Children's centres are leading the way for modern parents

IN one room a small child discovers reading while in another a new mum learns how to massage her baby.

Meanwhile, nearby health workers and midwives see patients — welcome to the modern world of parenting in Exeter thanks to the city's new children's centres.

Designed to be a one-stop shop for mums and dads, the centres bring together all the services they might need in one place.

Run by various charities on behalf of Devon County Council, the number of children's centres in Exeter is growing thanks to consistent investment.

One of the biggest is West Exe, in Cowick Street, St Thomas, which has just had a major extension designed to improve nursery facilities.

West Exe, previously the Buddle Lane Family Centre, was formed in 2005 following the reorganisation of education in Exeter and took over the building vacated by the former Cowick First School. Now there are classes for parents, first aid sessions and health clinics.

A typical day might see family health drop-in clinics, the toy library opening, a breastfeeding support group and nursery nurse classes to help parents learn about sleep, crying, weaning, safety and play.

Families help decide services offered at the centre, operated by the Children's Society, through the active Parent Forum.

The aim of children's centres is to give youngsters the best start in life so they go on to do well in school. Boys and girls progress from the baby groups to the 2 Plus group, which helps them get ready for nursery school. At West Exe the nursery is part of the children's centre and pupils learn through play.

Teachers have strong links with nearby Bowhill Primary, where most children go.

"We have certainly grown since all services came under one roof," said centre play leader Fiona Doughton.

"This has happened through the Parent Forum, who regularly give us their ideas and input. We really aim to encourage parents to get involved in the running of the centre and there is a real demand for all of the groups run."

One recent success is the dads' stay and play group. They recently cooked pizzas in the oven in the centre's outdoor cob house — which was built with the help of parents.

The centre is set in large grounds so youngsters have plenty of space to play.

"We really are a one-stop shop because we aim to provide everything parents need under one roof," Fiona said.

"We try to cater for all needs. We run literacy classes for parents and have a new English as an additional language course starting soon."

Many services at the centre are for parents and children, but the private Little Ones nursery is also based there for those who need childcare. The strong links between the two sets of staff means parents can leave their youngsters there all day as Little Ones workers will deliver them to nursery classes.

The nursery school has space for 50 children aged between three and five in the morning and afternoon for two-and-a-half hour sessions. The new extension means there is much more space to play and make mess.

"We encourage children to be as independent as they can and to choose what they do," acting senior teacher Katherine Pringle said.

"They develop skills like speaking and listening. During the 2 Plus group they come in with their parents but in nursery they come by themselves. The routine really helps them get used to a school setting."

The only snacks allowed are pieces of fruit, as the centre is working towards its Healthy Schools Award.

Changes have not just taken place in the West Exe Children's Centre. The new Flying Start centre, which now covers the St Leonard's area, is "virtual" which means services are run across the city rather than just in one building.

Chestnut Children's Centre, in Wonford, has a new head, Kim Staff, who is also responsible for the new Countess Wear Children's Centre. Countess Wear's centre is now built and services are starting. It is thought about 792 youngsters could attend.

Heavitree and Polsloe Children's Centre is also virtual, with many services held at Ladysmith Infant School.

Exeter's original children's centres — Beacon Heath and Whipton — now cover Pinhoe and all of Mincinglake. A new range of services have started this autumn.

Mum Clare Dale has used the West Exe centre since her boys, Troy, four, and Zack, three, were small, and is now an active member of the Parent Forum. She volunteers at the Toy Library.

"I started coming to the centre when the boys were small to get them weighed and we are still able to use it even though they are at Redhills Community Primary and the school's pre-school," Clare said.

"The staff here really are keen to hear our views.

"What's great about the centre is it's so informal, parents drop in all the time and more hear about it through word of mouth. There's everything mums and dads could need here for the first five years, and it doesn't even stop when their children go to school."