May 2006

I am helping one of the Sure Start workers to run a 10-week course called Baby Talk. It is on a Wednesday from 9.30 - 11.30 am and is a fun and lively course, which gives parents lots of ideas for activities to support their babies language development in their first 12 months.

I have completed my one-day First Aid course at the Whinfield Centre, Braithwaite and also attended a one- day 'Child Protection in Practice' course at Airedale Hospital. It covered child protection policies, record keeping, sharing information, assessment frameworks, reviewing processes and a domestic violence presentation.
Later in the month, this was followed by a course on 'Forced Marriages and Child Protection', which covered the following elements
  • Looking at forced marriage issues in our society
  • The role of the Police and Social Services
  • The role of the Foreign and Commonwealth Offices
  • How professionals should act in the case of forced marriages.

Through Sure Start offer people can access a great many support services. For instance, a Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) worker is available, at certain times, at the Rainbow Centre for drop in sessions or a home visit can be arranged.