Family Learning at Mexborough Children’s Centre

Our New Learning Facility
Originating from a local SureStart programme, Mexborough Children’s Centre is a new purpose built centre offering a wide range of services for families in Mexborough. We opened in October 2005 and we’ve had an exciting first year. If you have never been to the Centre, why not come for a look around, you will find a welcoming environment with friendly, approachable staff.

Some of the courses available
We offer a range of courses for parents in our pleasant training rooms. Whether you’re new to learning, wanting something interesting to learn or want to improve your CV, come along and see what you can do.
All courses we run in the Centre are free to learners and take place in term time. Fully qualified crèche workers can provide childcare places in our safe crèche room next door to the training rooms, offering you peace of mind and giving you the opportunity to enjoy your learning without worrying about your little ones.
Last years popular courses included: Holistic Therapy, Managing Children’s Behaviour OCN 1, First Aid Paediatric and Computers for Beginners. We work in partnership with local training providers and tutors are really knowledgeable and supportive. Learners from last year very much enjoyed the courses, gaining confidence and building friendships with other learners. Many of last year’s learners are back again this year; some have progressed to local colleges to do vocational, accredited learning.

Feedback from course attendees
Here are some examples of comments made by learners last year…

“ I feel more confident as a person and enjoyed working as a group and meeting new people” … “I feel I have learnt a lot of new techniques on how to manage my children’s behaviour better. I really enjoyed this course”… “What a lovely time I’ve had! A very pleasant stepping stone to greater things.”

We can also offer English and maths from a basic level to National Test Levels 1 & 2. Last year 22 of our learners attained level 2 in Literacy and Numeracy.

Improving your lifestyle
To help with your healthy lifestyles we have organised events such as yoga and we are currently planning Salsa training. In addition to training for parents we also offer family learning, an opportunity for you and your child to work together. Many of these sessions are craft based with a theme, for example mechanical toys and puppets. We are also running a ‘Share’ computer course for families, allowing you to learn together, from a basic level.

Other support and Centre facilities
If you are looking for work, need to prepare a CV, or careers advice, why not try one of our workshops or guidance sessions? After picking up your child at the end of the session, why not call in for a drink or a meal in our pleasant café. A range of tasty, healthy meals and snacks are available at prices that are hard to beat.
It’s all very informal and friendly. It can be fun to learn with your family and friends. We look forward to seeing you!

For more information about what we can offer, contact Jill Jones, Family Learning Coordinator on 01709 589017 or e-mail: jill.jones@doncasterpct.nhs.uk