Children's centres

Our children's centres are about more than just meeting targets. They give children and families the support they need to thrive, and the life skills and opportunities to play an active part in society.

What makes our children's centres different?

Our Good Childhood inquiry has given us an unparalleled understanding of the issues affecting children in Britain today. Our approach is based on this knowledge.

We focus on the family

Families come first. Our centres offer integrated early education and childcare, parenting classes, a range of courses and training, child and family health services, and assistance with job hunting for unemployed parents.

A loving family is the key to a good start in life. Our centres make families stronger. Mums and dads, grandparents and step-parents, relatives and carers attend the centres with their children to play, learn and make friends together.

We have a strong record of working with fathers, and make sure there are opportunities where possible for older brothers and sisters too.

We combat inequality

We run children's centres in some of England's most deprived communities, and cater for the most disadvantaged children and families - ethnic minorities, refugees and asylum-seekers, new migrants, travellers, disabled children, young parents and children whose parents misuse drugs and alcohol.

By recruiting a diverse staff team, and listening and talking to the communities we serve, we reach the most marginalised people. We bring different groups together while providing target services - from helping long-term unemployed parents back to work, to providing Asian men with parenting classes in their own language.

We put people at the heart of everything

Our centres belong to the children and families who use them. Parents are actively involved in designing and delivering services, recruiting staff and running the centres. Children have their say too - no child is too young to express their opinion.

We look after our staff, and that's reflected in their passion, commitment and professionalism. They care about all the children and adults who use our centres as individuals, and always go the extra mile.

Download more information about our children's centres.