Rainbow Children's Centre

"The centre encourages children to explore the environment with curiosity. Our centre offers a seamless provision enabling the children to explore the school nursery."

	"Our environment allows children to become independent learners both in the centre and outdoors through expression and creativity."

"Our Centre offers the opportunity for you to browse our Jobcentre Plus link to search for jobs, request application forms or see an employment advisor. There are also other links that you may find useful."

	"There are also lots of other activities and special events throughout the year, so check the latest “What’s On” link at the top of the page for more details. The Centre will be more than happy to support you in the completion of job application forms or signpost you to relevant agencies for support."

Every child is a unique individual, with their own characteristics and temperament

Be Healthy

	Baby Massage – spend quality time with your baby communicating through touch
	You Make the Difference – this 9 week programme focuses on boosting children’s learning, play and communication. The group helps parents/carers discover new ways of helping children learn through everyday routines.
	Baby Signing (6–18 months) – this 6 week programme aids communication between parent and child by using key signs (British Sign Language). The group also includes a fun rhyme & sign session.
	Mini Movers (2-5 yrs) – this is an energetic 6 week group focusing on developing children’s social and communication skills through music and movement.
	Little Learners – a 6 week group aimed at promoting children’s play, learning and communication skills. Each week we play a selection of fun games and activities.
	Smoking Cessation – would you like to give up smoking? We offer support, information and nicotine replacement therapy.
	Baby Clinics – these are held every Wednesday for any parent/carer who wishes to speak to a Health Visitor or have their baby weighed. These sessions are also supported by the Family Support Team at the Centre who can offer advice on weaning, breast feeding, sleep management, nutrition and areas of development. The Child Paediatrician attends the clinic on the 1st Wednesday of every month.
	Midwifery Support / Antenatal Clinic – this is offered once a week on a Monday morning. This is an opportunity to ask questions and gain information and support about labour, birth, breastfeeding, post natal care and contraception.
	Nutritional Events – Workshops are held at the Centre and also in local community venues. These are run by qualified Nutritionists who offer advice on healthy eating, preparation of food, cooking on a budget, weaning and food safety.

Babies and children develop in individual ways and at varying rates

Stay Safe

	Home Safety Scheme – this is an opportunity to purchase equipment to keep children safe whilst in the home environment and outdoors. There are also 4 safety workshops throughout the year offering advice and guidance on fire safety, hazards in the home, internet safety and first aid. These groups are run by qualified staff.
	Freedom Programme – support and advice for women and their children who have survived domestic abuse. An opportunity to meet other victims/survivors and share experiences.
	Are you feeling angry? Sad? Confused? Afraid? Alone? Time for Me offers you the chance to discuss your fears or worries with a trained counsellor in quiet private surroundings.

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Warm and trusting relationship with knowledgeable adults, support children's learning more effectively than any amount of resources.

Enjoy and Achieve

	Baby Bop (2-14 months) – a 6 week musical interaction group aimed at developing baby social interaction and communication skills in a fun and relaxed way.
	Daycare for children aged 4 months to 4 years (please contact the Centre for a full price list). Extended Schools provision / holiday playscheme for children aged 4 years to 8 years
	Stay & Play – our Stay & Play sessions run on Mondays 1.30-3.00pm and Tuesdays 9.30-11.00am at Portobello Community Centre. This is a great way to meet other local families and for your children to have fun. There are also specific activities run for dads on Saturday mornings.

Children's play reflects their wide ranging and varied interests and preoccupations.

Make A Positive Contribution

	Nurturing Programme – this 10 week programme builds on existing skills and introduces many helpful ways of improving family relationships and managing the behaviours of children of all ages.
	Speak Easy – information session for parents/carers supporting them through transition of puberty in their child’s life. This includes information and awareness of contraception and sexual health.
	The Centre has a proactive Management Committee which contributes to the delivery of Centre activities. The Committee includes representatives from local parents, community and outside agencies. The Centre welcomes comments from anyone who accesses our services.

Children learn best through physical and mental challenges.

Achieve Economic Well Being

	Financial Support – these sessions are run in conjunction with ‘Bridging the Gap Financial Support Services’. Help and advice with everything from form filling to finding out what benefits are available for your and your family.
	Training and Employment – the Centre runs a range of courses in partnership with Adult Education. These range from ESOL, Computer Classes, Classroom Assistant Course and First Aid. Most of the courses are held at the Centre and offer free crèche facilities.

Babies and children are socialable and curious, and they explore the world through relationships with others and through all their senses.

Family Support

The Family Support Team, here at the Centre, offers support, help and guidance to families within the Centre and home environment. The team visit all new babies born in our area and can advise on parenting skills, child development and home safety. Some of these visits may be carried out jointly with the Health Visitor or midwife to ensure continuity of services for the family. Our Family Support Team run many groups that may benefit your family.

fathers

Fathers Work

Father’s matter in children’s development and early intervention is crucial in a child’s life. Our service is sensitive to the needs of fathers and endeavours to strengthen father child relationships. We have a dedicated Father Support Worker who offers various sessions including story sack events, trips to Kingswood Outdoor Environmental School, football events, men’s health checks and activity sessions. There is also a Fathers Forum who collectively contributes towards the sessions in the Centre.

Contact Details

Stow Heath Infant School, Nursery, Resource Area for Complex Needs and The Rainbow Children's Centre

Vaughan Road, Portobello, Willenhall, West Midlands. WV13 3UD

Head teacher: Miss V. Bunce

Email:stowheathinfantschool@wolverhampton.gov.uk
Tel:01902 550734 Fax:01902 550731

Children’s Centre Manager: Mrs L Raghunanan

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