EXCITE ATTENDANCE

A Sure Start for Kensington

3 EXCITE schools, Kensington Infants, Kensington Juniors and Birchfield, along with St Sebastian's Primary School, were recently given approval to apply for Sure Start Funding. Sure Start is a government initiative aimed at giving 0-4 year olds a better start in life through a whole range of services and support in areas such as health, education, play and childcare. The Kensington Schools' plan is to build a Family and Lifelong Learning Centre that will offer all these opportunities. EXCITE is working closely with the schools and their partners to ensure that these plans come to fruition. If successful, things will begin to happen from September this year.

The involvement of parents and families is extremely important both to the application process and to the success of the scheme itself. Consultation with the community has already taken place and further events will be happening between now and when the application is submitted.

 

Early Birds at Dovecot

 

EXCITE have provided help for Dovecot CP School to set up the zone's first Breakfast Club, known as the Early Birds Club. The club is opened from 8 am every morning, until school begins. The children have their breakfast, toast or cereal and a drink, and afterwards they can play board games, use the computer, read a book, or just chat to their friends.

Ashley and Rebecca both go to Early Birds Club every morning, and both say they like coming because the breakfast is nice, especially chocolate spread on toast. Rebecca said she also likes doing games and puzzles before she goes to class.

Mrs Boden and Mrs Stanton are two of the staff who help at the club, (they are affectionately known as Bill and Ben!). Mrs Boden said "the children enjoy the chance to spend time with their friends, in a friendly and social environment, it gives them freedom to chat to their friends, which they can't do in class."

 

Parents Making the Difference at New Park

Yvonne Boyd and Denise Rimington are both parents at the school and have been volunteers there for a number of years. Both Denise and Yvonne are now employed as part time classroom assistants at New Park. Denise says "It's amazing what you can achieve with the support of the teachers. Our presence takes some of the pressure off the teachers and they really appreciate it." There are currently around 10 parents helping at New Park but they are always looking for more help. Grandparents and other relatives are welcome.

If you would like to explore the possibilities of helping at one of the Zone Schools please contact us for an initial chat on 0151 259 1543