Sure Start Children's Centre

It's a sure thing

Lots of mums and dads can feel overwhelmed when expecting a baby or looking after small children, so it’s good to know that help is at hand – and on your doorstep. Whether you’re looking for help with childcare, finding a job or a training course, health advice, breast feeding support, parenting advice or simply to meet other mums and dads in your area, Sure Start Children’s Centres have something to offer.

Many children’s centres also provide a range of additional services, such as Stay and Play groups, baby massage, rhyme time sessions and dads’ groups.

Children’s centres are available to all families with children aged under five and offer something for all members of the family including grandparents and registered carers.

Sure Start Children’s Centres can help you achieve more for you and your children as mother of four Amanda Sarson found out.

Amanda from Leyland, has seen benefits for both herself and her son since visiting her local Sure Start Children’s Centre. Through the services on offer, three-year-old Craig’s speech has come on in leaps and bounds, while Amanda has managed to complete a foundation degree and land a part-time job.

After the birth of my last child, Craig, now three, I suffered mildly from post natal depression. My health visitor suggested I went along to the local Wade Hall Children’s Centre to get ‘out and about’ and mix with other mums and dads. I knew of the children’s centre, but didn’t know what they did, so I went along to find out.

It was a bit daunting at first, not knowing anyone, but the staff were so friendly, welcoming and approachable that I had no problem fitting in and it gave me back a lot of confidence. I took part in lots of the activities and groups on offer, such as the Family Group, where we did crafts and cooking, and also joined in the ‘Rap and Rhyme’ and ‘Messy Play’ with Craig.

Craig’s speech was a bit delayed when he was younger, and he relied on his older brothers and sisters too much, but going to the children’s centre has enabled him to build up his confidence. Through classes like ‘Chattering Chimps’ and singing activities, he has come on leaps and bounds. I’ve also noticed that Craig is now a lot calmer and I think it’s because he’s being stimulated by the activities he does at the children’s centre.

Just before I had Craig, I took a career break as my job had unsociable hours and conflicted with my children’s lifestyles. But, as Craig grew older, I wanted to do something fulfilling with my spare time, so I volunteered as a parent helper at Wade Hall. I was so inspired by the work that I was doing, I went back to college and got a foundation degree and am now a fully qualified outreach support worker. That was two years ago, but I have carried on with my education and have almost completed a Bachelor of Arts degree.

I’ve seen Sure Start Children’s Centres from different perspectives, going from being a parent user to becoming a member of staff. But, to me, these places represent so much that is good about bringing up young children. As an outreach support worker I can help other mums and dads see the benefits that these children’s centres have to offer.

Wade Hall Children’s Centre is a hub for the whole community. It provides great support and it’s a place where local mums and dads can meet up. And it’s not just for parents - grandparents, aunts and uncles, or whoever cares for the children can go along – it’s somewhere for the whole family. My kids and I have certainly benefitted from it.

The Facts: Wade Hall Children’s Centre is a Sure Start Children’s Centre. There are now more than 3,100 children’s centres in England, providing access to services for over 2.4 million children under five and their families. Soon there will be at least 3,500 children’s centres – one for every community in England. They offer childcare, family support, health services, and employment and training support. To discover more visit www.direct.gov.uk/surestart or call 0800 2 346 346