The Early Life Programme, is a unique collaboration between the Frank Field Education Trust, local schools and the Starting Well service in Ellesmere Port. It is the vision of Lord Field of Birkenhead for a Foundation Years project that works with babies from birth to the moment they start nursery school, providing them and their parents with help and stimulus in the most important period of life.
The programme brings together Early Years specialists, the Health Service and schools. The Frank Field Education Trust, working with the John Armitage Charitable Trust, has provided funding so that the programme will not cost anything for the families who are involved.
Early Life will work with local families who have babies of a similar age and who are facing similar experiences and challenges during the early years of their child’s life. Families will be offered play-based 'Baby and You' sessions, such as infant massage 'Rhyme and Sign' and 'Outdoor Learning', as well as free resources, and trips. These sessions are organised by the dedicated Early Life Worker, who will support the families, through all aspects of adjusting to life with a new baby.
The inaugural ‘Early Life Worker’ - Stacey Thomas - joins the team following many years of managerial experience at children’s centres and work with babies and their parents. She has a wealth of skills in supporting families, assessing their needs and ensuring the best outcomes for them.
Stacey has a degree in Early Childhood Studies, as well as a number of additional qualifications, such as certificates in Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health and Behaviour that Challenges in Children. She is Level 3 Safeguarding Children trained and has completed Paediatric First Aid Training. Stacey has contributed to and led multi-agency meetings, and has significant experience of supporting children with additional and complex needs.
Stacey is looking forward to launching the Early Life Programme and working with the families throughout the crucial first two years of their babies’ lives and is passionate about ensuring that babies in the group get the best start in life, with the whole programme delivered free of charge.
