The Children's Society have been appointed as lead agency to develop the Children's Centre for Wiveliscombe and the surrounding communities. The new building will be on the south side of Croft Way and will provide a central hub for services for children and families, as well as a 40 place Nursery. It is anticipated that the Centre will open in April 2008.
So far The Children's Society has been involved with the Children's Centre Steering Group that has been planning the new building. We have also begun to find out what services are currently available to children and families in the Wiveliscombe area. We have spoken to professionals and parent/carers to find out what they feel a Children's Centre should offer. We plan to continue this development work over the next few months and find ways of seeking the views of children as well as their parents/carers.
In order to oversee this work we have recently advertised for a Children's Centre Co-ordinator who will play a key role in the development of a wide range of services delivered from the Centre.
We have also been working closely with Rainbows pre school playgroup to plan the new childcare provision. We have recently advertised for a Childcare Manager who will play a key role in the development of the Nursery and will ensure the provision of high quality integrated education and childcare. We are hoping to appoint to this post in the near future.
In order to apply for a place at the Nursery parents will need to complete a Registration Form before Christmas. These forms will be distributed throughout Wiveliscombe and the surrounding communities but can also be requested at wiveliscombe@childrenssociety.org.uk.
Rainbows has also been leading the way in raising funds to ensure the Children's Centre is equipped to the highest possible standard. Rainbows has been working incredibly hard and been extremely successful in this and have raised a significant amount of money for which we are very grateful.
The ' Family Support Group' is the first service that The Children's Society is delivering in Wiveliscombe. It provides a drop in facility for parents/carers and children under 5 between 9-30 and 11-30 on Wednesday mornings at the Wiveliscombe Community Centre. It is well used and apparently well thought of in the area. We took over this work in February 2007. This has been an excellent opportunity for the Children's Society to get to know some of the families in Wiveliscombe and the surrounding areas and build on a well-established service.
Related Links
- http://www.playyourpart.co.uk
- http://www.childenssociety.org.uk
- http://www.surestart.gov.uk
- http://www.somersetearlyyears.co.uk
Richard Nobes, November 2007
