How to make the best use of our centre.

Here are some suggestions on how to make the whole experience more positive for yourselves and your children.

Non-Resident Parents

• A lot of parents find it useful to come and have a look around the centre prior to the first contact session with their child. This will enable you to familiarise yourself with the layout of the rooms, the toys available, the facilities offered i.e. bus routes, car parking, location of centre, refreshments, location of toilets and general atmosphere.
• Ensure that you understand the fire precautions.
• Your children may be very disappointed if they wait expectantly and you don't arrive. If you cannot make it then please let us know in plenty of time so that we can let your ex partner know not to attend.
• Always try to arrive at the agreed time. Your child will be anxious to see you and lateness can make them fretful. Everyone involved is more relaxed if there is plenty of time to settle.
• Please remember there are no ball games inside but that you are welcome to use the outside area.
• Plan your time with your children. Think about what your child may wish to play with and how you can interest them. Give some thought to each visit in advance.
• If you are able to take your children out as part of the handover service, please make sure you are back on time. Volunteers also need to get home.
• Video, still photography, digital cameras and mobile phones are not allowed so please respect this and leave them at home or switch mobiles off whilst in the centre.
• If your ex-partner does not wish to see you, please respect this. We cannot be used as a place for settling disputes or dealing with adult relationship problems.
• If it is better that you and your ex-partner do not meet, please be prepared to wait behind for 10 minutes. You could help the volunteers pack the toys and heavy equipment away.

Resident Parents

• Try and come to have a look around the centre, to familiarise yourself with the layout of the rooms, the toys available, the facilities offered i.e. bus routes, car parking, location of centre, refreshments, location of toilets and general atmosphere.
• Ensure that you understand the fire precautions.
• Always try to arrive at the agreed time. Your child will be anxious to see you and lateness can make them fretful. Everyone involved is more relaxed if there is plenty of time to settle.
• If you are going out of the centre while contact is taking place please make sure you are back on time. Volunteers also need to get home.
• If your ex-partner does not wish to see you, please respect this. We cannot be used as a place for settling disputes or dealing with adult relationship problems.
• If you wish to wait in our resident parents room, some parents find it is useful to bring something to do or read.
• If it is better that you and your ex-partner do not meet, please be prepared to leave promptly at the end of a session so that your ex-partner does not have to wait more than 10 mins after the session has finished and volunteers can go home.