FAQs

What is a Children's Centre?

Imagine a place that you can go, that is warm and welcoming; that provides information, support and advice to parents, families and carers; that is run by friendly staff; and provides fun, engaging sessions for babies and children under 5’s.

Sure Start Children's Centres believe that ‘every child matters’, and that with easy access to the right support and relevant services, all children and their carers have the ability to reach their full potential and enjoy life as much as they can.

Who Can Come?

Parents, carers, grandparents, first time parents, fathers, young parents, childminders….. basically ANYONE who is involved with the care of children under the age of 5yrs and lives in the Shepperton, Charlton, Halliford or Lower Sunbury areas*. We offer a varied programme to meet your needs as specified during our consultation phase.

What do I do there?

During term time, we run a variety of sessions from drop-in coffee groups, through to cooking workshops! You may just like to come and play with your child, or you may be looking for something more; our staff have access to information on issues such as benefits, job vacancies, adult education, childcare, or can give you clear advice on how to access/find what you are looking for. We have close links with the local midwives and health visitors who regularly visit the centre for you to visit with, as well as close working relationships with Surrey Child Information Services, Local Childminders, Job Centre Plus, local schools and nurseries to name but a few!

What ever you are looking for, if you are pregnant, have a child/children aged 5 or under, we are positive we can support you in some way!

When are you open?

The centre is open:

Monday 9 - 3

Tuesday 9 - 3

Wednesday 9 - 12

Thursday 9 - 3

Friday  9 - 12

for 48 weeks of the year.

That all sounds very good, but I can’t afford to attend children’s activities.

All services at the children’s centre are FREE unless otherwise stated. For families accessing the benefits system all fees are wavered. We ask for a donation if you would like to contribute, and may charge a very small fee to learning workshops. These will be heavily subsidised.

I’m not sure about it – I’ve been to groups before where it was very ‘cliquey’

We work very hard at out children’s centre to ensure that everyone is welcomed; on your first visit a team member will introduce themselves to you and settle you into the centre. We look forward to seeing you very soon!

* we welcome visitors from outside these areas, but provide information on Children’s Centre which may be more local to you.