Sure Start provides a 'novel' idea for Cheetham parents

Parents in Cheetham have produced a unique book illustrating the diverse family activities children in the area are regularly involved in.

Sure Start Cheetham Children's Centre is to celebrate the success of their 'Children of Cheetham' book with a special launch on 24 July. The book contains pictures of various events enjoyed by the families including Christmas, Eid and the birth of a new baby brother for one of the children.

Sure Start invited families from a diverse range of backgrounds to become part of the project created by Children's Centre teacher Lynda Kilduff. Meetings then took place on a weekly basis with parents receiving support during the writing process from organisers of the scheme.

Centre manager Caireen Rice explained: "The tremendous endeavour of the parents to put the book together shows the passion and enthusiasm they have for their child's learning within the home. Everybody at the Children's Centre has been very impressed with the end result and it has provided an excellent way for parents to get to know one another."

Councillor Sheila Newman, Executive Member of Children's Services at Manchester City Council, said: "We are extremely pleased that Sure Start have been able to offer the opportunity for parents to become involved in their children's learning and create such an interesting book. 'Children of Cheetham' provides a wonderful insight into the lives of those involved."

'Children of Cheetham' can be picked up for free from various places in the community including schools, health centres and the local library. The project, funded by the government, has proved such a success that parents at the nursery are planning to write another book in the near future.

The launch is taking place between 11am and 2pm at Cheetham Children's Centre, Cheetham Park and copies of the book are available on a first come first serve basis.

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