January 23, 2004

By: Dana Wells
Website: http://www.1st-in-toys.com

NSPCC Opens New Toy Library Session for Families Living in The Isleworth Area

A new Toy Library session is being set up by the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children as part of the services provided by the charity's Ivybridge Family Support Project.

The Toy Library provides a selection of culturally aware and stimulating educational toys for families to borrow. A small charge of 10p per toy per week is made to help cover costs. Toy Library staff are also able to offer guidance on parenting issues and offer advice and information about services available for children and families.

Children's Services Manager Emma Boyce said, 'This is an extremely important service for local families. Children need opportunities to play because play promotes a child's development, self esteem, independence and confidence - children often express their thoughts and feeling through play.

Other services provided by the NSPCC Ivybridge Family Support Project include a play-based home visiting service that aims to help parents experiencing difficulties with their children - for example, parents who are worried about their children's behaviour or parents who are concerned about the way they feel about and react to their own children.

A drop-in group - the Isleworth's Mums And Kids group runs every Wednesday morning at the Isleworth Centre. The group provides an opportunity for mothers and children to make new friends, and enjoy playing with a variety of toys, to join in art and craft activities, singing and storytime. Mum's can also access informal support and advice as semi-structured group discussions and guest speakers on a variety of parenting and family issues such as managing tantrums, domestic violence, nutrition and welfare benefits.

Also see: online science games

About The Author:

Dana Wells is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-toys.com.  Find all the toys you wish you had as a kid. Fun and educational toys found here.