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Doors open on new centre for children

Bedworth families joined in the celebrations at St. Michael's Children's Centre to mark the official opening of the Sure Start Children's Centre.

St Michael’s Church of England Primary School and Children’s Centre, was officially opened by Tony Freeman, Chairperson of the Nicholas Chamberlaine Trust on Friday 11 March. Local families and members of the community were invited to the event to take part in activities and find out more about what is on offer at the Centre.

Visitors had an opportunity to look around the facilities and get a taster of the type of activities and support the centre is able to provide. Services on offer including Child health, Jobcentre Plus, Citizens Advice Bureau,  Adult and Community Learning , Healthy Living Network and Nuneaton and Bedworth Leisure Trust were represented. Children were kept busy during the morning with lots of play opportunities, singing sessions and other entertainment.

Family services have been offered for some time at the site at Hazel Grove which was designated as a Children’s Centre in December 2007 and known as Bedworth Early Years Centre. The governance of the centre changed to that of St Michaels Primary school in September 2010. St. Michael’s now offers services and support to children and families from birth to eleven years of age.

Warwickshire County Councillor Heather Timms, portfolio holder for children, young people and families said: “St Michael’s Children’s Centre is part of the Warwickshire children’s centre programme and I’d like to say well done to everyone involved who has worked so hard to provide this excellent resource to meet local needs and promote parental choice. Such centres support our pledge to give all children the best start in life.”

The Centre is part of a network of Warwickshire County Council’s children’s centres and is one of ten up and running in Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough supporting families and children from prenatal stages until they start school.

Children’s centres offer a wide range of support under one roof to meet local needs, from early learning opportunities, family support, health services, training and employment advice and support for children with special needs and disabilities, there is something for every family.