Children's centres celebrated
by Hammersmith and Fulham Press Office
04/04/2008
Seven more centres designated by Government
There’s good news for parents of children under the age of five now that seven more children’s centres in the borough have been officially ‘designated’ by the Government. This means that there are now a total of 12 designated centres in the H&F.
Children’s Centres are places where young children and their families can access early education and childcare through link childcare providers, family healthcare and advice, support for parents including drop in sessions, outreach services and a link through to training and employment.
Desigation is given to a children’s centre when the Government believes it meets a number of criteria. These include establishing links with Jobcentre Plus, qualified teacher input , putting plans in place to provide health and outreach services for families in need within an agreed geographical area and offering support to childminders.
The seven children’s centres newly designated are:
• Old Oak Children's Centre - 76 Braybrook Street W12
• Shepherds Bush Families Project - 58a Bulwer Street W12
• Wendell Park Children's Centre - Cobbold Road W12
• Flora Gardens Children’s Centre - Dalling Road W6
• Masbro Children’s Centre - 87 Masbro Road - W14
• Melcombe Children’s Centre - Fulham Palace Road W6
• Bayonne Children’s Centre - 50 Paynes Walk W6
Designation is not an end in itself but just the first step in providing a comprehensive range of services to children and families. The Government has stipulated that a full offer of services must be in place within two years of designation. This will include a co-ordinated programme of home visits, the provision of antenatal support and advice, support and advice on parenting and identifying and responding to children with special needs or disabilities.
Cllr Antony Lillis, Cabinet Member for Community and Children’s Services, said: "I am thrilled that these seven children’s centres have now been designated by the Government. We want to create a Borough of Opportunity and are working hard to provide children with the best start in life. These centres really will offer opportunities for both parents and children to unlock their potential. Good, affordable and accessible childcare allows parents to take up work, education or training which will have a positive effect on families and the community as a whole.
"I look forward to the designation of other children's centres in the future as we continue to expand our support for families within Hammersmith & Fulham."
Children’s Centres are at the heart of the Government’s strategy to deliver better outcomes for children and families. They are also a vital part of the Government’s 10 year childcare strategy to enable all families with children to have access to an affordable, flexible, high quality childcare place for their child. Local authorities have been given strategic responsibility for the delivery of children’s centres.
