Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
Return to Work - Dorset
Although the notion of returning to work or study may seem daunting for many parents, scores of employers actively seek the desirable qualities that mums and dads possess, such as superb time management, methodical organisation and diplomacy! If you’re in the position where you want to 
return to work or study, then what is available to help you make you make that next step?
Finding work
To help you find work there are plenty of routes to explore. Local recruitment agencies can sign you up on a temporary basis enabling you to sample different work environments and undergo on-the-job training, whereas you may wish to register with the Government’s Universal Jobmatch atwww.gov.uk/jobsearch which allows you to search for work that matches your skills. Alternatively, try an online jobsite such as www.indeed.co.uk
Work from home
Working from home normally fits well with family commitments and can be highly rewarding. You may have a skill that enables you to go freelance or you can become a virtual assistant offering secretarial skills from home. It may not be the best choice if you seek the social side of work in the company of others. Read more at www.workingmums.co.uk/home-working-jobs
Career Advice
If you are unsure what job or career to pursue, take a look at the National Careers Service website –www.nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk – or call 0800 100 900 to get free, personalised, careers advice and guidance. This free government backed service offers tips on how to create a winning CV, has an action plan to use as a motivational tool and includes key facts about jobs that may interest you. In particular, there’s a really useful page titled ‘Returning to Work after having Children’ – take a look!
Further Study
To refresh or update your skills, a return to study may be an appealing option…
Improve your English, maths and IT skills
You need basic reading, writing and maths skills to apply for most jobs or to study further. You normally don’t have to pay to do English or maths to GCSE level, or to enrol on some information and communication technology (ICT) courses. To find a course call the National Careers Service helpline on 0800 100 900 or enquire at your local further education college.
Free Open Learn Courses
Open Learn, part of The Open University, offers a vast range of free courses, such as Bookkeeping and Accounting, to Starting with Psychology, to Entrepreneurial Behaviour, for example. Open Learn gives the user access to topical and interactive online content - from expert blogs, to videos and games. Take a look and sign up – www.open.edu/openlearn
Affordable Courses in Vocational Subjects
Learndirect, partly funded by the Skills Funding Agency, offers affordable courses in vocational subjects such as business, management, IT and communications. Some courses can be completed in just a few hours, and some can lead to qualifications. Visit www.learndirect.com
City and Guilds has developed hundreds of vocational qualifications across a variety of sectors that meet the needs of today’s workplace. Qualifications are delivered across more than 10,000 training centres and are widely recognised by employers. For more details go to www.cityandguilds.com
Childcare Options
Once you’ve decided what work or career path you’re going to take, it will help to organise your life ready for this new experience. Finding suitable childcare will be essential so ask at your child’s school or go to www.familyandchildcaretrust.org.uk/nafis for details about your local Family Information Service and useful information for parents and carers of 0-19 year olds.
Returning to work the Domestic Angel's way
Does your potential feel restricted due to limited part-time jobs and school-run pressures? If so, you will be able to nurture and grow your own entrepreneurial potential with a Domestic Angels franchise. You can be your own boss and you can develop your own sustainable business which will flex and grow with your family. The Domestic Angels franchise is based on years of trading experience and success, offering structured processes to ensure all business bases are covered.
Domestic Angels has already completed the groundwork so is now ready to offer you a business opportunity where you can enjoy a new flexible prioritised life work balance from day one. Contact 01202 267350 or franchise@domestic-angels.com for your free copy of Domestic Angels’ Expert Guide.
35 years of Iron Mill College’s training programmes
If you’re looking for professional training or a university degree, or if you're exploring the fields of counselling or psychotherapy for the first time perhaps, Iron Mill College has an opportunity for you. You can learn more at the college’s fun and interactive Taster Day in Poole on Saturday 26 November, ahead of the start of the popular Certificate in Counselling, a part-time entry level course which begins in January. For details, visit www.ironmill.co.uk, call 01202 672467, or email enquiries@ironmill.co.uk
Childcare help from the Family Information Service
Now that school has started, you may be thinking about starting a new career, training or returning to work and trying to juggle a job alongside childcare can be a challenge. If so, the Family Information Service is there to help! www.dorsetforyou.com/childcare provides advice on childcare options, including Out of School Clubs and childminders. It details childcare funding, including Working Tax Credit and employer voucher schemes. You can use their directory to search for childcare in your area, or where you work, and each record has the childcare provider’s Ofsted inspection outcome with links to their report.
If you struggle to find childcare to meet your needs, you can speak to a Family Information Adviser who can offer additional support. This service is particularly valued by families with children who have additional needs, which sometimes makes it more difficult to find the right childcare.
The directory also lists activities that your children will enjoy, plus events and days out you can do as a whole family. To keep in touch with all the latest news and events, sign up to the parent e-newsletter, packed with tips and useful information at www.dorsetforyou.com/parent-newsletter
Kids love Cuddles Childcare
Parenting in the school holidays can be really tough. Balancing work priorities, household chores and days out for the kids can make life really demanding. It seems as though school aged children these days require constant entertainment; so what’s the alternative?
Whatever your holiday plans, Cuddles Childcare offer a holiday club facility for children aged 4-14 years old with a fantastic indoor and outdoor provision purposefully designed with children and young adults in mind. Add to this an amazing timetable of activities and trips planned to keep kids busy and active during the holidays.
During July and August, children at Cuddles holiday clubs visited over 25 places across Dorset and Hampshire including Blashford Lakes, Lymington Sea Baths, Christchurch Quay, Hurst Castle, Longleat and the New Forest, not forgetting to mention the local attractions such as Poole Park and Upton Country Park.
From September 2016, Cuddles Childcare will offer a breakfast club and after school club at its three sites, with a collection service to some of the local schools. For information call your local nursery: Canford Heath on 01202 672671, Parkstone on 01202 747198 or Poole Stadium on 01202 280101.
The return to work just got easier
Anxious about going back to work? Well, the specialist Evening and Saturday Short Courses held at Arts University Bournemouth are a great way to brush up on skills and boost confidence, helping you stay up to date with the latest technologies and advancements.
The Arts University Bournemouth offer over 70 specialist short courses, at hours to conveniently fit around busy lifestyles. The next term starts in October 2016 and runs until January 2017. For details visit www.aub.ac.uk or call 01202 363222 or email shortcourses@aub.ac.uk
Childcare sorted with Funtastic!
‘Funtastic’ offers very special out of school care throughout the year. A whole bunch of indoor and outdoor activities and workshops line up the daily schedules and there’s a wide selection of toys and games available meaning that fun is promised - whatever the weather. Funtastic serves up a healthy breakfast, hot lunch and dinner on the holiday days; and breakfast and a meal at the before and after school sessions. For details visit www.funtastic.co.uk