Our Story
A programme to celebrate family life and relationships through creativity
Held at Poet's Corner.
Crèche available for pre-school children.
For information or to book a place telephone : 01227 786420
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.
Following professional advice, CDEYP Board of Trustees has unanimously decided to establish the organisation as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) replacing the current unincorporated structure.
The change of legal status will not alter the work of CDEYP. CDEYP will continue to provide its much-needed services in Canterbury and the surrounding area as it has done over the last 30 years.
Charity Members confirmed the transfer of all activities and contracts at the AGM on 27th May 2021.
The required consent from the Charity Commission has been received.
The old charity - registered charity number 1090139
The new CIO - registered charity number 1194003.
We take your privacy seriously. You can withdraw your consent at any time by calling us on 01227 786420, or by emailing admin@canterburydeyp.org.uk. To find out more about the ways in which we process your personal data, you can view our privacy policy via this link.
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:
Baby Explorers - a 4 week programme for expectant parents and babies up to a year.
More details or to book a place, Text Heidi on: 07816 853574
Being Boys - Thursday 29th February & 7th March at Poet's Corner.
More details or to book a place, Text Heidi on: 07816 853574
Ready For Solids - Thursday 14th March at Poet's Corner.
More details or to book a place, Text Heidi on: 07816 853574
Infant Massage - Friday 1st March to Friday 22nd March, a four week course suitable for babies from 8 weeks.
More details or to book a place, Text Heidi on: 07816 853574
Side by Side in a Digital World Living with Technology - Thursday 21st March & Thursday 28th March at Poet's Corner.
More details or to book a place, Text Heidi on: 07816 853574
Spring Crafts - Thursday 21st March & Thursday 28th March at Poet's Corner.
More details or to book a place, Text Heidi on: 07816 853574
Plant for Poets - Tuesday 9th April, between 9.30am-11.00am or 12.00pm-1.30pm at Poet's Corner.
More details or to book a place, Text Heidi on: 07816 853574
Easter Stay and Play - Wednesday 10th April, from 9.30am to 11.00am at Poet's Corner.
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
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
Health visitor clinic at Poet's Corner - open to all families. Please book an appointment.
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
The meeting will take place on Wednesday 6th March 2024 at 9.30am at Poets Corner 11a South Street Canterbury CT1 1EA. An agenda will be issued in due course.
There will be an opportunity to meet people involved with the project, both the team and the families who use the facilities.
All are welcome. Light refreshments will be available.
Are you a parent or grandparent with time on your hands? Are you a student looking for an interesting work placement? Do you like gardening, play activities and/or painting?
Would you like to join our CDEYP volunteers?
Most sessions take place during school hours in the Poets Corner in Canterbury.
All appointments are subject to full enhanced Disclosure and Barring checks.
For further details and an application pack, please contact Jo;
at admin@canterburydeyp.org.uk or Telephone : 01227 786420
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.
at admin@canterburydeyp.org.uk or Telephone : 01227 786420
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 clinic is by appointment only. Babies weight, feeding, sleeping, weaning as well as any general health issues can be discussed with your Health Visitor during these development checks. The health visitor is at Poet's Corner three times a week. Please book an appointment. It is helpful if parents can bring their child's Red Book with them. The clinic at Chartham Village Hall is held 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 the following; Schemas, Behaviour, Treasure Baskets.
Held 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 eight weeks,
Friday 1st March to Friday 22nd March from 12.30pm—1.30pm.
£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.
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.
Crèche provided.
For information or to book a place telephone : 01227 786420
A programme to celebrate family life and relationships through creativity
Held 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.
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
Crèche available for pre-school children.
To book a place please text Heidi on 07816 853574.
Thursday 29th February & 7th March.
09.30am-11.30am, at Poets Corner. £3.00 per week.
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.
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.
Held at Poets Corner, coming soon.
Crèche available for pre-school children
For information or to book a place telephone : 01227 786420
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.
Thursday 18th April to Thursday 23rd May from 10.00am—11.30am.
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.
Covering different types of play.
Crèche available for pre-school children.
To book a place please text Heidi on 07816 853574.
A one off session looking at budgeting.
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.
To book a place please text Heidi on 07816 853574.
Thursday 14th March from 09.30-11.30am, £3.00 per person.
Crèche available for pre-school children.
To book a place please text Heidi on 07816 853574.
Thursday 21st March & Thursday 28th March.
£3.00 per session.
Crèche available for pre-school children.
To book a place please text Heidi on 07816 853574.
Thursday 21st & 28th March from 12.30-2.30pm, £3.00 per person.
Crèche available for pre-school children.
To book a place please text Heidi on 07816 853574.
Drop your child off to enjoy Spring Craft activities for children aged 5-11.
Tuesday 9th April, between 9.30am & 11.00am or 12.00pm & 1.30pm.
£5.00 per session, per child to be paid in full at the time of booking..
To book a place please text Heidi on 07816 853574.
Wednesday 10th April from 9.30am to 11.00am, at Poets Corner.
For children aged 0-11, £3.00 per family.
To book a place 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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