LOOKING FOR SOMEWHERE NEW AND EXCITING TO GO?
You may be interested in taking a look at groups available for children aged 0-5 at Howe Dell Children's Centre and in the local area and courses in the local are for parents/children through our Community & Extended Services Page.
STAFF VACANCIES
Howe Dell Children's Centre are currently looking to recruit the following:
and
- Click on the links above for more information.
- Closing dates are as follows:
- DC EYP post: 26 Feb 2010
- DC Manager post: 18 Feb 2010
Recent News
FREE SWIMMING AND PICNIC FOR PARENTS/CARERS AND TODDLERS/BABIES on Thursday 18th February! See 'News' page for more information or click here to book.
NEW! No plans for February half term? Join us at some of our fun sessions. Click this link for more details.
NEW! 'Be Active 4 Life' fun sessions for parents/carers & children are starting in Welwyn Hatfield - for dates and times click here.
NEW! Dad's & Children's Stay & Play Session on NEXT SATURDAY (20TH FEB). Click here for info.
Also a new 'Twins Group' on Friday mornings - for parents/carers of twins. (and the children too of course!) More information available here.
NEW! Our Children's Centre have recently received Full Core Accreditation - for more information on this award click here.
Take a look at our brand new link 'Herts Quality Standards'. Here you will find out more about this exciting award scheme we are currently undertaking and how YOU CAN HELP us achieve it!
Looking for courses? Check out our Community & Extended Services courses/groups page.
Take a look at FREE courses for parents/carers in Welwyn/Hatfield during Spring 2010.
NEW! Living with a teenager? i-parent is the new website from Parentline Plus for advice and support.
What We Offer
Howe Dell Children’s Centre is part of a national initiative to provide access for every family to a Children’s Centre locally. In Hertfordshire there will be 82 Children’s Centres by 2010 at the end of three phases of development.
Howe Dell was part of phase two and achieved designation in February 2008. Each centre is different in the way it is organised and the services it offers because every community is unique. Here in North Hatfield we provide a range of services including childcare, education, health and family support services.
Take a look at some of our pictures to get a flavour of our activities. We’d love to welcome you to join in:
Why Children’s Centres?
The government is aiming to provide good quality integrated services which have a broad and lasting positive impact on children, their parents and the wider community.
To support this aim, children’s centres are being created in order to offer core services, including early education and day care, parental outreach, family support, business links and training, and a one-stop-shop for childcare advice and information.
Adult and Community Learning
Howe Dell Children’s Centre has links with Jobcentre Plus, we support JC+ adult information sessions on site and hold current information on employment and benefit rights.
We have links with local adult education providers and host a variety of training opportunities throughout the year.
Baby and Toddler Groups
The centre has a thriving toddler group that takes place every Friday afternoon term time at Howe Dell. This group was established at the old Howe Dell site and is a cherished part of the Children’s Centre.
Day Care
We have a full 56 place Day Care facility on site. Day Care is open for 50 weeks of the year, 8am – 6pm, and 5 days per week. We care for children age 3 months to 5 years offering a range of session opportunities, including wrap around care for school nursery sessions.
Family Health Programme
The centre has forged a successful partnership with local health services. A community nursery nurse attends the Positive Beginnings Group providing informal opportunities to raise questions and seek support on health concerns. Child health checks are also held on site in order to bring health services closer to home.
Support and Inclusion
Support is available for all parents and carers. We hold a Butterflies Support Group each week where targeted and specific support can be offered.
Networks
The centre hosts a successful Childminding Group that meets each week during term time. The group offer peer support to local childminders, activities for children and is aided by centre staff.
Outreach
Outreach services are provided through Green Lanes School Hatfield and St Johns School in Lemsford. We have successful groups in place enabling us to provide services to families where previously there has been none.