Take off for new Children’s Centre
Southam Children’s Centre marked their official take off with a colourful balloon release.
John Maples MP and Cllr Izzi Seccombe, Portfolio Holder for Children, Young People and Families at Warwickshire County Council, joined in a balloon release with the local community to celebrate the official opening.
The new Southam and District Children’s Centre, on St James Road, is based within the Graham Adams Community Centre. The children’s centre, which has been developed in partnership with Warwickshire County Council and the Graham Adams Centre, is offering a wide range of activities and extra services to parents, carers and their young children.
Cllr Izzi Seccombe said: “Children’s early years are most important in terms of their overall development, wellbeing and future economic success and the local community and families will benefit greatly from the opportunities and facilities on offer.”
Carol Pratt, Children’s Centre Manager, said: “Every child matters and the children’s centre is here to ensure that in Southam and the surrounding villages every child under 5 and their family or carer has the opportunity to be healthy, stay safe, enjoy and achieve, make a positive contribution and achieve economic well being.”
The Children’s Centre is already offering ‘Stay and Play’ drop-in sessions for parents, carers and children on Wednesday mornings; a mother and baby group on Monday lunchtimes and a toddler group on Wednesday afternoons. The Family Information Service will be making regular visits and other groups which will be starting soon include a breastfeeding support group and Parentcraft classes.
There will also be a wide range of services for parents and carers including antenatal support, adult learning, and information and advice about childcare and benefits with links to employment opportunities through Jobcentre Plus.
Childminders will also find the centre a helpful resource where they can meet other providers and benefit from training opportunities.