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’.
Open Monday to Friday the centre 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 services such as cookery lessons, baby group, health visitor clinic and speech and language sessions.
They have monthly workshops to help families who want to know more about healthier lifestyles and keeping everyone safe.
The centres also provide a range of specific support and guidance for parents and families. They run a range of parenting courses focusing
on routines, including setting boundaries for children, managing behaviour and developing communication. The centres can also help via family support workers offering advice and support on housing and finances. Families can also be signposted to local agencies for other types of support and advice.
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. 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
Camp Lane Children’s Centre: 0121 675 3993 Kings Norton Children’s Centre: 0121 458 2205 Ladywood Children’s Centre: 0121 675 6788 Lillian de Lissa Children’s Centre: 0121 675 3421 Reameadow Children’s Centre: 0121 303 3792 Summerfield Children’s Centre: 0121 675 6401 St Thomas Children’s Centre: 0121 464 0002 Wyehall Children’s Centre: 0121 464 3169
Small Steps 31
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32