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Children and Family Centres
The Children's Centres Programme is a new, national initiative to provide integrated services for children aged 5 and under and their families in local neighbourhoods. Children and Family Centres will offer education together with childcare, support for parents and families, on-site access to health services and links to other services such as children's information, libraries and employment.
In Bromley, the Children and Family Centre initiative is being combined with the Extended Services Initiative and The Bromley Children Project to deliver one integrated service for families and children of all ages.
Eligibility
Children’s Centres are designed to provide services for children and their families within walking distance of their homes.
Details
There are currently 8 Children and Family Centres in Bromley. These are:
Each of these centres is different and offers services specific to the needs of the local community. The Phoenix is a specialist centre and serves those families in the borough that have a child with a special need or disability.
Bromley is currently planning a further 7 centres, spread across the borough, that are expected to open by 2008. By 2010, the number of Children’s Centres is expected to rise to 23, with every community having a local Children’s Centre.
Health, Social Services, Education and voluntary support agencies are working together to ensure integrated services for children and young people. Each centre will vary, but each will be able to advise or signpost to services for all families, from antenatal services, to services for teenagers.
These are the types of services that you can expect from a Children’s Centre:
Early Education and Day Care
- Information on childcare and early years provision.
- In some centres, day care attached to the centre suitable for working parents - 8.00am to 6.00pm, 5 days per week, 48 weeks per year.
- Childminding Network, providing support, training and access to nursery facilities.
- Early identification of children with special needs and disabilities with inclusive services and support for their families.
Family Support and Parental Outreach
- Visits to all children in the catchment area within 2 months of birth.
- Access to specialist services.
- Providing information and support for parents at significant transition points for the family (e.g. pre-birth, early days, settling into childcare).
Child and Family Health Services
- Antenatal advice and support for parents.
- Help with giving up smoking.
- Information and guidance on breast feeding, hygiene, nutrition and safety.
Links with schools and Children’s Information Services (CIS)
- Information to parents/carers about CIS.
- Links to local schools, extended schools and out of school activities (holiday play schemes, breakfast clubs, after school clubs).
Links with Jobcentre Plus
- Encouragement and support for parents considering training or employment.
Next Steps
For further information contact the Localised Services Manager.
Telephone: 020 8461 7259
e-mail: early.years@bromley.gov.uk
Address:
Localised Services, Bromley Children and Family Project, London Borough of Bromley, 3rd Floor Central Library, High Street, Bromley, BR1 1EX.