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Monday 8am - 5pm Tuesday 8am - 5pm Wednesday 8am - 5pm Thursday 8am - 5pm Friday 8am - 5pm

The Forest of Dean Children's Opportunity Centre

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The Forest of Dean Children's Opportunity Centre

From 3 months to 5 years, there's a place for everyone here! Donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/fodopportunitycentre

The Forest of Dean Children’s Opportunity Centre is a charitable organisation that provides care, support and facilities for children with additional needs, as well as for those without.

22/06/2026

Phew, it's looking like another scorcher this week! ☀️

With temperatures remaining high over the next few days we're doing everything we can at the Centre to help the children stay cool, comfortable and safe while still enjoying their day.

A big thank you to parents for sending children in with sun hats and lightweight clothing, which can make a huge difference to helping children stay comfortable throughout the day.

After a busy day here some children may feel a little more tired than usual with this heat. So home can be a great place for some cooling down activities such as water play, enjoying a picnic in the shade, reading stories together, or helping to prepare a healthy snack packed with fruit.

While we're all looking forward to slightly cooler temperatures later this weekend, we'll continue to make the most of the sunshine safely, with plenty of drinks, shady spots and opportunities to cool off.

Stay safe, stay hydrated and enjoy the sunshine while it's here!

21/06/2026

To all the dads, grandads, stepdads, father figures and special people who help guide, support and encourage our children every day, this one is for you!

Today we're celebrating all the amazing father figures in our children's lives. Whether you're reading bedtime stories, playing games, offering cuddles, cheering from the sidelines or simply being there when you're needed most, the difference you make is immeasurable.

We hope you have a wonderful Father's Day and get the chance to spend some special time with the little people who think you're out of this world.

Happy Father's Day from everyone at the Centre 💙

17/06/2026

Are you feeling lucky? 🍀

We’re excited to share our Big Summer Raffle, with the draw taking place on Tuesday 14th July! Tickets are just £1 each, and we have an amazing selection of prizes up for grabs, including:

🌳 Forestry passes

🎟️ Vouchers for family days out

👜 Mosshulu bags

💎 Jewellery

🧺 Summer hampers for both adults and children

And so much more!

There really is something for everyone here, and every ticket sold will help support the work of the Centre and the children and families we work with throughout the Forest of Dean.

Tickets are available from the Centre now. Good luck, and thank you for your support!

15/06/2026

A huge thank you to the families in Brockweir who very kindly donated their soft play equipment to the Centre! 💛

The children have absolutely loved playing with it and it has quickly become a firm favourite. Soft play provides so many opportunities for children to develop their physical skills, confidence and coordination, while also encouraging imaginative play and social interaction.

We are incredibly grateful for the generosity and support of our local community. Donations like this make a real difference and help us continue to provide engaging experiences. Thank you once again for thinking of us, the equipment is already bringing so much joy to the children!

26/05/2026

With temperatures still climbing it’s important to help children stay cool, safe and comfortable while still enjoying time outdoors this half term! ☀️

Here’s a few handy reminders for the warmer weather this week 👇

💧 Encourage plenty of water throughout the day to keep children hydrated

🧢 Hats, lightweight clothing and sun cream are all essential when spending time outside

🌳 Try to seek shade during the hottest parts of the day, especially between 11am and 3pm

🍉 Offer cool, healthy snacks such as fruit and vegetables with high water content

💦 Water play can be a great way to stay cool while still learning and having fun

Fresh air and outdoor play are still so important for children’s wellbeing and development, even in hot weather. Just remember that shorter bursts of activity, regular breaks and plenty of fluids can help children enjoy their break.

We hope all our families have a lovely half term and enjoy making the most of the sunshine safely!

18/05/2026

We’re delighted to finally share that the grand total raised from Jo and Big Si’s fundraising walk is an incredible £1,628! 💜

Thank you again to everyone who walked, donated, cheered us on and supported the event in any way. The kindness and generosity shown by our community has been truly overwhelming.

Every penny raised will help us continue to provide valuable resources and opportunities for the children and families at the Centre, and we are so grateful for each and every contribution.

A special thank you to Joanne, Si and everyone involved in organising such a fantastic day!

15/05/2026

Whilst in Rainbow Room the children have been busy learning all about life cycles! 🐛🦋

We have been eagerly watching our caterpillars grow and change, from tiny caterpillars to building their cocoons and finally emerging as butterflies. The children have been fascinated by each stage of the process and loved checking in on them each day.

First-hand experiences like this are such a valuable way to support children’s learning. They help to scaffold understanding while developing curiosity, awe and wonder about the world around them.

Through observing, talking and exploring together, the children have been learning about growth, change and caring for living things in a meaningful and memorable way! 🌈

14/05/2026

What’s new in Raindrops? 👇

Well, our very youngest children have been busy exploring a wonderful range of under the sea themed activities and resources, using all their senses to discover and learn through play.

At this age, having the space and opportunity to explore through touch, sound, movement and interaction is so important for development. We’ve also been supporting the children’s rapid physical development by using furniture and resources that encourage pulling up, stretching, standing and building confidence in their movements.

Alongside this, the children have been learning to play alongside their peers, beginning to share toys and enjoy social interactions together, all while having lots of fun!

We’re loving watching their curiosity and confidence grow through these playful learning experiences 💙

12/05/2026

We are truly overwhelmed by the incredible support we’ve received for Jo and Big Si's fundraising walk and feel so lucky to be part of such a wonderful community 💜

A huge thank you to everyone who walked, donated, cheered us on and supported us along the way. Your kindness and encouragement mean so much to all of us at the Centre.

One of the highlights of the day was being joined by so many of our little ones for the final lap around the fields surrounding the recreation ground. Seeing their smiling faces gave us the boost we needed to keep our tired feet moving!

We’re also excited to share that we have already surpassed our fundraising target, with donations still coming in, so we’ll share the final total at the end of the week.

Thank you again for helping us continue to support the children and families at the Centre! 🌈

11/05/2026

Just a reminder that this is the last week to donate to our Bags for School collection! ♻️

If you have any unwanted clean clothing at home, please bag it up in black bags and bring it to the Centre before the collection date on 21st May.

The Centre receives money based on the total weight collected, so the more bags we receive, the more funds we can raise to support our children and families!

A huge thank you to everyone who has already donated! 👕

Address

Bowens Hill Road
Coleford
GL168DU

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 5pm
Tuesday	8am - 5pm
Wednesday	8am - 5pm
Thursday	8am - 5pm
Friday	8am - 5pm

Telephone

+441594837552

Website

http://fodopportunitycentre.org/

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