Embedded Files
When my son was born, just over seven years ago, I began to search the internet to find a group for us to join. It quickly became clear that there were very few international groups in Schaffhausen and so myself and several mums came together to create the International Playgroup. On March 7th, 2018 our group took place for the first time and has been a success ever since.
When my son was born, just over seven years ago, I began to search the internet to find a group for us to join. It quickly became clear that there were very few international groups in Schaffhausen and so myself and several mums came together to create the International Playgroup. On March 7th, 2018 our group took place for the first time and has been a success ever since.
Cathy Taylor
Family Hub Manager
Six months later....
Six months after the first International Playgroup session, the group was so successful that we began to think about how it could be expanded. Research into what was needed by the local community quickly began through conversations at our own playgroup, the family centre in Schaffhausen and the only other local international playgroup. The same needs were mentioned in all three places: a space where people could come and socialise with other families, a coffee shop that has a space for children to play and clubs for adults that were relaxed and internationally minded. From these ideas, The Family Hub was created.
The Family Hub....one year on
The Family Hub....one year on
September 2020
The Family Hub is approaching its’ first birthday, and what a year it has been. We began this time last year with our International Playgroup on Wednesdays, which has continued to grow over the year. In this popular group, we sing songs, play musical instruments, and have the chance to speak to other parents, whilst the children have a chance to play in a safe and stimulating environment.
Next, we introduced our Stay and Play sessions. The Family Hub is open twice a week as a meeting place for families to meet their friends, and to make new ones! Snacks and warm drinks are available in an environment that has a range of activities set up for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.
Following on from our success, we began to offer ‘Clubs at the Hub’. These included small group sessions that ranged from mummy and toddler art sessions to German conversation clubs. We also arranged for a first aid course for parents and an introduction to essential oils session. This year, we hope to add more clubs to provide a wide range of options for our families.
Then in March, things changed. Countries across the world were put into lockdown, which meant our hub was closed temporarily. However, we were able to get creative and offer our support online. We created a website and Pinterest account to share a range of resources to support home learning, as well as ideas to keep our parents informed and sane! Playgroup became an online meeting twice a week, where we gathered to sing songs together over Google Meet. Youtube story times were shared and a WhatsApp group was formed to offer support, humour and advice.
We have lots of exciting plans for this year, including a baby club, more clubs for our parents and a group aimed at Kindergarten and preschoolers to introduce letters and sounds. We hope that these can take place in the Family Hub, but if not we will once again go to the drawing board and find creative ways to provide these services to the community.
If you would like to find out more please contact the Family Hub Manager, Cathy Taylor, at thefamilyhub@issh.ch. Likewise, if you have any suggestions for clubs or events you would like to see in The Family Hub, please share them with us.
The Family Hub Manager is an Early Years specialist and qualified teacher with over 15 years experience. She has worked in several schools in England before arriving in Schaffhausen 9 years ago. In England, she worked with a team to open a brand new Early Years unit for children aged 3-5, which she then extended to include children up to 6 years of age. Since working at the International School of Schaffhausen, she has worked across all age ranges from the Childcare Centre to the Secondary school.
Page updated
Report abuse