Focus on… The Early Years

Jump Around Pre-School Classes

Come along and join us in our brand new fun-filled preschool classes, taking place at Braeport Centre, Dunblane on Thursday mornings. There will be two classes available, with both looking to build children’s physical wellbeing, increase their confidence, and develop key core areas. The classes will be delivered in a fun and energetic manner, using a wide range of child-friendly equipment such as balls, fluff balls, quoits, hoops and more!

Where: Braeport Centre, Dunblane When: Thursdays in term time Time: 9.30 - 10am- Age Group: 2-3.5 years (one to one ratio group) 10 - 10.45 am - Age Group: 3.5 - 5 Years

First class FREE, with block booking thereafter. Please contact Karen @ Jump Around via Email:JumparoundStirling@yahoo.com or via Jump Around Stirling Facebook Page or mobile: 0781 791 5094

What do parents think of… Music Bugs Stirling?

“These classes are absolutely fab for babies and toddlers, I would highly recommend” (Dec 2019)

“If you’re looking to take your baby to a class full of musical fun, bond with your baby, meet other mums and be made to feel very welcome then Music Bugs is the class for you!” (Aug 2019) When and where? Monday mornings –The Dunblane Centre Tuesday mornings –McLaren Centre, Callander; and The Dance Connection, Stirling Wednesday mornings –Viewfield Church Hall, Stirling Wednesday afternoons –St. Ninians Old Parish Church Hall* Friday mornings –The Dumyat Centre, Menstrie

*This is a new afternoon Family Bugs class, running on a Wednesday at 2.15pm and suitable for all ages, newborn to 5 years.

Volunteer Margaret, Walker Sarah-Jane, and Volunteer Kay

Why try buggy walks?

Parents have said: ‘I feel so much better after the fresh air and adult conversation.’ ‘I’m new to the area, and it’s been great to find out where to walk.’ Weekly walks are FREE, run throughout Stirling and led by qualified walk leaders. Walks finish at a venue where you can stop for a cuppa.

Volunteer Kay sums it all up: ‘It can be a struggle as a first-time mum. I enjoy leading walks to help bring mums together to support each other and make lifelong friendships. It’s lovely to see their babies grow and develop, and of course we all get some exercise’

No need to pre book, just come along.

For more information on the walks or to find out about volunteering, e-mail darleyr@activestirling.org.uk join facebook.com/groups/buggywalkingstirling or visit

www.activestirling.org.uk/buggywalks/

April Rhyming Rabbit

Collect your trail map from the Café at Muiravonside Country Park and follow the clues left by the Easter bunny! Find all the animals that hop and jump, complete all of the challenges and then collect your prize from the café.

Looking for an inclusive class that allows your toddler the freedom to explore their senses? Look no further than Sensory Tots Stirling, an exciting new group bringing a sensory experience to toddlers aged 1-3 years in Stirling.

The Sensory Tots team is made up of Jennifer and Laura who met four years ago after their sons both received kidney transplants. Jennifer is a Registered Nurse who started Sensory Tots due to her passion for sensory play and the benefits it brings to all children. She says: “I have two sons, 11 year old Finlay and 14-month old Harrison. My husband and I live in Stirling with our sons and cat, Ralphy. Our eldest son has a rare genetic condition which means serious health problems, autism and developmental delays. He is the inspiration behind Sensory Tots. Helping Finlay develop has meant a lot of sensory learning on my part; taking part in courses and even converting our garage into a sensory room

“I have loved seeing the effects sensory play has had on developing his gross and fine motor skills, social skills, concentration, confidence, communication and understanding of language. I am so excited to see what effect it will have on your child too”.

Laura is a former midwife and a mum of four amazing grown up children. She is an SLA (Support for Learning Assistant) at an Autism provision and has years of experience in nursery settings. Her experience with sensory play is invaluable to the classes, together with her passion for nature and messy play.

From under the sea adventures to exploring outer space, every week will be a different sensory experience. Sensory Tots run 60-minute classes for up to 12 children; held at St Ninians Old Parish Church, Kirk Wynd, St Ninians, Stirling, FK7 9AY; £8.00 per session; for info and booking, please visit their Facebook page @sensorytotsstirling

Psychology Kindergarten at the University of Stirling OPEN MORNING - Saturday 2nd May 2020

NOWoffering up to 30 hours offree childcare for37.6 weeks peryearwith funding entitlement. Call today to discuss yourrequirements: 01786 467662 or email psychologykindergarten@stir.ac.uk

Graded ‘excellent’ Children’s voices at the centre Exploratory play, emotional wellbeing and outdoor learning Available to children aged 2 years 9 months to 5 years; funded and unfunded spaces available; open from 8.55 am to 3.30 pm Psychology Kindergarten, University ofStirling –Cottrell Building FK9 4LA

First for first aid… Arnhall Nursery hits the mark!

Arnhall Nursery in Dunblane is celebrating being awarded Millie’s Mark, the gold standard for excellence in paediatric first aid in the early years. Its sister nursery, Pear Tree Meadowpark in Haddington, was the first in Scotland to achieve the award since its Scottish launch last year, and now Arnhall Nursery is delighted to join them - and to be the first in Stirlingshire to have gained the special endorsement. Millie’s Mark, developed between Millie’s Trust and National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA), aims to keep children as safe as they can be in nursery, with staff training, policies and procedures in first aid well above national standards. To achieve the accreditation, 100% of staff working with children in the nursery, pre-school or childminder setting must be trained and confident in paediatric first aid. They are also required to keep their knowledge fresh so they are ready and capable in any type of emergency situation where first aid is required. Millie’s Trust was originally set up in England by Dan and Joanne Thompson following the tragic death of their young daughter Millie who choked on food while at nursery in 2012. They said: “We are delighted to know that parents in Scotland can now turn to Millie’s Mark to find a nursery that goes above and beyond the requirements of paediatric first aid regulations in Scotland to ensure that their children are in the care of well trained and confident staff”. For more information, please visit www.milliesmark.com Arnhall Nursery is a private day nursery, providing high quality childcare from three months to school age. From August 2020, all three and four year olds will be entitled to 1140 funded hours. Applications are now open to secure your child’s funded space – please see www.arnhallnursery.co.uk or call 01786 822 391 for further details or to arrange a visit.

Having fewer toys may be better

A new study suggests that children who have too many toys are more easily distracted, and do not enjoy quality playtime. Researchers at the University of Toledo in Ohio, US, recruited 36 toddlers and invited them to play in a room for half an hour, with either four toys, or sixteen toys. They found that youngsters were far more creative when they had fewer toys to play with. They also played with each for twice as long, thinking up more uses for each toy and lengthening and expanding their games. The authors of the study concluded that parents, schools and nurseries should pack away most of their toys and just rotate a small number regularly, to encourage children to become more creative and improve their attention spans. More info: www.sciencedirect.com