What is a children’s centre

Children’s centres are developed so that children under 5 and their families can benefit from a range of flexible services, support and activities. They provide information and services and aim to build on good existing services rather than starting new ones where it’s not necessary. Services may be run from different venues within your area. The Children’s Centre’s are one-stop shops for information and advice.

By visiting your local children’s centre, you will receive support and help in finding childcare, family support, health services and even employment advice.

• Information on early years provision
• Information on childminders and childminder support group
• Advice and support on family health and well-being
• Parenting support through groups, courses and family learning
• Drop-in sessions, stay and play sessions, providing activities for children and carers to play and learn
• Suport in finding a job, accessing training opportunities and benefit advice.
• Support for families and children with additional needs.

To ensure the quality of services, all children’s centre’s have to be designated by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF).

What are the benefits – why should we visit a children’s centre?

Children’s centre’s can really make a difference for children and
families.

• Children are better prepared and more confident when they start school
• Parents are more able to cope with the challenges of a young family
• Families get faster access to expert advice, support and short term breaks if a child has learning difficulties or disabilities
• Ofsted reported that attending a children’s centre has been “life changing” for many
• Families can access links to health and job advice and support
• Parents or carers and their children can make friends and strengthen their social interactions