An introduction to Kids Avenue

Kidz Avenue, as it is now known, was established in February 2001, and grew out of a small playgroup then held at the Newbiggin by the Sea Salvation Army Hall. As the group grew, instead of limiting the numbers who could be involved, the group moved to the Windsor First School, also within the village, in September 2001.

One of the main things that caused the group to come together was a petition organised to establish another play park within the village. More details of this project, completed in 2003, can be found in the Projects section.

The group is run by experienced volunteers, and serves parents with pre-school age children on a Tuesday morning from 9.30 - 11 aml - all parents and pre-school age children welcome. Come along and join in with the fun - including playtime, songs, stories, juice time and tea or coffee for the parents.

Parents with pre-school age children can benefit from their child having regular, structured interaction with other pre-school children, playing while they learn and have fun in an informal, happy atmosphere. It's also a great way to meet other parents, and get to know others who are in a similar situation to yourself, within your own community.

The group is a Parent and Toddler Group - and you will need to accompany your children at all times whilst they are at the group. Please note that there is no facility for dropping children off and then picking them up later.

We produce a Newsletter every 2 months - become a member to receive it an keep up to date with all of our regular and special activities.

Our location

Kidz Avenue takes place in the Main Hall of Windsor First School, Newbiggin by the Sea. To find us on the internet click here for an interactive map provided by www.multimap.com

Windsor First School
Gibson Street, Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, Northumberland NE64 6UZ
Tel: 01670 818402 Headteacher: Mrs Anne Carter

Facilities

We have the use of the large Main Hall within the school, plus the quadrangle garden, which is fully enclosed on all sides. This garden was recently renovated and equipped with high quality play equipment, to make it a superb, interesting and safe place to play and learn.

We have a wide range of toys and outdoor equipment, and there is always something interesting for the children to do.

We have toilets and changing facilities at hand for children and parents, as well as a small kitchen where drinks are prepared.

Information for visitors

Please enter the School via the Main Entrance into the Main Hall
Please sign in the register for you and your children when you arrive - this is important in the event of an emergency
In the unlikely even of any emergency, please leave the main hall immediately with your children and assemble in the main school yard
Toilets for children are in the Nursery, just along from Reception
Toilets for adults are situated upstairs opposite reception. Please arrange for your child to be looked after if visiting the toilet, as they are not permitted in the upstairs toilets.
Nappy changing facilities are available in the adjoining room next to the toy cupboard. If you leave nappies in the bin provided, we will dispose of them for you.
ALWAYS ensure you keep your child within view
If your child is in the outdoor play garden please ensure you stay with them and supervise them on play equipment.
Please keep all hot drinks safely away from children, and do not leave them unattended.
Your child is YOUR responsibility at ALL times, and we would be grateful if you could ensure that your child plays safely and appropriately with others.
We will make every effort to make the playgroup and garden areas safe and fun to play in, but please report any accidents immediately to a Committee Member.
Our group operates an Equal Opportinities Policy and a Child Protection Policy.

Management Committee Responsibilities

To take care of the group for its members and make sure that it is run properly.
To look after any money that the group gets, make sure that that it is spent on the things that the group is meant to do and to stick within the budget.
To oversee the work of the group and any staff who are employed to carry it out.
To keep the group on track and to make and stick to plans that will help the group to achieve its aims
To promote and represent the group in a way that does it credit.
To set and stick to policies and guidelines for good practice.
To find the best way to do what the members want.
To attend regular meetings and digest information that is given to them so that they can make sensible decisions.
To carry out pieces of work and tasks that will help them to manage the business of the group properly.
To send apologies when they can not attend meetings.
To review and report on how the group is doing.

Equality and diversity statement

The purpose of Kidz Avenue is to support families in Newbiggin in various volunteer projects. Our primary aim is supply a place for parents and children to come to play together.

Our policy is that any member of the community with young children aged 0-4 years would be encouraged to come, and be made welcome. And that the activities provided will not discriminate against anyone. We aim to treat everyone with honesty, fairness, and respect. Regardless of race, religion, gender, or physical ability. We also understand the need to differentiate activities within the group to allow all to participate. For this reason we have a rich mixture of activities including craft and singing aimed at creating an atmosphere of encouragement within parents/carers and children.

Child Protection Policy

The purpose of Kidz Avenue is to support families in Newbiggin in various volunteer projects. Our primary aim is supply a place for parents and children to come to play together.

In the current social climate we understand the need for a coherent child protection statement. And have therefore looked at the implications of the current legislation for our group. We have taken advise form various professionals including workers from NCH – action for children in Ashington.

We are familiar with the “Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974”, the “Children’s Act 1989” and the “Police Act 1997” but we do not come under their remit.

The group currently meets once a week for 2 hours at Windsor First School Newbiggin by the Sea. Parents have charge of their children and are fully responsible for them. The committee for Kidz Avenue are volunteers who come together for purely administrative tasks such as accounts, and organising activities etc. Kidz Avenue is also involved in various projects in a consultative or organisational role i.e. Sure start, Spittal Play park. However, in these instances we do not have any personnel working directly with children.

Because we feel that children’s safety is paramount we aim to review this policy after 12 months, or earlier if any decision is taken to extend the time of the group, children’s workers are to be employed, or any change in legislation is passed.