Harpenden Children's Centre & Facilities - Activities for children under 5 and their parents and carers.
We facilitate a range of parenting courses and information sessions throughout the year; check news and events for forthcoming opportunities.
Little Larks
Times: Week mornings during term time 9-12 noon
Little Larks is a joint venture between the Children’s Centre and Skylarks Daycare. This new group is specifically aimed at children who for a variety of reasons would benefit from an earlier start in accessing high quality play and learning opportunities. The sixteen place group will be open every morning during term time. Parents can be confident in leaving their children in the very safe and experienced hands of an outstanding, fully qualified team. Led by Jo Hobbs our Early Years Professional, the staff will work on a ratio of one member of staff to every four children ensuring that every child can learn and achieve in their own unique way.
There are strict criteria for accessing places, with those children meeting the highest criteria receiving free places through government funding. In exceptional circumstances the children’s centre will sponsor places where children fall just below the required criteria level. Click here for more information on eligibility.
Harpenden Opportunity Class
Times: Two sessions on Monday and Wednesday. Referrals only.
Opportunity classes are an educational provision, provided by Hertfordshire County Council, for pre-school children with special educational needs. They offer play-based developmental experiences for children who attend them.
The classes also provide opportunities for:
- Multi-disciplinary assessment and support
- Parents and carers to meet for mutual support
- Information to be shared on local services and support groups
- Links with other settings the child may attend
Each class is run by a qualified teacher and a nursery nurse who have experience of working with children with special educational needs. They aim to work closely with parents and carers to meet children's needs in the most effective way possible.
Sparrows
Times: Tuesday 1.15-2.45pm
Sparrows is a group that offers support and high quality play opportunities where parents/carers and children can spend time together in a safe, calm, and supportive environment. This invitation only group operates on Tuesday afternoons between 1.15 and 2.45pm.
Postnatal Programme
Times: usually Tuesday 1.30-3pm
A programme of sessions running each week on a Tuesday afternoon, specially designed to meet new mums' desire for more information; including demonstrations on resuscitation and physio advice, as well as general information on routines & weaning. Please see our News & Events page for the most up to date timetable.
Toy Library
Times: Friday 12.30-3.30pm, term time only
Harpenden Children's Centre Toy Library aims to lend good quality developmental and imaginative toys to families in the surrounding area, whilst also providing a meeting point for parents and carers alike.
The Toy Library is run on behalf of the children's centre by volunteers, who are predominantly parents or carers of young children.
Everyone is welcome to join and membership is available on your first visit. Toys are borrowed for a two-week period with hire costs to suit all budgets.
Outreach Surgery
Thursday pm - by appointment (call 01582 714 210) at our Southdown centre
Parents of children aged from 0-5 years of age can book a 30 minute appointment to discuss or obtain support on the following:
- Guidance & signposting relating to family life
- Nursery/school admissions
- Parenting support
- Toddler groups/childcare arrangements
- College access/job centre processes
- Support in understanding/accessing benefits
- Care & education for under fives
- Becoming a childminder
Drop-in for Parent & Babies
Fridays from 10am until 12noon
Meet other new parents for a coffee and a chat.
A health visitor will be available at most sessions to discuss issues like life with a newborn, changing relationships, changes in your body & mind, calming a crying baby, baby’s growth & development, playing with your baby, common childhood ailments, thoughts on immunisations, teething, weaning, breastfeeding issues, & going back to work.
Self weighing facilities available.
Parenting Support and Workshops
We offer a programme of courses and workshops for parents. To check current offerings, check our newsletters and News & Events page of this website. We welcome your input to what subjects you would like us to offer at future sessions.
Drawn Together - Art Therapy
Times: Tuesdays and Wednesdays - Southdown centre
Drawn Together offers support to parents and their babies who are struggling to find their feet in thier new relationship. Somethimes this can interfere with building a strong bong with your baby. Drawn Together provides a confidential service, working to help you understand your relationship with your baby.
There is an opportunity to use art materials as well as talking to communicate your thoughts and feelings. Parents are seen with their baby in one-to-one sessions or in a mother and baby group.
Ask your health visitor, GP or a member of the Children's Centre team for a referral and then speak to the art therapists to decide if this service is for you. Email: art.harpenden@hertschildrenscentres.org.uk.
Daycare and Nursery School
Skylarks was rated 'outstanding in every single category' by OfSTED in March 2009. Please click on the Day Care & Nursery School link for further information.