Together for Children

Find out about children’s services
19/11/2008

North Craven Children’s Centre in Hellifield will be holding a “Meet your local services” event on Thursday, November 27. The event, from 2pm to 7pm, is open to all but has a particular focus on services for families of children under five. Among those attending will be North Yorkshire Police, Craven District Council, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, Adult Learning, Speech and Language, Child Minding Support, Craven Domestic Violence and Craven Housing.

Project to boost fathers in Northumberland
18/11/2008

A new project is being launched in Northumberland to get fathers more involved in family life. Northumberland County Council has come together with the charity Children North East Fathers Plus to the project that aims to involve fathers in ante and post natal services, nurseries, children's centres and schools.

Three studies published on early years practice
16/11/2008

The organisation set up by the government to share best practice in children's services has published three studies on early years practice. The scoping studies, published by the Centre for Excellence and Outcomes in Children and Young People's Services (C4EO), aim to bring together existing research and establish the key areas future research will focus on.

Thumbs up for children's centre
15/11/2008

A new children's centre to help families in the Felixstowe area has been officially opened. Sea Breeze Children's Centre - part of a £1.5 million investment in childcare in the resort - will run a wide variety of services to support parents and youngsters.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown visits Watford
12/11/2008

Shrieking babies, pregnant mothers and some of the town's unemployed greeted Gordon Brown during a visit to Watford this afternoon. In between tackling a ferocious Prime Minister's Question Time at lunchtime, and meeting The Queen at Buckingham Palace this evening, Mr Brown found time to visit a Sure Start centre in Gammons Lane and a training provider in Clarendon Road. His first stop - the Beechfield Children's Centre - saw the Prime Minister officially open the Sure Start centre.

Charity in TV vote for £50,000
12/11/2008

A children's centre in Lancashire has been shortlisted for a £50,000 grant from The People's Millions, which is part of the Big Lottery Fund.

Children's centres are narrowing the equality gap - new report
11/11/2008

Council education chiefs have welcomed evidence that an ambitious programme to improve the life chances of children from Wigan’s deprived areas is having a real impact. A report by University of London academics says the government’s Sure Start programme is helping to tackle the gap between affluent and poorer communities.

Sure Start 'improves child behaviour', says new study
11/11/2008

Sure Start is beginning to have an effect on improving young children's behaviour, according to the latest research. The follow-up study to the initial evaluation of Sure Start found there were significant differences showing the positive effect of Sure Start for three-year-old children and their families in five out of 14 outcomes.

Taste of Poland for Wellingborough families
07/11/2008

Supernanny course for teen mums
07/11/2008

Supernanny meets Jamie Oliver in a new parenting course under way for teenage mums. The Children's Centre at Brookside Primary School, Street, has embarked on a Parents With Prospects course teaching the 16 to 19-year-olds parenting and life skills. Sessions cover how to be a good parent, with tips on discipline and helping young children to learn, as well as weaning and healthy eating issues.

New children's centre to open
05/11/2008

A new children's centre is opening in Felixstowe - part of a £1.5 million investment in childcare in the seaside town. Sea Breeze Children's Centre in Beach Station Road will be a community facility offering high quality information, support and services to families with children.

Multi-cultural Halloween party
04/11/2008

Parents and youngsters joined in a multi-cultural celebration to mark the second anniversary of Filey Children's Centre.

New children's centres opened
04/11/2008

Dozens of parents and youngsters watched as two new Warwick children's centres were launched on Friday.

Children's centre offers vital support
04/11/2008

A state-of-the-art children's centre has celebrated its opening. Furze Children's Centre, Farrance Road, Chadwell Heath, will offer a host of help including child and family health services, parenting and family support services, training and employment advice, and information on a range of other issues, including debt and benefits advice.

Bridgwater wears pink for breast cancer cause
04/11/2008

People around Bridgwater were looking pretty in pink on Friday to raise money for breast cancer research. To mark Breast Cancer Care's Wear It Pink day, children and adults donned pink garments to show their support for the charity and raise money for the cause in the process. Youngsters at The Gardens Children's Centre on Westonzoyland Road enjoyed venturing onto Cranleigh Gardens wearing pink t-shirts as they tried to clear up the fallen leaves.

Fun at Kilton Children's Centre
04/11/2008

Parents and children at Prospect Kilton Children's Centre were joined by staff and children from Kilton Childcare for their Halloween Party on Friday 31st October.

Renovated children's centre opens
04/11/2008

A health centre in East Finchley reopened last Thursday following a £1.5 million renovation. Oak Lane Children’s Health Centre, in Oak Lane, has traditionally served people of all ages in the area but, following the refurbishment and extension of the building, will focus on children.

MP to open Yorkshire children's centres
04/11/2008

A member of parliament is coming to Yorkshire next month to open two new children’s centres. On Friday November 7th Alan Johnson will be in Hull to open the Tilbury and Priory centres, which are based in local primary schools. They will offer education, family support and health services as well as care for families with children.

Touring toy bus helps launch children's centre website
04/11/2008

The website at www.croydoncc.com will give advice and information about all the services and activities available to the under fives and their families. There are 20 children's centres across the borough, with six more planned by 2010. They offer play and learning, health services, parenting advice and early education. Some centres also offer day care. The Toys to You bus will be touring the borough all week, giving parents the chance to view the new website on laptops.

We're up and running! Two new children's centres open their doors
04/11/2008

Two new children's centres at the heart of a £4 million scheme to improve educational facilities for young families in Calderdale have officially opened.

Special guests at Children's Centre open day
04/11/2008

A children's centre opened its doors on Monday to give parents and dignatories the opportunity to see a new extension. Bluecoat Children's Centre, which is based on the site of Bluecoat Primary School in Green Lane, Stamford, was given £30,000 from Lincolnshire County Council to build a conservatory.

Brand new children's centres open in Hinckley area
04/11/2008

Six brand new children's centres offering one-stop shops for parents and pre-school children are opening in the Hinckley area. Over £1.75million has been spent on the facilities which bring together services such as libraries, health, the Family Information Service, voluntary organisations, advice and information under one roof.

New Dukes Meadows children centre
04/11/2008

A new children's centre is to open on the site of a Chiswick primary School. The Dukes Meadows Children Centre will open on December 10, as not just a community building, but also a hub which can provide information on all Universal Services availiable for the under fives, within wallking distance from the centre itself.

Opening Day for Conniburrow's new community centre!
04/11/2008

Conniburrow has a new community centre. Opening day 15th November from 1-4pm. Opening the Centre will be Mayoress of Milton Keynes alongside many other special guests. The days events will include ambulances, fire engines, games, drummers and many more. Friends of the community all welcome.

Jobs help for mums and dads
03/11/2008

Parents in Redcar and Cleveland will soon be given a little extra help with their job hunting. Advisors from the area’s Jobcentres will soon be on hand at Children’s Centres to help mums and dads find work. By getting into work and off benefits, thousands more children will be given a lift out of poverty. Redcar and Cleveland Council is one of only 10 authorities taking part in the pilot, which is supported by Redcar MP Vera Baird.

Ofsted set to publish best practice guidance
03/11/2008

Ofsted plans to publish guidance for inspectors and providers of children's services.

Health advice to cope with crunch
30/10/2008

Children's services support agency Together for Children has increased its health support services for local authorities in order to handle health issues arising from the credit crunch and address child poverty.

Extra Care for Younger Children
30/10/2008

The number of children's centres in Oxfordshire is to increase by more than a third to increase support for rural families, it has been announced.

Children's services move forward
30/10/2008

More children's centres are opening in Surrey to offer advice, information and support to families. Surrey County Council has completed work on Guildford Grove Centre and acquired two buses which will take services to remote areas of the county.

Sure to be fun at event
30/10/2008

SURE START are hosting Kennington Fun Day tomorrow (Friday) between 10am and 1pm.

Joining forces to tackle obesity issue
30/10/2008

ORGANISATIONS have joined forces to help tackle the growing problem of childhood obesity in the borough – with an estimated 14,000 obese children. More than 100 delegates from the council, health service, schools, children's centres, sports and leisure facilities in North Tyneside discussed potential outcomes at a conference at the Langdale Centre in Howdon.

Actors teach youngsters about homelessness
30/10/2008

A theatre company has visited a local children’s centre to show families the reality behind homelessness.

Grand plans for primary in Godmanchester will create new children's centre
30/10/2008

Ambitious plans to extend Godmanchester Community Primary School and provide a permanent base for a new children's centre are being considered. The scheme will see the Surestart Centre take over three classrooms at the front of the building, while three brand new ones complete with toilet facilities will be built for pupils.

New Government service will provide 'one-stop-shop' into training and work
29/10/2008

The ten prototypes will run for two years, testing a range of different approaches in establishing local partnerships bringing together nextstep services, Jobcentre Plus, unionlearn, local authorities, housing associations, voluntary and community sector organisations, Connexions, Primary Care Trusts, the Citizen's Advice Bureau, Sure Start Children's Centres, and others.

City legend helps open new family centre
28/10/2008

The first of three new children's centres in Melton has been officially opened by Young Mayor Tom North and Leicester City legend Steve Walsh. The Cove centre in Sysonby Street is a £500,000 one-stop shop for parents and pre-school children which brings together services such as libraries, health, family services and housing.

£1m cash boost for children's centres
27/10/2008

A £1million Government windfall will pay for six new centres across the Royal Borough, offering help and support to families with children aged under five. These centres are being funded by the Government all over the country. But for a long time Windsor and Maidenhead was left out - because the Government regarded it as one of the richer boroughs. Later the Government relented and allowed enough money for seven to be set up, although they were only extensions of existing services.

Plans for two more children’s centres in £2.4m scheme
27/10/2008

Two more children’s centres are proposed for Bournemouth including one redevelopment and one new build project.

Scheme to get parents back to work
25/10/2008

NOTTINGHAM has been chosen for a Government pilot scheme aimed at helping the parents of children in poverty get into work. Ten local authorities across the country have been selected for the scheme, which will run in children's centres from January 2009. Jobcentre Plus personal advisers, based at the centres, will help parents access work-focused services.

Notts sure start plea
25/10/2008

Notts Community Health is urging families to make use of the services available through the 48 Sure Start Children’s Centres in the region.

Job advisers in children's centres to help parents into work
24/10/2008

A new pilot aimed at helping the parents of children in poverty get into work, was launched in ten Local Authorities today. Parents will have access to Jobcentre Plus personal advisers in Children's Centres to help them access work focussed services. The pilot which will run in 30 children's centres from January 2009, was announced today by ministers, Kitty Ussher, Beverley Hughes and Stephen Timms.

‘Fantastic facilities’ for parents and kids
24/10/2008

The latest children’s centre to be built in North East Lancashire has opened in Cleethorpes. It is the twelfth of a total of thirteen to be built.

Ham children's centre opens
23/10/2008

"A new centre offering a variety of services for children has been opened in Ham. The facility has been brought to fruition by Richmond Council in a joint project with St Richards with St Andrews Primary and Meadlands School. ..... It will be a hub for family activities and offer a range of services including family support, health services and support for children and parents with special needs. "

Children's centre opened
23/10/2008

"A children's centre hoping to educate parents and their youngsters has opened in Stapenhill. The ribbon was cut at the Hill Street Children's Centre, part of the Health and Wellbeing Centre, this week."

Full inspections on way for Sure Start
23/10/2008

"Full inspections of Sure Start children's centres are to be introduced in forthcoming legislation, the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) has confirmed."

Launch of Kids Centre
23/10/2008

Youngsters banged the drum at an action-packed event to launch Derbyshire County Council's latest children's centre. Drumming workshops and craft making were among activities at Clowne Children's Centre. The new centre, on Ringer Lane, offers support services for children under five and their families, including early education, access to childcare, health services, family support services and Jobcentre Plus.

Free Financial Guide for Expectant Parents
23/10/2008

As Parents’ Week (20 October to Sunday 26 October 2008) gets under way, the Financial Services Authority (FSA) has begun the UK-wide distribution of the Parent’s Guide to Money, its practical & impartial resource for expectant parents designed to answer questions about their changing financial circumstances and to help them prepare for parenthood.

Job advisers in children's centres to help parents into work
23/10/2008

A new pilot aimed at helping the parents of children in poverty get into work is launched in ten local authorities. Parents will have access to Jobcentre Plus personal advisers in 30 children's centres in Westminster, Lambeth, Ealing, Nottingham City, Southampton, Sandwell, Redcar and Cleveland, Somerset, Blackpool, and Kingston Upon Hull to help them access work focused services.

Prizes encourage Internet novices to get online
22/10/2008

"Laptops, shopping vouchers and money-saving tips are up for grabs in a series of Internet training sessions. ….. The event kicks off on Tuesday at Coquet Children's Centre in Bondicar Road, Hadston, running from 1pm to 4pm."

Barclays give £1,500 to Homestart in Birmingham
22/10/2008

"Homestart Winson Green and Handsworth Children's Centre in Birmingham has been given a boost thanks to a £1,500 donation from Barclays bank. The funding will be used to purchase educational toys for the Family Group room. "

Sensory garden built at Ormiston Children's Centre
22/10/2008

"A new garden that will sizzle the senses will soon be unveiled at Ormiston Children’s Centre. Sensory plants oozing scent, colour and texture, raised beds and a digging box are being built that will help develop a welcoming environment and encourage youngsters to venture outdoors and learn more about plant life. "

I want your job: Early Years Professional
22/10/2008

David Yates, 23, is a newly qualified Early Years Professional (EYP). He's currently the only man working at Tinsley Green Children's Centre, which is based in Sheffield.

New children's centres planned
22/10/2008

"More children's centres could be opened in Leicestershire under multimillion-pound plans. County council chiefs will meet next Tuesday to discuss locations and funding for 15 new centres, bringing together libraries, health services, family information and voluntary groups under one roof."

Congratulations to Laura Brodie, from Allens Croft Children's Centre, on National Award
21/10/2008

Laura Brodie, head of Allens Croft Children's Centre in Birmingham has won the prestigious national award of primary headtacher of the year. Laura's remarkable achievements demonstrate a gold standard in services to young children and their families. Read how the Guardian tells her story.

Youngsters help African children
21/10/2008

"Youngsters from Wigan have taken a small step that could make a big difference to an African child's life. Scores of pairs of unwanted or outgrown shoes were donated to Douglas Valley Children's Centre in Wigan as part of a week long drive in support of Shoe Aid for Africa, still the world's poorest and most underdeveloped continent. "

Half-a-million expectant parents across the UK to receive free financial guide from the FSA this year
20/10/2008

"The FSA is now distributing the guide to expectant parents via midwives and other health professionals and are making it available to parents of young children from Children's Centres and Sure Start Centres across the UK."

Parents urged to make voices heard
20/10/2008

"Parents are being encouraged to make their voices heard this week through an online forum and more than 230 events across the UK. Schools, children's centres and other organisations are holding events including pampering sessions, consultation days and award ceremonies to improve the way they listen to parents. The events are part of Parents' Week, organised by charity the Family and Parenting Institute."

Children's centre impresses Browne
17/10/2008

"The new Wiveliscombe Children's Centre was described as an “impressive building” by Taunton MP Jeremy Browne this week. Mr Browne looked around the facilities and talked with centre manager Richard Nobes and childcare manager Helen Hazel about their roles. "

Super-campus is approved by city
17/10/2008

"Upgraded plans for a £39 million school super-campus were given the green light by city planners last night. The new campus in Estover is expected to be opened in 2012, after Plymouth City Council planning committee approved the revised plans for a landmark multi-million-pound community education centre. ... The new campus, over 120,000 square metres, will be home to Estover Community College, Estover Primary School, Plymbridge Children's Centre and Nursery School, the Soundhouse, Estover Library, Estover Youth Centre and the Plymouth Hospital School. "

Parents' Week
16/10/2008

"This year's parents' week run by the Family and Parenting Institute has as its theme 'Getting it right for families'. Starting on Monday 20 October, the week's events in schools, children's centres and by local authorities across the country will focus on listening to parents and giving them the chance to have their say on services."

Positive Relationships: Parents' Group - Cot gossip
16/10/2008

"Mothers bond with each other as well as their babies in sessions at a children's centre informed by expert talks. Annette Rawstrone reports. Cot Gossip is proving a hit with new mothers in Nuneaton, Warwickshire. The weekly afternoon drop-in session, based at Riversley Park Children's Centre, lives up to its quirky name by creating an opportunity for parents and multi-agency practitioners to get together in an informal setting to chat and exchange ideas and information."

Tales from the Spanish main
16/10/2008

Children at Todmorden Children's Centre dressed up as pirates, enjoyed treasure hunts and made pirate ships to mark National Children's Book Week.

Countess of Wessex opens new children's centre
15/10/2008

"Her Royal Highness the Countess of Wessex was greeted by schoolchildren and well-wishers when she officially opened a children’s centre in Norton Fitzwarren. The centre called Brock House, provides support and advice for parents and carers of children under five and is managed by Barnardo’s South West on behalf of Somerset County Council."

It's fun and games as children's centre is opened
15/10/2008

"A new children's centre has been launched in Fulwood. Coun Frank De Molfetta was on hand as the Sure Start Cherry Tree Children's Centre opened in Sharoe Green Lane."

New children's centre opens
14/10/2008

"A new children’s centre offering support for youngsters and their families has opened in Kidderminster. The Action For Children Rainbow Children’s Centre, in Stoney Lane, provides services for tots under five and their parents."

Putting families to the test
13/10/2008

"Libraries are hosting a Family Challenge this coming weekend to celebrate ten years of family learning. Teams of mums and dads will be at Roseberry, Redcar, Grangetown and Loftus libraries in east Cleveland this Saturday (oct 18) competing against each other with questions on healthy eating, sport, the New Families guide and a general knowledge round. Organised by Redcar and Cleveland Council's adult learning service, Sure Start Children's Centres and the Library Service, it is celebrating family life and learning."

Launch of 16 new children's centres
12/10/2008

"Children under five and their families have a brand new service after Enfield Council launched 16 children's centres throughout the borough. These centres are hubs for young children and their families, offering integrated services and information. The centres will offer early education and affordable childcare, advice on parenting, local childcare options and access to specialist services for families."

Children's centre opens doors
12/10/2008

"Staff at Eldene Children’s Centre dressed up as pirates to welcome families aboard. The new centre, which opened in June, is encouraging more parents to come and make use of its free and subsidised services."

Health chief’s visit
11/10/2008

Lord Darzi, Under Secretary of State at the Department of Health (right) met Liverpool mums and children when he visited Speke Childrens Centre.

Kids get to stay and play while adults get to relax and chatter
11/10/2008

"My daughter Olivia could not believe her eyes when we first tried out the Stay and Play session at the Whipton Children's Centre in Exeter. There were so many toys and activities she did not know what to try first. .... I found out about the sessions through the Children's Centre News magazine, which is sent out regularly to local families with children under five."

Sure Start services roll out across the county
10/10/2008

"Sure Start Children's Centre services are being delivered in every district across Nottinghamshire, striving towards the government's goal of having children's centre services in every community by 2010. Sure Start Children's Centre services are being developed by Nottinghamshire County Council and key partner agencies to give children the best start in life by offering parents and children 0-5 years access to a range of joined up support services within their community."

Brown: families 'understand' reasons for £500 million bank bail-out
09/10/2008

"Families understand the importance of putting the banking system on a sure footing, Gordon Brown said today following the Government's £500 billion bank rescue. ..... He took a brief break from dealing with the financial crisis today to play playground games with toddlers at a SureStart nursery at the Beormund Community Centre in Bermondsey, south-east London, accompanied by Schools Secretary Ed Balls."

Spring into action to plant bulbs
09/10/2008

"Free bulbs are being handed out to community groups to encourage then to take part in a spring planting competition. The bulb-planting challenge was officially launched by youngsters at Seaham Children's Centre, who took part in the first planting session of the contest."

New children's centre opens its doors
09/10/2008

"Mildenhall has a new centre offering support and services to town families with young children. The Lark Children's Centre in Recreation Way, which opened its doors for the first time on Friday, has been funded by a government grant from the Sure Start Unit through Suffolk County Council and the Department of Children, Schools and Families."

Sure Start Children's Centres Leadership Network
09/10/2008

"On 3 March, Beverley Hughes announced that Together for Children and the National College for School Leadership would be developing a national network for all Children's Centre Leaders. A programme of activity has now been developed."

New children's centre opens its doors
09/10/2008

"MILDENHALL has a new centre offering support and services to town families with young children. The Lark Children's Centre in Recreation Way, which opened its doors for the first time on Friday, has been funded by a government grant from the Sure Start Unit through Suffolk County Council and the Department of Children, Schools and Families."

There's a party for pirates at the new children's centre
08/10/2008

The new South Beds Children Centre is up and running. And this Action For Children venture is looking forward to welcoming babies and children aged up to five years and their families to join in the fun activities on offer.

Banwell children's centre open morning
08/10/2008

"A new North Somerset children's centre will hold an open morning next week. The Children's Centre for Banwell, Winscombe and Sandford will be open for people to view from 9.30-11.30am on October 14."

Child Health Special Report: Early years and health link up
08/10/2008

"The Child Health Strategy is set to urge primary care trusts to link more with children's centres. But how will this work in practice? Joe Lepper reports."

Toddlers to get free check at parties
08/10/2008

"Health workers have come up with a way of making sure youngsters are fighting fit – a monthly check-up party for all toddlers as they celebrate their third birthday. The health visiting team for the Sure Start programme at Saffron Children's Centre, Leicester, is throwing a monthly birthday party for children turning three, so the team can complete as many of the check-ups as possible in just one day."

DCSF unveils junior ministers
07/10/2008

"The Department for Children, Schools and Families has confirmed the roles of their two newest members today, as Baroness Delyth Morgan becomes the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Children, Young People and Families, while Sarah McCarthy-Fry is now the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Schools and Learners."

Helping children get off to a sure start in their lives
06/10/2008

"Families have a new children’s centre on their doorstep to offer vital support. Gateshead’s mayor, Councillor Maureen Chaplin, officially opened the new facility on the site of Chopwell Primary School, Derwent Street. The new premises serves hundreds of families in the local area."

New children's centre for Shirley
06/10/2008

"A councillor has applauded news that a custom-built children's centre is on its way to Shirley. Janet Marshall says the brand new centre in Violet Gardens will bring ""much needed relief"" to mums, especially in the current financial climate. Building works will start in December and the finishing date is due in Easter 2009."

New centre opens
06/10/2008

"A new children’s centre in Meltham opened its doors for the first time at the weekend. The launch event of the Sure Start Children’s Centre took place on Saturday."

Pirates ahoy!
06/10/2008

"Pirate parties are taking place across Bassetlaw this week to celebrate National Bookstart Day on Friday 10th October. Sure Start Children's Centres across the district are inviting children and their families to take part in special parties to celebrate the theme 'Pirates Ahoy'."

Children's centres are leading the way for modern parents
06/10/2008

"In one room a small child discovers reading while in another a new mum learns how to massage her baby. Meanwhile, nearby health workers and midwives see patients — welcome to the modern world of parenting in Exeter thanks to the city's new children's centres."

Pirates to take part in events
05/10/2008

Pirate-themed events will be held across North Somerset as part of National Bookstart Day.

Children’s services now open under one roof
04/10/2008

Vital services for children and parents will now be available under one roof, with the opening of the Borehamwood and Elstree Children’s Centre this month.

New children's centre opens
03/10/2008

"A new children's centre has opened in Didcot. The centre is based at Stephen Freeman School, in Freeman Road. It provides a range of services, including childcare, health and social care, adult training and employment advice. The building was developed by Oxfordshire County Council and is managed by the school governors."

Chester toddler group celebrates first birthday
03/10/2008

The thriving parent-led parent and toddler group based at Blacon Children's Centre in Chester has celebrated its first birthday.

Delight as Sure Start centre opens
03/10/2008

"Children and parents living in the Newington area of Ramsgate celebrated the opening of the new Sure Start Children's Centre last Thursday. The new building aims to increase the availability of childcare, improve youngsters' health and emotional development and support parents looking to return to work."

Little ones off to a Sure Start
03/10/2008

"Five months after it opened its doors to the public, a Sure Start Centre on the Isle of Grain has finally been officially opened. The Mayor of Medway, Cllr David Carr and his wife Kirstine, attended the event at St James's CE Primary School where the centre is based. The Rt Rev Dr Brian Castle, Bishop of Tonbridge, cut the ribbon and a net filled with balloons was released by pupils from the school to mark the occasion."