An exciting new campaign for parents and carers of children under two is to be launched in Birmingham to help them nurture a strong bond with their child and to support their baby’s brain development.
The NSPCC’s Look, Say, Sing, Play has already benefitted thousands of families from across the country and the year-long campaign will kick-off in Birmingham next week following a successful pilot event last year.
Childcare professionals across the city have already been receiving Look, Say, Sing, Play training to share the skills and games with children throughout Birmingham.
Victoria Taylor Bryant, Early Years Manager at Frankley Plus Children’s Centre, who attended December’s pilot event with parents in Northfield said:
“The parents who attended the Northfield event before Christmas said how they found the campaign and activities to be both useful and fun along with the tips and advice that were on offer.
“We now use the Look, Say, Sing, Play activities from the event within all of our childcare groups and it has made a positive impact on the parents we support. Look, Say, Sing, Play provides parents with the tools, tips, and confidence to be able to have high-quality interactions with their babies and children.”
Parents are encouraged to Look at what their baby is focusing on and how they react, Say what they’re doing and copy the sounds their baby makes, Sing along to their favourite tune and Play simple games and see what their baby enjoys.
The Look, Say, Sing, Play campaign will launch with a free event at the Library of Birmingham that will take place on Friday 24 March between 11am and 3pm. Parents will come together to find out more about the campaign, try brain-building activities with their babies and learn about the science behind the games and activities.
Rachel Wallace, NSPCC Local Campaigns Manager for Birmingham, said: “We know how much running face-to-face events can help bring the Look, Say, Sing, Play tips to life for parents and families. The simple games and activities on show in the library will help boost brain connections for the babies and young children and will support language development too, along with many other essential skills.
“So come along, have fun and try some brain-building activities with your baby. Anyone who can’t make the event can sign up online to receive weekly tips via email.”
The event at the Library of Birmingham in Centenary Square is free entry, though parents are recommended to reserve a place by visiting: bit.ly/3m1pjoX
Parents can sign-up to get weekly tips via the NSPCC website. Each one will include a fun, age-appropriate tip which they can easily fit in to their daily routine.