So far 300 children have received certificates for completing the six-week Aquababes water confidence course organised by the Hastings and St Leonards Children's Centres in partnership with Freedom Leisure.
The free courses began in April 2006 and have helped children (and their parents) from as young as 27 days up to five-years-old. They are part of the many services offered to young families through the nine children's centres in the town.
Cllr David Elkin, the County Council's Lead Member for Learning and School Effectiveness said: “This is a great scheme and is another example of how our children's centres are helping young families. The course not only helps the children and their parents gain confidence in the water but can help build a stronger bond between them.”
The 300th Aquababe to receive a certificate was Lorenzo. His mum, Monique Smith from St Leonards said: “Aquababes is a good, fun, friendly group. The staff are welcoming and helpful and the teacher is funny and has given me confidence. It has been a fabulous experience and I have really enjoyed being with and watching Lorenzo in the water. He loves water now and I would recommend it to everyone.”
Each of the Aquababes sessions is led by an experienced and qualified pre-school swimming teacher supported by staff from the Children's Centres, Freedom Leisure and other volunteers. They teach general water confidence and various safety skills using songs and games are used to engage the children.
Following Aquababes children can go on to a Turtle Tots course and many of the participants have also taken up swimming as a family leisure and fitness pursuit as a result. Some parents have undertaken swimming lessons for the first time.
Each of the courses is also supported by the Hastings and St Leonards Community fruit and veg scheme which provides fruit and veg bags for families using the healthy start scheme.
There is an application process and short waiting list for places on the Aquababes courses and anyone interested should contact the East Hastings Children's Centre on 01424 448143.
For more information about the Children's Centres in Hastings and the services they offer young families see our section about Children's Centres.
Further information
There are currently 28 Children's Centres in East Sussex of which nine serve families in Hastings and St Leonards. By the end of 2010 there will be a total of 35 such centres across the county ensuring every community has access to support services and activities.
Children's Centres are part of the national initiative to provide a ‘one-stop-shop' of services to families with children aged 0–5 years. Through Children's Centres, children and families will benefit from more ‘joined up services' with statutory and voluntary agencies working in partnership together.
To be designated as a Children's Centre, each facility offers five core services: family health; integrated early education and childcare; family support and outreach services; links to employment and training opportunities; information and advice for families.
They may also offer other services such as parenting classes, basic skills training, domestic violence support services, benefits advice, childcare services for older children, and toy libraries. Basically they provide young families with local information, advice and support including health services, early learning, events and activities, and help into employment.
Services are provided in partnership with other key agencies including PCTs, health, childcare providers and JobCentre Plus.
Reference:
2685
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East Sussex County Council