles and many former volunteers have gone on to gain employment in the Children and Young People’s workforce.
How you can get involved
If you are pregnant or have a child or children aged 0-5 and live in the East Cowes area then you and your family can attend this centre. Have a look at the timetable to see what interests you or just come along to one of our Stay and Plays. To find out more please phone the centre on 01983 294701 or e-mail sue.gleaves@childrenssociety.org.uk
If you already use the centre and would like to support them by sharing your views about groups and services, then please contact the Manager – Sue Gleaves on 01983 294701 who would be pleased to tell you more about the role of the Advisory Board Member or Have Your Say sessions.
If you would like to know more about becoming a volunteer for this Centre then you can contact the Volunteer Co-ordinator – Deborah Cobb on 01983 529312 or e-mail: deborah.cobb@childrenssociety.org.uk
Staff at East Cowes Children’s Centre
Centre Manager: Sue Gleaves
Administrator: Linda Jones
Early Years Worker: Clare Wratten
Early Year Worker: Dominique Morey
Family Worker: Heather Williams
Team Administrator: Nadine Smart
Family Worker: Catherine Wickens
Family Worker: Hannah O’Neill
Family Worker: Sarah Riddick
Family Worker: Yvonne Price
Family Worker: Anne Cheek
Sessional Family Worker: Leanne Santer
Staff at The Children’s Society Central Team
You can contact us on 01983 529312
Programme Manager: Jane Leigh
Participation & Inclusion Manager: Deborah Cobb
Administration Manager: Estelle Entwistle
Administration Manager: Jacqueline Sewell