Slough Borough Council is opening its fourth children’s centre on Monday February 19 at Marish Primary School as part of the Sure Start Service.
The development of children’s centres in every Slough neighbourhood is part of the government’s 10 year strategy for children.
The aim is for every family to be living within an easily accessible distance of the services needed for their children.
The centre will offer six childcare sessions a day between 8am and 6pm for children aged three months to five years, with timings organised to suit working parents and school timetables.
There will be occasional childcare sessions to help families juggling appointments and other one-off commitments.
There will also be a range of health professionals to provide information and advice and antenatal and post natal support, along with speech and language services.
Other services include family support, links to the Slough library service, employment help with organisations such as Job Centre Plus, links with revenue and customs, and information on working tax credit and childcare tax credit.
A range of training courses will also be on offer, provided by a variety of training organisations, such as East Berkshire College, Worker’s Educational Association and Slough Lifelong Learning Service.
By March 2008, it is hoped that another three centres will be developed in Slough and three more by March 2010.
Jean Cameron, development manager for Slough Sure Start Service, said: “The new children’s centre will offer a huge variety of opportunities for parents and their children and is a wonderful addition to the school and the local community.”
Commissioner for education and children’s services, Cllr David Munkley, added: “The opening of the new children’s centre is fantastic news and will no doubt be of great value to families in the borough.
“We all know how difficult it is to find affordable childcare to help people either stay or get back into work. I wish the centre every success.”
Other centres based in Slough are Claycots Primary School, Montem Primary School and Penn Wood Primary School.
For further information on any of our services please call 01628 660098 or e-mail sure.start@slough.gov.uk.
Slough Borough Council.
