Children's centres
There are 13 children's centres in Barnet that offer all families with children under five a range of services, information and support in their local community.
To find out where your nearest children's centre is have a look at the Barnet Children's Centre leaflet.
Some of the children's centres provide extra activities and services from additional sites. Visit the children's centre directory or contact your local children's centre directly to find out more details on the services that they offer.
The services and support offered varies according to local needs but most centres offer the following:
- family support and information, including parenting workshops and drop-in groups
- health services and advice including support before and after the birth of a baby
- access to specialist services
- home visiting to isolated families
- activities for children, mothers, fathers and carers
- learning opportunities for parents and advice on employment
- childminding support groups
- information and advice.
Some of the children's centres offer childcare on site led by a qualified teacher. If centres do not offer childcare, they can signpost you to local providers and give advice on working tax credits.
What can a children's centre do for you?
Children's centres aim to:
- offer the best start in life for every child
- make better opportunities available for parents
- provide or signpost to good quality childcare
- build stronger and safer communities.
The children's centre programme is based on the concept of providing integrated education, care, family support and health services. These are all key factors in determining good outcomes for children and their families.
