Childcare charity launches Family Time Packs for vulnerable families in Dundee

Families in Fintry, one of the most deprived areas in Dundee, have something to look forward to thanks to a unique initiative from local childcare provider Flexible Childcare Services Scotland.

Flexible Childcare Services Scotland (FCSS), who are providing childcare for key worker parents, has announced today that it will create Family Time Packs thanks to funding from Al-Maktoum College’s Coronavirus Rapid Response Fund.

The packs which will include games, books, loose parts play and activity cards have been created after it was found that parents with limited funds don’t have the expendable income to invest in educational activities.

According to Head of College, Dr Abi Abubaker:

“Supporting our local community is one of the central values of our College and we want to provide as much help as we can during this very difficult time. To do that, we decided to create a rapid award process to get funds to where they are needed as quickly as possible.

I hope that our Coronavirus Rapid Response Fund will really help our community at this most difficult of times.”

Designed by experienced early years practitioners, the packs will support the progression of learning and development by equipping and empowering families with a rage of educational resources that can be used in the home.

Lesley Tait, Flexible Childcare Services Manager in Dundee states,

“Many of the families that are using the service are keyworkers.  They are working flat out to keep many of the other vital services running.  We want to support them when they are not within the service and to celebrate how well their children have adapted to this challenging situation.  We want to continue to bring the families together, spending quality time with each other, when they have been spending long periods apart due to key worker commitments.”

“The Family Time Pack will promote good mental health for families, bringing them together and providing stimulating activities to keep their minds focused during these challenging times.”

The packs will be delivered to families from the end of May 2020.

FCSS anticipate numerous benefits from the initiative including increased confidence, resilience and improved mental health.