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 - Plymouth
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.
Friendly, professional and fun childcare at Roundabout Nursery
Roundabout Nursery at the Plymouth Christian Centre will be celebrating its 30th anniversary this September. Roundabout is well respected locally, with most families joining through word of mouth recommendations. The nursery has a friendly atmosphere, is professional and fun. Sessional and full day care is provided in a relaxed, calm environment for children aged 3 months to 5 years, 51 weeks a year.
On Saturday 17 September, between 2 and 3.30pm, families are invited to join the church, nursery and local community for an afternoon cream tea. The nursery will be open to look around and there will be soft play and a bouncy castle for the under 5’s. Everyone is welcome and entry is free. Find Roundabout Nursery at Plymouth Christian Centre, Embankment Road, Plymouth, PL4 9HP. For details ring 01752 661019 or email liz@plymouthchristiancentre.org