Visit a new parent-facing website!

A new parent-facing website was launched on the 18th July to support the the government's new vision for Families in the Foundation Years. It is a one-stop shop for families for information and advice in the early years. The website was produced as part of the strategic partnership's work, and will help ensure that parents are better informed about the way their child will develop during these crucial years, and about the range of support available to them.

As well as giving practical information about such issues as where to go for: ante-natal classes, how to arrange flexible working and planning the birth, the site also includes advice about child development and why young children need the best support at the beginning of their lives to help them flourish.

• Families in the Foundation Years

Children's centre funding 2011-2013

Visit the management Support section to read a full Cabinet report from Hertfordshire County Council on the future of children's centres. More...

Case Study Examples of Support 0ffered to Parents and Families - November 2010

Three case studies which provide examples of the support offered to parents and families in Hertfordshire by children's centres. More...

Commissioning Toolkit for Children's Centres - Revised October 2010

There is a revised (October 2010) Commissioning Toolkit for Children’s Centres which aims to provide information about the commissioning process and to guide you through how to commission high quality services that meet needs identified through your local consultation and give value for money. More...

New Easy Access to Children's Centres and Extended Services

The Childhood Support Services team has introduced a new on-line tool to help practitioners access information about Extended Services for the families they work with. Launched at the recent Think Family Conference, this new facility is available simply by visiting:

• www.hertsdirect.org/extendedservices

Following the links, practitioners simply need to type in the home postcode of a family they are supporting to find the nearest children's centre, or extended schools 'hub'. With the family's consent a practitioner can email the family's contact details to a children's centre or extended school team, who will contact them. Alternatively, the practitioner can provide the information about this on-line facility to the family so that they are able to make contact themselves.

Sure Start Children’s Centre Week in Hertfordshire

You’ll discover more than you think at a Sure Start Children’s Centre – and now’s your chance to find out what’s on offer in Hertfordshire.

National Sure Start Children’s centre week was a winner in Hertfordshire with events being held throughout the county to promote the excellent work of its centres. This included open days, family fun picnics, craft activities, den building and even a “Meet the Bus” event in Hitchin!

Children’s centres give practical advice on parenting, support and help in finding childcare, access to family health services and links to job opportunities. They listen to the views of parents in each community and can offer anything from healthy eating, drop-in sessions for young families and even baby massage.

Hertfordshire has 55 designated Sure Start Children’s Centres and a further 27 are in the process of being established to bring the county up to its target of 82 centres by 2010.

“Children’s centres are so special because they offer a support network for families in informal child-friendly settings in their local area,” said Jane Pitman, Lead Member for Children’s Services. “What’s more, they are great places for children to have fun."

“Hertfordshire is close to its goal of setting up a children’s centre in every community in the county - and that gives us an even better reason to celebrate this special week.”

Visit your local Children's Centre to discover what is happening in your area. Find a Children's Centre

Hertfordshire Children's Centre Conference - 'Where to Now' - 7th September 2009

Hertfordshire Children's Centre Conference: 'Where to Now' was held on 7th September 2009, at Hertfordshire Development Centre, Robertson House, Stevenage.

Keynote speakers were Professor Charles Desforges OBE, Exeter University; Dirk Uitterdijk, The Fatherhood Institute and Sue Palmer, author and broadcaster on the education of young children.

Free School Meals – are you missing out?

If you are an asylum seeker in receipt of support provided under Part V1 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, or you receive one of the following benefits:
· Income support or
· Income-based jobseeker’s allowance or
· Income-related employment and support allowance or
· Pension credit (guarantee credit) or
· Child Tax Credit with a taxable income of no more than £16,040 and not in receipt of Working Tax Credit .

You may also be eligible for free school meals.

Claiming free school meals has never been faster, easier or more convenient, simply visit www.hertsdirect.org to apply online or phone the customer service centre on: 01438 737370 or 01923 471370.

Websites to Help with the Credit Crunch

Hertfordshire Library Service has compiled a list of useful websites providing financial advice during the credit crunch which can be downloaded below:

• Adobe pdf, 34kb/1 page, 01/04/2009, credit_crunch.pdf