Helpful Hints
| Services Available in Your Area |
| Rhondda Cynon Taf Doctors: http://www.wales.nhs.uk/ Rhondda Cynon Taf Dentists: http://www.wales.nhs.uk/ Rhondda Cynon Taf Opticians: http://www.wales.nhs.uk/ Rhondda Cynon Taf Pharmacies: http://www.wales.nhs.uk/ Please click the website links above to view a complete list of relevant services in your area. For more information on the services above plus other local services including Sexual Health and the Ambulance Service please click the following link: http://www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk/ |
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| Childcare Approval Scheme Wales |
| A website providing information for nannies and parents. The Childcare Approval Scheme (CAS) is a voluntary scheme for carers who are not required to be registered by CSIW. Its aims are to raise the standard of home based care and allow greater numbers of parents to access financial support. |
| We have a helpline 0844 736 0260 (calls are charged at the local rate or higher from a mobile or public phone) and website: http://www.childcareapprovalschemewales.co.uk |
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| Snap Cymru Parent Partnership Service |
| Please click image to enlarge |
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| http://www.snapcymru.org |
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| OURBOBBY.COM |
| Find your nearest PCSO, attend your local PACT meeting a or find out what you local police officers are doing for you at: http://www.ourbobby.com or click the logo below |
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| Starting School 2010-11 |
| Information for parents when choosing a school for your child. Please click on the image below for a list of all schools within Rhondda Cynon Taf |
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You can also visit the Rhondda Cynon Taf website for more information on Education and Learning: http://www.rhondda-cynon-taff.gov.uk/ |
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| School Term Dates and Holidays |
| Schools may be closed on other days due to inset days. Schools will notify parents of these well in advance. If you are unsure of these dates, then please contact your school. Click image to enlarge |
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| May Day Bank Holiday - Monday 3rd May 2010 With regard to term ending Monday 19 July 2010 this will be a designated INSET Day for ALL LA maintained schools. The remaining four INSET days to be taken will be at the discretion of each individual school. Any closure(s) for election purposes to be balanced during the academic year |
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| CHILD PROTECTION IS EVERYONE'S BUSINESS |
| Early Years and Childcare staff may be amongst the first to spot signs of child abuse - this is YOUR business! Therefore, any concerns should be reported to:
OTHER USEFUL CONTACTS:
'I wish to make a Child Protection Referral. Can i speak to a duty social worker?' What to do next: Write a factual record of what concerned you. State the time, date and sign the record. Confirm the referral in writing to the Child Protection Team within two days. IN AN EMERGENCY, DO NOT DELAY - DIAL 999 |
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| First Aid |
| Children get into all sorts of scrapes so it helps to know what to do as far as possible for the most obvious injuries. Safekids.co.uk can help when it come to First Aid and Emergencies, listed below is what information they provide on their website: First Aid - Bleeding - Burns and Scalds - Choking - CPR for babies form birth to 1 year old - CPR for children from 1 year old to puberty - DRABC Initial Assessment - Fracture - Recovery Position What to do - Choking - Facts and Prevention - Emergency and Advice Numbers - Emergency planning with children - Fire Escape Plan |
| for more information visit the website at http://www.safekids.co.uk/ Other useful sites: http://www.capt.org.uk/ http://www.bbc.co.uk/ http://www.redcrossfirstaidtraining.co.uk/ http://www.sja.org.uk/ |
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| Chicken Pox |
| What is chickenpox? How is it spread? What are the symptoms of chickenpox? Should my child see the doctor? For answers to these questions and for more information please visit: http://www.itchi.co.uk |
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| HEAD LICE |
| Headlice are a normal part of childhood. Nearly 1 in 10 school children have headlice at anyone time. Check your child's hair regularly. |
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| For more information go to http://www.onceaweektakeapeek.com |
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| Welsh Water Assist |
| The Welsh Water Assist tariff exists to help low income families and idividuals with relevant medical conditions by offering reduced water charges. You will need to meet specific criteria to qualify, these are: 1. The supply is a household only supply. 2. The bill payer or a member of the household is in receipt of qualifying benefit or tax credit; AND 3. Either 3 or more children under the age of 19, are living in the household, for whom child benefit is claimed. 4. Or someone in the household has a medical condition that requires additional use of water. |
| HOW TO APPLY: Contact Welsh Water on telephone 0800 052 0145 Monday - Friday 9.00am - 4.30pm and ask for a water assist form. Fully complete and return the application form along with the necessary supporting evidence. Welsh Water will give you a decision on your application within 10 days. Website: www.dwrcymru.com/English/domestic |
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| Lose that Dummy |
| A dummy can act as a comforter, along with blankets, soft toys, thumbs. Possible Benefits... o It can help a baby relax when they are worried o It can soothe a baby to sleep o It can calm a baby down if they are suddenly frightened, hurt or in a new situation. o The baby is less likely to thumb or finger suck Possible Problems... o Speech... ... the baby with a dummy has fewer opportunities to babble. A dummy may also affect the way the baby’s mouth develops (high roof of mouth). As the baby starts to speak, they will be in the habit of saying sounds incorrectly. o Dental... ...the baby’s front and back teeth may not meet properly and the front teeth may decay. o Hearing... ...babies who use dummies all day are more at risk of developing ear infections compared to babies who only use the dummy at night. o Breast Feeding... ...if a baby sucks a dummy instead of the mother’s breast, it affects the amount of milk the mother produces. If breastfeeding, do not use a dummy for at least the first six weeks. Using a Dummy Sensibly... Its ok to use a dummy providing it is used selectively and sensibly. o Do NOT use the dummy as an instant plug – try to find out why the baby is crying first. o Do NOT get into the habit of using the dummy regularly. Try and use the dummy when the baby really needs comforting or when they are falling asleep. o Do NOT dip the dummy into anything sweet. This can lead to tooth decay, even if the baby doesn’t have teeth yet. o See the dummy as a short term life saver not a long term habit. By 10 months, try and reduce the amount of time the baby has the dummy. o If the baby is babbling or trying to speak, make sure you take out the dummy. o Make sure the dummy is always clean. Do NOT clean the dummy by sucking it, as the germs will pass from your mouth to the baby. Clean the dummy by boiling it in water for 5 minutes or use a sterilising solution or steriliser o Regularly replace the dummy to prevent any worn bits breaking off. o Never tie the dummy around the baby’s neck because it may choke the baby. Try and stop your baby from having a dummy during the day by 1 year old. Try and stop your baby from having a dummy at night by 1½ years old. Tips for Kicking the Habit Persuading your baby to live without the dummy can be hard work, but the following guidelines may help: o Find time when you have got some support, such as at the weekend or during the holidays, before trying to take the dummy away. o You could try and remove all the dummies completely (give them to the fairies or santa, swap them for a new toy, give them to a younger relative). Some babies (and parents) may find this too distressing and stressful. o An alternative is to go for a gradual reduction. For example, start limiting the dummy to use in the house and not when you go out, or only at night time. Put the dummy away when the baby is playing happily and is distracted. Out of sight is often out of mind. o Try not to nag the baby about not having the dummy. This will make them worried and anxious which may mean they want the dummy more! |
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| Pregnancy |
| Pregnancy comes hand in hand with a whole range of emotions, thoughts and feelings, both positive and negative. While it is normal for parents-to-be to experience concerns about pregnancy and parenthood, it is also important to enjoy this life-changing time. Therefore, if you have any worries, do talk to your GP or midwife - they are there to support you and help with any concerns you may have. Life can continue much the same as before but, now that there are two of you to look after, you just need to take a few sensible precautions and think about your health and lifestyle. If this involves making some adjustments to the way you live, remember that it is all in a very good cause. Useful Websites http://www.bbc.co.uk/ http://www.babycentre.co.uk http://www.bounty.com http://www.netmums.com |
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| Road Safety |
| By setting a good example you can ensure your child remains safe and develops road and traffic awareness. You might also want to follow these simple tips when crossing the road with your child. Click the logo below to find out more information |
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| You can also find further information at the following website: http://www.direct.gov.uk/ |
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| Safestart Scheme |
| Safestart is a partnership project funded by Cymorth and managed by the Health Promotion Service. Our aim is to make safety equipment easier and less expensive to buy. All of the items below are sold at cost price – we do not make any profit or charge for administration. The aim of the scheme is to provide awareness of child safety, and referrals for equipment are to be made via a Health Visitor. Click image to enlarge |
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| Please click on the attachment above to view the Safestart Scheme timetable or for further information contact: National Public Health Service for Wales RCT Local Public Health Team Ynysmeurig House, Unit 3 Navigation Park Abercynon CF45 4SN Tel: 01443 744900 Fax: 01443 744888 Internet: http://www.wales.nhs.uk/ |
| Safestart_Scheme_Info.doc |
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