Rickmansworth Children's Centre

Rickmansworth Children's Centre based on the site of Shepherd Primary School, Shepherd's Lane, Mill End, Rickmansworth, Herts, WD3 8JJ.

Rickmansworth Children’s Centre was officially designated by SureStart in November 2007 and is open Monday – Friday from 8.30 to 4.00 all year, apart from Christmas and Bank Holidays.  The centre offers services for families with children up to the age of 5 years living in the Mill End, Maple Cross, West Hyde and Rickmansworth areas, families are welcome to come along on the day to find out more.

Following on from the consultation that was carried out with children, families, providers and partners in the community, some services have begun to be offered.  A local childminding group meets every Wednesday and a drop-in baby group on Thursdays.  Baby Massage and Post/Pre Natal programmes both start in February and parenting programmes are offered at different times throughout the year.  The centre also works with various professionals to offer different training and support programmes to partners working with young children and their families. 

The Children’s Centre is a one stop shop for families in the community who want information and advice on a range of subjects, including local childcare; looking after babies and young children; local early years provision and education and links with Jobcentre Plus. 

If you’d like to know more about upcoming events and groups, why not pop in to the centre and have a chat or give the manager, Debbi Keeley, a call on 01923 772094

What is a children's centre?

Children’s centres offer the best start in life for every child. They provide information and services for families with young children and aim to build on good existing good services rather than starting new ones where it’s not necessary.
 
By visiting your local children’s centre, you will receive support and help in finding childcare, family support, health services and even employment advice. If you are looking for day care as a working parent, the centre will be able to give you information about the options for you and your child.

Every children’s centre offers services for children under five and these include:

• Good quality early years provision available during hours to suit working parents
• Support for all children with special needs and disabilities
• Parent support including toy libraries, parent and toddler groups and parenting programmes
• A base for a childminding network and/or childminding group
• Local advice and information for parents
• Effective links with Jobcentre Plus, local training providers, further and higher education providers, to provide access to information,  training and career opportunities
• Child and family health services, including antenatal services

To ensure the quality of services, all children’s centres have to be designated by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) and have to provide the above basic services to achieve this. 

For more information about the children's centres in Hertfordshire visit www.hertschildrenscentres.org.uk