Welcome to Children's Centres   

Children's Centres are the next stage in the ongoing development of Sure Start programmes and are being established in many areas across Darlington. There will be Children's Centre Services in every community by 2010.

For contact information and to find out what's available at each local centre take a look at the web site links on the left.

A Children's Centre can offer the following services for children under five and their families, however not all centres will be delivering all of these services:

Education and Childcare

• Early education and day care for children from 6 months to 5 years
• Minimum of 48 weeks per year
• Up to 10 hours per day, 5 days per week (Mon - Fri)
• Lots of family fun and learning opportunities such as stay and play sessions, music and song, story times, baby clubs and special events, toy libraries and storysacks.
• Childminder services attached to the centre

Family Support and Outreach work

Support, advice and information for parents aimed at giving children the best possible start in life. This can be provided in your own home or at the centres and is given by qualified family support staff:

• Information on and access to local services for children under five and their families
• Access to a dedicated under fives outreach worker

Child and Family Health Services

Healthcare workers on site to support access to a range of healthcare services such as:

• Speech & Language Therapy
• Smoking Cessation
• Community Midwifery
• Health Visiting
• Antenatal & Postnatal support
• Breastfeeding
• Health & Nutrition
• Health & Safety

Links to Jobcentres and Training Providers

Co-ordinated services including:

• Advice on entering the workforce
• Personal chats with New Deal advisors
• Group sessions with advisors
• Basic skills training
• Accredited training
• Advice & Guidance on in-work benefits

Training may be supported by Crèche facilities or funded approved childcare.

Quick and easy access to wider services