The London borough of Wandsworth planned its week's activities around a theme of listening to children. There were events for providers on consulting children, and parents participated in listening to children workshops.
The borough's childcare information service manager Mary Atkins said, 'We identified two childcare settings in the area and encouraged them to be creative around the listening theme. A theatre group and a storyteller visited the settings.' The Taplins Day Nurseries, based at Southampton University Hospitals, involved parents and staff throughout the hospital in celebrations. Childcare facilities manager Liz Allen said, 'We invited all the heads of departments to look around the nurseries so they can give feedback and promote the service to staff.
'Some parents have also come in to play with children in the nursery setting. Some children who are about to move to school and their parents are going to attend the playscheme we run so they can see what it's like.' Darlington Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership held special events all week in the market square. Childcare organisations put out stalls and children from local nurseries were entertained by a variety of acts including a magician, Punch and Judy and a balloon sculptor.
Marketing and liaison officer Gill Adams said, 'It's been a very good week and all the sessions have been well attended. It has all been planned on a small budget, which we're proud of.'
In Bristol, children and parents celebrated 'Family Friendly Friday' at an adventure playground where photos and drawings of what children like best about their childcare were on display. A question and answer session about childcare provision involved parents, children, local councillors and prospective parliamentary candidates.
Chair of Bristol EYDCP Jeannette Edwards said, 'The week provides us with a great opportunity to celebrate the different types of childcare available and to find out what else parents want.'
in Bristol. It also gives us the chance to find out what else children and parents want.'