Children’s Centres: What’s on offer in ? Contents What is a Children’s Centre?

What is Walsall Families pg 11 Children’s Centres provide services for every child aged 0-5 and Information Service? pg 2 Chuckery and Paddock pg 12 Darlaston pg 13 their family in Walsall. This booklet tells you more about what you What is a Children’s Centre? pg 3 Edgar Stammers pg 14 can fi nd at each centre including activities, childcare, practical Keeping your child safe pg 4 Fibbersley Park pg 15 Greenfi eld pg 16 parenting advice, training and information. Childcare Made Clear and Hatherton pg 17 Dads Matter pg 5 Leighswood pg 18 All their services are suitable for children with special needs or Lighthouse pg 19 disabilities and extra support is available when you want it. Children’s Centres: Palfrey pg 20 Alumwell Pleck pg 6 pg 21 Bentley West pg 7 Pheasey Park Farm pg 22 Birchills North Walsall pg 8 Streetly pg 23 Blakenall pg 9 West pg 10

What is Walsall Families Information Service?

Walsall FIS is a free service that offers impartial information, advice and guidance on: • Registered childcare • Tax Credits and other ways of paying for childcare • Free nursery education • Rights as a working parent • Parent and toddler groups and other un-registered places and activities.

We can provide advice on training to The service is available to anyone, so if you work in childcare and how to register have a question, query or want to know as a childminder. more, get in touch. If we don’t have the answer to your question, we will fi nd out We are also developing the range of who does! information for young people up to the age of 19, or 25 if they have a disability. To fi nd out more call 01922 653383, visit us in Walsall Central Children’s Library, We work closely with other organisations, Lichfi eld Street, Walsall or such a children’s centres, health clinics, email walsallfi [email protected]. Jobcentre Plus, etc, to bring our service into local communities through outreach and referrals.

2 3 Keeping your child safe

We all want our children to be safe – this means keeping If you’re a dad or male carer then all the them safe from harm, illness or injury wherever they are. centres have something to offer you as well. Dads Matter It also means helping our children to be as happy and Get in touch! active as possible so that they get the most out of life. Children’s Centres can help you with this.

We can help by..... • Always providing someone to • Making sure you know how talk to when you have concerns to keep your children safe about a child in your family or the wider community • Providing a safe, secure and stimulating environment All our staff are recruited, checked for Mums, Dads, carers and appropriately trained to help and children to learn, play ensure that your children are and socialise kept safe. • Sharing ideas about healthy We believe that all children and eating and keeping active young people in Walsall have the right to be healthy, happy • Giving you support as a parent and safe, to be loved, valued when things get tough and respected and to have high • Working with others to support aspirations for a successful future. you to provide the best care for your children and help you to manage your family life

4 5 Sure Start Alumwell Pleck Children’s Centre Children’s Centre at Bentley West School Brineton Street Monmouth Road Pleck WS2 9EP Bentley WS2 0EQ What I like most about Sure Start are the 01922 637794 “ short courses with creche facilities, the 01922 746592 Monday – Friday: 09.00 – 17.00 baby clubs and activities, and that the [email protected] Nursery (open 08.00 – 18.00) staff are easy to approach and friendly. Monday – Friday: 08.00 – 18.00 Mom ” Day Nursery (children from 6 weeks upwards, open all year)

• Parent and toddler groups Various training and learning opportunities, • Before & after school clubs • Crèche facilities including: • Playschemes • Pregnancy support • Computers • Parent & toddler groups I’ve got two children, that have both • Midwife and Health Visitor clinic • English for speakers of other languages • New born groups “ been at the Children’s Centre since • Family support • First aid courses • Playgroups they were babies and without the • Weaning parties • Basic food hygiene • Training childcare and support of the Centre, I would not have been able to go to • Trips • Parenting courses such as • Family support Behaviour Management work or further my career. • Support and activities for Dads/male • Support and activities for Dads/male carers Mom carers and their children Baby massage has been really and their children ” “ benefi cial for both of us and we love the Wednesday playgroup. The health visitor has also given us loads of help and advice. Mom 6 ” 7 Sure Start Birchills and North Walsall Children’s Centre Sure Start Blakenall and Valley Children’s Centre Birchills Street 275 Blakenall Lane Walsall WS2 8NF Without Sure Start I wouldn’t be here Blakenall WS3 1HJ now – you have supported me and I’ve gained more confi dence and 01922 646574 “ 01922 476698 (Sure Start Offi ce) helped me through the most diffi cult made new friends. Sure Start is a [email protected] 01922 710518 (Valley Offce) “ times in my life. lovely place to come and I’m glad Monday – Friday 08.00 – 18.00 [email protected] I’m a part of it. Mom www.surestartblakenall.co.uk ” Parent Monday – Friday 08.00 – 18.00 ” • Ante and post natal advice and support • Early identifi cation and support for children • 36 place nursery for children aged • Health advice & support from health visitors, including health assessments, parenting with additional needs 3 months to 3 years midwives and nurses (post natal clinic, advice, baby weighing and relaxation sessions • Support for families during diffi cult times • 18 place crèche for children aged asthma and eczema clinic) • Information and support to develop healthy • Training courses for parents, this includes 3 months to 4 years and 11 months old • Books and book sharing activities (Toy Library) life styles opportunities for volunteering or work • Sensory room (for professional and • Play and stay sessions • Early education and childcare – the centre placements parent use) • Back to work information, advice and support can offer full and part time day care places • Supporting our community by giving families • Parent training & self development sessions (supported by Jobcentre Plus) for children 3months to 5 years this includes the opportunity to infl uence the direction of • Parent & child sessions ( opportunities to • Family support services (out reach/home FREE early education places. A play scheme the centre work with an artist) visiting/advocacy/mediation) for children under 8 years is also provided • Support and activities for Dads/male carers during all school holidays • Parent and toddler groups • Support and activities for Dads/male carers and their children and their children • Opportunities for children to play and learn together – play groups, play and stay and a Life with my little one is enjoyable range of family learning sessions “ and packed with fun activities because we visit Sure Start. Parent 8 ” 9 Great groups for parents. “ Parent ” Bloxwich Children’s Centre Brownhills Children’s Centre Have made good friends. Two sites: Two sites: Parent It has helped me be “ Mossley site Ogley Nursery ” more confi dent. Mossley Lane “ Bricklin Street Mom Bloxwich WS3 2SF ” • Bumps & babies Brownhills WS8 6AU • Rhyme and sign 01922 405037 • Breastfeeding support groups St James’ Primary • Breastfeeding support Busil Jones site • Teenage parents group Great Charles Street • Splash sessions for children and parents Brownhills WS8 6AE Ashley Road • Mobile dentist and keep fi t Bloxwich WS3 2QF • Healthy Start vitamin distribution 01543 370734 • Summer activities and events including days out and fun days 01922 496142 • Healthy cooking programme [email protected] • Support and activities for Dads/male • Condom distribution www.brownhillscc.co.uk [email protected] carers and their children www.bloxwichwest.childrencentre.org • Support and activities for Dads/male Monday – Friday: 08.00 – 18.00 Monday – Friday: 08.00 – 18.00 carers and their children Training and support including: • First aid Training including: Friendly and helpful. • Support group for victims of My child has settled in • Literacy and numeracy Parent • Playgroup“ domestic violence really well...she loves “ • In-house computer courses ” • Nursery the nursery. • Wraparound care • Behaviour management support • Baby massage • Playgroups Mom • Play and stay sessions • Asthma and eczema clinic • Wraparound ” Family Support, including: • PEEP – developing language skills • Health trainer appointments for • Breakfast & after school club • Confi dential advice on housing, debt, through play healthy lifestyles • Health visitor, mid-wife and welfare rights, etc • Baby massage ante-natal clinics • Parenting advice • Baby sign Fantastic local centre. 10 “ Parent ” 11 Chuckery & Paddock Children’s Centre Sure Start Darlaston Children’s Centre Pool Street Illmington House Chuckery Crescent Road When I’m feeling worried the Walsall WS1 2EN Wednesbury WS10 8AE staff defi nitely go out of their 01922 644005 0121 526 5537 “ way to reassure me. [email protected] Chuckery and Paddock Children’s [email protected] Parent www.surestartpalfrey.co.uk Centre is a new centre that is managed www.surestartdarlaston.org ” Monday – Friday: 08.00 – 18.00 and run by Sure Start Palfrey. Monday – Friday: 08.00 – 18.00

• Parent and toddler groups • Playgroup Training, including: • Employment and training advice • Sessional care • Basic Skills • Family support services • Play & stay • British Sign Language • Support for fathers/male carers • Time 2 Start pilot • IT Skills • Toy library and story sessions • Baby Bop (music sessions) • Weekend and holiday play activities • Before Baby group (for pregnant moms) • Trips and outings The service provided is great. • Healthy cooking groups I’ve been attending Sure Start for • Speech and language support “ It has helped my child develop • Breastfeeding support 4 years and have always found both all round and given him lots “ • Breastfeeding support • Support and activities for Dads/male carers the staff and services exemplary. of confi dence and he has also • Maternity support services and their children Parent benefi tted from making lots • Baby clinic • Family support services ” of friends. Dad ” 12 13 Edgar Stammers Children’s Centre Fibbersley Park Children’s Centre • Full day care 0-5 years • Nursery Wraparound Harden Road My children love coming to Noose Lane Walsall WS3 1RQ Willenhall WV13 3BB • After school club (4-8 years) Wrap-around – they are always • Breakfast club drop in 01922 471392 “ 01902 366220 ext 2 happy to come. • Nursery Education Funded places for [email protected] Mom [email protected] 3 and 4 year olds www.fi bbersleypark.walsall.sch.uk Monday – Friday: 08.00 – 18.00 ” • 2 year pilot nursery places Monday – Friday: 08.00 – 18.00 • Family support • Behaviour management • Playgroup for 2-3 year olds Family Support, including: • Baby massage • Wrap-around facility for 3-4 year olds • Routines and boundaries • Breastfeeding support within the nursery unit • Behaviour management • Relaxed birth and parenting The thing about Fibbersley is • Young mums to be • Practical support within the family home • Ante-natal appointments with midwives they don’t just provide childcare • Socatots • Budgeting “ • Health trainer it’s the support they give to the • Once upon a time story sessions • Support with childcare whole family. Yes the activities and • Speech and language group • Milky Tots breastfeeding support group • Health issues resources are beautiful and top • Family learning and fun days • Play and stay • Home visits quality but the thing that makes • Football and dance coaching • Cook and Taste sessions • Listening and support the centre is the staff. • Tumble Tots • Baby massage Parent • Teenage mums to be group • Crafty Kids art and craft club and many more. ” • Support and activities for Dads/male • Support and activities for Dads/male carers carers and their children and their children

14 15 I have found Hatherton Children’s Greenfi eld Children’s Centre Hatherton Children’s Centre “ Centre services very friendly and I would like to helpful, they have always been Coal Heath Lane Bloxwich Lane there when I needed them. Shelfi eld WS4 1PL “ thank everyone Walsall WS2 7JT for everything. Dad 01922 694143 01922 712507 Parent ” greenfi [email protected] ” [email protected] www.greenfi eldchildrenscentres.co.uk www.hatherton.childrencentre.org Monday – Friday: 08.00 – 18.00 Monday – Friday: 08.00 – 18.00

• Nursery (6 weeks – 3 years) • Health Visitors – Rushall Clinic, St Johns Family support: • New parents & parents to be group • Wrap around for 3 – 4 year olds Medical Centre • One to one • Breastfeeding support • Nursery Education Funded places • Support and activities for Dads/male carers • In the home • Healthy eating/lifestyle session and their children for 3 and 4 year olds • In the centre • Baby wellbeing classes • Training – Family Support Team offer individual • Group sessions • Health Visitor baby weighing clinic and group training and support • Playgroup • Midwives post-natal • Family support • Stay & play • Midwives parenting classes I would like to thank everyone at the Centre • Parent & toddler group out in • Training/courses “ for all that you have done for A and making community building • Childminder support group her time with yourselves a very happy time. Wrap around: • Dads/male carers club Parent • Breakfast club • Young parents group ” • After school club Excellent facilities, friendly caring staff. • Play scheme • Student/volunteer placements “ Parent 16 ” 17 Leighswood Children’s Centre Surestart Lighthouse Children’s Centre Broadmeadow Heath Road I’d like to thank you all for the help and WS9 8FY New Invention support you have given me through my 01922 457186 Willenhall WV12 5EF “ tough time. You all have been a god [email protected] 01922 402544 send to me and I will never forget any Monday – Friday: 08.00 – 18.00 [email protected] of you – THANK YOU. lighthouse.childrencentre.org Mom Monday – Friday: 08.00 – 18.00 ”

• Wrap around child care for children 3-11 years • Sandcastles Playgroup/wraparound sessions • Working with our local schools • Nursery Education Funded places for 3 and 4 The centre provides a secure • Childminders stay & play • 2 month birth visits and nurturing environment that year olds “ • Stay & play • Parent/Carer Forum gives me a great peace of mind • Playschemes for children 3-11 years • Pool Hayes Primary School stay and play • Post-natal and ante-natal clinics as a working single parent. • Health services • Baby massage • Open days and events • Family support The centre has been invaluable • Child health clinic • Police surgery • Support groups to me and my son. • Baby fun time • Councillor surgery • Information and advice Dad • Time 2 Start • Domestic Violence Forum • Family learning activities ” • 3 to 4 funding • Holiday activity sessions • Support and activities for Dads/male carers • Family Support – one to one, group work • Support and activities for Dads/male carers and their children • Multi-agency working, networking, working and their children with the local community • Working in partnership with CAB 18 19 Sure Start Palfrey Children’s Centre Pelsall Children’s Centre The arrival of a Children’s Centre South Street Pelsall Library within Pelsall has been very well Palfrey WS1 4HE High Street “ received by the local parents – it has The service provided is 01922 642382 Pelsall WS3 4LX given parents/carers the opportunity great. It has helped my child “ 07837 808528 to meet, to share experiences and [email protected] develop all round and given knowledge and have their say www.surestartpalfrey.co.uk him lots of confi dence and Monday – Friday 08.00 – 18.00 on what they would like for their Monday – Friday: 08.00 – 18.00 he has also benefi tted from Children’s Centre... we want a centre making lots of friends. that is well used and offer services Dad • Parent and toddler groups ” Pelsall is a new children’s centre that is currently that families want and need. • Employment and training advice in the library. As they are new they are building Dawn – Centre Manager the services they offer. These include: • Family support services ” • Coffee morning • Toy Library and Story Sessions • Play and stay • Weekend and holiday play activities • New moms/Moms to be group • Trips and outings I have always enjoyed being at Sure Start • Childminder support group • Speech and language support Palfrey Children’s Centre. All activities are • Training • Breastfeeding support “ well planned, staff are very friendly and • Practical advice • Maternity support services helpful. Kids always enjoy themselves... • Family support • Baby clinic excellent…keep up the good work!!! • Support and activities for Dads/male carers • Support and activities for Dads/male Mom and their children carers and their children ”

20 21 Pheasey Park Farm Children’s Centre Streetly Children’s Centre Wimperis Way Foley Road East Pheasey B43 7DH • Water fun sessions Streetly B74 3HR (adult & child under 4) 0121 366 7639 For more details please contact • Ante-natal & Adult Swim Streetly Children’s Centre is [email protected] Leighswood Children’s Centre based in the local Community • Support and activities for Dads/male on 01922 457186 “ [email protected] carers and their children Centre and will offer support Monday – Friday: 08.00 – 18.00 • Toddler Time (12 months & over) to families through partnership working with other agencies, • Yummy Mummys (Pre & post I was made to feel very welcome by the pregnancy & children upto 12 months) using satellite sites. There will be staff at the centre. I felt reassured my Streetly is a new children’s centre. As they are advice and support on healthy “ • Rhythm & Rhyme (0-3 years) child was safe and well looked after. new they are building the services they offer. lifestyles, child development, • Badgers (0-3 years) The staff picked up on my anxiety and These include: returning to education, training offered additional support. Parent • Baby massage (2-6 months) • Support and activities for Dads/male carers or work and family learning. • Baby & child signing and their children • Childcare 0-11 years ” • Stop smoking clinic • Family Support Brenda – Interim Centre Manager • Nursery ” • Condom distribution • Training • Playgroup • Family learning • Nursery Education Funded Advice and support on: • Advice and support places for 3 year olds • Depression • Wraparound • Domestic violence • Before and after school club • Finances • Playschemes • Health • Swimming lessons (age 2-4 years) • Teenage mothers 22 23 Contact Details: Walsall Families Information Service Tel: 01922 653383 Email: walsallfi [email protected] Web: www.mywalsall.org/fi s Visit us in person at: Central Childrens Library Walsall Central Library Lichfi eld Street Walsall WS1 1TR Postal Address: Walsall FIS Walsall Children’s Services – Serco Field Road, Bloxwich Walsall WS3 3JF

Toy Library Tel: 01922 491810 Email: [email protected] Visit in person: Leamore Enterprise Park, Commercial Lane, Leamore WS2 7PS. Opening hours: Mon – Thurs 9.30am – 1.30pm, Fri Closed

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