Jean Goncalves has been appointed as play development worker with the West Swindon community education team.

First coming to Swindon ten years ago from the West of Scotland, Jean was supervisor at Oliver Tomkins playgroup and playworker at the Toothill After School Club, before joining Swindon Council community development in 1996 as play resource worker.

"My task is to work with local groups to develop play opportunities for children after school, at junior clubs and during holidays," said Jean. "I am visiting existing groups already involved in play activities and would be pleased to hear of anybody who would like to discuss setting up play projects in their neighbourhoods."

Jean, who lives in Grange Park, can be contacted on 465414.

Special needs play The North Swindon Family Centre is running a course called 'Play to learn, learn to play' at Abbey Meads school, 10am to 12 noon, from Friday 3 March. The course focusses on the needs of parents and carers of children with special needs. A limited places creche will be available. For details, call Angela or Lynne on 705810.