Children's Centres

Children’s Centres are being created for children under 5 and their families. This is part of the Government’s vision for the future of children and families.

A Children’s Centre will be a ‘one-stop centre’ that will provide:

Early education integrated with childcare.
Health services (including antenatal care).
Family support (including support for parents for children with special needs).
Links with JobCentre Plus and other training providers.
A base for childminders who belong to a formal network.
Links with Families Information Service, Neighbourhood Nurseries, Out of School Clubs and Extended Schools.
Management and workforce training.

A Children’s Centre is about building on existing provision and services. It is likely that a Children’s Centre could be built onto a school building, in school grounds or a completely new building.

We are responsible for developing these Children’s Centres in Durham County. The Government’s long-term goal is that all children in the 30% most disadvantaged wards have access to have a Children’s Centre. We have therefore looked at the 30% most disadvantaged super-output areas in County Durham (using the Index of Deprivation) and come up with a list of where the centres should be.

There is a map of County Durham showing the areas that the Children's Centres cover. You can click on where you live to find out if there are any planned Children’s Centres in your community. There will be also information available telling you when the centre is planned to open, where it will be and what services could be provided.

Listen to our radio adverts to hear what some of the people of Howletch, Seaham, Murton and Thornley have discovered in their Sure Start Children's Centres.