Whitchurch families with young children invited to new Stay and Play session

Families with children under five in and around Whitchurch are invited to come along and join in a host of fun activities at a new Stay and Play session on Saturday 29 June 2013 at Whitchurch Pre-School Nursery on Shakespeare Way.  

The new Saturday family Stay and Play sessions, run by Shropshire Council’s children centre services and Whitchurch Pre-School, are from 10am to 11.30am.  The sessions are free and will run once a month.

Subsequent sessions will be held on 27 July, 31 August and 14 September, and continue monthly. 

Stay and Play sessions are a great way for families with children under five to take part in free fun activities to support children’s learning and development.  Parents can access information and advice from local children’s centre support workers about Sure Start children’s centre membership, and what other groups and services are available in their local area.  Healthy snacks and cold drinks are provided during the session.

The sessions have been set up following consultation with families in Whitchurch and will enable parents and carers, particularly those working and whose children are in pre-school education during the week, access to children’s centre services at a time that is convenient to them.

Ann Hartley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for children’s services – transformation and safeguarding, said:

“I am delighted that, by working in partnership with the local nursery school, we have been able to provide a new Stay and Play sessions on a Saturday at the request of local residents.  Our Stay and Play sessions give parents with young children a great opportunity to meet with other parents, socialise and to share experiences, as well as giving parents support, advice and information to support them and their child’s well-being.

“Working with Whitchurch Pre-School really demonstrates that partnership working can provide a more cohesive support to local families with young children.  I wish the new group every success.”

Peggy Mullock, local Shropshire Councillor for Whitchurch North, added:

“I am really pleased that parents and carers in Whitchurch are to have this opportunity to access services at a time convenient to them, in such a fun way for the children as well.  Working together in partnership with local people is the way forward which benefits everyone.”

For information about children’s centre groups in other areas across north east Shropshire, contact our children’s centres team on 01691 656513.  You can also visit our website here, which provides details and information of all children’s centres across Shropshire.