Blandford Children's Centre (North Dorset locality)

Activities, groups and courses from April 2024

Mondays 

School readiness (starts 22 April for 5 weeks) 10am to midday

Starting primary school can be an anxious time for parents and children, so come and join our 5 week course covering a range of topics to help you and your child prepare for this change.

What’s included:

• resource bag for your child packed with activities for you to do together
• 1 to 1 at home if extra support is needed
• siblings can attend if you have no childcare

For children starting school for the first time in the Dorset Council area only.

Tuesdays

Learning together for birth to age 5. From 10am to 11:30am

A play-based group focusing on social interaction and school readiness, including language and speech development.

Wednesdays

Sensory tent hire for birth to age 8 with SEND

Sessions run:

• 9:15am to 10am
• 10:15am to 11am
• 11:15am to midday

A relaxing but stimulating environment where your child can explore:

• bubble tubes
• lights
• mirrors
• sounds

 4 adults and children per session. An adult must be present at all times.

Signposting and advice appointments

Running 24 April, 1, 8, 15, and 22 May

Our new 1:1 appointments provide confidential, knowledgeable and friendly signposting and advice to services that offer additional support if you’re in need. 

This includes:

• childcare choices and funding
• housing
• debt and budgeting
• benefits
• support with application forms

This is offered to parents and carers of children from birth to the age of 18, or up to 25 for young people with SEND. 
Appointments are available at the following times:

• 2pm
• 2:20pm
• 2:30pm

Find more information on relationships and parenting support.

Thursdays

Baby and me: 10am to 11:30am

A baby’s first year is full of adventures and not without its challenges. Meet other parents and carers, and their babies. Over 6 weeks learn practical ideas to support you and your baby to feel confident.

Single events

Family Fun Easter Extravaganza 3 April 10am to 2pm

Drop in to our family fun day and enjoy:

• face painting
• bouncy castle
• lots of crafts inside and out
• sensory tent for children from birth to age 8 with SEND (book on arrival)
• FREE children’s lunch with a HAF code.  Visit Easter in Dorset to check if you qualify.  Lunch must be booked in advance by emailing us with your child’s name, age and code number
• dress for all weathers, rain or shine
• children must be accompanied by an adult at all times

Suitable for families of children from birth to age 10. Drop in to find out more about your local Children’s Centre. 

Living with Parents workshop. 15 May from 10am to 3pm

An activity based day for parents, carers and their child to encourage and rebuild communication in a fun and exciting way.  This session has an amazing track record of improving family life. School attendance approved.  Each child must be accompanied by one parent or carer. Children must be 11 to 16 years of age.

Living with Parents Transition Day workshop. 13 June from 9:30am to 3pm

This session supports children and families to prepare for the transition to secondary school and has an amazing track record of improving family life. An activity based day for parents, carers and their child to encourage and rebuild communication in a fun and exciting way.. School attendance approved. Each child must be accompanied by one parent or carer.
Session for is for children in year 6.

How to book

Some dates may change at short notice so please check before attending. All groups and courses must be booked in advance, except drop ins, or where stated by emailing us.

Foodbanks in the North Dorset area

Find foodbanks on our Family Information Directory in:

• Blandford

You can find an up to date list of foodbanks on the Help and Kindness website. 

Contacts

If you're worried about the immediate safety of a child or young person contact our Children's Advice and Duty Service: