What is a Children' centre and how to access our services

Liverpool Sure Start Children's Centres

What is a Children's centre?

A Children's centre brings together a wide range of service for children from birth - five years and their families. The centre’s create a one-stop shop within the community for parents/carers and providers of childcare and family support.  Any adult caring for a child under five can register and access services at any of the 24 children's centres across the city.  This includes grandparents, fathers, foster carers and childminders.  Parents-to-be are also welcome.

Parents with young children often have difficulty travelling to different places to access services. For example, a parent with a 3 year old child and a baby may have to drop the 3 year old at nursery and go to the health clinic for the baby's assessment before going to Jobcentre Plus for information on employment and benefits. At the same time, they may be anxious about childcare for the baby if they find a job! 

By bringing together a range of service for children and families, from early education and childcare to health and family support, the centres will make it easier for parents to access service for their children and themselves and help more families benefit in the critical early years of their children's lives.

Examples of service provided by a Children's Centre include: 

• Childcare for children from birth - 5 years from 8am-6pm, 50 weeks of the year to support working parents and others. 
• Early education led by a teacher for children aged 3 and 4 years.
• Child and family health services e.g. ante natal and post natal support.
• Family support e.g. advice and support with parenting skills, dads clubs, learning courses etc.
• Links with Jobcentre Plus e.g. support in accessing training and employment.
• Services for Children with Special Educational Needs and disabilities.     

*All Children's Centres are fully inclusive settings with support for children with Special Educational Needs and disabilities and are committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all children. 

Activities will vary at each centre according to local community needs.