Children at the Moorlands Rural Children's Centre

Celebration as Children's Centres open across county

Staffordshire County Council has beaten the rest of the shire authorities in the west midlands by meeting its ambitious targets for delivering Children's Centres.

The government had set Staffordshire the difficult task of designating 32 children's centres over three years. Staffordshire reached its goal in February, a full month early, thanks to the Council's commitment to the programme.

Children's Centres, which are delivered through Community and Learning Partnerships (C&LPs), offer access to early years activities, childcare and family services.

Key services include:

Early education integrated with full day care, including early identification of and provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
Parental outreach.
Family support, including support for parents with special needs.
Health services
A base for childminders, and a service hub within the community for parents and providers of childcare services.
Effective links with Jobcentre Plus, local training providers and further and higher education institutions.
Effective links with Children's Information Services, Neighbourhood Nurseries, Out of School Clubs and Extended Schools.
Management and workforce training.

Deputy Leader, and Cabinet lead for children and young people, Robert Simpson said: "It is fantastic that we have been able to offer communities access to a range of high quality children's services, and that we are leading the way in doing so.

"By giving children access to high quality care, early education and support we are helping to improve their life chances. Good, affordable childcare also enables parents to take up work, education or training and this has a knock-on effect in reducing child poverty."

Since the C&LP programme began in 2005 around £10m has been invested in delivering the 32 children's centres supported by further C&LP funds.

Although the County has five purpose built Children's Centres the core offer of services is also available through C&LPs where provision can be based alongside a range of existing facilities such as nursery and infant schools or childcare providers.

Jim Brady, Assistant Director of Lifelong Learning and Partnerships, said: "Our Children's Centres enhance existing services and extend the benefits to more families in the hearts of their communities."

Children's Centre in Staffordshire are:

STAFFORD/SOUTH STAFFS

Castlechurch Children's Centre

KEVI Rural Children's Centre

Silkmore Children's Centre

Kinver Children's Centre

Landywood Children's Centre

Whitgreave Children's Centre

Wombourne Children's Centre

CANNOCK/LICHFIELD

Bridgtown Children's Centre

Churchfield Children's Centre

Hednesford Nursery and Children's Centre

Western Springs Children's Centre

Boney Hay Children's Centre

Charnwood Children's Centre

Springhill Children's Centre

Willows Children's Centre

TAMWORTH/EAST STAFFS

Amington Heath Children's Centre

Exley Children's Centre

Glascote Children's Centre

Tamworth Early Years Children's Centre

Queen Street Children's Centre

Stapenhill Children's Centre

Winshill Children's Centre

MOORLANDS/NEWCASTLE

Chesterton/Crackley Bank Children's Centre (counts as two centres)

Clayton Children's Centre

Clough Hall Children's Centre

Hempstalls Children's Centre

Maryhill Children's Centre

Oaklands Children's Centre

Cheadle Children's Centre

Moorlands Rural Children's Centre

More information on C&LPs can be found at http://www.staffordshirechildrenstrust.org.uk/clp/

Page Last Modified: 12/03/2008 11:45:08

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