Kate Greenaway was closed on Monday 26th for training and development. We spent the day developing our approach to integrated work for children and families.
By integrated work, we mean that as a Children's Centre we don't just want to provide a whole range of services under one roof.
We want to have an approach to working with families which is consistent, and built on values and principles (rather than whatever happens to be this month's special flavour, or having an "anything goes" approach.
The planning which came out of the day will be posted as soon as it's written up.
In the meantime here's our statement of "what we stand for".
What we stand for
Here for every child – now
We do all we can to help children feel wanted and secure so that they can develop and learn. We plan for close attachments and relationships with children on roll in the nursery. We see children as strong and competent learners and we stand up for their right to play in early childhood. We treasure children for who they are, not what anyone wants them to be. We work closely with parents to help children develop self-discipline, self-motivation and an awareness and respect for others.
We try to make ourselves accessible and helpful to parents who are having a difficult or hard time.
"We have a duty to support the development of the child's personality, talents and mental and physical abilities to their fullest potential."
UN Declaration – Rights of the Child
"To move, to run, to find things out by new movements, to feel one's life in every limb, that is the life of early childhood."
Margaret Macmillan
"Love in infancy and childhood is as important for mental health as are vitamins and protein for physical health."
John Bowlby
Helping the development of a strong community around Kings Cross
Strong, energetic, lively and curious children grow up in strong families and strong communities. Unlike most other public services, we are directly accountable to our local community – Kate Greenaway is run by a governing body, with democratically elected parent governors.
Our roots in the neighbourhood are nourished by the involvement and commitment of local people.
We have particular expertise and knowledge about young children; but we do not always know best.
We are especially committed to education for all children and adults as a way to self-fulfilment and wellbeing.
We are unreservedly on the side of families with young children.
"It takes a whole village to raise a child."
Traditional African proverb, quoted by Chinua Achebe
"Unless both power to choose and opportunity for choice are present no child, woman or man is free."
Christian Schiller
"It is not for professionals to tell families how to bring up their children."
Tina Bruce
A staff team achieving things to be proud of
We are committed to new ways of working with children and families, breaking down the traditional barriers between health, social services and education. We think that professionals need to listen carefully to families and work in ways to help families overcome difficulties and disadvantage.
A strong, creative and energetic staff team is essential to the success of Kate Greenaway. Staff should feel that they are valued, and that they have sufficient time and energy for their personal lives whilst dedicating themselves to the service of local children and their families.
"There is a need for better and more multi-professional exchange, dialogue and integrated working."
Tina Bruce
Everything connects
We want everything to connect at Kate Greenaway. We value and promote education for children, parents and the staff team. We value quality provision for play in the nursery, in Stay and Play groups, and during home visits and outreach work. We think that all children and all adults have the capacity to overcome disadvantage, difficulties and problems for themselves, with the right help and support. Our commitment to respecting each family, encouraging choice and promoting equal opportunities shapes everything we do.
"We have a duty to help prepare children for responsible life in a free society, in the spirit of understanding, peace, tolerance, equality of sexes, and friendship among all peoples, ethnic, national and religious groups and persons of indigenous origin."
UN Declaration – Rights of the Child
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