Integrated services for children
and young people
Children’s centres in Birmingham excitement amongst the Centre's antenatal clinic three times a week
provide services and activities largely Muslim client group. The and a weekly clinic specifically for
for children under five and their Archbishop, members of the local women run by the practice nurse
families. mosque and other partners took from the local GP surgery.
part in the service of thanksgiving.
This includes: The JobCentre Plus adviser is on
• Information on childcare The Archbishop thanked the city hand once a month to help parents
options for having a brave vision for its who wish to return to work or
• Child and family health children's centres, i.e. we did not train for work and there is also
services impose a blueprint but we did a weekly session for help with
• Family support require each centre to grow from its accessing benefit entitlements.
• Adult learning and training community. This public affirmation The twice weekly Stay and Play
opportunities for our vision means a great deal to session is oversubscribed already in
• Childcare with education us. part because the children’s centre
• Links with Jobcentre Plus teacher is ensuring the sessions
One other observation - members offer a quality learning experience
Most of the city's 67 children's of the clergy are incredibly good for the children and that parents
centres have been opened by at Jenga, table football and table are actively involved. There is a
a minor celebrity. Springfield hockey. They didn't hesitate to get parenting course for parents who
Children's Centre in Sparkhill went stuck in. The children at Springfield want some formal advice to help
one better and managed to attract really appreciated that! them, advice about child health,
the attention of both the Bishop of and weekly access to specialist
Birmingham and the Archbishop of The new building, and the church support from a mental health
Canterbury. Lesley Adams, Head of itself, house a range of activities worker. Family support is on-going
Integrated Services for Birmingham already. There is day care every but the team also offers a drop
City Council, Children, Young people day from 8am to 6pm for under in session for anyone who wants
and Families Directorate, joined the fives. During school term times this a listening ear or some practical
Archbishop at the opening. Here, includes free sessions for three support. Three days a week there
she remembers the day: and four year olds to follow the is also an out of school club for 126
early years foundation stage before eight to 13 year olds. A fantastic
The Archbishop's arrival and starting in the reception class example of integrated services for
presence caused a high level of at their local school. There is an children and young people.
To find out more information about children’s centres in Birmingham or where your local children’s centre is
contact Birmingham City Council on 0121 464 2489 or log onto www.birmingham.gov.uk/childrenscentres
theVINE February 2009 7
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