High fives for our children’s centres

FIVE children’s centres have been officially opened in Oldham to give youngsters the best start in life.

They aim to provide a range of services and support for families on their doorstep — covering everything from health, employment and parenting to childcare and activities such as baby massage.

The Alexandra, Medlock Vale, Shaw and Crompton Werneth and Royton centres are run by the Children’s Society and had their official launch yesterday, six months after they opened.

They bring the number of children’s centres in Oldham to 14, with the total rising to 20 next year — one for every ward in the borough. Some of these will be based in existing buildings such as health centres.

Michael Jameson, Oldham’s director of children’s services, said they would raise aspirations.

“We want children to go to school, to be ready to learn so they can grow up in Oldham and get good jobs or go to university,” he explained.

“The children’s centres, the primary schools and secondary schools are pivotal to that. It is about providing services at a local level, where the children’s centres and the schools become the hub of the community.”

Children’s centres are the cornerstone of the Government’s policy to tackle poverty and social exclusion.

Working with parents-to-be, parents, carers and children, they support the physical, intellectual and social development of babies and young children so that they can flourish at home and when they start school.

Councillor Kay Knox, cabinet member for children young people and families, said: “Head teachers are already beginning to see the difference in attainment when children go from children’s centres into school. That can only be a big help.”

Oldham’s new children’s centres are at the Honeywell Centre, Hathershaw; Blackshaw Lane, Royton; Windsor Road, Werneth; High Street, Shaw; and Wildmoor Avenue, Holts.

Rob Jackson, assistant director of the Children’s Society, said there were around 5,700 under fives in the the five wards.

He added: “It is a chance for the team here, working with our partners, to get services to all these children, particularly those that are most vulnerable and in need.”