CHILDCARE

2008 has been another prosperous year for the crèche. We focused on developing the skills of our childcare staff. We
undertook a refresher course on First Aid skills and Food Hygiene regulations. This ensures that the crèche is always operating within health and safety regulations and that staff are equipped to handle any first aid situation that may
arise.

In 2008 the Women’s Centre crèche maintained the practice of providing training placements for apprentice childcare workers. This year the crèche placements were from St Cecilia’s College and Joblink. The young trainees bring
their enthusiasm and time to the day-to-day operation of the crèche and are invaluable as part of our childcare team.

Children attending the crèche enjoy a range of organic food choices through the healthy eating programme. introducing the children gradually to healthier food will influence them and mum about food options. As childhood is an important time in the development of good eating habits we hope to positively influence this stage in the children’s lives.

We have partnered with the WELB - Central Library to provide a new range of books to the crèche each month.

We continue to expand services by offering part time drop in crèche places when the spaces are available. Promoting flexible childcare options is an important element in our ongoing efforts to provide an accessible affordable childcare infrastructure.

The crèche is a true reflection of the Derry we live in today. The children of our minority ethnic community mothers are from a number of different cultures/countries including Russia, Poland, Latvia, Philippines, Iran, Japan and India. This
diversity is an exciting development and has added to our multi-cultural experience and awareness. Children and staff all benefit from interacting in such a diverse group. This has meant multiple learning opportunities for us big people and for all the weans as well.

We continue to support the other projects at the centre - “Child At The Centre” and “IPOD”.

We were kept busy with the MUM programme this year. The crèche staff have an important role to play in relation to The children on the MUM project. We maintain a close relationship with the young mothers as we see the children
regularly. As a result we are well placed to respond to questions about the babies’ welfare & development and guidance and support information is offered. When we need to we can direct the mothers to other agencies and
signpost them to individuals and organisations. This process works very effectively as the Centre’s environment is conducive to building relationships of trust and encouragement. Throughout 2008 a significant number of the
children and mums benefited directly from this service.

The crèche is also a great place for the SAM’s programme mums and babies. Because the babies are on site, the mums have a chance to settle in to their education activities without worries about childcare. The WELB's School Age
Mothers project has been one of the most effective interventions in recent years to address the needs of very young mothers and their babies. The support and encouragement offered by the education and health teams is complimented by the Women’s Centre’s environment and by the input from the childcare staff in particular.

As a member of the local Early Years Forum, Eileen our Childcare Co-ordinator continues to promote our aim - provision of high quality affordable childcare services for all`. In particular we emphasise the need for flexible
community based services so that all children have an equal chance to access a good start in life in a positive and social play environment.

Thanks to the work of the childcare staff we are able to achieve the results outlined in this year’s annual report. Success is based on continuing to provide a happy playful and engaging environment for the children with a welcome, open arms approach. The childcare staff also play a part in getting effective and meaningful support to all the mums attending the Centre. Thanks to Eileen, Shauna, Rebecca, Anne and Fiona for their effort and dedication throughout 2008. Thanks to DHSS&PS, Children’s Fund Unit, and to DSD - Women’s Centres Childcare Fund for resources in 2008.