Information on Loughborough

Brand new childrens centre to open in Melton

Posted on 04/11/2008

A brand new childrens centre offering a one-stop shop for parents and pre-school children is opening in Melton next week.

Over £500,000 has been spent on the facilities which bring together services such as libraries, health, the Family Information Service, voluntary organisations, advice and information under one roof.

The centre will offer a wide range of local activities and services for pre-school children and their families including:

  • child and family health support
  • play and stay sessions
  • baby massage
  • parent and child reading sessions
  • parenting courses
  • training and employment support
  • toy library

The launch at the childrens centre in Sysonby Street is next Monday (27th October) between 3.30pm and 6pm. Childrens activities including a circus skills workshop, pumpkin carving and mini fire engine rides will be available and parents can find out about services and see demonstrations of what will be on offer.

As well as the new buildings, activities and information will be available through a series of events within local communities including church halls, schools and community centres. There will also be a number of staff able to offer advice and guidance to parents on a one-to-one basis in their homes or at local venues.

Ivan Ould, the County Councils Cabinet Member for the Children and Young Peoples Service, said: "This is a major development which has been achieved by so many organisations sharing a common goal. The centres are focused on their local area to ensure children and their families will have the services they need on their doorstep.”

Ronan Browne, Neighbourhood Regeneration Manager for Melton Borough Council, said: ‘’We are opening the event out to anyone who lives in the Egerton area. The new name for the centre will be announced and a prize of £200 awarded to the person who came up with the successful name."

Parents can find more information on childrens centre services by contacting the Family Information Service on 0116 305 6545 or emailing family@leics.gov.uk.

The new centres are part of a wider £16million county-wide programme which will see 42 created across Leicestershire by 2010. The project is a joint initiative involving Leicestershire County Council, district and borough councils, health services, the voluntary sector and other agencies.

Photo Opportunity:

Reporters and photographers are invited to the opening of the children’s centre at Sysonby Street, Melton Mowbray, Leics LE13 0LP. The event runs from 3.30pm to 6pm with the ribbon cutting at 4.30pm. Reporters will be able to interview/photograph councillors, officers and parents as well as have a look around the centre.

Notes:

Another childrens centre based at the community centre at Dalby Road in Melton will be opening early next year.

4 are opening over the next month in Charnwood Borough.

7 are opening over the next month in North West Leicestershire District.

6 are opening over the next month in Hinckley and Bosworth Borough.

Three childrens centres have already been opened in Shelthorpe and Cobden Loughborough and Warren Hills in Coalville.