Referred 'Play & Stay'

Referred 'Play & Stay'

by: Debs - 24-06-09 19:58

Hi All

 I would like to request your views on the appropriateness of a referred 'Play & Stay' session within a Sure Start Children's Centre where a maximum of no more than 6 children attend at one time and the child or family are particurlarly vulnerable for one reason or another and the places are referred by social workers and health visitors.   

We do have universal 'Play & Stay' groups already taking place which are fully inclusive and open to any parent/carer with a child under 5 as well as sign post our universal parents to other groups within the community.

To summarize . Is it appropraite to have a tailored made service or should those families be supported inattending a universal group.

Over to you?  And thanks for your comments. 

by: lollysmum

I am no expert in this area at all, but speaking as someone who used to run a parent and toddler group (general access) I always felt that those who really needed our support stayed away as the more confident families overpowered the sessions with their chat about their material gains and how well their little ones were doing, so I think I would like to see some 'invited' sessions where the families can get to know each other, learn to trust each other and hopefully open up about the difficulties they face in their day to day lives and get some support.  At the end of the day their children are the ones that need play and their parents will see how much their children benefit from proper play sessions.  But like I said I am no expert this is just my feelings after reading your post x

by: Twinkle22

I would agree with lollysmum - I dont have much experience in this area but after nannying and attending various groups, music and movement etc - some are much friendlier and more welcoming than others. I agree its all about the children, if their parents have social issues or their other worries......perhaps a specific group would encourage them to meet people experiencing the same feelings/problems. And if the social worker has identified the need......sounds like it would be a winner?

by: kaz (the first one!)

my local children's centre have just started to target groups, especially very young parents (who often fell intimidated by the older parents). Not sure how they are going but I think it is a positive step forward for the 'hard to reach' families.

by: Lolo

Likewise, the group I work for has closed Young Parent sessions.  Some then go on to attend the open sessions.  I think it is fine to have closed groups to meet the needs of focus groups - like people have said, not everyone feels confident going into an establish group.  I have had professional women come in feeling a bit nervous their first time because they didn't know anyone and didn't know what to expect.  And young parents can worry that they will be judged by other parents.

 But then we have young mums who choose to come to the open sessions, and they are really integrated into the groups. 

Sometimes Homestart volunteers bring families to the open sessions.  This can work well too, as there is a mix of families attending, also it may be that parents attending the open sessions can act (indirectly) as role models.

Perhaps your intended attendees would be able to indicate which they prefer?