Children’s Centres... a guide for families
C
hildren’s Centres bring together childcare, early education, health, family support as well as training and employment services. Accessible to parents and families who are expecting a child or already have children under the age of five.
The aim is to improve the lives of children and families by reaching out to everyone with an offer of universal services (such as ‘stay and play’, advice and support, midwifery, access to employment) and to give specialised support to children and families if and when they need it most. Children’s Centres are accessible anywhere across the city and are available either by popping in or by phone.
Ladywood Children’s Centre is typical in that their doors are always open and staff believe in ‘working together with families so that children have the best start in life’.
Their drop-in area is open Monday to Friday and is full of books & toys for children and refreshments for parents offering fun activities that are designed to support children’s development. They also offer a range of other drop-in’s such as arts & crafts, music & movement and speech & language sessions.
They have monthly workshops to help families who want to know more about healthier lifestyles and keeping everyone safe. The toy library is open daily and staffed by parents and volunteers with nearly 600 toys and over 1,100 books.
The centre also provides a range of specific support and guidance for parents and families. For example, a victim of domestic abuse with two young children with challenging behaviour was supported to complete a parenting course (to help him to deal with their behaviour) as well as being signposted to a local agency to help with finance and housing issues.
Both children now attend the pre-school group and they all enjoy the drop-in area most days. The father is also an active member of the Parent’s Forum and is much more confident than he was before.
Listening and responding to parents and carers is at the heart of everything that Children’s Centres do. Parents are encouraged to become involved in the progression and development of services and at Ladywood, many parents are actively involved and have contributed through sitting on Parent’s Groups, translating signs and notices into eight community languages and creating a monthly newsletter filled with interesting things such as healthy eating ideas and cooking recipes.
To find out where your local Children’s Centre is, contact the Family Information Service on: 0121 303 3521
www.birmingham.gov.uk/childrens-centres
Ladywood Children’s Centre 9 Plough and Harrow Road Birmingham B16 8UR 0121 675 6788
Summerfield Children’s Centre 0121 675 6401 St Thomas Children’s Centre 0121 464 0002 Lillian de Lissa Children’s Centre 0121 675 3421
Small Steps 9
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