“Welcome to the Body & Soul children’s centre. I hope your children find it to be a place they grow to love and develop. I am constantly amazed and humbled by the creativity and joy for life that the children bring with them. I hope you are able to come and share an evening of wonder with us. We look forward to seeing you soon.” Jane, Head of Children’s Programmes
Who works in the Children’s Centre?
The Children’s Centre is managed by Jane King, a qualified teacher, with the support of Roz Morley and Paulette Davis all who have diverse qualifications including teaching, play therapy and nursery nursing. Our diverse team of volunteers all have enhanced CRB checks and the staff follow OFSTED curriculum guidance. The excellent child to adult ratio and the age and developmentally-appropriate activities will boost your child’s abilities and help them meet their potential.
How do I book a place for my children in the centre?
We are limited to nine children from 0-2 years old and 26 children from 3-9 years old. Please call to book a space as there is high demand. We will do our best to accommodate you.
Can you book me a taxi to collect us?
We ask as many people as possible to make their own way to us. We have a transport policy with strict guidelines on who may and may not be provided with transport. This is in the interests of managing our limited resources to the best possible effect. Please ask if you wish to have a transport assessment.
It’s my first visit. What can I expect?
For your first visit to us we will have made an appointment for you and your children to register. This will generally be at either 16:30 or 17:30. On arrival at Body & Soul you will be asked to sign in at Reception. You will then be accompanied to the Children’s Centre to book your child in. A member of staff will greet you, show you around . If you have time, you are welcome to stay with your child for a while to help them settle in with us.
Each child settles in differently and staff will always respect this. We realise that leaving a child in a new environment can be difficult for all concerned; we always endeavor to give support. When you are ready to leave, please make sure you inform a member of staff so that we can sign your child out of the centre.
Can my child come on their own?
We would usually encourage you to attend Body & Soul as a family. However, in certain circumstances we would be willing for your child to attend the centre even though you cannot come yourself. Please call or talk to a member of staff if you feel this may be necessary.
My child does not know about HIV. Will you be talking about it?
Most of the children who attend the Children’s Centre are not aware of HIV within the family. We do not discuss HIV or have any information about HIV at
any time in the Children’s Centre. For children aged 10-12 years of age we have a monthly group for those that are aware of HIV within the family.
What if my child is hungry and thirsty?
We have water, squash and a variety of fruit available throughout the evening and children are encouraged to help themselves or ask if they need help. We also provide a hot nutritious meal, this includes a vegetarian option and do not serve pork or beef due to religious and health reasons. Please make sure you inform us of any allergies your child has, particularly if you become aware of them after you register with us as they will not otherwise be on our records.
What happens if my child has an accident or is ill?
Three members of staff in the Children’s centre have attended early Years First Aid training. Minor cuts and injuries will be dealt with straight away by one of
these staff members and you will be informed at the end of the evening. If your child is ill during the evening we will contact you immediately to take them home.
If your child has had a contagious illness, been sick or had diarrhea in the 24 hours before you are due to attend we would ask that you call us and cancel your visit.
If your child needs treatment at hospital you will be contacted immediately. If you have not attended with your child and we are unable to contact the first named emergency contact we will move on to the other emergency contact that you have nominated. If a child needs urgent treatment one of the Children’s Centre team will escort your child to the hospital and stay with them until you arrive. However in this situation we are unable to give medical professionals permission to treat your child as we are not the legal guardians.
I’ve booked a place, but now I can’t come. What should I do?
Please call and tell us as soon as possible so that we can offer the space to somebody else. If we had booked a taxi on your behalf and you cancel it on arrival we will still be charged the cost of the taxi’s journey.
