Here at Kidzeco we have all our pre-loved school clothes available for free on our shop floors. Whether you are in need of one or 2 items or a whole new School Wardrobe Kidzeco may just be the answer.

After the year we have all had it’s wonderful to see everywhere re-open and life going back to normal, albeit a new normal. During this exciting time we know it is also a time where kids are starting Nursery, Moving from Nursery to Primary school and from Primary School to High School All needing new Uniforms and Accessories.

We would just like everyone to know that we are here, Open and fully stocked up on all the clothes your little ones need for everything from the big change of Transitioning to a new school or just the next size up. Pop in for a visit! While Stock last.

If like me you are unsure what you need to have for schools going back. I’ve added a handy checklist with some of the essential items.
School Uniform Essentials:

1. 1. 3-4 Blouses/Shirts/Polo Shirts
   2. 3-4 Sweaters/Cardigans/Jumpers
   3. For Boys: 2-3 Pairs of trousers and at least 1 pair of shorts
   4. For Girls: 2-3 Pinafores/Skirts and 2 Pairs of Trousers
   5. 5 Pairs of socks/Tights
   6. School Bag: Book Bag/Rucksack

School Clothes will be available on both Bathgate and Livingston Shop Floors on the 20th of July

We are happy to announce our store will be opening on the 6th of April! I know I can’t believe it too! We will be fully stocked and ready to serve the glorious public once again.  

To make sure everyone is safe we ask that our customers wear a face mask when in our store at all times, sanitise their hands with the sanitiser provided and remain 2 meters apart from other customers. By sticking to these rules, we will be able the have a safe shopping experience for everyone.  

I would also like to take this time to thank everyone for supporting us over the last year with your generous donations. We know it has been tough and we really do appreciate everything you all do for us.  

So why not pop in whether it’d be for a quick browse or a whole new wardrobe we are always more than happy to help!  

See you all soon!  

Set Your Bump Free! 

 Are you pregnant but not sure where or when to buy Maternity Clothes? You’ve come to the right place.  

 When should I purchase Maternity clothing?  

No two pregnancies are the same which means when looking to buy Maternity Clothes it’s up to you. Everyone starts to wear maternity in their own time so here are some tips to help you decide if it’s time to move onto Maternity clothes:  

1. The top button of your trousers can no longer close. 
2. Spandex in your preferred clothing material.
3. Your Bump starts to peek out the bottom of your shirt.
   
4. Your favourite jacket wont zip up.
5. Your day-to-day clothes feels like they are starting to squeeze you.  

If all these signs point to you needing Maternity clothes read on for tips on Essentials items, you’ll want in your Maternity Wardrobe, What size might be best for you and how to get your hands on some.  

What Size is best for me?  

Maternity size works the same as regular clothing sizes. Meaning if you’re normally a size “8”, you’ll still be a size “8” in Maternity sizes. Prenatal clothes are made with extra fabric and details to help make you feel comfortable with over the bump bands and stretchy material just to name a few. All while accentuating your bump.  

What Clothing Essentials do I need?  

You may think you need a whole new wardrobe once you need Maternity clothes but we are here to tell you that you’ll only need a few essentials to get you through, however if you would like more, we won’t judge we too love new clothes!  

You may need to wear your prenatal clothes for a few weeks after giving birth, too. They are also handing to keep around just in case there’s another pregnancy. 

With that in mind these are some basic’s we think you’ll need:  

1. Maternity Trousers or a smart skirt for work or special occasions. 
2. Two or 3 pairs of jeans or Leggings for your everyday outfits.
3. A couple Dresses. Even if you normally don’t wear dresses you will find the extremely comfortable especially when a bump band starts to feel too tight. 
4. Two of 3 Maternity Tops casual or smart depending on your style and work life.   
5. Cardigan or Jacket that closes over your bump to keep you are your bump warm.  

Where to buy?  

Maternity wear can be hard to come by with most High-street stores removing this from their shop floors and having it only available to purchase online.  

Here at Kidzeco we have quality pre-loved Maternity clothes available in both our retail stores and online available here: https://kidzeco.net/product-category/maternity/ 

If you have any questions or are looking for something in Maternity that we don’t have available please get in contact with us and we can try our best to help you out.  

Website: https://kidzeco.net/contact-us/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kidzeco or https://www.facebook.com/Kidzeco-in-the-Community-100986431968883  

We are delighted to announce that our Food Pantry will remain open during Scotland’s Tier 4 lockdown. Our food pantry service will now open within our  Bathgate store, Wednesday and Saturday, from 12pm till 3pm.  If you haven’t signed for a membership already you can do so via www.bookwhen.com/kidzeco and you are eligible to join if you are currently pregnant or have at least one child aged 5 years and under.  (A gentle reminder that if you are attending the pantry to please bring your own bags).

Bonfire night, or Fireworks Night, the 5^th of November, is an exciting occasion for all ages. The warm glow of the fire; the exciting crash, bang, and whirl of multi-coloured fireworks exploding in the cool autumn air – their bright, smoky trails captivating the senses and setting alight the imagination.

Unfortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic has put played to what for many has been a much looked-forward-to occasion as social gatherings are severely limited in both number and scope.

Although we all have to adapt to the changing climate of these difficult times, we can do so positively, involving our children and those in our households in fun, safe activities, that celebrate the famous night and may very well grew to become cherished yearly traditions in themselves.

Below are a few suggestions of what you can do this year as family, and we would love to see what you get up to and create!

Wax Firework Painting

Wax Firework Painting is both safe, fun, and simple. Start by covering a sheet of blank white paper with your favourite wax crayon colours. These colours will eventually become your firework shapes, trails and explosions. Next, paint over everything with black acrylic paint and leave to dry. (Whilst this is happening you might want to try another of our suggested activities further down the page).

Now for the really fun bit! When your paint has dried, take a lollypop stick (or similar. We recommend lollypop sticks as they are not sharp AND you get to lick a lollypop whilst waiting) and scratch your firework shapes and trails into the now dry black paint and be amazed as the colours reveal themselves and come to life.

Why not take some photos of your children enjoying this activity as a keepsake of the fond occasion?

Bonfire Collage

Another activity to stretch those creative muscles is the Bonfire Collage. This is also a great opportunity to wrap up warm and explore your garden, or even some nearby woodland – a wonderful opportunity to talk with your children about the creatures that live there, or even to look up at the night sky (which on clear autumn nights can be particularly fascinating). This adventure is also about gathering the materials for your collage.

As you can see from the above example, with a little bit of child friendly glue and some creativity, you can use the twigs and leaves you gathered on your outdoor adventure to create something quite special indeed!

Why not set your collages against the glow of a nightlight or lamp and tell some campfire stories? Who can make the best fire-crackling sound?

Marshmallow Rockets

No bonfire night is complete without marshmallows! Get creative with this simple, fun activity by adding marshmallows to skewers (be careful not to poke yourself!) and then dip them into some melted chocolate. Add your favourite sprinkles -or, for that extra special bonfire night crackle- why not try some popping candy! An excellent treat to eat whilst telling stories around your bonfire collage campfire.

We hope these suggestions inspire you to make the most of a very different fireworks night this year and we would also love to hear what you get up to.

On Thursday the 5^th our Kidzeco online shop will be offering board games and toys at reduced cost in order to further celebrate indoor fun.

Have fun and stay safe!

The Covid-19 Pandemic & Kidzeco

At Kidzeco, the health, safety and well-being of every employee, volunteer, and customer is our utmost priority.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic we have taken pragmatic steps, and implemented robust measures across the board in order to ensure the ongoing welfare of everyone involved in the daily operations of our organisation, as well as those visiting our premises since re-opening after the initial stages of nationwide lock-down.

In accordance with both government and public health guidance, we have undergone many crucial changes both in store and behind the scenes.

From accepting donations during specific pre-advertised windows only, and implementing a strict quarantine regime for every single item that is received in store; to staggering the schedule of our staff and volunteers, we are continuing to do everything in our power to enhance the safety of our team and customers, and to mitigate the risk of infection.

We will continue to assess and review the risks presented to us and engage with employees, volunteers and customers, and make appropriate adjustments inline with the latest public health guidance when necessary.

We would like to express our sincere thanks to our staff, visitors, and everyone across West Lothian, for their loyalty and support during these difficult times.

Community is everything to us at Kidzeco. We pride ourselves not just in supporting the local community but also being a part of it and creating one big family atmosphere.

Kidz n Kin is our new planned community-focused space where families can spend quality time with their children, unwind with other parents, and meetup with friends. There will be so much to do all under one roof:

• Soft play
• Themed play areas
• Small Café
• Classes
• Activities
• Group meetings

But we need your help! We are in with a chance of winning a share of funding from The People’s Project! You can make our dreams of helping our community become a reality. Every single vote will help so much so please share with your family and friends!

CLICK HERE TO VOTE

Raise kidz the community way,
Kidzeco Family.

UPDATE:  We won!  Visit the Kidz n Kin website or Facebook page for more information!

Shop Supervisor Vacancy

• 30 hours per week
• Salary £14,200 – £18,500 (pro rata) depending on experience.

We will consider application for part-time or job share positions

Kidzeco is a successful and well-established social enterprise based in West Lothian with stores in Bathgate and Livingston providing affordable, high quality pre-loved children’s goods to families in our communities.

We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic, passionate and organised individual to manage our Bathgate shop. You must have previous experience of working within retail, the third sector or similar, with the drive and leadership skills to help train and motivate a small team of staff and volunteers.

Being the first friendly face our customers see when they arrive, it is essential that you have a cheery disposition and are an excellent communicator, computer literate and have experience of working to KPI’s.

Kidzeco is passionate about helping families in the community and caring for the environment through our two shops in West Lothian. We pride ourselves on our excellent customer care and the high quality of reuse goods that we sell. If you are enthusiastic about our work and ethos and feel you could make a difference with us, then please get in touch.

Application notes

The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon, Monday 25^th March 2019.

Interviews will be held on Thursday 29^th March 2019.

To find out more, and/or to request a copy of the Job Description, Application Form and Guidance, please email sharon.frederiksen@kidzeco.net.