Sure Start Developmental Programme for 2-3 Year Olds 2020/2021
The Sure Start Developmental Programme for 2-3 Year Olds is one of a wide range of programmes which Dry Arch Sure Start offers to families in the local area. The Sure Start Developmental Programme for 2-3 Year Olds runs from September – June. There are a limited number of places (48 places in total, 24 places in Dungiven and 24 places in Limavady), which will be offered to children and parents who can benefit most from participation in the Programme.
Who can apply to attend this programme?
To be considered for the programme:
- Children must be a minimum of 2 years of age on 1st July of the intake year, 02/07/17 – 01/07/18.
- Children must live within the Dry Arch Sure Start catchment area.
- The family must be registered with the Sure Start Project.
- Parents must ensure that their child will attend on a regular basis (minimum 80% attendance).
- Parents must agree to attend regular Stay, Play and Learn sessions (10 sessions in total).
- Parents must agree to complete all 3 Home Visits.
- Parents must agree to attend a Sure Start parenting programme within the year.
Programme Information
The Programme for Two to Three Year Olds runs from September to June, three days per week for two and a half hours (Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday).
Dry Arch Sure Start has four programmes:
- Catherine Street Centre, Limavady - morning and afternoon programme.
- Dungiven Centre - morning and afternoon programme.
Each programme caters for a maximum of 12 children and is delivered by 3 qualified staff –1 Leader and 2 Assistants, who have completed training specific to working with 2 -3 year olds.
The Sure Start Developmental Programme for Two to Three Year Olds may not be suitable for every child, in such cases we have other programmes & services that may be more suitable.
Stay, Play and Learn Sessions
The programme acknowledges the importance of these early years, and recognises that parents are the primary educators of children, having the biggest impact on a child’s life.
Stay, Play and Learn sessions are an important element and a requirement of the Developmental Programme for Two-Three Year olds. These sessions are attended by both parents and children and provide opportunities for parents to meet the wider team, receive important information that supports their role and also help children reach their full potential.
Ten sessions are held each year within the programme, parents are given the dates in advance to enable them to plan their attendance if they work etc.
Parenting Programme
In addition to the monthly Stay, Play and Learn sessions it is a requirement that all parents attend a Sure Start parenting programme in the year.
Home Visits
There are three home visits completed in the year and these are carried out by programme staff, before the home visits take place the parent and programme staff will agree a date that suits both parties. The first home visit will be at the end of June, early July as part of the transition process into the programme. The aim of this visit is to provide opportunities for parents and children to meet their key worker and for the key worker to introduce themselves and to find out about the child’s interests, this information will help with settling the child into the programme. The programme staff will also explain about the programme and answer any queries the parent may have. The other two home visits will occur mid and at the end of the programme year, the focus of these visits are to provide the parent with an update regarding their child’s progress.
Speech and Language Support
The project’s Speech and Language Therapist will work alongside the Two to Three Year Old Programme staff to promote and develop language and communication.
Documentation required for verification
- A copy of the child’s birth certificate (Proof of child’s age).
- Proof of residency – this must correspond with the address supplied.
How to Apply?
You can download an application form by clicking the following link:
***2-3 Year Old Programme 2020-21 Application Form***
The Dry Arch Centre are accepting ALL the application forms.
The deadline for application forms to be received is Friday 27th March before 5pm. Any forms received after this date will not accepted.
Late applications will not be considered after the closing date so allow sufficient time to complete and return the expression of interest form.
Please return all forms to Dry Arch SureStart, Glenshane Business Park, Legavallon Road, Dungiven BT47 4QL.
