Leavesden Children's Centre is situated in the grounds of Leavesden Green JMI School, in Leavesden, Watford. We serve the communities of Garston and Leavesden, including the political wards of Stanborough and Woodside. The centre gives all babies and children the best possible start in life. We were officially opened in October 2007 by local councillors, MP Claire Ward, and Watford Mayor Cllr Thornhill. We have a seperate entrance on the High Rd, Leavesden (see map below). Contact details are here Vacancies and volunteer opportunities are here
What is a Children's Centre?
Children's Centres provide information and services for families with young children. Services are developed to react to local needs rather than a '1 size fits all' approach.
Each children’s centre offers services for approximately 800 children under five and these have to include:
Good quality day nursery provision available during hours to suit working parents
(Tots Nursery is on site & Ofsted registered)
Support for all children with special needs and disabilities
Parent support including toy libraries, toddler groups and parenting programmes
A base for a childminding network group/ meetings
Local support, advice and information for parents
Links with Jobcentre Plus & local training providers to provide access to employment/ benefit information, training and career opportunities
Child and family health services, including antenatal services and a post-natal group.
To ensure the quality of services, all children’s centres have to be designated by the Department for Children, Schools & Families (DCSF) and have to provide the above services to achieve this.
Some centres will offer extra services that suit local needs such as:
Family learning - fun sessions to try new skills with your child.
A Toy Library where you borrow toys and equipment for your child
Baby Groups, run by health visitors, where you can weigh your baby, have a confidential chat or just meet other parents
Ante-natal support and special sessions such as pilates.