Children enjoying the party
VICTA’s first baby and toddler weekend was held in October for families with children aged 0-5 years at New College Worcester. It offered parents the chance to meet other families that may have experienced similar situations and gave them an opportunity to participate in workshops while the children enjoyed activities.
Baby and toddler party night and animal experience
On arrival the families were shown to their accommodation for the weekend which consisted of houses normally used as the student accommodation. The families were able to make themselves at home, having the freedom to use all of the facilities, and each house had been supplied with breakfast and tea/coffee making facilities. The houses also provided the families with the setting to socialise in the evenings once the activities had finished and the children gone to bed. Once settled, everyone came together in the dining room for dinner and it was then off to the sports hall for the first activity of the weekend – the children’s party. This was very well received with a children’s entertainer providing music, bubbles, magic tricks and balloons. The families then returned to their houses for free time and much needed rest before the next day’s activities.
Our first workshop on the Sunday for the parents was a ‘Make and Take’ workshop provided by Positive Eye. While the Mums and Dads were learning new skills, the children enjoyed ‘Animalmania’ where they had the opportunity to meet and touch bunny rabbits, reptiles, spiders and a meerkat. The group then had the choice to either have one-to-one interaction with the animals, or some free play time, or listen to music. Mummy and Daddy then came to collect the children to take them to lunch and grab a little time to relax before the afternoon activities.
Enjoying the jumping clay activity
The second workshop of the day for Mums and Dads was ‘Boogie Mites’ and while they were listening, the children came to enjoy the inflatables and jumping clay. Something for everyone!
The inflatables and active drumming were a big hit!
We then all broke for dinner with a little free time before the last activity of the day ‘Active Drumming’. This was a real highlight for everyone… including our Chief Executive Tracie who was completely engrossed. Parents and children enjoyed this workshop together and everyone got involved. It was a brilliant way to finish the day and the children loved being able to make as much noise (music) as they could. Monday was our last day and the planned activities were swimming and infant massage. Unfortunately the life guard did not turn up so we were unable to offer the swimming to our families. Thankfully the weather was kind to us so the children were able to enjoy the play areas and sensory garden that New College Worcester have on site. The Infant massage was provided by Claire Milton and once again this was very well received by the families who found it to be a very informative session. Overall it was a fantastic first baby and toddler weekend and was well received by the families. Thank you to everyone who made it such a success!
Family feedback
“Thank you for a great weekend. The boys really enjoyed all activities. Thank you for all your hard work.”
– Hussain family
“Thank you, a lovely weekend/break, kids have enjoyed activities/space and variety.”
– Ali family
“The weekend was absolutely fantastic we all enjoyed it and can’t wait to come again.”
– Roper family
“A thoroughly enjoyable weekend. Nice to meet new people in a similar situation. Well done!”
– Campbell family
“Thank you for a fabulous weekend we have both enjoyed ourselves lots and so glad we applied to come. We have learnt lots and met friends and had fun! Thanks to all staff.”
– Johnson family
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