Welcome to Westminster Children's Centres

Children's Centres are an exciting new initiative. As the next stage in the ongoing development of Sure Start programmes, existing and new centres will be delivering services across the designated areas in Westminster by March 2006.

For contact information and to find out what's available at each local centre take a look at the web site links on the left.

A Children's Centre offers the following services for children under five and their families:

Education and Childcare

• Early education and day care for children from 6 months to 5 years
• Minimum of 48 weeks per year
• Up to 10 hours per day , 5 days per week (Mon - Fri)
• Lots of family fun and learning opportunities such as stay and play sessions, music and song, story times, baby clubs and special events
• Childminder services attached to the centre

Family Support and Outreach work

Support, advice and information for parents aimed at giving children the best possible start in life. This can be provided in your own home or at the centres and is given by qualified family support staff:

• Information on and access to local services for children under five and their families
• An information bus that will visit your local area
• Access to a dedicated under fives outreach worker

Child and Family Health Services

Healthcare workers on site to support access to a range of healthcare services such as:

• Speech & Language Therapy
• Smoking Cessation
• Community Midwifery
• Health Visiting

Workshops and advice on:

• Antenatal & Postnatal classes
• Breastfeeding
• Healthy Eating
• Health & Safety

Links to Jobcentres and Training Providers

Co-ordinated services including:

• Advice on entering the workforce
• Personal chats with New Deal advisors
• Group sessions with advisors
• Basic skills training
• Accredited training

Training will be supported by Crèche facilities or funded approved childcare.