Community directory

Sopwell and Verulam Children's Centre (St Albans)

Children's Centres support all local young families by providing information about services for children under five and their families, with the aim of giving children the best start in life.

The Sopwell and Verulam Children's Centre will:

* Act as a local resource centre for information, with sign-posting to local early years services, such as, childcare, toddler groups, early education (pre-schools and nursery schools), local health care and maternity services, parenting and family support services and employment and Job Centre Plus information for parents and carers looking for work.

* Support local childcare providers, including local childminders (via a local childminding support group).

* Provide family support services, including, inclusive drop-in stay and play sessions aimed at strengthening relationships between children and their parents and carers.

* Support disabled and chronically ill children and parents, as well as children and parents with additional needs.

* Identify user-defined gaps in services and work with local professionals and providers to fill these gaps and meet local needs.

* Help to meet the needs of young families, and so providing the best start in life to local children whilst supporting and strengthening the local community.

Until the Sopwell and Verulam Children's Centre building on Mandeville Drive is completed, the Children's Centre Manager, Pippa West, can be contacted using the details above.