New centre to give children ‘best start’ (From Bournemouth Echo)

New centre to give children ‘best start’

12:50pm Sunday 18th October 2009 in

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A new range of family services will soon be available in Upton at a new children’s centre.

The existing library has been refurbished and now includes a children’s centre for parents-to-be, parents, grandparents and anyone involved in caring for children up to the age of five.

An official launch takes place on Wednesday, October 28, when MP Annette Brooke will cut the ribbon along with Cllr Toni Coombs of Dorset County Council.

The cabinet member for children’s services said the “one-stop-shops” would “help parents give their children the best possible start in life by offering a wide range of free services such as family activities, parenting support, links to health services and much more”.

She added: “Hundreds of mums, dads, carers and children in Dorset already benefit from the services at their local centre.”

There were benefits from running a children’s centre and library from the same building, she said.

“Families can also make use of their library services, including reading groups, story sessions and rhyme time – all fun activities help children’s development,” she added.

During the open day, which runs 10.30am-5pm, there will be a number of activities including Tiny Talk, baby signing and speaking, baby massage, face painting and badge making, rhymes and arts and crafts.

Children’s centre manager Keeley Graham said: “People in Upton have been asking for their own children’s centre for some time, so I’m really pleased that the town now has its own base.

“We look forward to working with the library and establishing links with the nearby health centre to support parents, carers and their young ones.”

l On Thursday, October 29, from 1pm to 3pm, Scraps will be at the centre helping children aged three to eight make toys out of bits and bobs.