Children's Centre services in Shifnal

Proposal

Sure Start children's centre services are an important part of delivering early support for children, young people and their families in Shropshire and play a key part in delivery preventative messages at a universal level.

What's a Children's Centre?

Children's centres offer a wide range of services for families and others caring for children under five. Each children's centre delivery point is different, offering a variety of services according to the needs of local families. Activities are delivered from a principal site, a linked site and through a range of outreach venues. Children's centre services work closely with early help, health, schools and other local service providers. Services include:

• Information and advice on child development, childcare and early learning provision
• Health services including pre- and postnatal support
• Family Drop-in sessions
• Bumps and Babes groups
• Adult and community learning courses
• Parenting courses
• Groups to support parents, with crèche
• Family support services

Why are we consulting?

Significantly increasing demand for school places at Shifnal Primary school is resulting in the need for additional classroom place within the school. The Children's Centre currently run services from a redesigned classroom specifically allocated for Children's Centre use and jointly used by Hopscotch nursery to facilitate after-school care for pupils at the school. In addition, the school make good use of the room whilst unoccupied. It is proposed that the current Children's Centre space is returned to the school in preparation for increasing pupil demand from September 2015. Should this go forward the room will need to be vacated by June 2015 to enable essential alterations for appropriate classroom space.

Who are we consulting with?

We are seeking the views of key stakeholders which include, but are not limited to, parents, carers, the local community, the children's centre advisory board, children's centre staff, voluntary and community sector organisations, Early Years providers, health colleagues, local councillors and organisations who deliver early childhood services.

How can I feed in my views?

You can feed in your views during the consultation by clicking on the 'How to get involved' tab on this page.