Bobby-Dazzlers
"Small Steps Forward"
PRESCHOOL CHILDREN, PARENT/CARERS GROUP
Mondays: 1.00 p.m. - 3.00 p.m.
Venue: United Reformed Church Hall, Southgate, Sleaford
BOBBY-DAZZLERS
Co-ordinator's Report for 2003
The suggestion of a United Reformed Church Pre-School Children, Parent and Carers Group came in the autumn, of 2002. The idea was born long before that because the need for such a group was felt.
With the support of the church, the first meeting to discuss the possibility of putting plans into action was on the 25th November 2002. We drew up our 'aims and objectives' along with our 'constitution'. This was finalised in the first few months of the group's commencement.
A decision was made that our first session would be on 20th January 2003 and from then on every Monday between 1 pm - 3 pm. Monday being Sleaford's main market day we hoped to attract people who came with their children from outlying villages as well as those who lived locally. This has proved to be so as we have members from Leasingham, Threekingham, Ruskington, Billinghay and Ewerby etc. as well as Sleaford itself.
Cost, including refreshments, was and still is, £1.00 per session per family.
Membership is open to any children from the age 0-5 years who must be accompanied by a parent or carer.
Regular helpers serve on the committee. Meetings of which are held four times a year.
When our first session began 9 children with accompanying adults attended. Our numbers, particularly since the beginning of the autumn, have steadily increased. Over the year 40 hall sessions were held and 1 out-door picnic session. Child attendances during those sessions were in excess of 886, parent or carer contacts numbered 91 with child contacted 113. To date 60 children are on the current register.
Time spent at BOBBY-DAZZLERS is structured to provide plenty to do with freedom of choice. A project every week offers variety that can be adapted at home. The play-dough is always in demand. Other areas include baby-zone, home corner, shop, dressing-up, book table, tabletop toys, free play area and sand table etc.
The decision to remain open during half-term is appreciated by our consistent numbers. This we have continued since our opening term, basically only following holidays during Easter, summer and Christmas (and any other Bank holiday Monday). Early in the year two fund-raising events were held. A special coffee morning enabled us to donate £30 to the Embu Fund. To help boost our own funds a jumble sale, with refreshments available, was held in March
Elsie Larder decided to relinquish her duties as a weekly volunteer at Easter. She has happily continued to help at fund-raising events and act as treasurer if Dorothea is unable to come to sessions at anytime.
Suggestions from parents and carers are most welcome. One parent requested that the volunteers wore name-labels and the idea was adopted, as was the 'Welcome Pack' booklet compiled for newcomers put forward by another mother. A 'Suggestion Book' is always available for new ideas.
The Strawberry Surprise coffee morning went down well in more ways than one! From the strawberry picking and sampling at Syston to the huge portions that appeared through the serving hatch everyone got value for money. A great success due to the hard work and generosity of everyone concerned.
Next came the Teddy Bears Picnic. A very happy event held for everyone at the Boston Road, recreation ground. One of the hottest days of the year. The bear shaped sandwiches and biscuits went down a treat with cool drinks provided. Each child went home with a hatband and special attendance certificate. We all had a wonderful afternoon.
Autumn term began on 1st September. Some familiar faces - some new - others attending 'big school'.
During these later months the 'Songs and Singing Games' have become increasingly popular. Interaction is really noticeable, adults and children alike are responding and joining-in together.
On the day of the church Christmas Fayre, in November, BOBBY-DAZZLERS had a stall contributing the money made to church funds.
December 13th another fund-raising event. We ran a Christmas coffee morning to offset the Christmas party expenses. December 15th brought the final session of the year with a party to celebrate Christmas. Games, ball-pool and other special treats all went very welt. The highlight of the year was everyone entering church during this session to sing a carol and a Christmas song near the beautifully decorated tree. Each child received a gift from Father Christmas (Mr Cowling).
BOBBY-DAZZLERS is for the children and their parent/carers providing them time to meet, chat and play. During our first year many new friends have been made -a truly meaningful purpose to the sharing and running of our group for our community.
LYNDA TASKER
Coordinator
BOBBY-DAZZLERS
22nd January 2004
© 2007 Sleaford United Reformed Church.