Hemel MP, Mike Penning and Deputy Mayor of Dacorum Cllr Steve Holmes joined centre manager Terri Burfield to open the Galley Hill Children’s Centre on Friday, 26th September.
Children’s Centres are being set up throughout the country to provide good quality services and information for children aged 0-5 and their families. The centres can provide a range of information including details of parent and toddler groups, pre-schools, day-nurseries, access to health services and training.
After the visit Mike Penning said:
“The first years of parenthood can be a daunting time for anyone, so I welcome this new Children’s Centre which will provide much-needed support for young children and their parents. I urge any parent of young children to visit the centre to ensure they have a full understanding of the services available locally.”
Cllr Steve Holmes, who is also Deputy Executive Member for Children’s Services at Hertfordshire County Council, said:
“I am delighted to promote this Centre, which is part of the Every Child Matters agenda to improve outcomes for all children. Children’s Centre programmes are based on the concept that providing integrated education, care, family support and health services is a key factor in determining good outcomes for children under 5 and their parents.”
Manager Terri Burfield said:
"This is such an exciting time for early years. Although the centre is based at the new Galley Hill School opposite Rossgate shops, it covers all of Gadebridge, Warners End and Chaulden, and as such we are running activities, courses and drop in centres in those areas. At present it is a new service, but we will be expanding our work, and to gain information parents can sign up to our termly newsletter. Already we have started an Under 1's group in Chaulden, and a rhyme and story time in Gadebridge. We have also run 2 successful first aid courses for new parents.”
The centre is open daily from 8.45 to 4.00 pm. For further information telephone 01442 426753. For details of the other Children's Centres in Dacorum telephone the Family Information Service on 01438 737502.
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