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July 2010
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Contact Us

Hertsmere Leisure Children's Centre Head Office
Shakespeare Drive
Off Furzehill Road
Borehamwood
Herts, WD6 2FD

Tel: 020 8386 4038
Email us | Maps & directions

 

Registration Form

Register your child with Hertsmere Children Centres

 
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Help & Support

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speech bubbles iconYour questions answered...

We welcome your questions about various topics related to raising children aged 0 - 5 years. This section is designed for you to send in your questions and other members of the community are invited to respond.

How it works

You can use the form at the bottom of this page to send us a question. To post a response, simply click the link beside the appropriate question and complete the details with your name and email address. After checking that the content is suitable for our website it will be added. We will have a panel of "experts" available to answer your questions ranging from:

  • Midwives
  • Health visitors
  • Educational Welfare
  • GP
  • Speech Therapist
  • Autism support
  • School nurses
  • Jobcentre Plus

Special weeks

From time to time we will have specialist weeks which will be advertised in advance so you have time to post your questions or comments. Topics will include:

  • Bookstart
  • Mothers' Day
  • Father's Day, etc

Recent questions:

You asked:

I am thinking about going back to work, I have never used a Childminder before, how do I know they are properly qualified?
post a responseJenny from Borehamwood

Responses so far:

Choosing child care is an important decision and the answer for parents of more than 300,000 children in England and Wales is a registered Childminder. Using child care in a home environment can be more flexible than some of the other forms of child care

Childminders are registered under 1989 Children Act by OFSTED, and regularly inspected to ensure they are maintaining high standards. Local information regarding using a registered childminder can be obtained from the local Children’s Information Service (CIS) on 01438 737 502
Anne, Partnership Co-ordinator

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You asked:

Are there any parents out there who would like to share their experiences of finding a Childminder? I am enjoying being at home with my toddler and now I am wondering about becoming a Childminder, what does it involve?
post a responseMina from Shenley

Responses so far:

The process of registration is slightly different in each county, but in Hertfordshire it follows the following process:

  • You contact the Children’s Information Service to book onto the Childminders information meetings (CIMs)
  • You attend the sessions where you will be given information about Childminding and how to register
  • You would then need to complete OFSTED application forms, complete a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) form for yourself and every member of your household over 16 years of age.
  • OFSTED will visit you as part of your registration to see if you meet the National Standard and that you are a suitable person to care for children, you will then receive your registration certificate.
  • Once you have your public liability insurance in place you can start to care for children.
  • You will then have 6 months to complete your 12-hour Infant and Child First Aid Course and Unit 1 in the Diploma in Home-based Child Care (both these courses are compulsory).

During the next 6 months you will have another OFSTED inspection and receive a grade to indicate the standard of care you provide ranging from Inadequate to Outstanding. A useful website is: www.ncma.org.uk

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You asked:

Our son will be 2 in August I gather there is going to be a Day Nursery at the Children’s Centre in Borehamwood, how do I get more information?
post a responseJason from Elstree

Responses so far:

Starjumps Day Nursery at The BECC will be opening in September. It is a 40 place nursery for children aged 2 – 4 years. If you are interested in getting more information or registering your child simply telephone the Children’s Centre office on 020 8386 4038 or email childrenscentres@hertsmereleisure.co.uk giving your name, address, telephone number, age of your child and the days and times you require care.
Anne, Partnership Co-ordinator

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You asked:

My Health Visitor has told me that Baby Massage may be good for my baby, when is the next course?
post a responseShimona from Well End

Responses so far:

We have two courses starting after Easter on 24th April running at PB1 and at Allum Lane in Borehamwood. They are 5 week courses which will be FREE of charge. Contact the Children’s Centre office on 020 8386 4038 to book a place.
Anne, Partnership Co-ordinator

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You asked:

My child is 3 years old and I am wondering if parenting classes would be useful, can anyone out there who has been on a course tell me how it helped them?
post a responseCaroline from Bushey

Responses so far:

Hi Caroline, I went on a course last year and I met some great new friends. It helped me realise that most of the things I was doing were fine and I am feeling more confident. I got ideas for dealing with tantrums and bedtimes which was the main problem. I had to stick with it and get my husband on board too but it is definitely worth it.
Jane, Potters Bar

Hi, I recently went on a course and one of the best things was that there was a crèche provided and I got a bit of respite to think things through.
Rachel from Elstree

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You asked:

I went back to work after my two children and realise that for me to progress I need better IT skills. Are there any courses I could do after work?
post a responseFran from Furzehill Road

Responses so far:

Yes, either at PB1 Children’s Centre or the Worknet office on Shenley Road you can get information about courses run after work and in the evenings. Once The BECC opens in September courses will be available there. For further information ring Worknet on: 020 8236 7600
Anne, Partnership Co-ordinator

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You asked:

I am an experienced Nursery Nurse and would be very interested to work from a Children’s Centre, will there be any vacancies coming up?
post a responseAnn from Barnet

Responses so far:

Yes vacancies will be available in Starjumps our Day Nursery and we will also be employing more Children’s Centre Workers – posts will be advertised in May to start in September. Look on this website, the local press and Nursery World. Good Luck!
Anne, Partnership Co-ordinator

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You asked:

My twins have got their 3rd birthday coming up, has anybody got some fun, cheap ideas of activities?
post a responseLinda from South Mimms

Responses so far:

Linda, I would suggest you keep it simple and not too structured. I recently took my little one along to a party where they tried to do lots of party games and it was all a bit too much for them to cope with. I don’t know what other people think? Any good ideas???
Yogina from Borehamwood

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You asked:

I retired as a teacher two years ago and am really missing the contact with the children, is there anything I can help with at the Centres?
post a responseJoan from Bushey Heath

Responses so far:

You sound like just the person we are looking for Joan We are recruiting volunteers at the moment and I am sure we can find something to suit you. Give me a ring on 020 8386 4038 or email childrenscentres@hertsmereleisure.co.uk
Anne, Partnership Co-ordinator

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