Little Hands SureStart is a universal service provider, supporting all parents with children from antenatal stage to four years old, living within the catchment area including Springtown/ Creevagh, Rosemount and part of Foylesprings.
With SureStart’s ongoing support, a child can do well at school and flourish at home. We offer a range of programmes which include Parenting, Early Years services and Parent and Child together.
We aim to deliver “the best start in life” for every child. Offering a range of free programmes and services for families.
The aims of SureStart are to improve:
- The ability to learn by encouraging stimulating play, improving language skills and the early identification and support of children with learning difficulties;
- Health by supporting parents in caring for children and promoting children’s health and development;
- Social development by supporting the development of early relationships between parents and children, good parenting skills, family functioning and early identification and support of children with emotional, learning or behavioural difficulties.
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Principles of SureStart
Sure Start projects deliver a wide variety of services which are designed to support children’s learning skills, health and well-being, and social and emotional development.
The Key Principles of Sure Start are:
Co-ordinate, streamline and add value to existing services for young families in local communities, including signposting to specialised services;
- Involve parents;
- Avoid stigma;
- Ensure lasting support;
- Be sensitive to particular families’ needs; and
- Promote participation of all local families.
Core elements which feature in Little Hands SureStart
- Outreach and Home Visiting Service – to make contact as early as possible in a child’s life and encourage families to avail of other services;
- Family Support and parenting information, both through groups and home based;
- Good quality play, learning and childcare experiences for children
- Speech, Language and Communication Support;
- Support for all children in the community recognising their differing needs.
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List of Programmes
A list of some of our services include:
- Antenatal programmes
- Post Natal programmes
- Breastfeeding support
- Parenting programmes
- Parent and Baby programmes
- Home Visits
- Positive Behaviour programmes
- Developmental programmes
- Childcare programmes
- Sensory Play programmes
- Communication and language programmes
- Community Library
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April 2024 | Programme Calendar
To book a place on one of our programmes contact: littlehands.surestart@westerntrust.hscni.net
Day Activity Programme Description to Help You Decide Duration & Time Location Date Monday Sensory Play Themed Drop In Group (1-3 yrs) Parent & toddler style group, combining sensory play, table top activities and a story and rhyme session. Term Time 10am - 11:15am Rosemount Primary School 8-Apr Monday Physical Play @ Jungle King (18 mths-3 yrs) Parent and Child physical play programme, encouraging physical movement in a soft play environment. 4 Weeks 10am - 11am Jungle King 8-Apr Tuesday Breastfeeding Support Group This group offers great support to breastfeeding mothers and those considering breastfeeding. Come along and have a coffee and chat in a relaxed environment. Term Time 10:30am - 11:30am Rosemount Primary School 9-Apr Tuesday Ready Steady Sing and Play Toddler (18 mths). The programme promotes early messages, provide advice and model activities to encourage speech, language and communication development in the early years. 4 Weeks 12:45pm - 1:45pm Ringfort Family Centre 9-Apr Tuesday Hypnobirthing This programme enables expectant parents to have a positive birth experience, however they choose to bring their baby into the world. Expression of interest now open. 4 Weeks 6:30pm - 8:30pm Ringfort Family Centre 23-Apr Wednesday Wee Wonders (15-30 mths) Parent and child play programme exploring 6 variety of play – messy, sensory, physical, crafts, early maths and science and imaginative play. 6 Weeks 10am - 11am Rosemount Primary School 10-Apr Wednesday Play and Learn With Me Drop-in Parent, baby and toddler group that provides good quality play opportunities, including free play and structured play. Parents / carers can meet with other parents in an informal setting to learn & share practical ideas, participate in activities that promote children’s learning and development. Term Time 10am - 11:30am Templemore Sports Complex Common Room 10-Apr Wednesday Baby Rhyme Time Drop-In (Under 1s) This programme gives you an opportunity to bond with your baby through books, songs and nursery rhymes. Sessions will also include opportunities for early literacy development and Speech, language and communication top tips. Term Time 10am - 11am Ringfort Family Centre 10-Apr Wednesday Family Rhyme Time (Under 4s) This programme give you an opportunity to bond with your family through books, songs and nursery rhymes. Sessions will also include opportunities for early literacy development and speech , language and communication top tips. Term Time 12noon - 1pm Ringfort Family Centre 10-Apr Wednesday Sensory Toddler Time (Under 4s) For caregivers who are concerned about their child's development i.e. fine or gross motor, sensory, behaviour, play skills, attention and listening concerns. 4 Weeks 10am - 11am TBC 10-Apr Thursday Baby Yoga (Under 1s) Promotes a life-long bond between you and your baby, and creates a foundation for a happy, healthy life. It also helps with colic, constipation, gas, sleep, calming and relaxing for baby. 4 Weeks 9:30am - 10:30am Ringfort Family Centre 4-Apr Thursday Healthy Cooking This programme provides advice and tips on how to cook a heathy and balanced meal on a budget, with recipes and ideas for quick, easy, healthy meals and desserts that the whole family will love and the opportunity to prepare, cook and sample the recipes before you try them at home. Parenting programme with crèche available. 5 Weeks 10am - 12noon St. Anne's Primary School 11-Apr Thursday Budding Artists (18 mths to 3 yrs) Parent and child play programme focused on arts, crafts and mark making. 2 Weeks 10am - 11am Rosemount Primary School 11-Apr Friday Nurturing Programme This 10-week programme + 1 week soft start encourages parents to enjoy bringing up children and get the best out of family life. It helps parents understand how emotions influence our actions, and offers practical ways of guiding children so they learn to handle both their feelings and behaviours. 11 Weeks 9:30am - 11:30am St. Anne's Primary School 12-Apr Friday Play and Discover (2-4 yrs) Children with more complex needs are referred to the Speech & Language Team. Term Time 1:30pm - 2:30pm St. Anne's Primary School 12-Apr -
May 2024 | Programme Calendar
To book a place on one of our programmes contact: littlehands.surestart@westerntrust.hscni.net
Day Activity Programme Description to Help You Decide Duration and Time Location Date Monday Sensory Play Themed Drop In Group (1-3 yrs) Parent and toddler style group, combining sensory play, table top activities and a story and rhyme session. Term Time 10am - 11:15am Rosemount Primary School 13-May Tuesday Breastfeeding Support Group This group offers great support to breastfeeding mothers and those considering breastfeeding. Come along and have a coffee and chat in a relaxed environment. Term Time 10:30am - 11:30am Rosemount Primary School 7-May Tuesday Splash and Play (0 - 3 yrs) Parent / Carer and Child sessions for babies and toddlers. Experience the fun of being in water, explore how water feels and grow their water confidence through games and songs. 5 Weeks 9am - 10:30am Templemore Sports Complex 21-May Wednesday Play and Learn With Me Drop-in Parent, baby and toddler group that provides good quality play opportunities, including free play and structured play. Parents / carers can meet with other parents in an informal setting to learn and share practical ideas, participate in activities that promote children’s learning and development. Term Time 10am - 11:30am Templemore Sports Complex Common Room 1-May Wednesday Baby Rhyme Time Drop-In (Under 1's) This programme gives you an opportunity to bond with your baby through books, songs and nursery rhymes. Sessions will also include opportunities for early literacy development and Speech, language and communication top tips. Term Time 10am - 11am Ringfort Family Centre 1-May Wednesday Family Rhyme Time (Under 4's) This programme give you an opportunity to bond with your family through books, songs and nursery rhymes. Sessions will also include opportunities for early literacy development and speech , language and communication top tips. Term Time 12noon - 1pm Ringfort Family Centre 1-May Wednesday Celebrating Smiles National Smiles Month Event 1 Week 10am - 11am Rosemount Primary School 22-May Wednesday Baby Play Dates (6-15 mths) Parent and baby play programme including messy play, sensory and mark making. 2 Weeks 10am - 11am Rosemount Primary School 29-May Thursday Baby Massage (Under 1's) Massage has many benefits, from strengthening bonds with your baby to helping them relax and feel safe. Join and learn how to perform a baby massage in 6 weeks. 5 Weeks 10am - 11am Ringfort Family Centre 2-May Thursday Physical Toddler Time Physical Toddler Time (Under 4's). For caregivers who are concerned about their child's development i.e. fine or gross motor, sensory, behaviour, play skills, attention and listening concerns. 4 Weeks 10am - 11am Jungle King 9-May Thursday Mini Movers (18 mths-3 yrs) Parent and Child music and movement programme, encouraging physical movement through song and dance. 3 Weeks 10am - 11am Rosemount Primary School 9-May Thursday Solid Start Weaning can be an exciting and sometimes daunting time for parents as they introduce their baby to the world of solid food. This programme will help guide you through this developmental stage and encourage you to introduce a range of tastes and textures to your baby. Parenting programme with crèche available. 5 Weeks 10am - 12noon St. Anne's Primary School 23rd May Thursday Cookery Fun - Parent and Child Cookery (2-3yrs) Small group parent and child cookery programme. 4 Weeks 10am - 11:15am Rosemount Primary School 30-May Friday Play and Discover (2-4 yrs) Children with more complex needs are referred to the Speech and Language Team. Term Time 1:30pm - 2:30pm St. Anne's Primary School 12-May Friday Baby Reflexology (Under 1's) Promotes a life-long bond between you and your baby, and creates a foundation for a happy, healthy life. It also helps with colic, constipation, gas, sleep and calms and relaxes your baby. 4 Weeks 10:30am - 11:30am Ringfort Family Centre 3-May Friday Ready Steady Sing and Play Baby (Under 12 months) The programme promotes early messages, provide advice and model activities to encourage speech, language and communication development in the early years. 4 Weeks 10am - 11am Ringfort Family Centre 31-May -
June 2024 | Programme Calendar
To book a place on one of our programmes contact: littlehands.surestart@westerntrust.hscni.net
Day Activity Programme Description to Help You Decide Duration and Time Location Date Monday Sensory Play Themed Drop In Group (1-3 yrs) Parent and toddler style group, combining sensory play, table top activities and a story and rhyme session. Term Time 10am - 11:15am Rosemount Primary School 3-Jun Monday Self-Care Programme Take time out to enjoy our self-care programme. Through the weeks we explore different ways we can look after our own health and wellbeing. 4 week Pilates course. Parenting programme with crèche available. 4 Weeks 9:30am - 11:30am TBC 3-Jun Tuesday Breastfeeding Support Group This group offers great support to breastfeeding mothers and those considering breastfeeding. Come along and have a coffee and chat in a relaxed environment. Term Time 10:30am - 11:30am Rosemount Primary School 4-Jun Tuesday Forest Academy for Families (1 1/2 - 3 yrs) Forest academy includes play, art, games, wildlife identification, den building and nature therapy and is a great way for families and friends to bond and enjoy the great outdoors. 4 Weeks 10am - 11am Brooke Park 4-Jun Tuesday Crafty Coffee (0-3 yrs) A quarterly online support group to provide caregivers with general advice and strategies, to help build children's fine or gross motor, sensory, behaviour, play skills; and to improve children's attention and listening. 1 Week 10am - 11am Ringfort Family Centre 11-Jun Wednesday Play and Learn With Me Drop-in Parent, baby and toddler group that provides good quality play opportunities, including free play and structured play. Parents / carers can meet with other parents in an informal setting to learn and share practical ideas, participate in activities that promote children’s learning and development. Term Time 10am - 11:30am Templemore Sports Complex Common Room 5-Jun Wednesday Baby Rhyme Time Drop-In (Under 1's) This programme gives you an opportunity to bond with your baby through books, songs and nursery rhymes. Sessions will also include opportunities for early literacy development and Speech, language and communication top tips. Term Time 10am - 11am Ringfort Family Centre 5-Jun Wednesday Family Rhyme Time (Under 4's) This programme give you an opportunity to bond with your family through books, songs and nursery rhymes. Sessions will also include opportunities for early literacy development and speech , language and communication top tips. Term Time 12noon - 1pm Ringfort Family Centre 5-Jun Thursday Saving Your Baby's Life - Paediatric 1st Aid This workshop is designed to build parents/carers confidence for dealing with first aid situations which may arise in the home. 1 Week 10am - 12 noon St. Anne's Primary School 20-Jun Friday Play and Discover (2-4 yrs) Children with more complex needs are referred to the Speech and Language Team. Term Time 1:30pm - 2:30pm St. Anne's Primary School 7-Jun Friday Any Time is Chatting Time Anytime is Chatting Time – parent and child programme to learn strategies on how to support your toddler’s brain development and speech, language and communication skills. 2 Weeks 9:30am - 10:30am St. Anne's Primary School 28-Jun Saturday Fathers Day Men's Event Stay and Play for male carers, quality play opportunities. Refreshments provided. 1 Week 10am - 11:30am Ringfort Family Centre 15-Jun -
July 2024 | Programme Calendar
To book a place on one of our programmes contact: littlehands.surestart@westerntrust.hscni.net
Monday Active Tots Physical Play Programme. Outdoor activity and free play opportunities. 4 Weeks 10am - 11:30am Brooke Park 1-Jul Tuesday Getting Ready for Nursery Getting Ready for Nursery (3 -4 yrs). Supporting children with speech and communication needs. 3 Weeks 10am - 11am Ringfort Family Centre 9-Jul Tuesday Baby Yoga (Under 1's) Promotes a life-long bond between you and your baby, and creates a foundation for a happy, healthy life. It also helps with colic, constipation, gas, sleep, calming and relaxing for baby. 4 Weeks 9:30am - 10:30am Ringfort Family Centre 16-Jul Wednesday Play and Learn With Me Drop-in Parent, baby and toddler group that provides good quality play opportunities, including free play and structured play. Parents / carers can meet with other parents in an informal setting to learn & share practical ideas, participate in activities that promote children’s learning and development. 4 Weeks 10am - 11:30am Ringfort Family Centre 3-Jul -
Book an Appointment
To book a place on one of our programmes contact: littlehands.surestart@westerntrust.hscni.net
Monday Active Tots Physical Play Programme. Outdoor activity and free play opportunities. 4 Weeks 10am - 11:30am Brooke Park 1-Jul Tuesday Getting Ready for Nursery Getting Ready for Nursery (3 -4 yrs). Supporting children with speech and communication needs. 3 Weeks 10am - 11am Ringfort Family Centre 9-Jul Tuesday Baby Yoga (Under 1's) Promotes a life-long bond between you and your baby, and creates a foundation for a happy, healthy life. It also helps with colic, constipation, gas, sleep, calming and relaxing for baby. 4 Weeks 9:30am - 10:30am Ringfort Family Centre 16-Jul Wednesday Play and Learn With Me Drop-in Parent, baby and toddler group that provides good quality play opportunities, including free play and structured play. Parents / carers can meet with other parents in an informal setting to learn & share practical ideas, participate in activities that promote children’s learning and development. 4 Weeks 10am - 11:30am Ringfort Family Centre 3-Jul
Contacts
Little Hands SureStart
1 Ringfort Road,
Hazelbank
BT48 0PZ
02871267524
littlehands.surestart@westerntrust.hscni.netLittle Hands SureStart
Rosemount Primary School
Helen Street
BT48 9DD