'Bertie' the mobile Children's Centre, with the winning designs of local children.

Mobile Children's Centre opens its doors!

A newly refurbished children's centre with a difference opens its doors this Friday. 

The St Lawrence Children's Centre, based at St Lawrence Primary School, is complimented by 'Bertie', a brand new mobile children's centre.

The mobile centre, which is only the second of its kind in the country, has a capacity for 12 children, and will be housed at St Lawrence Primary School.  It will travel to rural communities around the area, ensuring everyone had the best possible provision.  Both the centre and the mobile will be open to families with babies and children up to the age of five.

The centres join a growing network of children's centres providing:

• Integrated childcare with early learning for young children
• Health services
• Family support
• Base for childminders
• Help into employment, including links with Jobcentre Plus

By 2010, there will be 3,500 children's centres - one for every community, offering a range of services for young children and their families, tailored to meet local needs.

County Councillor Robert Simpson, deputy leader of Staffordshire County Council, said:  "The addition of a mobile children's centre is great for the people of Gnosall and the surrounding areas.  By giving young children access to high quality integrated care and early education and support, we are helping to improve their life chances and unlock their potential.

"Good, affordable, accessible childcare also enables parents to take up work, education or training, and this has a knock-on effect in reducing child poverty.  We are committed to ensuring that every child under five has the best possible start in life, and families in every community have access to a children's centre."

For more information on the mobile centre, contact Ross Podyma at ross.podyma@staffordshire.gov.uk

To find out more about Children's Centres and to find your nearest one, please visit www.staffordshire.gov.uk/childrenscentres