- What are Children's Centres?
- Where are Children's Centres?
- Does the Centre administer the Sure Start maternity grant?
- My Mum looks after my children while I work, can she attend activities with them?
- My friend doesn't live in Garstang. Can she come with me to a play group?
- I am moving out of Wyre, will there be a Children's Centre where I am moving to?
What are Children's Centres?
Children’s centres are for you if you look after a child aged 0 -5. Centres have free*, fun and educational activities where you can stay and play together and meet other mums, dads, grandparents and carers.
Children’s centres bring together services so that every child gets the best possible start in life beginning with pregnancy right through until when your child/ren start primary school.
Friendly staff will give you support and help in finding childcare, family support, health services and even employment advice. Many children’s centres have a day nursery on site, or very close by, providing childcare 10 hours a day, 5 days a week, 48 weeks of the year and also have links with local childminders.
Every children’s centre offers services that have to include: -
§ Good quality early learning and day care provision available during hours to suit working parents;
§ Family support services: including toy libraries, parent and toddler groups and parenting programmes;
§ A base for a childminding network and/or childminding group;
§ Local advice and information for parents;
§ Child and family health services, including antenatal services;
§ Support for all children with special needs and disabilities;
§ Effective links with Jobcentre Plus, local training providers, further and higher education providers, to provide access to information, training and career opportunities.
However, local centres may offer additional services that suit local needs such as:-
§ A Toy Library where you can borrow toys and equipment for your child;
§ Breast feeding drop-in clinics;
§ Baby clinics, run by health visitors, where you can weigh your baby, have a confidential chat or just meet other parents;
§ Ante-natal clinics;
§ Baby massage sessions
§ Singing, rhyming and dancing
*Please note that there could be a small charge for attending some of the groups and activities.
Where are Children's Centres?
One of the Government’s goals is for there to be a Children’s Centre in every community by 2010.
Local Authorities, such as Lancashire County Council are responsible for developing the Centres in areas easily reached by families.
Families are registered with the closest Centre to their home address however, you can attend whichever Centre is the most convenient.
Please follow the link to find your nearest centre in Lancashire
Does the Centre administer the Sure Start maternity grant?
No.
Centres cannot provide parents with the form to claim the Sure Start maternity grant. You can request a claim form from the Job Centre. The midwives who work with the children’s centre can however, sign completed grant forms.My Mum looks after my children while I work, can she attend activities with them?
Yes.
Your mum will have to register with the Centre as their grandmother and complete a registration form. The form would then have to be signed by you saying that we have permission to hold your child/ren’s details on the database.My friend doesn't live in Garstang. Can she come with me to a play group?
Yes.
Anyone caring for pre-school children is welcome.