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27 October 2009

Children's centre opens in Rusthall

Children and parents have given the thumbs-up to a new children’s centre in Rusthall.

More than 40 mums, dads and children were on hand to officially open the centre based at St Paul’s Junior School, just off Rusthall High Street.

Kent County Council chairman John Davies cut the ribbon and was joined by KCC Deputy Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education, Leyland Ridings and St Paul’s headteacher Carolyn Cohen.

The centre provides activities and services such as health advice, parents’ groups, and good old fashioned fun and games.

While some parents had already been making the most of the Sure Start centre for the past few months, others have just started to discover it for the first time.

Sure Start is a Government programme that brings together early education, childcare, health and family support.

Mum Krista Jarrett, 28, has been using the centre since it first opened to the public in May. She has been coming with her children Brandon, one, Toby, three, and Joshua, four.

She said:

“This centre is absolutely fantastic. It provides an awful lot for children and parents. My children enjoy coming here to meet with other children and play. The staff are really nice and very helpful.

“I enjoy coming here because it gives me a chance to meet other parents and it is really good for me because there is a baby clinic where I can speak to a midwife and health visitor.”

Emma Pearsall, 28, visited the centre for the first time with her son Robin, four.

She said:

“I am really pleased with what is on offer here. My two girls both go to the school so it is really useful to have this so close. Robin has been really enjoying himself and it gives him a great chance to meet other children.”

Kent County Council chairman John Davies said:

“I have been very impressed with the number of people who are already benefiting from this service, which speaks volumes for how needed centres like this are. 

“Children’s centres offer a tremendous opportunity where families can meet one another and be provided with useful and practical advice.” 

Kent County Council Deputy Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education, Leyland Ridings, said:

"Children’s centres are important places providing a range of services. This includes everything a parent and child can need from a baby clinic to information about child care.  

“I encourage as many families as possible to come here and make the most of this marvellous building. I found the staff to be very warm and welcoming to all the parents and children.” 

For more details about the centre, and the courses and workshops on offer, please call manager Samantha Dodd on 01892 521284. 

Key facts about children's centres 

• There are more than 3,000 Sure Start Children’s Centres across England
• In Kent there are 72 centres
• The centres support children under the age of five and their families 
• They provide easy access to health services, parenting and family support, advice and support for parents and childcare