Find out more and watch a short film about our collaborative work to support families with babies, through an enriched Baby Start programme on the Montessori Global Education website…

Montessori Global Education is proud to be supporting from Home-Start West Somerset to enrich their child and family-focussed practice. Through dedicated tutor support and flexible blended learning programmes, community practitioners have undertaken both the Introduction to Montessori and Integrating Montessori Practice: Infant and Toddler Specialism courses.

West Somerset Home-Start is part of the wider Home-Start UK federation, which works with families in challenging times across the UK. In the past year, Home-Start West Somerset supported 412 families, and in 2021-22, Home-Start UK helped 56,000 children from 27,000 families – with support at community group sessions and within families’ own homes.

Montessori Global Education’s training enabled practitioners to understand and apply the Montessori pedagogy to their vital local work. The blended learning process gave them the time and space for guided reflection on to become family-focussed and responsive. Learner feedback was hugely positive, with practitioners giving tangible examples of the new child-led approach they are now able to take.

Karen Chetwynd, Chief Operating Officer at Montessori Global Education, reflects on the opportunity made available to the Home-Start West Somerset team:

We wanted to offer high-quality professional training that delivered an engaging, relevant and flexible learning experience for this team of experienced practitioners. The Montessori philosophy and values can be integrated into practitioners’ work across the sector. In this case, our training enabled the team to identify new ways to offer infants and toddlers choice and independence. This is evidenced in Home-Start West Somerset’s now-revised Baby-Start programme, which makes a positive difference for families during their earliest days with a new baby at home.

Montessori Global Education has awarded Home-Start West Somerset’s Baby-Start programme with STAR Endorsement status. Endorsement enables Baby-Start to publicly demonstrate that the programme is child and family-led, high quality, innovative, and tailored to its community. Through Endorsement, local families can trust that the programme is designed and delivered in a way which responds to their own unique needs.

Clare Pound, Manager at Home-Start West Somerset, shared her positive outlook for future work with Montessori Global Education:

It has been such a privilege for us to have been given this wonderful opportunity to learn, gaining an understanding and knowledge about Montessori and its principles. It has really inspired everyone in the team, and the Montessori approach works brilliantly in parallel with Home-Start’s own practice. We’re so excited about a future with Montessori – and especially the Baby-Start programme Endorsement, what an accolade! Now planning is in place for further child and family led schemes.

The post Congratulations on our successful STAR Re-Endorsement by Montessori Global Education first appeared on Home-Start West Somerset.

If you can spare some time to help out, it would be greatly appreciated, even just a few hours can make a big difference.

Please get in touch if you’d like to know more.

New volunteer training dates, all Tuesdays 12.30pm to 3.00pm at Alcombe Children centre.

March 4th, 11th 18th, 25th and April 1st

The post Would you like to do something amazing? first appeared on Home-Start West Somerset.

They will develop our Dad Matters volunteering opportunities and will facilitate peer support and develop links with local community groups.

The ideal candidate will have an understanding and empathy of what it means to be a dad. A flexible approach to working across West Somerset and within the HPC environment either face to face or digitally is essential.

For an informal chat about this post please phone Home-Start office on 01643 707304 and ask for Clare Pound.

• Closing date: 12noon on Monday 10th February 2025
• Interview date: Monday 17th February 2025

Full Job Description

• Job Title: Dad Matters Co-ordinator
• Employer: Home-Start West Somerset. Alcombe Children Centre, Stephenson Road, Minehead, Somerset. TA24 5EB
• Hours of work: 16 hours per week
• Salary: £26,873 pro-rata. Actual rate: £11.589.00 a year
• Responsible to: Home-Start West Somerset Manager
• Base: Home-Start West Somerset, Alcombe Children Centre, Stephenson Road, Minehead, Somerset. TA24 5EB (also working remotely and digitally)

This post is dependent on HPC funding for 3 years

Purpose of the Job

The purpose of the job is to deliver a range of universal and targeted interventions that build on the good work of Dad Matters UK across varied Home-Start schemes within Home-Start UK, by helping to develop the work more specifically within West Somerset, including Hinkley Point C, Cannington and their environs.

The post holder will:

• Build and develop the Dad Matters Programme in West Somerset, including HPC, Cannington and their environs.
• Deliver and develop the Dad Matters support offered to fathers
• Deliver and develop the Dad Matters volunteer role
• Build relationships with HPC, its contractors, and employees.
• Develop close links with other health and voluntary agencies
• Facilitate regular consultation with fathers through outreach and focus groups
• Raise awareness of the risks of poor mental health for fathers during the perinatal period
• Raise awareness of the impact on fathers of caring for a partner affected by depression and anxiety
• Designate Dad Matters UK online workshops for dads to be and new dads

Main Responsibilities

Support to Dads

The post holder will provide individual and group support to dads. This will involve the following:

• Facilitating or co-facilitating ante-natal Dad Chats
• Signposting and supporting access to other services as appropriate
• Facilitate regular focus groups with fathers in order to ensure that all resources are targeted appropriately
• Work with Dad Matters UK and their deliveries
• Undertake designated statutory responsibilities to safeguard and promote adult and children’s welfare
• Maintain high standards of practice in supporting families within the Home-Start model
• Ensure equality of opportunity, fairness, and diversity in all aspects of work

Promotion & Awareness Raising

• Maintain up-to-date information for dads and make this available through the Dad Matters website and a range of social media
• Engage effectively and promote Dad Matters project within HPC, and its contractors and employees
• To contribute to the forward planning of Dad Matters and its development

Recruiting & Managing Volunteers – this will involve

• Recruiting, selecting, and preparing suitable volunteers
• Arranging and co-ordinating volunteer activities
• Providing support and supervision for volunteers engaged in working with dads

Monitoring & Evaluation

• Support the evaluation of the impact of Dad Matters by adhering to monitoring systems and keeping accurate records
• Be prepared to be trained in the usage of Home-Start West Somersets data collection; Charity Log

Working in Partnership

• Develop and maintain excellent working relationships with key health partners, statutory services and other VCSE groups
• Networking appropriately within the community
• Delivering/co-delivering training to multi-agency colleagues as appropriate
• Have an understanding of diverse communities and their values

Supporting the work of Home-Start

• To contribute to the effective day to day operation of Home-Start in accordance with the Home-Start Memorandum & Articles of Association, Home-Start, Standards & Methods of Practice, Home-Start Agreement and Quality Assurance Standards
• Undertaking work as delegated by the senior member of staff to support the strategic management, development, and future funding of Home-Start
• Supporting the implementation and review of Home-Start policies and procedures
• Complying with Home-Start’s administration, monitoring and financial systems
• Promoting the work of Home-Start and of this project as required
• Contributing to and supporting the development of the Home-Start network locally, regionally, and nationally

The post holder may be required to undertake any other duties that fall within the nature of the role and responsibilities of the post as detailed above.

This job description is current as of January 2025.

Downloads and Application Form

Home-Start West Somerset is committed to equality of opportunity and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures and an enhanced DBS check.

The post Job Opportunity: Dad Matters Co-ordinator for West Somerset, Hinkley Point C, Cannington and their environs first appeared on Home-Start West Somerset.

From cuddly toys to colourful puzzles, cozy scarves, and sweet treats, the gifts poured in from Minehead Golf club, Wootton Courtenay residents and clients at TSB joining forces for this incredible act of generosity. Family Support coordinators at Home-Start West Somerset were delighted to transform their office into a mini-Santa’s workshop, wrapping and organising the donated goodies with a level of precision that would make the elves at the North Pole proud.

Manager Clare Pound shared her gratitude:

We are overwhelmed by the kindness of our community. These gifts mean so much more than just presents under the tree—they show families that they’re supported and cared for. Thank you to everyone who donated—it’s a Christmas miracle in action!

Families supported by Home-Start West Somerset, a charity that offers crucial guidance and support to parents of young children, will now wake up to a festive morning filled with joy and surprise. Many families expressed heartfelt thanks, sharing how this gesture has lightened their worries during a challenging time.

Home-Start West Somerset’s mission to support families is a year-round effort, but the holidays provide an especially meaningful time to make a difference. This year’s gift drive proves that when a community comes together, magic happens.

To all the Santa’s helpers in West Somerset: you’ve made this Christmas one to remember. Here’s to continuing the spirit of giving into the new year!

The post Local Support Brings Holiday Cheer with Heartwarming Presents for Home-Start West Somerset Families first appeared on Home-Start West Somerset.

“Find something that shouldn’t be there!” (In Minehead shop windows)

Entry forms are £1 each and are available from and returnable to:

• Poppins Children’s
• Community Shop, 36 The Avenue
• Minehead Tourist Information Centre (opposite train station)
• Park Lane Interiors, Park Street
• Fox and Son, The Parade

Have some fun in October half term and support Home-Start West Somerset.

The post Halloween ‘I Spy’ Shop Window Competition first appeared on Home-Start West Somerset.

The Home-Start Relay walk event was a huge success and brought together participants of all ages for two fun-filled days of fitness, fundraising, unity and luckily sunshine. Everyone from tiny babies to trustees and friends played their part, in glorious weather to raise much needed funds. Part of the relay walk was a fun baby & buggy section from Minehead harbour to Jubilee Café for a free ice cream as a reward!

Manager Clare Pound said:

It was an incredible event, participants formed relay teams and took turns walking a designated route, showing their commitment to Home Start whilst enjoying the camaraderie of friends, family, and fellow supporters. One of our trustees Ann Bernard walked the entire distance. It’s a really tough time at the moment for funding, our charity is entirely self-funded and more families want and need our support, Home-Start West Somerset provides ratified Real Birth Workshop ante natal and post-natal sessions, Baby massage, Montessori endorsed Baby Start and Tuning in to Kids alongside our home visiting support with volunteers. In the last year we helped 605 families so its vital that this charity keeps going!

The Just Giving page is still open if you like to celebrate our achievement by donating. The more we can raise the more families we can help and support!

The post Home-Start West Somerset Steps up for a Cause first appeared on Home-Start West Somerset.

Entry: £4.00 per person. Teams: up to 6 people.

A fun evening of general knowledge quizzing plus raffle.

Booking required. Please book through Home-Start West Somerset Office 01643 707304 or admin@homestart-westsomerset.org.uk

The post Quiz Night – Friday 1st November 7pm for 7.30pm first appeared on Home-Start West Somerset.

Everyone is welcome. Refreshments available.

R.S.V.P. to admin@homestart-westsomerset.org.uk or 01643 707304.

The post Home-Start West Somerset AGM – Thursday 26th September 2024 at 2pm first appeared on Home-Start West Somerset.

• Total Distance = 28 miles (44km)
• Day 1 = Bossington to Cleeve Priory ST047425. 13.5 miles (21.5km).
• Day 2 = Cleeve Priory to Stolford Farm. 14.5 miles (22.5km).

To celebrate Home-Start West Somerset’s expansion that we now work all over West Somerset and beyond up to Nether Stowey, Cannington and its environs.

Home-Start West Somerset needs sustainable local support too.

Our walk is designed to publicise our service and gain more local financial support as we walk across West Somerset.

This will include a baby toddler walk on Friday 13th September, beginning at Minehead Lifeboat Station at 1pm and walking to Jubilee Café for free ice cream for the children.

Please donate on the day or donate to our JustGiving fundraising page…

Operating in West Somerset for 22 years, Home-Start West Somerset has expanded from volunteer 1-1 family support to run parent workshops from Bump-Start for expectant parents, post-natal ‘chat’ sessions on feeding, sleep patterns and other parenting challenges for new parents, Baby-Start training – how to care for your baby, Tuning into Kids – ideas for managing toddler behaviour and
advice for new dads individually or in groups (Dad Matters).

The post West Somerset Coast Relay Walk first appeared on Home-Start West Somerset.

The two hour class covers:

• Choking,
• CPR,
• Bleeding,
• Bumps,
• Breaks,
• Burns,
• Febrile Convulsions and
• Meningitis Awareness.

Would you know what to do in a medical emergency with your baby or child?

Attend a scheduled class or book a private class with a group of friends. Just £25 per person.

For more information and class dates visit: barnstaple.minifirstaid.co.uk and/or facebook.com/minifirstaidnorthdevon or contact Sarah on 07904 015121 / sarah.saundry@minifirstaid.co.uk

The post Mini First Aid first appeared on Home-Start West Somerset.