Robert Lloyd - a Sir Gar Blog of random news . . . and some Clecs!

A group of community volunteers and workers have gathered to celebrate their success in gaining new skills to help children get the most from play. Organised by Carmarthenshire Children’s Partnership, 14 people had the opportunity to take part in a training course which aimed to help adults understand which elements of play can benefit children most. The course is useful to people who organise community events or organise childcare facilities within their communities. After successfully completing the course, participants were awarded an OCN Agored Cymru level two certificate in playwork. Play Officer Maria Austin, said: “Many adults have a responsibility to organise children’s time, usually including play – we can help give adults the tools to create rich play environments and opportunities which is vital to a healthy childhood.” Carmarthenshire Children’s Partnership organises affordable play courses every term, run by a qualified play officer. The next course is due to run at Fur...

A new children’s nursery has been set up in Carmarthenshire, thanks to the support of the Carmarthenshire Children’s Partnership. Dechrau Disglair Cyf, based in the former Glasfryn School building in St Clears, Carmarthen, opened in August to provide a Welsh-medium service for local children and families. It was supported by the Children’s Partnership, which offers practical advice, guidance and even financial support to businesses looking to establish childcare facilities. The partnership has undertaken a detailed assessment of childcare facilities in Carmarthenshire. With that knowledge, it can now help businesses identify gaps in the market and support the business start and grow. Children’s Partnership Information Officer Amanda Toutt said: “The most recent business we have supported is Dechrau Disglair Cyf. This is a fantastic facility which is now providing a valuable service to local families. “At the Carmarthenshire Children’s Partnership we understand that setting up a childca...

A special school holiday event is taking place in Ammanford during the Whitsun holiday. Stay Play and Plan your Way is an all day event being held at Ysgol Y Bedol, Garnant, on Tuesday, May 31, during the half-term holidays. Families are being invited along to enjoy free opportunities for play supported by the Carmarthenshire Children’s Partnership. Entertainment and refreshments funded by Genesis Sir Gar, a European Social Funded project through the Welsh Assembly Government, which aims to improve life for local families. Genesis co-ordinator Estelle Etheridge-Lawrence: “Children will be able to enjoy free face painting and glitter tattoos, try their hands at balloon modelling, wear themselves out on a bouncy castle and have fun and games with Theeko the Clown. “Meanwhile, parents and guardians will be able to get information and support on planning a brighter future with guidance on entering a supported career pathway of training, education, volunteering and employment.” The event fo...

A giant art mural created by Amman Valley families has gone on display at Ammanford Children’s Library. The mural was created at the Carmarthenshire Children’s Partnership stand at the Amman Valley Big Day Out, held during the summer. Children and parents who stopped at the stand were asked to roll their sleeves up and paint a member of their family to celebrate the Family Information Service. Whilst the children got mucky with paints, the parents had the opportunity of finding all about the services offered by the Children’s Partnership, which include Sure Start, Flying Start and Genesis – all designed to support families and offer opportunities for physical, intellectual and social development. Janine Patrick, Sure Start development officer, said: “The mural that was created on the day was far too good to be tucked away somewhere were nobody would be able to see it. It was suggested that the Children’s Library may want to put it on display, and we were really pleased when they agreed...

Staff from Carmarthenshire Children’s Partnership used National Family Week as an opportunity to engage with families in the Llanelli area. The partnership, made up of key statutory and voluntary organisations including Carmarthenshire County council, hosted an information stall at the St Elli Shopping Centre. Staff had the opportunity to inform parents and families about the range of family support services on offer within the county, such as Sure Start, Flying Start and Genesis. Information bags and freebies were given out, and a range of activities, including face painting and hand painting, were laid on. Janine Patrick, Sure Start development officer, said: “It was a great opportunity to get out and meet families during a half term week. We spoke to many families, some of who were not fully aware of the many support services we offer. “Hopefully this will lead to further engagement, and will provide us with an opportunity to support more families towards a better future.” For furth...

Carmarthenshire Children’s Partnership is holding an awareness event at Llanelli’s St Elli Shopping Centre during the half-term, as part of National Family Week. The partnership, made up of key statutory and voluntary organisations including Carmarthenshire County council, is hosting an information stall at the shopping centre. Staff will be on hand to talk to parents and families about the range of family support services on offer within the county. Information bags and freebies will be given away, and a range of activities will be laid on. Janine Patrick, Sure Start development officer, said: “National Family Week provides us with an ideal opportunity to get out there and speak to local families about the services that may benefit them. “During half-term week, we expect to see lots of families with children shopping in the town centre, and we will welcome the opportunity of meeting with them.” Staff will be highlighting services such as Sure Start, Flying Start and Genesis. Sure Star...