Local children to get a better start in life
Local families and carers are being urged to help shape the services offered by Warwick’s new children’s centres.
The future of children’s services is to be revolutionised within Warwick and the surrounding villages by the opening of two Children’s Centres in Spring 2008. The centres will offer activities and support to families with children under five, and local people are being asked to step forward and have their say about what other services they would like to see on offer.
Warwick will have two Children’s Centres – the first will be based at Warwick Nursery School, and the second will be a dual-site centre at Newburgh and Westgate Primary Schools. Two development workers have been appointed to consult with the local community to hear their views.
The creation of the new centres is being led by Warwickshire County Council as part of the government’s initiative to develop children’s centres in every locality. The centres will be offering early education integrated with childcare, health and information services, family support services, employment and training advice and any other services highlighted by the needs of the community.
The Children’s Centres will also offer advice about benefits, tax credits and links to employment opportunities with Jobcentre Plus. Yet many more types of services and activities could be delivered through the centre and outreach work around Warwick.
Children’s centre development worker Fiona Caddick said: “This is a really exciting development that aims to improve the quality of life for children under five and their families and carers. The views of the local community are very important to us and we want to involve everyone in the development process.”
If you have any views, questions or ideas for your local Children’s Centre or if you would be interested in volunteering your time or skills, please contact the development workers Jose Diaz (based at Warwick Nursery School) on 07795 236917 / jose@1022.wgfl.net or Fiona Caddick (based at Newburgh & Westgate Primary Schools) on 07974 273460 / fcaddick@2322.wgfl.net