We've launched a new survey on the impact of coronavirus crisis on the early years sector – including the latest updates on the CJRS & early years funding. Your responses will help support our continued talks with the DfE and Treasury. surveymonkey.co.uk/r/covidEY

"This latest change is just another blow to a sector doing its best to support local families however they can in incredibly difficult circumstances." See our full comments on the updated early years funding guidance from the DfE in Early Years Educator earlyyearseducator.co.uk/news/article/c…

Thank you to our wonderful supporters for taking part in our #2.6challenge quiz this evening. Your support for charities struggling in these challenging times is greatly appreciated. Love from all First Opportunities

The 2.6 Challenge uk.virginmoneygiving.com/RaymondMurphy2… One of our lovely staff members, Jo, is running 2.6km every day for 26 days to raise money for First Opportunities Thank you, Jo! Good Luck! 💙

So grateful to have received our first payment from the Co-op Local Community Fund. Many thanks Co-op for topping up members’ donations with money raised from carrier bag sales. Such wonderful support at this difficult time! Stay safe and well everyone!

We are recruiting!

Music is so important for young children. We see its effect First Opportunities and recognise the impact on development and education generally. Covid-19 means no live performances. Music & Arts need support now #LetTheMusicPlay

A painful decision but, in the end, a combination of difficult circumstances has led to the closure of our special needs preschool First Opportunities. You will see in our statement (below) that the charity will now concentrate on supporting young SEND children in other ways

Hear more about the amazing Paraorchestra and Lloyd’s work as their Associate Music Director, in Episode 7 of Performative 🎧 #podcast #arts #ClassicalMusic performativepod.buzzsprout.com/1185233/492034…

Massive thanks to Co-op in the New Forest for supporting this small local charity all year. Their generosity helped us to carry on supporting the children and their families during these challenging times. So grateful! 💙

So proud to be a backing singer with Sweet Charity Choir on Christmas of Hope song in aid of @HelpMusiciansUK with Musicians Together Please R/T Please buy a download bit.ly/3nbyW00 Please donate if you can To donate £5, text MUSIC1 to 70970 To help struggling Musicians

Although the preschool is no longer operating, the Trustees are still exploring options for the future support of young children with additional needs and their families. The charity’s AGM will be held online on Thursday 27th May ‘21. Please DM if you would like to attend

We are currently gathering information/views from local users, supporters, health and early years professionals to assist in future decision making, following the closure of the preschool. Please complete the attached survey if you can: forms.office.com/r/kPTsZK2URQ

We are so pleased to be working in collaboration with New Forest Mencap and announce the start of a new Stay & Play group for babies and young children with additional needs and their parents or carers. At the Nedderman Centre, commencing on Tuesday 26th April

MyFun:D launches today! fb.watch/cnNGxt25qn/ via facebookwatch Wow! Closes on 26 April so something to think about over the Easter weekend

What a lovely day for our first Stay & Play First Opportunities New Forest Mencap ! The children had fun playing in the sunshine. Some places still available so if your child (0-5) has additional needs, do join us at Nedderman Centre, New Milton - Tuesday 9.30-11.30

New playgroup for children with special needs in New Milton New Forest Mencap First Opportunities advertiserandtimes.co.uk/news/new-playg…

We shall be holding our First Opportunities AGM by Zoom on Thursday 10th August 2023 at 7 pm If supporters and friends would like to attend, please DM for a zoom link 😊