Children develop quickly in the early years, and at the Canterbury & District Early Years Project, we aim to do everything we can to help children have the best possible start in life. Children should be able to develop their personalities, talents and abilities regardless of ethnicity, culture or religion, home language, family background, learning difficulties, disabilities or gender. Every child and their parents or carers need understanding and support, and through our carefully planned groups and services, following the new Early Years Framework, we aim to offer these things.
The Canterbury & District Early Years Project is a long-established, grass-roots organisation working in the Canterbury and coastal communities to provide support services to children and families. We are inclusive, non-judgemental, and governed by the needs of the communities we serve. Canterbury & District Early Years Project's focus is primarily on prevention and early intervention so that problems within families are less likely to arise, and, if they do, they can be addressed positively. The charity offers parenting support programmes, play sessions, short courses, family events, support groups and much more to promote strong family relationships and positive outcomes for children. We firmly believe in effective partnership working with families, agencies and organisations to support children in reaching their full potential.
To deliver and provide the varied activities, courses and programmes, we rely on funding support and fundraising.
The Canterbury & District Early Years Project is registered charity number 1090139.
The Canterbury & District Early Years project operates over several sites. Poets Corner is located at 11A South Street, Canterbury and is a wonderful space to enjoy your young children and meet other parents. Chartham Village Hall, Station Road, Chartham is a great place for children to let off steam in a spacious environment. Activities vary from week to week, and in the summer why not enjoy the adjoining play park.
These groups are facilitated by two project Workers and enable parents to meet together and discuss a range of subjects and issues such as; Child development, Play, Managing difficult behaviour, Effective communication, Managing stress, Health issues, Budgeting & Child safety.
These group sessions are informal and friendly and new parents are always very welcome!
The Health visitor clinics attached to the play sessions provide parents with an informal drop in facility to have their babies weighed, measured and an opportunity to discuss feeding, sleeping, weaning as well as any general health issues. Parents do not need to make an appointment, but can just call in to see the health visitor. Clinics are currently held at Chartham, but no longer at Poet's Corner. The full list of local clinics is here.
Please look at our Facebook page for daily updates.
Please contact us to book your place on:
Infant Massage - a 4 week course suitable for babies from 8 weeks. Starting Friday 11th November 2022.
More details or to book a place, Text Heidi on: 07816 853574
Baby Group Sessions - for babies up to the age of one year. Mondays 11.00-12.15 and 12.45-2.00 pm.
More details or to book a place, Text Heidi on: 07816 853574
Christmas Crafts - four successive Thursdays from 10th November to 1st December 12.30pm-2.30pm.
More details or to book a place, Text Heidi on: 07816 853574
Chartham Christmas Stay & Play - Tuesday 6th December 2022 9.30am-11.00am
Special appearance from Father Christmas £4.00 per child. Christmas dress up is optional. Tickets on sale now!
Christmas Fayre - at Poet's Corner on Wednesday 7th December 2022 9.30am-12.30am
Special appearance from Father Christmas, £3.00 per child. Tickets on sale now!
Incredible Years - evidenced based programme supports parents of Children between the age of 2 and 12, starting Thursday 15th September 2022. More details or to book a place, Text Heidi on: 07816 853574
Introduction to First Aid - Tuesday 13th September 2022 from 9.30am-11.30am.
More details or to book a place, Text Heidi on: 07816 853574
Stay & Play Sessions - Parents, babies & pre-school children, Wednesday 9.30-11.00 am and 12.00-1.30pm More details or to book a place, Text Heidi on: 07816 853574
Toddling Tots - For babies that are just finding their feet aged 1-2yrs. Tuesdays at Poets Corner.
More details or to book a place, Text Heidi on: 07816 853574
Health Visitor Clinics
Please note that as of the 18th July 2017 there will no longer be a Health Visitor Clinic at Poet's Corner Clinic.
Follow the link below for the current calendar of NHS Health Visits in the Canterbury Area.
These are open to all families and no appointment needed.
Please text Heidi on: 07816 853574 and out check out our Facebook page for information on any of our activities:
Canterbury and District Early Years Project are working to support children and their families. We would like to thank our funders for their valued support.
- Jennie and the CDEYP team
Have staff working in the Central, East and West Kent areas.
Our Play Workers support Crèches/groups in Children's Centres, Before/after School Clubs, Gym Crèche Early Years venues, Training Providers, as well as at village halls for Stay and Play and activity groups.
We supply flexible DBS checked workers qualified to levels 2 & 3 in child care at Competitive rates of pay.
Canterbury and District Early Years Project are recruiting qualified Play Workers for our busy Crèche Bank, working in the Central, East and West Kent areas. Our Play Workers support Crèches in Children's Centres, schools and Early Years venues, as well as at village halls for Stay and Play and activity groups.
We are looking for flexible Play Workers who are qualified to levels 2 & 3 in child care to join our team.
Please state whether you are interested in applying to be an unqualified or qualified playworker post.
Training will be offered for unqualified applicants. Competitive rates of pay.
Some scenes from our recent Garden Event, showing the children, grown-ups and reptiles(!) all having a good time.
Just some of the support groups and facilities we run for parents, carers & families.
For the full list check out the calender or our service guide.
Our Friday Community Breakfast, for parents, carers, partners. At Poet's Corner, 09.30-11.00am. Informal relaxed session, opportunity to talk together, meet old and new friends.
Every Friday at Poet's Corner, Crèche provided.
Stay & Play Sessions; Wednesday 9.30-11.00am and 12.00-1.30pm
For children aged 0-11 at Poet's Corner.
This will be a socially distanced group held outside.
To book a place, Text Heidi on: 07816 853574.
The health visitor clinics are attached to the play sessions and provide parents with an informal drop in facility to have their babies weighed, measured with an opportunity to discuss feeding, sleeping, weaning as well as any general health issues. Parents do not need to make an appointment but can just call in to see the health visitor and also attend the play session if they want to. It is helpful if parents can bring their child's Red Book with them. Held at Chartham Village Hall once a month, (every second Tuesday, Term time only) contact us or the Health Clinic for further details.
Monday term time only 9.30-10.30am.
Our Rhythm and Rhyme sessions support speech and language with movement, singing and rhymes. ALL WELCOME !
At Poet's Corner.
On Mondays from 11.00-12.15 and 12.45-2.00 pm.
For babies up to the age of one year.
Play activities, music, health & development information.
To book a place please text Heidi on 07816 853574.
A weekly programme for adults with English as a second language.
For information contact us at Poet's Corner.
An 8 week programme covering covering the following; Schemas, Behaviour, Treasure Baskets.
09.30am-11.30am at Poets Corner starting soon.
Crèche available for pre-school children.
For information or to book a place telephone : 01227 786420
A four week course suitable for babies from 8 weeks.
Friday 11th November 2022 to Friday 2nd December 2022. 1.30pm-2.30pm
£20.00 per course.
For information or to book a place, Text Heidi on: 07816 853574
A parenting programme for parents and carers of children & young people aged 3-18
Crèche available for pre-school children.
For information or to book a place telephone : 01227 786420
This evidenced based programme supports parents Of Children between the age of 2 and 12 who are experiencing difficulties with emotions or behaviours. Parents who would like to further develop their parenting skills and relationship with their children will also find this programme helpful.
New Course from Thursday 15th September 2022 to Thursday 15th December 2022 between 12.30-2.30pm at Poet's Corner.
Crèche available for pre-school children.
To book a place please text Heidi on 07816 853574
This evidenced based programme supports parents of Children between the age of 2 and 12 who are experiencing difficulties with emotions or behaviours.
Parents who would like to further develop their parenting skills and relationship with their children will also find this programme helpful.
Crèche provided.
For information or to book a place telephone : 01227 786420
Demonstrating positive ways to conduct yourself to build confidence.
A 6 hour course at Poets Corner starting 18th November to 9th December.
Crèche provided.
For information or to book a place telephone : 01227 786420
A programme to celebrate family life and relationships through creativity
Thursday 28th April to Thursday 19th May, from 9.30am-11.30am.
£4.00 per session, at Poet's Corner.
Crèche available for pre-school children.
For information or to book a place telephone : 01227 786420
Are you a Guardian? Do you have sole care of children ?
Why not come along to our friendly informal Guardian's Group ?
This is for anybody who has the sole care of children or young people up to the age of 18 in a family environment.
We meet on the first Thursday in every month during term time at Poet's Corner.
For information telephone : 01227 786420
Give learners an introduction into the techniques of first aid with a paediatric focus.
Tuesday 13th September 2022 from 9.30am-11.30am. £3.00 per person
Crèche available for pre-school children
To book a place please text Heidi on 07816 853574.
Parent & child cooking sessions for children aged 3 & above
Thursday 16th June to Thursday 7th July 2022, 9.30am-11.30am, at Poet's Corner.
£3.00 per session. Crèche available for pre-school children.
To book a place please text Heidi on 07816 853574.
An 8 week programme covering some of the following topics;
Taking Control, Healthy You, Lifting Pressure, Making Money Go Further...
A new course coming soon, look out for dates here.
Crèche available for pre-school children.
For information or to book a place telephone : 01227 786420
How Children learn through play.
A new course coming soon, look out for details here.
Crèche available for pre-school children
For information or to book a place telephone : 01227 786420
New dates coming soon, look out for details here.
Crèche available for pre-school children.
For information or to book a place telephone : 01227 786420
An 8 week programme to create & make your very own Storysack.
9.30am-11.30am at Poets Corner, coming soon.
Crèche available for pre-school children
For information or to book a place telephone : 01227 786420
A 4 week programme looking at all aspects of behaviour.
Coming soon at Poets Corner.
Crèche available for pre-school children.
For information or to book a place telephone : 01227 786420
A 4 week course enabling you to talk to your children about the birds & bees in an age appropriate way. Coming soon at Poets Corner.
Crèche available for pre-school children
For information or to book a place telephone : 01227 786420
A 4 week programme covering the following topics Keeping Healthy, Physical Activities, Children's Eating Habits & What's In Your Food.
Coming soon at Poets Corner.
Crèche available for pre-school children.
For information or to book a place telephone : 01227 786420
A 4 week programme for expectant parents and babies up to a year. Coming soon at Poets Corner.
Crèche available for pre-school children
For information or to book a place telephone : 01227 786420
A 4 week course looking at ways for children to enjoy stories, books & rhymes.
Coming soon at Poets Corner.
Crèche available for pre-school children.
For information or to book a place telephone : 01227 786420
A 4 week course of Messy Play!
Coming soon at Poets Corner.
For information or to book a place telephone : 01227 786420
A 4 week programme for parents & babies up to a year old.
Coming soon at Poets Corner.
For information or to book a place telephone : 01227 786420
Children with additional support needs & their families up to the age of 5.
Coming soon at Poets Corner.
For information or to book a place telephone : 01227 786420
For babies that are just finding their feet aged 1-2yrs.
From 12.45pm-2.00pm Tuesdays at Poets Corner.
To book a place please text Heidi on 07816 853574.
Thursday 3rd March to Thursday 24th March, from 9.30am—11.30am.
£3.00 per session
Crèche available for pre-school children.
To book a place please text Heidi on 07816 853574.
A one off session looking at budgeting.
Tuesday 14th June, from 9.30am-11.30am.
£2.00 per session.
Crèche available for pre-school children.
To book a place please text Heidi on 07816 853574.
Child only sessions with fun activities in preparation for starting school.
Thursday 11th August & Thursday 18th August.
9.30am-11.30am.
£2.00 per session
To book a place please text Heidi on 07816 853574.
On four successive Thursdays from 10th November to 1st December inclusive, from 12.30pm-2.30pm at Poet's Corner.
£10.00 per person, to be paid in full at the time of booking.
Crèche available for pre-school children.
To book a space please text Heidi on 07816 853574
Your emotional difficulties can be eased by talking to someone who has the skills and experience to listen and understand. We are a welcoming and confidential counselling service who can help you deal with a wide range of issues including anxiety, low self-confidence, stress, loss, anger, depression and relationship problems.
Counselling helps you to explore your feelings, fears and frustrations in a safe setting. Sharing feelings and thoughts can help in a way that talking to friends or family members may not. Your counsellor will help you to find your best way forward.
We have a selection of leaflets with more information on our various courses and help groups for parents. Click on any of the links below for all the details:
We are a charity which offers parenting support programmes, play sessions, short courses, family events, support groups and much more to promote strong family relationships and positive outcomes for children, but we rely on funding to be able to continue this work.
The Canterbury & District Early Years Project is a long-established, grass-roots organisation working in the Canterbury and coastal communities to provide support services to children and families. We are inclusive, non-judgemental, and governed by the needs of the communities we serve. To deliver and provide the varied activities, courses and programmes, we rely on funding support and fundraising. We will be glad if you feel that you can help via our PayPal Donate button, or by providing corporate sponsorship for one of our programs.
We are grateful for all contributions to our funding, big and small. Amongst the groups, companies, individuals and bodies recently contributing to our funding, without which we would not be able to continue our work are;
• National Lottery Community Fund, • Colyer Fergusson, • Trusthouse Charitable Foundation,
• Kent Community Foundation, • Garfield Weston Foundation,
• Kent County Council,
• Canterbury City Council, • ASDA . . . . . . to name but a few !!
Find us ! • Join us ! • Help us !
• Click to learn more about the Canterbury & District Early Years Project and our latest fund raising ventures!
Please enter your details below to get in touch with the Canterbury & District Early Years Project, or during opening hours call 01227 786420
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